How to Convert Blu-ray to MKV Free and Lossless on Mac/Windows

Summary: Ripping Blu-ray to MKV is an efficient way to backup your discs with full quality and keep multiple tracks. In this guide, we will show you the right ways to convert your Blu-ray collection into MKV files in lossless, 3D, or H.265 configurations.

For the same reason you want to back up DVDs, the physical Blu-ray discs are also easy to get scratched, broken or lost. When you convert a Blu-ray to digital format, you may want to keep all the content of the Blu-ray if possible. And among the container formats, MKV is the format that can preserve the original picture quality and bundle multiple audio tracks and subtitles into a single file. Moreover, MKV provides better compatibility than some other formats like ISO image or BDMV folder.

In the post, based on our hands-on testing, we will share 4 practical ways to rip Blu-rays to MKV in lossless or high quality. These ways includes both 100% free tools and paid options—so you can choose based on your needs, not just your budget.

What "MKV" Do You Need?

If you have ever encoded Blu-ray movies into MP4, AVI, or MPEG format, and been slightly frustrated with the loss of Blu-ray extra elements, then you can switch to MKV as the Blu-ray backup format. MKV is able to contain all detailed chapter information, sub-chapters, titles, multiple audio and video streams, subtitles, attachments and custom metadata. This means MKV can reserve 100% original quality of a Blu-ray. Moreover, MKV is quite efficient for storage and streaming and it's widely used on video transmitting.

Generally, there are two types of MKV files — MKV passthrough and re-encoded. Before you start to convert Blu-ray to MKV, you need to ask yourself one core question: Is your goal for "archival backup" or for "multi-device playback"? Your answer determines what kind of software you need and how to convert Blu-ray to MKV.

1. MKV (Passthrough) — 100% original picture and sound quality, but huge file size.

This isn't "conversion"; it's "re-packaging." It takes the original video stream and audio streams from the Blu-ray 1:1, without any changes, and places them inside the MKV "container." It's extremely fast (often just a few minutes) and preserves all audio tracks and subtitles.

Overall, MKV (Passthrough) is the top choice for movie collectors who want to back up your Blu-ray library losslessly, as fast as possible, and hard drive space is cheap. However, the file size is large, nearly identical to the original Blu-ray's files (approx. 25-40 GB for standard 1080p Blu-rays, and 50GB to 80GB+ for 4K UHD discs).

2. MKV (Re-encoding) — A massive reduction in file size but requires more CPU processing time.

This is true "conversion." It decodes the Blu-ray's video stream and then re-encodes it into a more modern, efficient format like H.264 or H.265 (HEVC), before packaging it as an MKV. This way can help you compress a large Blu-ray file down to 2GB-3GB with little to no perceptible loss in quality. Overall, Blu-ray to MKV re-encoding is the best choice for most users who want to save storage space and watch their movies on a phone or tablet.

Top 4 Ways to Convert Blu-ray to MKV

In this section, we will introduce 4 popular Blu-ray to MKV converters. MakeMKV is for lossless MKV copies from Blu-rays, HandBrake and VLC is for compressed MKV files, and DumboFab Blu-ray RIpper offers both.

Method 1. Convert Blu-ray to MKV with DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper

Compatible OS: Windows 7 - Windows 11; Mac OS X 10.6 - macOS Tahoe

DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper is a comprehensive tool that can rip Blu-ray to MKV, MP4, MOV and hundreds of other digital formats. For MKV output, it supports both lossless passthrough and re-encode compression. Whether your goal is high-quality MKV playback on a home theater or smaller files for phones during flights, DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper fits the task. Equipped with leading decryption algorithm, the best Blu-ray to MKV converter can handle almost all Blu-ray and DVD movies regardless of copy protection and region restriction. Moreover, it allows users users to freely to select titles, audio tracks, subtitles and chapters.

Who it's for: DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper is a professional Blu-ray to MKV converter that supports both lossless and compressed conversion, with flexible subtitle and audio configuration. Strong MKV compatibility, GPU acceleration, batch conversion, and an easy workflow make it a top pick for movie collectors who want to digitize their Blu-ray and DVD collection.

Free download DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper to rip Blu-ray to MKV without quality loss. You can also use it to rip Blu-ray to MP4 and other digital formats.

Steps to Rip Blu-ray to MKV without Quality Loss

Here we take the DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper Windows version for an example. The Mac version shares the same process. A Blu-ray drive is necessary for ripping Blu-ray discs.

Step 1. Open up DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper and add Blu-ray content.

Insert your Blu-ray discs into your BD dirve. Then open the Blu-ray to MKV converter. Click Load disc button to load the source disc. BDMV Folder, Video_TS Folder and ISO image are also well accepted. The Blu-ray ripper supports advanced encryptions and it can easily detect the correct title hidden in Blu-ray.

Step 2. Choose MKV as Target Format

Dumbofab Blu-ray Ripper offers a series of presets in MKV formats, such as multi-track MKV (lossless and encoded), 3D MKV, MKV H.265, or high-quality 4K MKV.

① For multi-track MKV outputs, click "Format" bar, move mouse cursor to "Multi-track video" category and then select "Lossless/encoded Multi-track MKV" as the output format. By default, all orginal audio and subtitle tracks in the DVD are checked for being remuxed into a MKV file. If there are some tracks you don't like, you can click "Settings" button and go to Multi-task Settings window to uncheck and remove them under Audio tab and Subtitle tab. You can also tick off "Encode" option if you want to compress the audio tracks.

② For MKV H.265 and 4K MKV, simply go to "HD/4K Video" category and select the corresponding profile.

③ For 3D MKV, go to "3D Video" category, you can select 3D MKV profile with SBS anaglyph and top-bottom effect.

If you're not sure which format will play best on your device, click corresponding device category to choose an output preset designed specifically for phones, tablets, TVs, and other playback devices.

Step 3. Start Blu-ray to MKV ripping

Click Browse button to select a destination folder in the dialog box that opens, and click OK. If you do not have other advanced and personalized settings, just hit Convert to beging Blu-ray to MKV ripping with lossless or high quality.

Method 2. Convert Blu-ray to MKV Free with MakeMKV

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

MakeMKV is a free Blu-ray ripping software that enables you to convert DVDs and Blu-rays to MKV files only. MakeMKV primarily remuxes (repackages existing video and audio into a new container without re-encoding), you get high-quality MKV files that preserve all audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata. Remuxing is typically quick compared with transcoding, but file sizes remain close to the original Blu-ray since streams aren't compressed. It is highly effective at bypassing protections. The latest v1.18.3 update specifically refreshed the LibreDrive and AACS runtime, ensuring it can communicate with modern firmware-locked drives and decrypt newer discs that older versions might reject.

Just a head up, MakeMKV can be used free while in beta with a periodically updated beta key, though updates may not always be immediate. If you need a more trusted tool that can decrypt new releases, DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper is a reliable alternative.

Who it's for: MakeMKV features a simple and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent option for beginners who may be new to DVD and Blu-ray ripping. Its straightforward navigation system ensures that users can easily navigate through the software without encountering any complexities.

Steps to Remux Blu-ray to MKV using MakeMKV

Step 1. Insert target Blu-ray into your BD drive. Launch MakeMKV and click the Blu-ray to hard drive button to import the Blu-ray.

Step 2. Select the titles, audios, and subtitles you want to preserve.

Step 3. Specify an output folder to store the resulting MKV file.

Step 4. Hit Make MKV button to begin ripping Blu-ray to MKV.

While ripping Blu-ray with MakeMKV, you may encounter errors like Blu-ray failed to open, backup option greyed out for Blu-ray, A/V out of sync, crashes, missing beginning, etc. This is because MakeMKV doesn't support some copy protections. In this case, you can give DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper a try. Among all the Blu-ray rippers, DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper is one of the strongest tools to decrypt almost all Blu-rays.

Method 3. Convert Blu-ray to MKV Free with Custom Settings Using HandBrake

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Handbrake is a popular yet free video/DVD transcoder and it can also be used to rip Blu-ray to MKV free on Windows, Mac, and Linux. HandBrake offers advanced video and audio settings and batch conversion. It also supports presets based on your computer's supported GPU and your playback device, making it suitable for most viewing scenarios.

Of course, you're required to make sure that your Blu-ray is not copyright protected, for HandBrake converts neither encrypted physical Blu-ray Disc nor decrypted commercial Blu-ray movies in BDMV file structure. And there is no third-party library out there that support protection decrypting.

Who it's for: HandBrake is a goode choice for converting non-protected Blu-ray to MKV, MP4 and WebM formats. If you have some homemade or burned Blu-ray discs, you can use Handbrake to convert them to MKV or MP4 format. For commercial Blu-ray discs, you'll probably need a Blu-ray decrypter to remove the copy protection first.

Steps to Convert Unprotected Blu-ray to MKV with HandBrake

Step 1. Download and install HandBrake. Launch it when you finish installation.

Step 2. Insert the non-protected Blu-ray disc to your Blu-ray drive and then click "Open Source" to load the Blu-ray content. The main title will be selected for homemade Blu-rays by default. If not, you can manually select the right title from the Title dropdown box.

Step 3. Click Preset > Matroska, and then choose a MKV format.

Step 4. Hit Start Encode button to begin ripping Blu-ray to MKV. Note: HandBrake will decode the Blu-ray and re-encode the video into MKV in H264, H265, or other codecs, during which quality loss will happen.

Method 4. Convert Blu-ray to MKV Free with VLC

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Can VLC rip Blu-ray? Yes. The famous media player VLC also offers the ability to convert Blu-rays to MKV and various other formats. However, there are things you need to know when ripping Blu-rays to MKV using VLC. VLC doesn't support Blu-ray with copy protections. Fortunately, you can add some files to change the configuration of VLC media player so that it helps you play and rip some protected Blu-ray discs. This may be a bit complicated and requires users to download additional files to add to VLC directory. The full guide will be introduced in detail to help you convert Blu-ray to MKV with VLC.

Steps to Convert Blu-ray to MKV with VLC

Step 1: Go to videolan.org, download, install and run the latest version of VLC for your Windows or Mac system. Please note that you will need to download the VLC Windows 64bit version if it is a 64-bit Windows computer.

Then go to: http://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name/ to download the KEYS DATABASE(KEYDB.cfg) and AACS DYNAMIC LIBRARY(libaacs.dll for Windows or libaacs.dylib for Mac). Then follow the instruction steps of the following screenshot to put them on the right place according to your computer system. Please notice that there are two different files of AACS dynamic library available at a Windows-based computer, and you should download the 32bit file for VLC 32bit, and 64bit file for VLC 64bit.

Step 2: Open VLC and insert your Blu-ray disc into Blu-ray Drive. Click Media on menu bar and a drop-down list appears. Select Convert / Save… to access to Open Media dialogue box. Besides Blu-ray disc, VLC also enables you to import DVD disc, ISO Image or VIDEO_TS folder which stores DVD contents as source for ripping to MKV, MP4, WebM, TS, etc.

Step3: Click Disc tab and check Blu-ray option and browse to import Blu-ray source to VLC. Next, set title (main title in general) and chapter you wish to rip. If you don't know which is the correct title, play the Blu-ray with VLC to find the correct title. Then click Convert / Save button.

Step 4: Click the Convert/Save button and then you'll need to select the output profile. Open the Profile dropdown menu and check if there is an MKV profile. By default, VLC will choose to rip DVDs to "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)". If there is no MKV option, click the gear button next to it and under Encapsulation, choose MKV and save it.

Step 5: Choose an output destination folder and then click Start. VLC will then begin ripping Blu-rays to MKV.

Note: You can encounter many errors when you try to rip Blu-ray discs with VLC. This is because not all the commercial Blu-ray discs are supported by VLC media player so that you might encounter the problem from time to time. VLC can only deal with discs which its library has the corresponding AACS keys, yet the AACS and BD+ DRM libraries and keys won't ship with the Blu-ray discs, as their publishers seem to take everyone as a pirate, even you already spend money just for personnel movie enjoyment. And that's why the professional Blu-ray rippers exist on the market.

Compare: Which Blu-ray to MKV Converter is Best for You

We have introduced the four best Blu-ray to MKV converters, including DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper, MakeMKV, HandBrake, and VLC. In this section, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison of these tools, helping you determine which tool is best suited for your specific needs.

All Blu-ray to MKV converters covered in the preceding section have their own strengths and limitations. To move beyond feature lists, we conducted hands-on testing of Reddit's top three picks for Blu-ray-to-MKV tools (DumboFab, MakeMKV, and HandBrake) under identical conditions, focusing on key metrics such as ripping speed, output file size, and quality.

💡Test Environment and Movie Information

• ● Operating System: Windows 10 X64, Intel i7-6700 CPU, NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti 8GB
• ● Source Movie: 2012 (2h36m, 33.43GB source)

⭐Key Takeaways

Speed for Passthrough: Both DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper and MakeMKV finished in under 5 minutes, with nearly identical speed.

Speed for Re-encoding: DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper completed the task in just 15 minutes and 55 seconds, which is 23 faster than HandBrake. This high performance is thanks to its GPU-accelerated encoding technology.

Flexibility: Unlike MakeMKV, DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper also supports full re-encoding, allowing conversion to MP4 and 500+ formats with adjustable profiles.

In Conclusion

The range of abilities of these Blu-ray to MKV converters is fairly broad. On the unsurpassable decryption end you find DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper, which goes beyond all the rivals in our test when loading Blu-rays and DVDs, either old or new.

If you want to keep the full quality when ripping Blu-ray to MKV for free, then MakeMKV is the best choice for you. If you also want to encode protected Blu-ray discs to MP4, MOV, AVI, etc. and looking for other functions, then DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper will be your final best choice.