Introduction

Are you tired of your DVD collection gathering dust? It's time to unleash your favorite movies, music, and shows by converting DVD to MP4! This simple process breathes new life into your discs and makes your content more accessible across various devices. With MP4 compatibility, you can enjoy high-quality video on your mobile phones, tablets, or smart TVs without the hassle of physical media. 

Stay tuned to explore the seven best options to effortlessly convert DVD to MP4, making your movie and music collection easier to enjoy anywhere! 

Best Tools to convert DVD to MP4: Quickview

This quick table compares seven best DVD to MP4 converters based on their key features, aiming to help you find the best one tailored to your specific needs and preferences for seamless media enjoyment. 

Editor's Choices for DVD to MP4 Conversion
DVD to MP4 Converter OS

DVD_Copy Protection

Input Format Output Format Video
Editor
Speed Quality
DVDFab DVD Ripper Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 &
macOS 10.10-14.x
CSS, RC, RCE, DADC, APS, 99 titles, etc DVD/Blu-ray ISO/Folder

1000+ digital formats 

  50x GPU Acceleration  Lossless quality
Handbrake Win, Mac, and Linux None (requires LibDVDcs) DVD,   Blu-ray

MP4, MKV, and WebM

  Slow Good
VLC Windows, Mac, GNU/Linux, etc. None (requires LibDVDcs) CD and DVD

MP4, AVI, MKV, etc

  Slow Good
Freemake Windows 11,10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista Region coded DVD DVD/Blu-ray Folder 20+ video formats    High speed Good
WiX DVD Ripper Win & Mac CSS, RC, RCE, APS, UOPs, etc DVD    ISO/Folder 210+ digital formats   High speed Lossless quality 
DumboFab DVD Ripper Win & Mac CSS, RC, RCE, APS, UOPs, etc DVD, ISO, Video_TS 210+ digital formats   30x GPU Acceleration Lossless quality 
Movavi Windows & macOS X 10.15 or above None DVD folder 180+ formats   Slow Good

How to Convert DVD to MP4 Free: Detailed review and steps

In this section, we’ll give a detailed review of the seven best free DVD to MP4 converters and show how to use them one by one.

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a remarkable tool that quickly transforms and rip DVD to MP4 format with ease and precision. It effectively bypasses various copy protections, including RC and RCE, ensuring you can access your content without restrictions. With a user-friendly interface, it supports diverse formats, including 3D and 4K. You can customize your output with selected titles, audio tracks, and subtitles, ensuring seamless playback on any device or media player.

Features and Pros 
  • Rip DVDs to various profiles, including 3D, 4K, H265, and more
  • Select titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles for tailored output
  • Supports 1000+ video/audio formats and 260+ preset devices for versatile conversions
  • Utilizes multi-core CPUs and Intel Quick Sync for faster batch conversion speeds
  • Automatically sync original metadata for efficient management on your media server
  • Crop, trim, brighten, add watermarks, and customize videos with external subtitles easily
❌ Cons
  • The free version only enables conversions to MP4 and MKV formats

Operational Steps: How to Convert DVD to MP4 Using DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Get DVDFab DVD Ripper for free. It is available for easy installation on both Windows and Mac.

How to Convert DVD to MP4

Step 2: Launch the ripping software to proceed and hit the Ripper module. Load your DVD disc; the program will automatically load and decrypt its content. Preferably, you can drag your ISO files or folders and drop them into the application.

Convert DVD to MP4 Using DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 3: DVDFab provides various default profile options once you load your source.

  • For optimal playback on mobile devices, select the MP4.Mobile profile, utilizing the H264 video codec and AAC audio codec. 
  • For home theaters, choose MP4.Passthrough for lossless quality or re-encode for higher quality at a slower speed and smaller file size.

On the main interface, select specific titles or rip the entire DVD. Choose audio tracks, extract subtitles to SRT format, add external subtitles, and check the embedded copy protection by clicking the Info option.

Even after selecting a default profile, click Choose Other Profile to select a different MP4 format. Click on Device to effortlessly convert DVDs directly for iPhone, Android, and other portable devices with just one touch!

DVD to MP4 converter: DVDFab DVD Ripper

Access Advanced Settings to customize video, audio, and subtitles, then edit your DVD using Video Edit or Trim.

Step 4: Hit the Folder icon at the bottom to choose your output location: Mobile Device or Folder. Finally, press Start to finish the conversion quickly.

HandBrake

convert DVD to MP4 free

HandBrake is a widely used tool that enables you to convert DVD to MP4 free on various devices, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It makes video conversion simple and accessible for everyone. Although it can't rip all DVDs, with libdvdcss, it can effortlessly handle protected discs and offer advanced encoding options for experienced users.

  Features and Pros 
  • Offers advanced options for precise encoding and parameter adjustments
  • Quickly rip unprotected DVDs to MP4, MKV, and WebM formats
  • Customize bit rate, subtitles, and video filters to suit your preferences during conversion
  • Easily convert multiple videos simultaneously with the convenient batch conversion feature
  • Utilize the preview feature to check videos before finalizing the conversion process
❌ Cons
  • It does not support ripping DVDs or Blu-rays with copyright protection codes
  • Cannot combine multiple video clips into a single output video
  • Offers fewer output format options compared to some other DVD rippers available

How to Convert DVD to MP4 Via HandBrake

Step 1: Install HandBrake on your PC or Mac to start converting DVDs.

Step 2: Select Open Source and import the DVD. If your DVD, ISO image, or folder is CSS-encoded, download libdvdcss. If no valid source is detected, an error message will appear. Ensure to remove DVD protection first.

How to Convert DVD to MP4 Via HandBrake

Step 3: In the Presets menu, choose General, Web, Matroska, or Hardware. For the best outcomes, pick Fast480p30 (U.S.) or Fast576p25 (Europe) settings for your project. Select HQ for better quality, but it slows encoding speed.

Step 4: Go to Summary and navigate to the Format dropdown menu. Select MP4. Press Browse to choose a target folder, then select Start Encode.

VLC Media Player

free DVD converter to MP4: VLC

VLC is another straightforward and free DVD converter to MP4. It offers support for multiple formats such as H.264, H.265, and WMV, all without the need for additional codecs or installations. However, it struggles with complex protections and provides limited settings control, making it less reliable than dedicated DVD to MP4 converters.

Features and Pros 
  • Supports multiple video and audio codecs for versatile playback options
  • A completely free media player compatible with various file formats
  • Compresses large files for more accessible storage 
  • Features a simple UI and an excellent DVD decoder for convenience
  • Available on multiple platforms, ensuring broad accessibility and usability
❌Cons
  • DVD encoding processes can be relatively slow, affecting efficiency
  • It offers basic video editing functions but lacks advanced options
  • Cannot rip DVDs that are copy-protected, restricting usability

Steps to Use VLC Media Player to Convert DVD to MP4 

Step 1: Download and launch the VLC media player, then open it to play your original DVD effortlessly and enjoy its features.

Step 2: Open the converter, tap Media, and select Convert/Save. Next, press the Disc button to add your DVD for conversion.

Step 3: Click Convert/Save. Or, navigate to Media and click Open Disc to select the location of your DVD.

Step 4: In the Convert box, go to the Profile dropdown menu and choose Video - h.264 + MP3 to optimize your conversion settings. Click Browse to save and Start to convert the disc to MP4.

Freemake DVD Ripper

free DVD to MP4 converter

Freemake DVD Ripper is a flexible free DVD to MP4 converter featuring an intuitive interface that makes the process simple and enjoyable. It can not only rip DVDs to MP4, MKV, and AVI, but it also supports embedding free subtitles and offers high-quality output for various devices and platforms.

Features and Pros 
  • Converts DVDs and folders to MP4 and 20+ formats for versatile playback options
  • Offers over 50 preprogrammed profiles, simplifying the user conversion process
  • Provides editing functions like cutting, cropping, and adding subtitles for customization
  • Effectively removes certain DVD copy protections, including RC, for hassle-free ripping
❌Cons
  • It doesn't work on many other encrypted DVDs, limiting compatibility
  • It does not support ISO files as input or convert Blu-ray discs to MP4
  • The free version adds a watermark to the output video files

Detailed Process to Use Freemake to Convert DVD to MP4

Step 1: Download and open Freemake DVD Ripper, then insert a DVD into your computer to start ripping.

Step 2: Choose your DVD drive and hit the +DVD button to access the VIDEO_TS folder for conversion. From the list, choose the most extensive VOB file, as the application will display multiple titles from which to choose.

Use Freemake DVD Ripper to Convert DVD to MP4

Step 3: Choose MP4 from the profile options to modify your settings accordingly. You can choose from various quality options, like standard DVD quality or upconverting to 720p, which may lose some detail.

Convert DVD to MP4

Step 4: Press Convert to change the DVD to MP4.

Winx DVD Ripper

Rip DVD to MP4 with Winx DVD Ripper

WinX DVD Ripper is a robust DVD to MP4 converter free, efficiently managing copyright-protected discs with ease and reliability. It supports various formats like AVI, WMV, and MOV, allowing easy playback on multiple devices, with optional upgrades for enhanced features.

Features and Pros
  • Effectively decrypts copyright-protected disc for seamless DVD ripping and conversion
  • Supports over 210 video and audio formats, plus 350+ device profiles
  • Offers adjustable HQ encoding and de-interlacing for enhanced video quality
  • Features Level 3 hardware acceleration for faster and more efficient conversions
  • Customize codec, resolution, frame rate, and perform simple edits easily
❌ Cons
  • Cannot decrypt and rip certain Disney DVDs due to protection
  • It may require adjustments to software settings for optimal performance
  • The free trial version limits ripping to only 5 minutes of video

How to Use WinX DVD Ripper to Convert DVD to MP4

Step 1: Launch WinX DVD Ripper and import your DVD video. The software will automatically recognize it for conversion.

Step 2: Click the Disc button and select MP4 from the output format menu.

Step 3: Modify MP4 settings such as resolution and bitrate, and edit as necessary for customization.

Convert DVD to MP4 with WinX DVD Ripper

Step 4: Choose an output folder for the output file, then click Run to start the conversion and save your MP4.

DumboFab DVD Ripper

DVD to MP4 conversion

DumboFab DVD Ripper simplifies DVD to MP4 conversion and also other formats, making it hassle-free. It offers 30x faster speed, supports various devices, and allows easy audio extraction for a comprehensive DVD processing experience.

  Features and Pros 
  • Efficiently removes DVD encryption like CSS, RCE, Sony ArccOS, and more
  • Converts DVDs to popular video and audio formats for various portable devices
  • Offers ripping speeds 3x to 5x faster than other DVD rippers currently available
  • Includes video editing options like cropping, trimming, rotating, and more
  • Compatible with multiple operating systems for broad usability and access
❌ Cons
  • The interface can be complex for beginners to navigate
  • The free version of the software has several limitations and restrictions
  • Cannot recognize specific newer DVD formats, limiting compatibility for users
  • DVD ripping may occasionally encounter failures during the process

How to Convert DVD to MP4 Via DumboFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Insert your DVD into the DVD-ROM. Then, launch DumboFab DVD Ripper and hit the Load DVD button to import.

Convert DVD to MP4 Via DumboFab DVD Ripper

Step 2: Access the Format dropdown menu and choose H.264 encoded MP4 from the Common Video category. Alternatively, select H.265 MP4 for a smaller file size.

Convert DVD to MP4 Via DumboFab DVD Ripper

Step 3: Press Convert for swift DVD extraction, ensuring the best quality for your output files.

Movavi Video Converter

Still unable to find the perfect software to convert DVD to MP4, AVI, and other formats? Maybe your search ends here! Give Movavi Video Converter a try for fast and easy conversions! It supports over 180 formats and 200 devices. It features SuperSpeed mode for quick conversions and basic editing tools but cannot handle protected DVDs.

Features and Pros 
  • Rip DVD to MP4 quickly, supporting batch conversion for multiple discs
  • Easily search for subtitles online and add them to enhance your video experience
  • Offers various DVD editing features for simple customization and enhancement
  • Utilizes an AI-powered feature to increase video resolution by up to 8 times
❌ Cons
  • Can not rip copy-protected DVDs, DVD ISO files, or Blu-rays
  • Performance declines, and speeds slow with larger video files
  • Converted videos show a prominent watermark in the 7-day free trial

How to Use Movavi Video Converter to Convert DVD to MP4

Step 1: Install and launch the Movavi Video Converter program on your system. Tap Add Media, then click Add DVD to specify the DVD files you wish to convert to MP4 format.

Step 2: In the Video tab, you can choose MP4 H.264 Original Size to ensure the best video quality. Alternatively, select MP4 H.264 480P for a smaller file size that is more manageable for storage.

Step 3: Click “Save to” to choose where to store your output files, then touch Convert to start the conversion process.

Convert DVD to MP4 with Movavi

Step 4: Connect your modern device to the computer. Finally, export the MP4 video for convenient access and seamless playback whenever you need it. 

FAQs to Convert DVD to MP4 

Is the conversion of DVD to MP4 legal?

Backing up DVDs might raise legal flags, but converting them to MP4 for personal use is usually perfectly acceptable! Ripping DVDs for commercial gain is illegal and can result in penalties. While personal use carries less risk, it's essential to understand the legal implications before proceeding.

Can I convert my DVD to MP4 with the Windows Media Player?

Unfortunately, Windows Media Player can’t rip DVDs; it only converts CDs to audio formats like WMA and MP3. It cannot play movie DVDs, only audio CDs and data DVDs. To convert DVDs to MP4 on Windows 10/11, use a reliable DVD ripper, such as DVDFab DVD Ripper, for seamless results.

How can I rip DVD to MP4 online? 

Many online sites claim to convert DVDs to MP4 for free but require accessing the VIDEO_TS folder. File size limits and long conversion times also hinder usability. Here's how you can use Zamzar:

  • Step 1: Visit Zamzar on your web browser. 
  • Step 2: Navigate to the VIDEO_TS folder, locate the main movie, and add it to Zamzar.
  • Step 3: Pick MP4 as the chosen output format from the Convert To dropdown menu.
  • Step 4: Click Convert Now to start. Check your email for the completed download link and download the converted file. 

Can QuickTime convert my DVD to MP4 on Mac?

QuickTime is pre-installed on every Mac and seems ideal for converting DVDs to MP4, as MP4 is based on the QuickTime format. However, QuickTime has limited support for media file formats, and VOB files from DVDs are omitted. Therefore, you'll need alternative software for Mac DVD conversion.

Final Thoughts 

Converting DVD to MP4 is a smart choice for preserving your movie collection and enhancing accessibility. To choose the best software, consider speed, output quality, supported formats, ease of use, price, user reviews, and the ability to handle copy protection. We have discussed the 7 seven best free software to convert DVD to MP4. Look for features that allow video editing and batch processing to streamline your experience. Selecting the suitable tool will enable you to enjoy your favorite films on any device while ensuring they remain safe from physical damage.