Our verdict: MakeMKV is the simplest way to turn a DVD or Blu-ray you own into MKV files with no quality loss. DVD support is free for good, and Blu-ray works free for as long as the program stays in beta. The files are large, so most people pass them through HandBrake afterwards.
About MakeMKV
MakeMKV reads a disc and writes its titles into MKV files without re-encoding. Video, all audio tracks including HD audio, subtitles, chapters and track languages are kept exactly as they are on the disc. It handles AACS and BD+ protection on Blu-ray discs with no extra software.
The program has been labelled beta for years, and even version 2.0.0 still is. A beta build stops working 60 days after release until you install the newest one from makemkv.com. Opening DVDs is free permanently; Blu-ray is shareware, but purchases are paused and the official site publishes a free beta key that unlocks every feature.
What it does well
- Lossless MKV output. Copies video and audio streams bit for bit, without re-encoding.
- All tracks kept. Saves every audio and subtitle track with its language, plus chapters.
- Blu-ray decryption. Opens discs protected with recent AACS and BD+ versions on its own.
- Disc streaming. Streams a decrypted disc straight to a media player over the network.
- Title selection. Lets you tick only the main movie or the episodes you want to keep.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want to back up their own DVDs and Blu-rays for Plex, Jellyfin or Kodi.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who needs small files in one step, since MakeMKV does not compress video.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No quality loss
- Keeps every audio, subtitle and chapter track
- Handles Blu-ray protection without add-ons
- Very simple interface
Cons
- Beta builds expire after 60 days and must be reinstalled
- Output files are very large, 6 GB for a DVD and about 30 GB for a Blu-ray
- Blu-ray support depends on a beta key that the developer could stop publishing
How to install MakeMKV
Download the Windows installer from makemkv.com; the beta needs administrator rights to access the drive. If the program says the beta has expired, install the latest version from the same page. To unlock Blu-ray, enter the current beta key from the official purchase page under Help → Register.
Questions about MakeMKV
Is MakeMKV free?
Opening DVDs is free forever. Blu-ray features are free while MakeMKV is in beta: the official site publishes a beta key, and purchases are currently not possible.
Why does MakeMKV say it has expired?
Each beta build works for 60 days. Download the newest version from makemkv.com to reset the date; your MKV files are never affected.
Does MakeMKV compress video?
No. It copies streams as they are. Use HandBrake or a similar encoder afterwards if you need smaller files.
