Blu-ray discs remain one of the best formats for enjoying high-definition movies and TV shows. However, accessing your Blu-ray collection on different devices without carrying physical discs can be inconvenient. That’s where converting Blu-ray to MKV comes in.
The MKV format (Matroska Video) is popular for digital media because it supports high-quality video, multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters—all in a single file. This makes it the ideal choice when you rip Blu-ray to MKV for storage, streaming, or sharing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through three effective methods to convert Blu-ray discs to MKV format, using trusted tools. But first, let’s cover what you’ll need to get started.
1. What You’ll Need: Software and Hardware
Before you begin to convert Blu-ray to MKV, you’ll need the right setup. Here’s what’s essential:
A Blu-ray Drive
Regular DVD drives can’t read Blu-ray discs. You’ll need an internal or external Blu-ray drive compatible with your PC or Mac.
Sufficient Storage Space
Ripping a Blu-ray movie in high quality (especially uncompressed) can take up 20–50 GB per file. Ensure you have adequate hard drive space before you start the process.
Blu-ray Ripping Software
To extract content from the disc, you’ll need dedicated Blu-ray ripping software that can handle disc encryption and output your desired video format (in this case, MKV). We’ll go over three trusted tools in the sections below.
2. Method 1: Convert Blu-ray to MKV with MakeMKV
MakeMKV is one of the simplest tools available to rip Blu-ray to MKV. It’s free during its beta phase and is widely used due to its no-frills, lossless conversion capabilities.
Key Features:
- Preserves full video quality without compression
- Retains all audio, subtitle, and chapter information
- Works on both Windows and macOS
- Decrypts most Blu-ray protection (including AACS)
How to Use MakeMKV:
- Download and install MakeMKV from makemkv.com.
- Insert your Blu-ray disc into your Blu-ray drive.
- Launch MakeMKV, and it will automatically scan the disc.
- Click the Blu-ray icon to load titles. The main movie is usually the largest file.
- Select desired audio tracks and subtitles, then choose your output folder.
- Click “Make MKV” to start the ripping process.
MakeMKV doesn’t compress your video, so the output MKV file will be large—but you’ll retain 100% of the quality from the original disc.
3. Method 2: Convert Blu-ray to MKV with Leawo Blu-ray Ripper
If you want more control over file size, resolution, or output format, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is one of the best solutions on the market. It’s an all-in-one Blu-ray to MKV converter that supports encrypted discs and advanced editing features.
Key Features:
- Converts Blu-ray to MKV, MP4, AVI, and more
- Supports 1080p and even 4K resolution
- Retains multiple audio tracks and subtitles
- Built-in video editor (trim, crop, watermark, etc.)
- Removes disc protection (AACS, BD+, etc.)
How to Use Leawo Blu-ray Ripper:
- Download and install the software from the official website.
- Launch the program and go to the “Convert” module.
- Click “Add Blu-ray/DVD” and choose your disc to import.
- Once loaded, click the format dropdown > “Change” and select MKV Video under the “Common Video” tab.
- Click the edit icon if you want to trim, crop, or add effects.
- Click the green “Convert” button, choose the destination folder, and start the conversion.
Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is a premium tool but offers a free trial, letting you test its capabilities before buying. It’s an excellent option for users who want flexibility in video settings or need to handle encrypted discs with ease.
4. Method 3: Convert Blu-ray to MKV with HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source video transcoder that supports MKV output. However, it can’t decrypt commercial Blu-ray discs on its own, so you’ll need to first extract the raw data using MakeMKV or similar software.
Key Features:
- Supports MKV and MP4 output formats
- Advanced encoding options (H.264, H.265)
- Video filters, resolution scaling, subtitle support
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
How to Use HandBrake for Blu-ray:
- First, use MakeMKV to rip your Blu-ray to a raw MKV file.
- Install HandBrake from handbrake.fr.
- Open HandBrake and load the MKV file exported by MakeMKV.
- Select a preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30) or configure your own settings.
- Choose MKV as the output format.
- Set the output path and click “Start Encode”.
This method is best for users who want to compress the MKV file after ripping to save space while retaining good quality. HandBrake provides detailed control over video encoding, making it popular with tech-savvy users.
Conclusion
Digitizing your Blu-ray collection has never been easier. Whether you prefer simplicity or complete control over your video settings, there’s a solution to fit your needs.
Here’s a quick recap of the best methods to convert Blu-ray to MKV:
- MakeMKV: Perfect for beginners; simple and lossless
- Leawo Blu-ray Ripper: Feature-rich and professional; great for encrypted discs and customized output
- HandBrake: Ideal for compressing and fine-tuning video files after ripping
Whichever method you choose, make sure you have a reliable Blu-ray to MKV converter and sufficient disk space. Tools like Blu-ray ripping software ensure that you preserve your content while gaining the flexibility to watch it on any device, at any time.
