Convert DVD VOB Files to MKV with the Best DVD Converter
VOB files are the essential components of DVDs, containing video, audio, subtitles, and other data. Nevertheless, VOB files aren't the most compatible format in the world, so converting them to MKV is a very reasonable solution. In MKV format you have a higher quality, compression, and compatibility with media players. In this guide, we will show you what a VOB file is, how a DVD VOB file differs from that, and the best tools available to convert DVD VOB files to MKV (both free and paid).
Part 1: What Is a VOB File & How Is It Different from a DVD VOB File?
VOB (Video Object) is a main DVD file format, which keeps video, audio, subtitling, and menu data in the VIDEO_TS folder. To add to that, the fact that such files are sometimes encrypted or cause to be divided all into several pieces, makes it impossible to play or convert directly. The process of converting VOB files to MKV can lead to greater compatibility, better storage utilization, and less quality degradation, resulting in better playback on modern devices and media player software.
Part 2: How to Convert DVD VOB Files to MKV Using Free & Paid Tools
There are a number of different tools for converting DVD VOB files to MKV. We cover four of the best, free and paid, below, and their pros and cons.
HitPaw Univd
HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) is a high-end tool for converting VOB to MKV without losing any quality. With support for GPU acceleration and extensive settings, it processes quickly without compromising on the quality of the original video. Supports encrypted DVDs and batch conversion, a leading tool for efficient, high-quality video format conversion without losing quality, professionals favor converters like this one.
Watch this video and know more about HitPaw Univd
Pros
- Keep the video quality lossless
- Faster conversion with GPU acceleration
- Supports batch conversion
- Works with encrypted DVDs
Cons
- It requires internet connection.
HandBrake
HandBrake is a popular free and open-source video transcoder for VOB to MKV conversion. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux and has advanced encoding settings and batch conversion options. Although it cannot process encrypted VOB files, it is a great free option for basic video conversions.

Pros
- Free and open-source
- Supports batch conversion
- Encoding Settings — Fully Customizable
- Ability to work in several operating systems
Cons
- Does not support encrypted VOB files
- Beginners will find complex interfaces
- Slower conversion speed compared to paid tools
MakeMKV
MakeMKV is a popular application to convert DVD and Blu-ray to MKV format. It also can surpass encryption, so it's an excellent answer for you if you're investigating secured DVD VOB data files. MakeMKV focuses on a one-click process, preserving high-quality output as its primary feature. A free version works with DVDs, and you can pay to upgrade to Blu-ray support.

Pros
- Supports convert encrypted VOB files
- Retains high video quality
- One-click conversion process in a snap
- Free to convert DVDs (paid to convert Blu-rays)
Cons
- Output format options are limited (Just MKV)
- Free version is more limited in functionality
- Does run slower than some paid options
Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare uniconverter is a high-speed video converter compatible with MKV and VOB formats, Wondershare UniConverter. It provides video editing and compression, as well batch processing. While a paid option, it's fast, with advanced tools, making it great for high-quality, efficient conversions.

Pros
- High-speed conversion
- Supports encrypted DVDs
- More features, video editing, compression etc
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Proprietary software (with limited free trial)
- Requires a powerful PC for quick conversion
- More expensive than other free tools
Part 3: Bonus: The Best DVD Burner – HitPaw Univd
HitPaw Univd is the best choice if you need a DVD burner combined with video conversion. It allows you to easily burn DVD for video files, convert various video formats, and make the video edit.
Key Features of HitPaw Univd
- VOB to MKV Lossless Conversion: Converts videos with no quality loss and maintains the high-definition quality of the output.
- GPU Acceleration: Leverages advanced GPU processing for faster video conversion speeds.
- Supports Encrypted DVDs: Converting protected DVD VOB files to MKV and other formats has never been easier.
- Batch Conversion: Convert Multiple VOB files at once to save your precious time.
- Support for multiple formats: Supports many video formats like MP4, AVI, and MOV.
- Speedy Operation: Smooth, quick conversions with no lag.
Guide to convert DVD VOB to MKV By HitPaw Univd
Step 1: Open HitPaw Univd and navigate to the Toolbox. From there, select the DVD Burner feature to begin the process.

Step 2: Drag and drop your videos into the HitPaw DVD Burner interface or use the "Add Videos" option to import them.

Step 3: In the Settings panel, customize your DVD by adding a label (a blank disc must be inserted).

Choose a DVD menu and set the aspect ratio—16:9 is ideal for widescreen viewing, while 4:3 is better for photography and printing

Step 4: Switch to the Templates tab and choose a preferred DVD template.

After selecting one, personalize it by changing the background, adding background music, and editing the DVD title.

Step 5: Click the play button to preview the DVD. You can also check individual scenes and review DVD chapters before finalizing.

Step 6: Return to the Settings tab and choose an output file type—DVD disc, DVD folder, or ISO file—based on your storage and playback needs.

Step 7: Click the Burn button to start the process. HitPaw Univd ensures a fast and efficient burning speed for your videos.

Step 8: Once the burning process is complete, you can play the DVD disc or access the saved DVD folder for future use.

Part 4: FAQs About Converting DVD VOB Files
Q1. What is the best free VOB to MKV converter?
A1. The best free VOB to MKV converter is HandBrake if you need a basic conversion tool. However, MakeMKV is the better choice if you need to convert encrypted DVDs.
Q2. Can I convert encrypted DVD VOB files?
A2. Yes, but you need software that can bypass encryption. MakeMKV, Wondershare UniConverter, and Univd support encrypted DVD VOB file conversion.
Q3. Does MKV maintain the same quality as VOB?
A3. Yes, MKV is a lossless format when converted properly. If you use tools like MakeMKV or Univd, the video quality will remain the same as the original VOB file.
Conclusion
If you want to store your DVD VOB records in a convenient way with better quality and compatibility with modern media players, you must convert DVD VOB to MKV. The free options, like HandBrake and MakeMKV, do a decent job for quick conversion of data. HitPaw Univd is the best recommendation for the most optimal and fast conversion with the highest quality.
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Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
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