[2023]10 software to eliminate Blu-ray copy protections without charge
Summary: Commercial and rental Blu-rays are copy-protected to protect copyrights. In this article, we would like to introduce 10 software packages that can remove the copy protection on Blu-ray. Please read to the end if you are interested.
Table of Contents
Prior to delving into the elucidation of software designed to eliminate Blu-ray copy safeguards, we shall briefly expound upon certain tidbits pertaining to the realm of copy protection.
What is the purpose of a copy guard? Various classifications of Blu-ray Copy Protections.
What is a copy protection?
Copy protection is a method for copyright holders to prevent unauthorized copying of their works on video media such as BD, DVD, and VHS, music media such as CD and MD, and various other media such as computer software and game software. The term is used to describe the process by which a copyright holder prevents the reproduction of his or her work.
--Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
List of Types of Blu-ray Copy Protection
There exist two variants of copy protection, in brief, that hinder the replication of content, as opposed to those that permit replication yet restrict viewing access. The majority of Blu-ray copy safeguards belong to the latter group. Furthermore, given the perpetual advancements in copy protection, it is advisable to opt for removal software that undergoes frequent updates, as it ensures the regular refinement of copy guard elimination.
Blu-ray uses the following six main Blu-ray copy protections to protect the copyright of its content
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| Copy Guard Technology | Description |
| AACS | Technology used on commercial and rental Blu-ray discs that is updated to a stronger version of the encryption key when the AACS release is made |
| BD-ROM Mark | Adding special pits to the BD-ROM disc masters prevents mass production of pirated copies. |
| BD+. | If the content protection program is breached, a new protection program is updated in the disc |
| BD-Live™ | A new Blu-ray feature that allows users to enjoy access to exclusive content and is also used as a means of copyright protection |
| Cinavia | Embeds a specific watermark in audio to detect unauthorized copying and stop playback |
| RC (Region Code | Regional codes that limit the regions in which Blu-ray discs can be played. |
Of course, Blu-ray copy protection is not limited to the above. For example, CPRM protection (known as "copy once, record only once" protection), common on DVD/Blu-ray in the past, is now less common.
Free Trial] 4 software to remove almost all Blu-ray copy protections
Now that we have introduced the types of Blu-ray copy protections and the best software to remove Blu-ray copy protections, we will introduce some completely free Blu-ray copy software, which may not be the strongest in terms of removing Blu-ray copy protections, but it is worth a try as a free Blu-ray copy software. It is worth a try. However, please remember that these Blu-ray copy free software can only copy/data Blu-ray, not necessarily remove Blu-ray copy protections.
Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 1: DVDFab Blu-ray Copy
| Software | DVDFab Blu-ray Copy |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features/Benefits |
Copy Blu-ray to ISO file/folder/blank DVD or Blu-ray disc. |
| Disadvantages | The paid version is quite feature-rich, but the price is a bit expensive. You can try it for free for 30 days. |
| Download at | https://dvdfab.org/blu-ray-copy.htm |
This is DVDFab's conscience work. Above all, the screen is easy to read and operate. The interface is fairly easy to understand, even for novice users of Blu-ray copy protection removal software; it is compatible with both Windows and Mac, and can remove Blu-ray copy protections easily and efficiently, saving you a lot of hassle. For those who are still confused, a usage guide is available on the website. Currently, there are already more than 80 million users worldwide. Updates are performed more than 50 times a year.
In addition, we have been able to pick up this user feedback from our website:
DVDFab Blu-ray Copy can remove all copy protections of Blu-ray discs and make a copy for backup purposes. It is very easy to operate, with numerous audio and video settings that can be customized before conversion."
Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 2: DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper
| Software | DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features/Benefits |
Quickly remove Blu-ray copy protections and open a disc in 5-10 seconds. |
| Disadvantages | To rip recorded Blu-ray, you need to use another product-DVDFab Blu-ray Recorder Ripper. |
| Download at | https://dvdfab.org/blu-ray-ripper.htm |
Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 3: DVDFab Passkey for Blu-ray
| Software | DVDFab Passkey for Blu-ray |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features/Benefits |
DVDFab Passkey for Blu-ray can remove almost all copy protections including the latest BD+ / 3D BD+ / AACS MKB v 26 / AACS bus encryption / Region code / BD-Live / UOP (except Cinavia). |
| Disadvantages |
Only Windows is supported. |
| Download at | https://dvdfab.org/passkey-for-blu-ray.htm |
If DVDFab Blu-ray Copy is notable for its ability to copy video beautifully, DVDFab Passkey for Blu-ray is a versatile copy protection removal software. It can remove most (if not all) of the copy protection (copy control) AACS on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray movie discs as well as commercial and rental Blu-ray discs.
You can also switch the Blu-ray's region setting to region-free or multi-region with a single click. You can enjoy foreign-made Blu-rays without any restrictions.
When Passkey reads a BD, the settings screen displays detailed information about the copy protection on the original BD disc. In addition, the "Blu-ray Player Region" screen allows you to change the region settings of common Blu-ray players (PowerDVD/WinDVD/TMT) with just one click. By resetting the region, your player software will become "region-free" or more precisely, "multi-region".
This feature allows for unlimited playback on your home Blu-ray player when you return home if you have purchased a valuable Blu-ray overseas.
The website also provided this review:
It works like a driver, so I don't have to be aware of starting software or anything like that. Also, converting to ISO was amazingly easy. I really recommend it if you work with Blu-ray."
Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 4: AnyDVD HD
| Software | AnyDVD HD |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features/Merits |
Able to remove Blu-ray copy protections such as AACS, region code, BD-Live, etc. in all versions. |
| Disadvantages |
Only Windows is supported. |
| Download Location | https://www.redfox.bz/anydvdhd.html |
AnyDVD HD can remove Blu-ray copy protections such as AACS, region code, BD-Live, etc. in all versions. It also removes HDCP restrictions. This allows you to watch your movies on devices other than HDCP-enabled devices.
Compare Powerful Blu-ray Copy Protections Removers
| Compare | Blu-ray Copy | Blu-ray Ripper | Passkey for Blu-ray | AnyDVD HD |
| Price | 30-Day Free Trial | 30-Day Free Trial | 30-Day Free Trial | Paid Software |
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac |
| Supported Copy Guards | Almost all existing copy protections | Almost all existing copy protections | Excluding Cinavia | AACS, region code, BD-Live, etc. |
| Input format | Blu-ray disc, ISO file, folder | Blu-ray disc, ISO file, folder | Blu-ray disc, ISO file, folder | Blu-ray disc |
| Output format | BD50/BD25/DVD9/DVD5 discs, ISO files, folders | 1000+ video and audio formats including MP4, MP3, etc. | Blu-ray ISO files, folders | Blu-ray ISO files, folders |
| Compression | Fat | X | O | T✕ |
| Disk write | Fat | O | O | O |
Please note: Currently the only software that can remove the latest Blu-ray copy protections is the software listed above (all of which are paid). The types of Blu-ray copy protections that can be removed may or may not match. Please check the respective product pages and the screenshots shown above for more information.
6 free software to remove some Blu-ray copy protections (completely free of charge)
Free software to remove Blu-ray copy protections 1: DVDFab HD Decrypter
| Software - DVDFab HD Decrypter | DVDFab HD Decrypter |
| Recommendation | ★★★★★ |
| Features |
Includes both DVD and Blu-ray copying and ripping functions. |
| Features/Merits |
High quality audio and video output. |
| Disadvantages | Only supports copy protections for DVDs released more than a year ago. It does not support the latest Blu-ray copy protections. |
| Download at | https://dvdfab.org/hd-decrypter.htm |
DVDFab HD Decrypter is a simplified version of DVD Copy, DVD Ripper, Blu-ray Copy, Blu-ray Ripper and Video Converter, available for free in both Windows and Mac versions. software and Blu-ray ripping free software to remove some Blu-ray copy protections and rip Blu-ray to blank disc or computer HDD in full disc or main movie mode.
We received this review from the website:
If your DVDs and Blu-rays are more than one year old, you can remove the copy protections. Although there is a one-year limit, I'm happy enough to give it five stars because it's free and permanent. The easy-to-understand interface and simple video editing features inherent in DVDFab's products are also what I appreciated about the software."
Free Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 2: DVDFab Passkey Lite
| Software - DVDFab Passkey Lite | DVDFab Passkey Lite |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features |
This program can remove not only Blu-ray copy protections, but also some DVD copy protections. |
| Features/Merits |
Easy-to-understand interface. |
| Disadvantages | Only copy protections that were released more than a year ago can be removed. |
| Download Destination | https://dvdfab.org/passkey-lite.htm |
DVDFab Passkey Lite is a free Blu-ray copy software that can remove Blu-ray V36 and lower new protection, RC, BD-Live and UOPs protection, and only some Blu-ray copy protections. Besides, it can change the region settings of PowerDVD and TotalMedia Theatre as Blu-ray players.
It can also rip Blu-ray to ISO files or folders stored on PC HDD.
This is the kind of review we received from the website:
"We picked up this software because it supports not only Blu-ray, but DVD as well, which is a pretty nice feature for users."
Compare DVDFab Blu-ray Copy Free Software:
| Compare | HD Decrypter | Passkey Lite |
| Price | Free Permanently | Free Permanently |
| Supported OS | Windows, Mac | Windows |
| Supported Copy Guards | Some copy protections | Some copy protections |
| Input Formats | DVD/Blu-ray disc, ISO file, folder | DVD/Blu-ray disc |
| Output Format | DVD/Blu-ray disc, ISO file, folder; MP4, MKV | DVD/Blu-ray ISO file, folder |
| DVD/Blu-ray Copy | 0 | 0 |
| DVD/Blu-ray Converter | Fat | X |
| Video Conversion | Fat | X |
Free Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 3: Handbrake
| Software | Handbrake |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features | Handbrake only supports UOPs and region code copy protection. |
| Features/Merits |
Support MP4 and MKV as output format. |
| Disadvantages | Does not support the latest copy protections. |
| Download at | https://handbrake.fr |
Handbrake is a well-known and completely free DVD and Blu-ray copying and ripping software. However, it can hardly remove Blu-ray copy protections other than UOPs and RCs. To be honest, DVDFab HD Decrypter, which is also completely free, is much better than Handbrake.
Free Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Software 4: MakeMKV
| Software | MakeMKV |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features | AACS, BD+, and some other formats, CPRM, etc. are not supported. |
| Features/Merits |
Output format is MKV only. |
| Disadvantages | The software itself is not Japanese-language compatible. |
| Where to download | http://makemkv.com/ |
MakeMKV is one of the few completely free BD copy free software that supports the latest copy protections. However, it supports only a few types of copyguards. As the name suggests, the output format is MKV only. No degradation of image and sound quality, and fast conversion are its advantages. With the end of development, Blu-ray discs with copy protections such as BDAV and CPRM cannot be analyzed.
Blu-ray Copy Guard Removal Free Software 5: ImgBurn
| Software | ImgBurn |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features | Backup Blu-ray to blank disc, ISO file or folder. |
| Features/Benefits | This software is completely free of charge. Unfortunately, it does not support commercial and rental Blu-ray discs, only home-made ones. Input format: Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray ISO, Blu-ray folder Output format: Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray ISO, Blu-ray folder |
| Disadvantages |
Not compatible with commercial and rental Blu-ray discs. Only home-made Blu-ray is supported. |
| Download location | https://www.imgburn.com |
Handbrake and MakeMKV are mostly for Windows users, but they actually support macOS as well; ImgBurn is a Windows-only Blu-ray Copy free software, unlike the above two. Moreover, most of the above introduced software can convert Blu-ray to MP4 or MKV, but ImgBurn does not convert Blu-ray to general video, but to blank disc, ISO, or folder. It is easy to use, but it cannot remove Blu-ray copy protections. However, if ImgBurn engine is used, you can use DVDFab's copy and rip functions for free.
Blu-ray Copy Protector Removal Free Software 6: BurnAware Free
| Software | BurnAware Free |
| Recommendation | ★★★★ |
| Features | BurnAware Free is a freeware that can burn not only Blu-ray but also some DVDs. |
| Features/Merits | Input format: Blu-ray disc, ISO file Output format: Blank discs, ISO files |
| Demerit | Japanese language is not supported. Copy guard is not supported. |
| Download Destination | https://www.burnaware.com/download.html |
BurnAware Free is available at no cost, whereas BurnAware requires a payment. To be precise, BurnAware Free is a software designed for burning Blu-ray discs. As a result, it lacks the ability to handle the majority of Blu-ray copy protections. It provides support for CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, BD-R/RE, and DVD-RAM. However, it should be noted that BD50 cannot be compressed to BD25 or DVD.
Conclusion
What is your assessment? Hitherto, we have unveiled ten Blu-ray copy protection dissolvers, encompassing a concise delineation of copy safeguards, and of these ten, five stem from the esteemed enterprise DVDFab, thereby attesting to DVDFab’s commendable standing in the copy protection domain.
Indeed, the comprehensive user interface of DVDFab’s products is readily comprehensible, and I perceived the software to be exquisitely crafted, catering specifically to novices. An array of software options, encompassing both paid and complimentary offerings, is available, and we suggest acquiring the desired software and embarking upon a trial.