10 Best Ways to Transfer VHS to DVD

Looking to preserve your old VHS tapes on a budget? In 2024, there are plenty of affordable ways to convert VHS to digital formats, including DVD, all for under $100. Whether you want to safeguard cherished family moments or revisit classic films, these cost-effective solutions make the process simple and convenient.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 methods to convert VHS to digital, covering both online services and local options, as well as budget-friendly converters available on Amazon. We’ll provide a detailed look at each method so you can choose the best option for your needs. Short on time?

Here’s a quick overview of our top 10 VHS to digital conversion options, with iMemories standing out as our top pick for its combination of convenience and affordability.

1.     iMemories (Most Convenient Choice)

2.     Costco Photo Center (Best Local Option)

3.     Elgato Video Capture Device

4.     ClearClick Video to Digital Converter

5.     Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus

6.     Kodak Scanza

7.     Local Libraries

8.     Nostalgic Media

9.     Wolverine TransMedia Converter

10. CVS Photo Center

We’ll take a closer look at each option to see what they offer for converting VHS to DVD or digital formats. You’ll hear about the pros and cons of each choice, helping you make the best-informed decision for preserving your VHS tapes.

1. iMemories (Most Convenient Choice)

iMemories is considered the best choice for converting VHS to DVD or digital formats. According to reviews from Times-Standard, JPost, and Daily Democrat, iMemories is highly recommended. Here’s why:

iMemories helps turn old photos, home movies, and film reels into digital files that you can easily watch and share. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, they use a special kit to safely ship your tapes to them for conversion. They are known for their quick service, usually completing the process in 2-3 weeks. You can view your digital files using their app on phones and tablets. They offer options like USB drives starting at $39.99, DVDs or Blu-rays from $19.99 each, and you can also stream your memories through their app.

Customer Reviews: iMemories receives excellent feedback from customers. On Trustpilot, they have a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 300 reviews. Sitejabber rates them even higher at 4.7 out of 5 from more than 14,000 reviews. Yelp gives them 4 stars, and on Facebook, they have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 600 reviews. They also have a strong rating of 4.72 out of 5 on the Better Business Bureau, based on over 300 reviews. These positive reviews show that iMemories is a trusted and reliable option for converting your VHS tapes to DVD or digital formats.

Why Choose iMemories for Converting VHS Tapes to DVD?

iMemories stands out as our top choice for converting VHS tapes to digital formats for several key reasons:

●      Top Ratings: iMemories consistently receives high ratings, ensuring you get reliable and quality service.

●      Affordable Pricing: They offer competitive prices and provide a free quote, so you know exactly what you'll pay.

●      High-Quality Scanning: iMemories promises excellent digital quality, making sure your memories look great online.

●      Easy Shipping: They send you a secure shipping kit with prepaid FedEx labels, so your tapes and photos are sent safely.

●      Return of Originals: iMemories returns all your original tapes and photos, giving you peace of mind.

●      Money-Back Guarantee: They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can be confident in your decision.

How Much Does iMemories Cost?

The cost of iMemories services varies depending on what you want. As of February 2024:

●      Digitization: Converting each VHS tape costs about $14.99. For film, it’s $14.99 per 50 feet, and each photo is $0.49. Getting a copy on a USB drive might be more expensive than converting tapes, films, or photos.

●      iMemories Cloud: Unlimited viewing, sharing, and storage is $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year. New orders come with a free 30-day trial of iMemories Cloud.

●      DVD or Blu-ray: If you want physical copies, DVDs or Blu-rays are $19.99 each.

Prices can change, so check iMemories’ website for the most current rates. When comparing iMemories to Costco for converting VHS tapes to DVD or digital formats, iMemories offers several benefits.

It has high customer ratings, clear pricing, and quality scanning. Shipping is easy with their SafeShip kit and prepaid FedEx labels, and they return your original tapes safely. Plus, you can view and share your memories on different devices.

With a free quote and a 30-day money-back guarantee, iMemories gives you confidence in your choice. This makes iMemories a great option over Costco for digitizing your VHS tapes to DVD.

Should You Choose iMemories Over Costco For Digitizing VHS Tapes?

When deciding between iMemories and Costco for converting VHS tapes to digital or DVD formats, iMemories has several advantages.

●      High Ratings: iMemories is highly rated by customers, proving its quality and reliability.

●      Clear Pricing: Their pricing is straightforward, so you know what to expect upfront.

●      High-Quality Scanning: They use excellent scanning technology to ensure your memories look great.

●      Easy Shipping: Shipping is simple with their SafeShip kit and prepaid FedEx labels, and they return your original tapes safely.

●      Convenient Access: You can view and share your memories on various devices.

●      Free Quote and Guarantee: They offer a free quote and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you confidence in your choice.

These benefits make iMemories a strong choice over Costco for digitizing your VHS tapes. Additionally, while Costco's services are well-known, they use a third-party service called YesVideo for their VHS to digital conversions.

Now, let’s also look at ClearClick Digital Converter, which is highly recommended on Amazon and is our second choice after iMemories for converting VHS to DVD and digital formats.

2. Costco Photo Center

Costco Photo Center is a standout choice as the best local option for converting VHS tapes to digital formats. It offers a convenient and reliable solution for digitizing your precious memories. With its extensive reach and reputation for quality services, Costco Photo Center is an excellent way to preserve your VHS tapes on DVD and USB sticks.

Many customers may not realize that Costco, known for its dependable retail services, now includes VHS digitization as part of its offerings. Costco partners with YesVideo.com to provide comprehensive and high-quality conversion solutions.

How Does Costco Convert Old Tapes to Digital?

Costco simplifies the process of transferring old videos to digital formats, handling various types of tapes including VHS, Betamax, and DV tapes. They accept formats like VHS, S-VHS, MiniDV, and DVCAM, making it easy to convert your valued memories.

Costco offers packages that include 2 DVDs and 1 USB stick. DVDs can hold up to 2 hours of footage each and come with features such as automatic smart chapters and highlight videos. USB sticks provide unlimited storage, allowing for easy viewing on any device with a USB port, and offer straightforward options for storage, duplication, and backup.

With pricing starting at $29.99 for the first tape and $22.99 for each additional tape in the DVD and USB package, Costco provides an affordable option. You can also save $14.99 by purchasing the DVD and USB package together for $44.98. Whether opting for DVDs or USB sticks, Costco’s digitization service offers quality, flexibility, and value, making it the best local option for converting your VHS tapes.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert VHS to DVD at Costco?

As of August 21, 2024, the cost to convert VHS tapes to DVD at Costco is $19.99 for the first tape of any length, with an additional $19.99 for each extra tape. Each DVD can hold up to 2 hours of footage. This price also includes two DVD copies of your converted videos, making it an affordable and convenient local option for preserving your memories.

Please note that prices may change, so it’s best to check directly with Costco for the most current rates.

Does Costco Convert Cassette Tapes?

Yes, Costco also converts cassette tapes. They accept a variety of formats for conversion, including:

●      VHS and S-VHS

●      Betamax

●      VHS-C and S-VHS-C

●      Video8, Hi-8, Digital8

●      DV, DVCAM

●      MiniDV, DVC

What Are the Pros and Cons of Costco Photo Center?

Pros:

●      Widely Accessible: With 590 locations across the U.S., Costco is a highly accessible local option for many customers.

●      Accepted Formats: They handle a wide range of formats, including VHS, Betamax, and MiniDV, catering to various needs.

●      Competitive Pricing: Their affordable rates make it a cost-effective choice for digitizing your tapes.

●      Local Drop-off: The numerous drop-off locations make it easy to submit your old tapes and films for conversion.

Cons:

●      Third-Party Service: Costco partners with YesVideo.com for its conversion services, so you’re essentially using a third-party provider.

●      Indirect Service: Since the conversion is managed by YesVideo.com, there might be variations in quality and customer service compared to an in-house service.

Customer Reviews:

Feedback from RedFlagDeals.com highlights mixed experiences with Costco’s VHS to DVD conversion service:

●      Positive Experiences: Some users appreciated the quality of the converted content, especially for older formats like 8mm and 16mm. They were pleased to have digital copies of their memories.

●      Negative Experiences: Issues included the organization of the content, such as videos not being in chronological order and unwanted music added to DVDs. There were also complaints about long turnaround times, with some waiting up to 2-3 months.

●      Mixed Feelings on Price: While some found the cost reasonable, others thought it was high, particularly for larger projects with multiple tapes.

In summary, while Costco’s VHS to DVD transfer service is a solid local option for its affordability and accessibility, there are some concerns about content organization and processing times. If these factors are important to you, you might want to explore other options.

iMemories vs. Costco: Which is the Better Option?

For local options to digitize your old tapes, Costco is a good choice because it's easy to access and convenient. However, Costco uses a third-party service for this, which might mean fewer customization options and possible delays in processing.

On the other hand, iMemories is known for its efficiency and quality. You just send your old tapes to them, and they handle everything from start to finish. This makes the process simple and ensures high-quality results. Overall, for converting VHS to DVD, iMemories is the better choice for a smooth and reliable experience.

3. Elgato Video Capture

The Elgato Video Capture is a top pick for converting VHS tapes to DVD. This small, white device connects to your Mac or PC via USB and works with different types of analog video inputs, like S-video and composite.

Key Features:

●      Easy to Use: The Elgato Video Capture connects easily with USB 2.0 and works with Mac, Windows, and iPad (with the right adapters).

●      Good Conversion: It converts VHS tapes and other old videos to digital formats, keeping the video quality high and allowing you to edit and share your footage easily.

●      Wide Compatibility: It works well with Mac, Windows, and iPad (with adapters), giving you flexibility.

●      Great Ratings: It has a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 reviews, showing that many users are satisfied.

●      Affordable: At $85.99, it’s a cost-effective choice compared to professional services.

How It Works: Setting up the Elgato Video Capture is straightforward. You connect your VHS player to the device, capture your video, and then trim clips using the included software. This device keeps your video looking good and reduces issues, making it perfect for older, fragile tapes. You can also add your video to iTunes or Windows Media Player, sync it with iPads and iPhones, upload it to YouTube, or edit it in iMovie or Windows Live Movie Maker.

What Users Say: Most users find the Elgato Video Capture easy to use and effective for converting VHS tapes to DVD. They like how simple it is to connect and use. However, some people have mixed feelings about the sound and video quality.

Where to Buy: You can buy the Elgato Video Capture online, including on Amazon, which makes it easy to get if you want to convert your VHS tapes.

In Summary: The Elgato Video Capture is a great choice for converting VHS tapes to DVD and digital formats. It’s user-friendly, keeps video quality high, and is a good option if you want to handle the digitizing process yourself.

4. ClearClick Video to Digital Converter

The ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0 is a user-friendly device designed for converting old VHS tapes to digital files with ease. You simply press a button to start converting your VHS videos into digital format.

Key Features:

●      No Computer Needed: This converter doesn’t require a computer or software. Just connect it, start recording, and it saves your videos directly onto a USB flash drive or SD card.

●      Watch Anywhere: After conversion, you can watch your videos on your computer, tablet, smartphone, or TV.

●      Warranty and Support: It comes with a 1-year warranty and tech support from the manufacturer, giving you added peace of mind.

Customer Feedback: Customers on Amazon generally appreciate the ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0 for its simplicity, compact size, and reliable performance. Many find it a good value for the price. However, some users have noted concerns about the video and sound quality.

Why It’s a Good Choice: This converter is a great option for those looking to convert VHS tapes to DVD without dealing with complicated setups or sending your tapes away. It’s affordable and allows you to digitize your videos at home privately.

Amazon Ratings: The ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0 has earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 5,000 ratings on Amazon, with about 500 units sold in the past month. It supports various formats, including VHS, VCRs, DVD players, DVRs, camcorders, Hi8 tapes, and retro gaming systems.

User Experience: One customer shared their experience of converting 30 old Hi8 tapes of family events. They successfully converted 15 tapes with the ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0, reporting minor glitches but overall satisfaction with the device.

In Summary: The ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0 is an effective and easy-to-use device for converting VHS tapes to DVD. With its straightforward operation, no need for a computer, and solid customer support, it’s a great choice for preserving and sharing your old family videos.

5. Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus

The Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus is a handy tool for turning your old VHS tapes into digital files or DVDs. It's a straightforward way to save and improve your old videos.

What It Does:

●      Convert Video: You can use it to change VHS tapes, Hi8, and other old videos into DVDs or digital files.

●      Convert Audio: It also changes old LPs and cassette tapes into audio CDs or MP3s.

●      Edit Videos: Besides converting, it lets you trim clips, fix shaky footage, and improve video colors and lighting. You can also add special effects and credits to your videos.

●      Create DVDs: It helps you make DVDs with customizable menus and labels, so your movies look professional.

Price and Availability:

●      Cost: On Amazon, it’s priced at $39.99, down from the usual $47.89. It also comes with two free DVDs for your first projects.

●      Versions: Available for both Windows ($39.99) and Mac ($49.00).

What Users Say:

●      Ratings: It has a 3.7 out of 5 stars rating from 3,607 people on Amazon. Many users like how it works but have mixed feelings about the video and sound quality.

●      Recent Sales: Over 200 units have been sold in the past month.

Why It’s a Good Choice:

●      Easy to Use: It's simple to set up and use, making it easy to start converting and editing your videos.

●      Extra Features: It offers more than just conversion, including editing tools and DVD creation.

●      Affordable: With the current price and bonus DVDs, it's a good deal for both video and audio conversion.

Summary: The Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus is a great tool for turning old VHS tapes into DVDs or digital files. It also lets you improve and edit your videos, making it a useful choice for preserving and enhancing your memories.

6. Kodak Scanza

The Kodak SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner makes it easy to turn old film negatives and slides into JPEG digital files. It works with 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8, and 8mm films.

Key Features:

●      Quick Conversion: Converts films and slides to JPEGs in seconds.

●      Bright Display: Large 3.5-inch color screen with adjustable brightness and tilt for easy use.

●      Adapters Included: Comes with various film adapters for different types of film.

●      Simple Operation: Easy-to-use with big buttons for scanning and saving.

●      Extras: Includes USB power cable, HDMI cable, AC adapter, video cable, and a free cleaning brush.

Customer Ratings:

●      Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars from 11,055 reviews.

●      Ratings Breakdown: 59% gave it 5 stars, 19% gave it 4 stars, and the rest had mixed feelings.

What Customers Say:

●      Likes: Users appreciate the scanner's ease of use, quality of scans, and fast performance. Many find it good for manual scanning of slides.

●      Dislikes: Some customers are unsure about the picture quality, color accuracy, and overall quality of the scans.

Price and Availability:

●      Cost: $149.99 or $15.07 per month for 12 months.

●      Returns: Free returns available.

Visit the KODAK Store to see more about the Kodak SCANZA. It’s a handy tool for preserving your old memories in a digital format.

7. Local Libraries

Local libraries are a fantastic resource for converting VHS to DVD. They provide help while allowing you to manage the process yourself. For instance, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has a self-service station where you can convert your VHS tapes to DVD for free. If you need any assistance, the library staff is also available to help.

8. Nostalgic Media

Nostalgic Media is another option for converting your media online. Based in Atlanta, GA, this company has been around since 1989, initially working on film and video projects. They’ve made around 2,000 commercials and TV programs for big clients like Turner Broadcasting and Discovery Network.

For converting VHS to DVD, they offer a service where you send your media to them by mail, and they handle the conversion. Their website doesn’t have a privacy policy listed, which is something to keep in mind, but it’s not a major issue.

9. Wolverine TransMedia Converter

The Wolverine Titan 8-in-1 High-Resolution Film to Digital Converter is a home device that lets you convert films and videos without needing a computer or extra software. It has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon from 296 reviews. It’s a popular choice for do-it-yourself conversions and works well as an alternative to USB capture devices.

10. CVS Photo (Popular Local Choice)

CVS Photo is a well-known option for turning your old VHS tapes and other media into digital formats. Here’s why it’s a good choice:

With CVS Photo’s Home Movie and Photo Transfer services, you can easily convert your old photos and videos into digital formats. You can choose to get your media on DVD, Blu-ray, USB, or as a Digital Copy. Here’s how to do it:

1.     Gather Your Media: Collect all your old photos, slides, negatives, and tapes (like VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, Hi-8, Digital 8, MiniDV, and 8mm).

2.     Place Your Order: Go to cvsyesdvd.com or visit your local CVS store. You can order online or use the Kodak Picture Kiosk in the store.

3.     Drop Off Your Media: Take your media to the Photo department at CVS, where staff will help you with the drop-off.

4.     Pick Up Your Order: In about three weeks, come back to the store to pick up your digital copies. You can also download a Digital Copy to your devices for easy access and backup on Google Photos.

CVS Photo offers different formats for your converted media:

●      Videotapes to DVD or USB: Starting at $25.99 for VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, Hi-8, Digital 8, MiniDV, or 8mm tapes.

●      Movie Film to DVD or USB: Starting at $25.99 for 8 mm, Super 8, or 16 mm film reels.

●      Images to DVD or USB: Starting at $25.99 for slides, photo prints, and negatives.

●      Digital Media to DVD or USB: For $25.99, convert up to 90 minutes of digital content to DVD or USB.

●      High-Definition Digital Media to Blu-ray or USB: For $33.99, convert up to 90 minutes of high-definition digital media.

CVS vs. Costco Photo Center: Which Is Better?

Both CVS and Costco use third-party services for converting VHS tapes. Capture (and its parent company YesVideo) handles the conversions for both stores. While the service might be similar, CVS has more locations (9,395) than Costco, which might be more convenient.

Price Difference:

●      Costco: VHS to digital starts at $19.99.

●      CVS: VHS to digital starts at $22.09.

Final Verdict:

CVS Photo Center offers similar VHS conversion services to Costco but at a slightly higher price of $22.09 compared to Costco’s $19.99. However, with more CVS locations, it might be easier to find a nearby store. Overall, CVS Photo Center is a good choice for converting your VHS tapes to digital.

FAQs for VHS to Digital Conversion

1. What are the most affordable options for converting VHS to digital formats?

In 2024, you can convert VHS tapes to digital formats for under $100 using various methods. Some budget-friendly options include:

●      iMemories: Prices start at about $14.99 per VHS tape.

●      Costco Photo Center: Conversion starts at $19.99 per VHS tape.

●      Elgato Video Capture Device: Priced at $85.99, it allows you to convert VHS to digital at home.

●      ClearClick Video to Digital Converter: Typically around $69.95, this device converts VHS to digital files without needing a computer.

2. What is the best option for convenience?

iMemories is highly recommended for its convenience. You simply send your tapes to them, and they handle the conversion. They offer a fast turnaround time of 2-3 weeks, and you can view your digital files through their app. They also provide a free quote and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. How does Costco Photo Center's service work?

Costco partners with YesVideo.com to convert VHS tapes to DVD or USB. You drop off your tapes at a Costco Photo Center, and they handle the rest. Pricing starts at $19.99 for the first tape and $22.99 for each additional tape. DVDs can hold up to 2 hours of footage, and USB sticks offer unlimited storage.

4. Can I convert VHS tapes at home?

Yes, you can convert VHS tapes at home using devices like:

●      Elgato Video Capture Device: Connects to your computer and allows you to convert VHS tapes to digital files.

●      ClearClick Video to Digital Converter: Converts VHS to digital files directly onto a USB drive or SD card without needing a computer.

5. Are local libraries a good option for converting VHS tapes?

Yes, many local libraries offer self-service stations for converting VHS tapes to DVD. For example, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library provides this service for free. Staff assistance may also be available.

6. What is the Kodak Scanza and how does it work?

The Kodak Scanza is a film and slide scanner that converts negatives and slides into JPEG digital files. It supports various film formats like 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8, and 8mm. It features a 3.5-inch color screen and includes adapters for different types of film.

7. How does CVS Photo Center compare to Costco Photo Center?

CVS Photo Center and Costco Photo Center use similar third-party services for VHS conversion, but CVS generally has more locations (9,395) compared to Costco. Pricing at CVS starts at $22.09 per VHS tape, which is slightly higher than Costco’s $19.99. CVS offers additional options like Blu-ray, and you can download digital copies to your devices.

8. What should I consider when choosing a VHS to digital conversion service?

When selecting a service, consider:

●      Cost: Compare prices for different services and formats.

●      Convenience: Look for services with easy drop-off or mail-in options.

●      Quality: Check reviews and ratings for the quality of digital conversions.

●      Turnaround Time: Find out how long the conversion process takes.

●      Additional Features: Some services offer extra features like cloud storage or editing tools.

9. Can I convert other types of media besides VHS?

Yes, many conversion services handle a variety of media formats, including:

●      Old Film Reels: 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm.

●      Photos and Slides: Converting old photos, negatives, and slides to digital formats.

●      Audio Tapes: Some services also convert cassette tapes and LPs to digital audio formats.

10. How do I get started with converting my VHS tapes?

To start converting your VHS tapes:

1.     Choose a Service: Decide whether you want to use a local store, an online service, or a home conversion device.

2.     Gather Your Media: Collect all your VHS tapes, photos, or other media you wish to convert.

3.     Place Your Order: Follow the instructions for your chosen service, whether it's mailing in your tapes, dropping them off at a local store, or setting up a home conversion device.

4.     Wait for Processing: Depending on the service, wait for your media to be converted and returned or prepared for digital access.

5.     Receive Your Digital Files: Pick up your converted media or download the digital files as instructed.

11. Is iMemories reputable?

Yes, iMemories is considered reputable. They offer reliable service with a quick turnaround time. Customer reviews generally praise their ease of use and the quality of the digital files. While the service may be more expensive compared to some other options, it is known for its reliability and convenience.

12. How much does it cost to use iMemories?

The cost to use iMemories varies depending on your needs:

●      Digitization: About $14.99 per VHS tape.

●      iMemories Cloud Subscription: $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year for unlimited viewing, sharing, and storage.

●      DVD or Blu-ray: $19.99 each.

13. How do I share my memories with my family using iMemories?

With iMemories Cloud, you can easily access and share your memories from any device. This service allows you to view, share, and store your digital files conveniently.

14. What is the difference between Legacybox and iMemories?

iMemories charges a unit price per piece of media, whereas Legacybox requires you to bundle a specific number of photos, tapes, or reels. iMemories offers more flexibility with pricing for individual items and allows options like DVDs or thumb drives, while Legacybox typically provides a bundled service with set packages.

15. Does iMemories require a subscription?

Yes, iMemories requires a subscription for their cloud service to access unlimited viewing, sharing, and storage of your digital files. However, there is no charge for using the iMemories App itself. A 30-day free trial of iMemories Cloud is included with each digitization order.

16. Is Legacybox a trustworthy company?

Yes, Legacybox is a reputable company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, some customers have reported issues with their photos and videos being lost.

17. How much does Legacybox cost?

Legacybox offers various kits based on the number of items you want to digitize. Prices start at $32.98 for the two-item kit and go up to $589.99 for the 40-item kit.

18. How long does it take to get my Legacybox back?

It typically takes 10 to 12 weeks from when Legacybox receives your items until you get them back.

19. What’s the difference between Legacybox and iMemories?

Legacybox uses a prepaid kit where you send in a specific amount of media, while iMemories charges per item you send in. Both services offer additional options for DVDs and digital copies.

20. Does Legacybox convert negatives?

Yes, Legacybox can digitize photo negatives. Simply send them in, and they will scan and convert them into digital files.

21. How much does it cost to transfer a VHS to DVD?

The cost to transfer a VHS to DVD is usually between $9 and $15 per tape. Prices may vary, but Legacybox aims to provide affordable options.

22. How expensive is iMemories?

iMemories offers a free 30-day trial of its cloud service. After the trial, it costs $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year for unlimited viewing, sharing, and storage of your digital memories.