7 Best Options To Convert Old Tapes To Digital

According to the Times-Standard, Americans still cling to their old tapes and VCRs, relics of a bygone era even as VHS technology is deemed obsolete and VCRs grow increasingly scarce. Surprisingly, as of 2014, 58% of Americans retained a VCR in their homes, though this figure has dwindled from 2005 when a staggering 88% of households reported owning one. 

To keep those memories fresh and fully capable of being enjoyed for generations to come, it’s necessary to convert old tapes to digital format. Making the jump from analog to digital is a great way to preserve your family history for years to come.

With that in mind, there are a few different methods for preserving your precious memories. We’ve compiled a list of options for converting old tapes to digital format.

Our list takes into account such criteria as product quality, cost, efficiency, brand reputation, and security. Following a search of many different methods, we’ve come up with 5 of the best ways to convert your old tapes to a digital format. Our recommendations are below, along with detailed reviews about each option.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top 7 options to convert old tapes to digital format, with iMemories emerging as our top pick for its convenience and affordability (works in US and the rest of the world).

1. iMemories (Most Convenient Choice)
2. Costco Video Transfer Service (Best Local Option)
3. ClearClick Digital Converter (Best DIY Option)
4. Elgato Video Capture
5. Legacybox 
6. WallGreens Photo Center
7. CVS Photo Center

Now, let's delve into comprehensive reviews and compare the top five options for converting old films and video tapes to digital format. We'll thoroughly examine their reviews, reputation, pros, and cons to provide you with a detailed analysis.

1. iMemories (Best Option For Old Tapes)

Number one on our list is iMemories, and for good reason. Their convenience, high-quality work, and longevity in the business since 2005 set them apart. With over 200 digital restoration specialists based in Scottsdale, iMemories ensures top-notch service for converting old films and video tapes to digital format. 

Additionally, their impressive rating of 4.6 stars from 7,795 reviews from sitejabber indicates widespread customer satisfaction. It's clear why iMemories is our top choice.

Moreover, iMemories has received acclaim from various reputable sources, including being featured on top 10 lists for converting old films by publications like Times-Standard.com and SantaCruzSentinel.com.

Pros

• Digitizes various media types.
• Offers plenty of digital copy options.
• Fast turnaround time.
• Reasonably priced.
• Provides regular email updates.
• Includes enhancements and repairs.
• Highly rated by customers.

Cons:

• Shipping kit may be small for large media collections.

After reviewing the pros and cons, let's delve into turnaround times and costs.

Turnaround times for iMemories

The conversion process typically takes 3-4 weeks. Once you've paid for your order online, iMemories begins digitizing your family memories. 

After completion, you can enjoy and share your memories via the iMemories app, available on various devices including iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, Mac, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung, and LG.

How Much Does iMemories Cost?

With every digitization order, you receive a complimentary 30-day trial of iMemories Cloud. If you wish to continue enjoying unlimited viewing, sharing, and storage, an ongoing subscription to iMemories Cloud is available at $7.99 per month or $49.99 per year. 

Additionally, please note that the shipping kit cost may vary depending on the size and quantity of media you need to send for digitization.

Find the Best Price Online >>

2. Costco Video Transfer Service

Costco Video Transfer Service is an option worth considering, especially for those unfamiliar with Costco's offerings. While Costco is widely known for its bulk goods and membership-based shopping experience, not everyone may be aware of its video transfer service. Yes, Costco does indeed offer conversion services to digitize old films, making it a convenient choice for those looking to preserve their old films.

Pros

• Affordable Pricing: Starting at $19.99, the cost is reasonable for digitizing home movies and photos.
• Wide Range of Accepted Formats: Costco accepts various formats including VHS, Betamax, Video8, Hi-8, Digital8, DV, MiniDV, and more, providing a comprehensive solution for different types of media.
• Local Option: With Costco being a widely recognized and trusted chain, their local presence adds convenience and peace of mind for customers seeking reliable digitization services.

Cons

• Third-Party Involvement: Costco partners with a third-party company for digitization, potentially affecting quality and control.
• Membership Requirement: A Costco store membership is necessary to access the service.
• Limited Service: Costco's service focuses solely on videotapes, excluding photo digitization.

iMemories Vs Costco: Which One is Better? 

iMemories stands out as our top choice over Costco due to the following reasons:

• In-house service ensures quality control.
• Accepts a wider range of media types.
• Offers versatile digital storage options, including cloud storage with an app.

Overall, iMemories provides a faster turnaround time, competitive pricing, and high customer satisfaction ratings.

3. ClearClick Video To Digital Converter 2.0 

Introducing the ClearClick Digital Converter 2.0, the ultimate DIY solution for converting your old films and camcorder tapes to digital format with ease. With an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,942 ratings, it's clear why this converter is a crowd favorite.

Featuring a user-friendly interface, this converter allows you to digitize your precious memories with just the touch of a button. Its intuitive design makes it perfect for beginners and experts alike, ensuring a seamless conversion process every time.

With over 500 units sold in the past month and priced at $159.95, the ClearClick Digital Converter 2.0 offers exceptional value for money. Say goodbye to outdated video formats and hello to digital preservation with this top-of-the-line converter.

While it's our third-best option, the ClearClick Digital Converter 2.0 remains a reliable choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to breathe new life into their old video tapes.

Pros

• Easy to Use: Just press a button to convert old video tapes to digital format.
• Works with Many Devices: Can record from VHS, DVD players, camcorders, and more.
• No Computer Needed: Records directly onto USB flash drive or SD card.
• Improved Features: Includes a bigger screen, better quality recording, and mobile-friendly format.
• Warranty and Support: Comes with a 1-year warranty and tech support from ClearClick.

Cons

• Pricey: Priced at $159.95, which may be considered expensive for some users.
• Mixed Quality: Some users reported that while it's easy to use, the converted video was darker than the original.

iMemories Vs ClearClick: Which One is Better?

Choosing between iMemories and ClearClick can be tough. The biggest factor to consider is whether you prefer the privacy of handling the entire conversion process yourself at home. If you value privacy and want full control over the conversion process, then the ClearClick converter is the best option for digitizing old films.

If you're considering a DIY approach, here are a few reasons why the ClearClick converter could be your top pick:

• Privacy: You can convert your old films at home, keeping your memories private.
• Control: You have full control over the conversion process, ensuring it meets your needs.
• Convenience: Start digitizing whenever it suits you, without waiting for shipping or processing.
• One-time Cost: Pay upfront for the converter, avoiding ongoing subscription fees.
• Immediate Access: Once converted, your films are instantly accessible without delay.

4. Elgato Video Capture

Introducing Elgato Video Capture, our 4th best choice for digitizing video from analogue sources such as VCRs, camcorders, or other video devices for your Mac, PC, and iPad. This user-friendly device comes with easy-to-use software that guides you through every step of the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience. It captures video in the universal H.264 digital format, making it compatible with iPad, iMovie, Windows Live Movie Maker, and YouTube.

With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 10,118 global ratings, customers appreciate the quality, ease of use, and value of the TV tuner card. They praise its flawless performance, simple setup, and the overall ease of transfer. However, opinions are mixed on audio and picture quality, as well as the software's performance.

Overall, Elgato Video Capture provides a convenient solution for digitizing analogue video content, offering reliable performance and compatibility with various devices and software platforms.

Pros:

• Simplifies Old Tapes: Offers a straightforward solution for digitizing old tapes and analogue video sources.
• Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Mac, PC, and iPad, making it versatile for various devices.
• Easy-to-Use Software: Guides users through every step, ensuring a hassle-free digitization process.
• User-Friendly: Described as an amazingly simple-to-use device, making it accessible for all users.

Cons

• Software: Some users find the software for previewing and converting videos to be poor.
• Compatibility: Issues with drivers on Windows 11 can make setup difficult.
• Mixed Reviews: Despite being easy to set up, some users are unimpressed with the results.

iMemories Vs Elgato Video Capture: Which One is Better?

We think iMemories is better because they can turn your old stuff into digital files easily. But if you're good with computers and want to do it yourself, Elgato Video Capture is a good choice too. It just depends on what you want – easy or doing it yourself.

5. Legacybox 

Legacybox is a popular service dedicated to preserving cherished memories by converting old tapes, photos, films, and audio recordings into digital files. Despite its widespread appeal, Legacybox has received mixed reviews, with a rating of 2.3 stars from 805 reviews on Sitejabber. 

Customers can pack their Legacybox kit with a variety of analog media types, from VHS tapes to Super8 film, mixing and matching as desired. Once the kit is filled with old home movies and pictures, customers simply send it off, and Legacybox takes care of the rest. 

Pros

• Accepts Different Types of Old Media: Legacybox can digitize various old formats like tapes and audio recordings.
• Easy Shipping: They provide a shipping box with a prepaid label, so you just need to send your stuff.
• Barcode Tracking: They use barcode stickers to keep track of your stuff during the digitizing process.
• High-Quality Scanning: Legacybox makes sure your memories look good in digital form.
• Converts Many Formats: They can convert lots of different types of old media into digital files.
• Multiple Copy Options: You can choose to have your digitized memories stored on the cloud, a thumb drive, or a DVD.

Cons

• Takes too long for some customers.
• Quality of the digitized files isn't always good.

6. WallGreens Photo Center

#6 on our list is another excellent local option for converting old videos. Preserve your precious memories with Walgreens Home Movie & Print Digitization service. Starting at just $29.99, you can convert your videotapes, film reels, HD videos, and photos into digital formats that are ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

With Walgreens, you can trust that all types of consumer home movie films, videotapes, photo prints, negatives, and slides can be expertly transferred to a modern digital format. Plus, the process is simple – just drop off your memories at Walgreens, and they'll take care of the rest. 

Walgreens is a great local option for digitizing your memories, providing convenience and quality service. Walgreens has partnered with iMemories, offering a similar service with the added benefit of trusted expertise. 

Pros

• Local Option: Walgreens provides a convenient local option for digitizing your memories, making it easy to drop off your tapes and photos for conversion.
• Affordable Pricing: Starting at just $29.99, Walgreens offers competitive pricing for converting your videotapes, film reels, HD videos, and photos into digital formats.
• Partnership with iMemories: Walgreens has partnered with iMemories, a trusted name in digitization services, providing customers with access to expertise and quality assurance

Cons

• One drawback is that your materials are handled by a third party and shipped elsewhere for conversion, limiting direct control over the process.

7. CVS Photo Center

From a reviewer's perspective, CVS Photo Center emerges as a convenient choice for digitizing old photos and videos, offering a process similar to that of Costco and Walgreens. With CVS's Home Movie and Photo Transfer services, users can seamlessly convert their cherished memories into digital formats, accessible through chaptered DVDs, Blu-rays, or USBs. 

The four-step process simplifies the digitization journey. First, users gather their original media for transfer, including photos, slides, negatives, and various film and videotape formats. Next, they can either create their order online at cvsyesdvd.com or utilize the Kodak Picture Kiosk at their local CVS Photo. 

CVS Photo Center vs iMemories: Which is Better?

iMemories emerges as the superior option compared to CVS Photo Center. With its outstanding reputation, highlighted by a 4.6-star rating from 7,796 reviews on Sitejabber, iMemories excels in both turnaround time and digitization quality.

Here are reasons why iMemories is the better choice: 

• Fast turnaround time, swiftly converting old tapes into digital formats
• Affordable pricing without compromising on quality
• Meticulous and professional digitization process

Conclusion 

In conclusion, we've explored the top 7 options for converting old tapes to digital formats. Whether you prioritize convenience, affordability, or quality, there's a solution to meet your needs. From local options like Walgreens and CVS Photo Center to online services like Legacybox and iMemories, preserving your precious memories has never been easier.

This is a sponsored article. The article should not be considered as advice.