Capture has been the leading company for digitizing analog media for over 20 years. While we offer robust professional conversion technology to transfer VHS tapes to digital, we understand some users may want to do this themselves.
To help you choose the best converter, we decided to buy and test the highest-rated ones ourselves. We’re currently working on videos to show you step-by-step what we discovered about these converters, so stay tuned.
Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of each digital converter equipment.
In the end, we’ll also mention the major brands that digitize VHS to digital copies, and how our transfer service compares with them. Then, you can decide which choice is best for you and your home movies.
Jump to:
- Top 3 Recommended VHS to Digital Converters in 2024
- Other Converters We Evaluated
- How We Chose the Best VHS to Digital Converters
- Is it Better to Convert VHS to DVD or Digital?
- Why Should You Convert VHS Tapes to Digital Format in 2024?
- Benefits of Using a VHS to Digital Converter
- Comparing Converters and Professional Conversion Services
- What is the Best Way for You?
If you want to digitize VHS tapes yourself, then a VHS to digital converter, also called a video capture device or capture card, is a good DIY option for tech-savvy users.
Some of the converter devices will work directly from a camcorder or VHS VCR, while others run through a Mac or Windows PC computer.
To help you decide which converter to choose, we purchased and tested the highest-rated converters ourselves. We then combined our hands-on experience with extensive research, including product websites, user reviews, and forum discussions. From this, we’ve gathered the top 8 most popular brands for you to consider.
Our goal is to help you choose among these popular choices by providing the most relevant information based on our experiences that have helped over 12 million customers.
Below, we provide our honest reviews of each one.
Top 3 Recommended VHS to Digital Converters in 2024
These are our top 3 recommendations for VHS to digital converters available right now including in-depth summaries, pros and cons, and concise information based on reviews, features, testing, and our expertise in the digitization industry.
Easiest for tech-savvy users - VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/VIDBOX-VCS2M-Video-Conversion-Suite/dp/B00ND0E7FS/
The Vidbox VHS converter connects your computers to your VCR or camcorder and produces high-quality results as long as you know what you are doing.
The design of Vidbox is deceptively simple because it doesn’t have any buttons.
It is available for both Mac OS 10.12 or higher and Windows 10 and 11 users. It offers USB ports to easily connect to a computer while RCA cables connect to the VHS playback device.
- Mac users might need to invest in a USB adaptor because the latest Macbooks dont have built in USB ports anymore.
The software walks you through the process which makes it perfect for beginner VHS to digital users. It can create MPEG, WMV, and MP4 file formats as well.
Despite its simple design, it offers a lot of features, which makes it difficult to use if you don’t want to put in the time and effort to learn how everything works.
For example, the box contains the USB video capture device and cable, 2 quick start guides, 2 software download cards, and RCA AV cable.
However, it doesn’t contain a full-length troubleshooting guide despite coming with all the other stuff. This can be overwhelming to those who do not like learning new technology.
According to reviews, the step-by-step instructions are also geared toward techy people. That being said, their tech support and customer service are great, and they are available if you need help.
Because of its clear picture quality, this option lands on our top 3 as the best option for technologically inclined users.
Pros
- Clear picture quality for both black and white and color home movies.
- Connects directly to your computer without another device.
- Affordable at $69.99.
- Great tech-support and customer services.
- Works for Mac and PC computers (separate software and combined software available).
Cons
- Time-consuming process that takes a while to install and then requires you to convert in real-time. If you fast forward during conversion, the outcome will appear fast forwarded when viewed.
- Complicated, even for tech-savvy users. It comes in a box that contains so many items including quick start guides that don’t answer all the questions a beginner might have.
- Cheaply made and not durable.
No Computer Needed - ClearClick Video to Digital 2.0
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/ClearClick-Converter-2-0-Second-Generation/dp/B07V9JNRZY/
This is one of our favorite VHS digital transfer solutions because it’s an all-in-one hardware and software tool.
With a built-in screen, you can watch your home movies during real-time transfer and the recording resolution can be as good as 720x480.
Since it has a screen and built-in software, you don’t need to download it to a computer (or even have a computer at all!). Just plug the RCA cables in and record videos directly to USB or SD card.
If you don’t have a USB or SD card, you can still connect the HDMI cable to your computer to transfer that way.
Pros
- Excellent quality video and audio
- Built-in screen for all-in-one use
- Comes with a 1 year warranty and great customer support
Cons
- At $159.95, it’s more expensive than most other options
- No editing software included
Best for beginners - Elgato Video Capture Device
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Video-Capture-Digitize-iPad/dp/B0029U2YSA
This video capture card device works with your Mac, PC, or even certain Apple iPad models. The software guides you through the process, which makes it easier to use than some competitors. Plus, it’s not overly pricey, costing $86.98 on Amazon.
The simple platform makes it easy to use your digital versions, upload them to the cloud or YouTube, or even export them onto a USB drive. Plus, this model can convert NTSC, SECAM, PAL, and PAL/60 video, which makes it a good choice if you have those videotape formats.
It produces a video resolution of 640x480 or 640x360, but some people say that when you convert video and audio cassettes, the sound and visuals are disconnected.
Even with the included connector and step-by-step installation, it will not work on all modern operating systems, so double check the compatibility before trying it out.
All-in-all, this is definitely a top three choice and perfect for beginners because of the user-friendly platform and process.
Pros
- Good digital video quality with crisp pixels, excellent coloration, and high-end conversion from almost all videotape types.
- Easier to use than many competitors.
- Claims to work with Mac and Windows.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on all operating systems. It claims to work on Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.6.8 or later, but many people have issues with it working on Windows 10.
- May not sync audio with visuals as well as some with reviews claiming that the audio is always out of sync with latency no matter what they change.
- Does not have HDMI connections. May require some adapters to use with some camcorders, but should still work without adapters for most VCR systems.
Other Converters We Reviewed
While we researched and tested many more options to ensure we came up with the absolute top 3 options for your memories, we wanted to give you a couple more options specifically for those on a budget or users wanting to create DVD copies.
UCEC USB 2.0 Video Capture Card Device
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/UCEC-Capture-Device-Converter-Windows/dp/B07PS2TD9L
This is a very affordable option available for only $23.99 and it offers a great balance of convenience, simplicity, and affordability. It simply connects RCA cables to almost any analogvideotape player. The results won’t be as high-quality as some of the more expensive competitors, but it’s an easy-to-use option for people who want to try a VHS converter to digital for the first time.
Many users find their digital videos end up being blurry or fuzzy and, in some cases, the colors may not be transferred properly. It is also not designed for long-term use and works best when you combine it with a video editor. However, it will certainly preserve your VHS tapes before they deteriorate or become damaged.
While this option may not offer the highest-quality results like our top 3 above, it’s possibly the best budget-friendly option for beginners – perfect for those wanting to convert to digital without spending much money.
Pros
- Affordable and one of the cheapest options that provides decent results.
- Simple with one-touch use and easy USB to RCA design that makes plug and play a real possibility after quick installation.
Cons
- Poor image quality compared to higher-end models like our top 3 rated devices.
- Cheaply made, so make sure you keep it protected and don’t let it fall too many times. The cables are also poorly made, but you can replace them as needed.
- May distort color or sharpness unless you adjust the aspect ratio and video brightness as well as other settings on your computer.
DIGITNOW Video Converter
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Digital-Converter-Capture-Camcorder/dp/B07JVQVR3Q
The DIGTINOW Video Converter offers a built-in screen and speakers and can connect to almost any device that plays your VHS tapes like camcorders, VCR systems, and more. It offers HDMI connections, but you don’t need a computer to digitize your home movies with this converter.
It allows you to put your memories directly onto an SD card.
It’s also mid-range as far as price is concerned. Starting at $89.99 on Amazon, we think it’s a good deal for the features it offers. Not only that, but the company also offers HD alternatives for $189.99 that offer a bigger screen and the same type of conversion process.
There are downsides, though. Since it only converts at normal play-back time, it’s very time-consuming. It will also take some time getting used to, especially if you aren’t technologically inclined.
Still, it works very well and offers high-quality results, making it one of our top choices and the best option if you don’t want to connect to a computer.
Pros
- No computer needed to convert VHS tapes (or any other type of tape like Betamax, MiniDV, or even DVD and Blu-Ray discs as long as you have a player with the right adapters).
- View and hear videotapes during conversion with built-in screen and speakers.
- Fair pricing compared to similar devices that don’t offer as many beneficial features.
- Can work with virtually any VHS playback device.
Cons
- Best for tech-savvy users - the several menu buttons, date and time settings, and multiple types of connections can be confusing.
- Takes a lot of time because it only converts in real-time through the built-in screen.
- May need adapters to connect to some videotape machines. While it has RCA cable, HDMI, auxiliary, and DC/MiniUSB ports, it does not have a full size USB port or s-video cable connections.
Roxio Easy VHS to DVD Converter
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Converter-Amazon-Exclusive-Windows/dp/B07TWN55VV?th=1
If your goal is to create DVD copies of your videotapes, then the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD converter is a good choice.
It’s available on the official Walmart website for around $70 and is a good choice not only for transferring onto blank DVDs, but also onto CDs, SD cards, USBflash drives, and more.
One great aspect of this product is that it comes with editing software that allows you to cut scenes out of videos and do a few other simple changes to resolution.
It doesn’t make it easy to save digital files on your hard drive, though, because it’s designed for conversion onto a physical video format.
Plus, the quality is sub-par, especially when compared to some of the more expensive options available.
All-in-all, this option isn’t spectacular, but is exceptional for creating DVD copies of your VHS tapes or other physical copies, if that’s your primary goal.
Pros
- Great for DVD transfers as well as transferring onto other physical devices like flash drives, SD cards, and data CDs.
- Trusted company that’s been around since 2001 and offers solid customer support.
- Comes with editing software that allows for color and image enhancement, video cropping, and more.
Cons
- Not great for digital downloads or cloud storage because it’s specifically designed for DVD conversion.
- Doesn’t work on all operating systems with some users complaining that it won’t work at all on Windows 11. However, it should work for Windows 10 and also has Mac options available.
- May require additional adapters because it doesn’t come with additional RCA cables or S-video cables other than the ones connected to the device itself.
Golden Videos VHS to DVD Converter
Image Source: https://www.eneba.com/other-nch-golden-videos-vhs-to-dvd-converter-windows-key-global
The last option on our list of the best VHS conversion software is a lesser-known choice and only includes the software, but it’s really good at what it does. Golden Videos offers the ability to save as digital Avi or mpeg, but you can also use it to burn to a DVD.
The best part about it is all the editing tools it offers that are easy for a beginner to use. You can automatically correct defects in your VHS tapes, restore brightness, sharpness, and color, and set audio recording levels. Plus, you can easily add titles and captions.
The best part? It’s 100% free to download. The only downside is that you will still need the hardware for analog to digital video conversion as well as adapters and cables to connect them to your computer and upload to your hard drive.
Pros
- Fantastic video editing tools
- Great audio control
- 100% free
Cons
- Only includes video capture and editing software, so you’ll need a USB capture device and connector plug ins
Diamond VC500 Video Capture Converter
Image Source: https://www.amazon.ca/Products-Diamond-VC500-Capture-Device/dp/B000VM60I8
The Diamond VC500 is perhaps one of the cheapest video capture devices that you can find on Amazon. This video capture converter simply uses RCA and USB port cable inputs with a simplified design that makes transferring as easy as possible with one touch.
The biggest issue with the Diamond VC500 is that it only works with outdated PC software, such as Microsoft Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10.
The majority of negative reviews online mention the lack of updated instructions and the frustration of not being able to make it work for various reasons, including:
- Difficulty finding the driver for the device
- Incompatibility with Windows 11 even though Manufacturer claims it works with it
- Lack of support to provide the necessary help
Pros:
- Cheap
Cons:
- Outdated software
- Frustrating results
How We Chose the Best VHS to Digital Converters
These are some of the factors we considered when selecting the top three VHS to digital converters: the type of converter, the quality, user-friendliness, budget, and time-consumption.
Type of Converter
Some options work alone by connecting only to a VCR player while others require a computer for conversion.
In addition, if you want to view the memories while you convert to high-quality digital format, make sure you find one that either works through a computer or includes a built-in screen. We made sure to include both types in our top-rated recommendations.
VHS Tape Compatibility
If you have options other than standard VHS tapes, then you want to make sure that the digital converter you choose works. For example, make sure you find a VHS-C converter to digital if you have compact VHS tapes. All of the suggestions we provided should work with standard VHS, S-VHS-, VHS-C, and S-VHS-C, as well as many other videotapes.
Quality
Not all digital converters create high-quality digital files, which is why it was one of the main factors we considered when reviewing converters. If you come away with poor quality, then you may have to use a professional service after spending all your time and money on a digital converter that didn’t do what you expected. We know you don’t want that, which is why we selected high-quality choices for our top 3, so you never have to worry about wasting money.
Price
Some digital converter options are very affordable. However, many of the best options for quality, editing, and other features can cost several hundred dollars. This is always something to consider when shopping around. While we certainly considered the price for our top 3, we also included a budget-friendly option just in case you aren’t willing to spend much for your first device.
User-Friendliness
Digital converters are often targeted toward users who are technologically inclined. Some are easier to use than others - which is something to consider. There are even one-touch options available that offer simplicity (but may not offer more advanced features). Our top 3 options include both complex and simple options to meet your needs.
Time-Consumption
It can take a long time to convert old VHS tapes. Many digital converters digitize in real time, but some may offer faster conversion times. If you don’t want to spend several weekends converting videotapes, then you probably want to find a faster, easier-to-use machine.
Is it Better to Convert VHS to DVD or Digital?
The best format depends on what you are looking to do with your new digital videos. VHS to DVD is perfect if you want to give a physical gift to someone or if you plan on watching your camcorder tapes on a television set. On the other hand, digital download versions are easier to transfer between different devices, share over social media, or send through email.
Why Should You Convert VHS Tapes to Digital Format in 2024?
There are lots of reasons to convert analog video footage to digital files. Digital versions offer advanced functionality, easier storage, and preserve your home videos for future generations to enjoy.
Preserve VHS Memories
Old VHS tapes deteriorate after 10 to 25 years and, over time, the magnetic tape can decay. This can cause discoloration, reduced quality, or complete loss of VHS memories. When you convert VHS to digital video, you preserve your memories exactly as you remember them. In addition, you also protect them from theft or damage caused by humidity, flooding, fires, and natural disasters.
Save Storage Space
VHS cassettes take up a lot of space, but all the video footage contained on them can be transferred to digital video format on your Mac OS or Windows computer. You can also transfer them to a hard drive, smartphone, or cloud storage application like iCloud or Google Photos that offer the ability to rename, archive, and add information to your precious memories.
Ensure Future Generations Can Enjoy Your VHS Home Movies
As VCR players become more obsolete, a VHS to digital converter machine or service can ensure your loved ones can still enjoy your home movies. It also makes it fast and easy to share digital files using social media or email, which makes a perfect gift.
Use Advanced Features
After committing to a VHS video conversion to digital, you can start using archival platforms like Google Photos to view, share, and organize your memories. In addition, you can use video editing software like iMovie to edit, combine, and enhance your home videos. With a video editor, you can even combine old footage with new to create new memories!
Benefits of Using a VHS to Digital Converter
While there are several ways to convert VHS tapes, using a VHS tape converter to digital format offers several benefits.
Convenience: You can use a VHS to digital converter from your own home, which makes it convenient. While they can be time-consuming, you can digitize your old VHS tapes on your own time and you can enjoy doing it yourself – because you get to watch all your home videoswhile transitioning to digital format.
Cost Efficiency: It’s a cost-effective way to create digital files in many cases, especially if you have lots of VHS tapes to convert. While there are some downsides, the affordability of many cheaper digital converters is certainly one of the primary benefits of choosing this DIY method over a professional service.
Videotape compatibility: Many options will also work for your DV, MiniDV, Betamax, and other videotape formats. This is because they use an adapter to connect to your videotape player or camcorder, so they can convert any analog videotape memory as long as you have something to play them on.
Options for every budget: There are both expensive and budget-friendly VHS converter to digital format options available. It’s important to make sure you weigh the pros and cons to get the best choice for your memories.
Comparing Converters and Professional Conversion Services
While using a converter for converting VHS to digital can seem like a convenient choice, there are some downsides.
First, you have to convert every video in real time, which means it can be extremely time consuming.
Additionally, it can be hard to get software settings right for optimal conversion. Maybe more frustrating of all is the fact that you need a VHS player. While you can still find VCRs for sale, it adds another step, and they can cost more than you’d think.
Another option is to have your VHS tapes turned into digital files professionally by a digital conversion service. VHS tape digital conversion services utilize the highest quality equipment to produce the highest quality results.
While there are some big names like Costco and Walmart, it’s important to compare all factors to choose the best company to digitize home movies. For example, most of the major retailer’s conversion services are powered by Capture meaning our service is essentially the same whether you use capture.com or choose Costco and Walmart.
Also, make sure to check real user reviews. When you check LegacyBox reviews, you’ll find that many are unhappy with the 12 week turnaround time and expensive services. Or when you compare iMemories vs Capture, you’ll discover that Capture offers more VHS formats including S-VHS-C as well as other video types.
We’re probably biased, but we believe Capture is clearly the best option. Not only do we offer an industry-leading 30-day turnaround time, but we’ve been trusted by over 12 million customers and have positive reviews.
Plus, our state-of-the-art facilities are the best in the world, and we monitor your precious memories every step of the way to ensure they are never lost or damaged. Additionally, if your VHS tapes have minor damage, then we’ll perform repair and case replacement as needed!
Don’t just take our word for it though. Check out some of the reviews for yourself on our review page!
Video Converter Equipment
Pros
- Affordable options are available
- Produces good results (some options even offer upscaling, real-time playback display, and other features)
- Convenient with options that work with Macs, PCs, and VCRs
Cons
- Time-consuming with real-time digitization for every VHS tape
- Designed for tech-savvy users, so it may be frustrating or complex
- May require extra adapters (like a camcorder connector, RCA cable, or SCART adapter)
- Could risk losing your original videos if something goes wrong
- Still need a VHS player
Screen Recording
This is the ultimate DIY VHS converting method at home. You can play your home movies on a projector or television and then record it with a digital camera or smartphone. However, the quality is usually very low and you'll have to adjust lighting, audio, stability, and other factors, some of which may be impossible to control.
Pros
- Easy because you simply stabilize the camera and record
- Convenient because you can easily set up a screen anywhere
- Affordable, possibly even free, if you already have a camera
Cons
- Low-quality results because you are recording the original home videos
- May need a tripod or other adapters to ensure stability
- The result could produce glares, outside sounds, and other imperfections
- Time-consuming because you must record in real time
We don’t recommend ever using this option because the results are poor, and the process is still time-consuming.
Local Shops
There may be local shops that offer VHS to digital service near you. This makes digital conversion easy, but the quality and cost can vary greatly from one local shop to the next. It is always important to research reviews and other information to ensure you get the outcome you want when creating digital memories from your old VHS home movies.
Pros
- You won’t have to ship your VHS tapes
- Professional quality results
Cons
- Expensive because it’s a specialty service (not their main offering)
- May not be able to handle larger orders
- Can take 70 days or longer (especially if the shop has a waiting list)
While we like this option, we don’t think it’s the best VHS to digital converter option when factoring in the premium price and long wait times.
Capture VHS to Digital Converter Service
We believe Capture offers the best VHS to digital service available because we have over 20 years of experience working with over 12 million families.
Our satisfaction guarantee also means that if you are unhappy with the result, we will reprocess your memories free of charge.
Pros
- Professional quality results
- Results in less than 30 days (including transit)
- State-of-the-art tracking and security for your home movies
- Can convert many VHS types including VHS-C, S-VHS, S-VHS-V, and PAL format
- Produces your choice of DVD, digital download, or USB flash drive
- Satisfaction is guaranteed or we will reprocess for free
Cons
- Doesn’t offer video editing services or enhanced color or resolution
- No expedited option faster than 30 days
Capture is the best way to transfer VHS to digital with peace of mind knowing that your VHS tapes are safe, and the digital copy will be of premium quality.
Did we mention we even include minor VHS repairs and cleaning with our service to ensure the digital version is always of the highest quality possible?
Major Retailers
Major retailers like Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and CVS offer digital conversion services most likely fulfilled by Capture, which means you get all the benefits of professional digital transfer, media security, and friendly customer support, but can do so locally instead of online.
However, different retailers offer different pricing structures for their services. In addition, they can get busy and backed up because they offer so many different services, which means some of them may still take longer than 30 days even though Capture is doing the digitizing for them.
Pros
- Fulfilled by Capture at many retailers for professional quality service and results
- Good customer support and guaranteed satisfaction
- No need to ship through the mail
Cons
- Pricing depends on the specific retailer’s fees (for example, CVS pricing starts at $25.99 whereas Walmart starts at $12.96 for the first 30 minutes)
- May get busy and stressful, which can delay processing times
- Not every retail location offers VHS to digital converter services
We like this option because it produces high-quality results, but due to the retailer’s unique fees, we still recommend going through Capture directly to save time and money!
Other Online VHS Transfer Services
Image Source: Screenshot from the Legacybox website
Services like LegacyBox and other online services that offer a convenient and straightforward way to preserve your home movies. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a detailed comparison chart of these services.
Pros
- Professional results
- Online convenience
- Many services offer loss guarantees, digital backup, and other features
Cons
- May take 70+ days unless you pay exorbitant fees for faster delivery
- Quality depends on the company and type of media
- May not offer security for your precious memories
If you decide to choose one of these services, we highly suggest you read reviews, compare prices, and research how long it takes them to digitize VHS tapes.
What is the Best Way for You?
As you can see, there are lots of options that could qualify as the best VHS to digital converter option in 2024.
Some options, like DIY converter equipment, are best suited for tech-savvy audiences while options like Capture and other online services are perfect for those who want premium quality results.
Just make sure you consider the best options for your memories. You want to make sure you get high-quality digital results while also protecting your original analog media.
Check out our VHS to digital services, or reach out to get a free quote for a variety of home videos and other media types.
