If you have boxes full of old VHS tapes containing home movies, then you might have considered VHS to digital conversion to preserve the memories. However, there are different video transfer methods to consider and for most people, one of the most important factors is cost. 

That’s why Capture digitization experts used our 20+ years of experience to compile all the information you’ll ever need to answer the question, “How much does it cost to convert VHS to digital?” Then, you can choose the best option for converting VHS to digital video that not only meets your time and quality needs, but your budget as well. 

Keep reading to learn about the factors affecting the price, the different transfer options available, average costs and tips, and how to choose the right conversion service.

Jump to:

• Methods of VHS Conversion and Cost Factors
• DIY with Camcorder or VCR: Costs and Risks
• DIY using VHS Converters: Costs and Risks
• Professional VHS Transfer Service: Costs and Risks
• Average Costs of Converting VHS to Digital
• Why Convert VHS to Digital
• Choosing the Right Conversion Service

Methods of VHS Conversion and Cost Factors 

When considering VHS to digital conversion, there are various methods, each with different factors affecting the cost. 

The Three Most Popular Methods Are:

• DIY with Vintage Camcorder or VCR
• DIY using VHS Converters
• Professional VHS Transfer Service

The Factors for Conversion Typically Include:

• Purchase Price: The cost of the device or service.
• Quality Price: Higher quality usually comes at a higher cost.
• Your Time: Faster services are often more expensive.
• Service Price: Whether support is free when something goes wrong or when you need help.
• Additional Costs: Extra expenses involved, such as USB, adapters, potential cloud storage subscription, etc.
• Lost Cost: The potential loss if the transfer isn't successful.

DIY with Camcorder or VCR: Costs and Risks

This method typically incurs no additional fees if you use your phone or a digital camera to record the video by playing it on a camcorder or VCR, if you have one.

Cost Breakdown for DIY with Camcorder or VCR

• Conversion Cost: $0
• Equipment Costs: $30-$300 for a camcorder or VCR
• Video Quality: Often poor and nearly unusable
• Time Investment: Converting footage frame by frame can take hours, days, or even years
• Unreliable: If your camcorder or VCR isn’t working, you risk losing the footage.
• Potential Cloud Space Costs: Large footage files might require additional cloud storage.
• Extra Storage Costs: $10-$300
  • You might need additional space for cloud storage, USB drives, or DVDs.
• Overall Budget: Plan to spend around $100 and prepare for a lengthy project with potentially low-quality results

DIY using VHS Converters: Costs and Risks

There are many options on the market. Our comprehensive 2024 VHS converter guide reviews seven converters we've tested and highlights the three best ones for tech-savvy users.

First of all, you still need a vintage camcorder and VCR for this option to work.

If you do, then you might only need to buy the video capture card or converter, but if not then you will have to add the price of an analog playback device. The same goes for the right adapters, necessary SD cards, potential storage subscriptions, or blank DVDs.

Cost Breakdown for Converters:

• Converter Purchase: $50-$300
• Camcorder and VCR: $30-$300
• Quality: Expect medium quality, although this varies based on the converter used.
• Time Commitment: Converting tapes is a manual, time-consuming process. 
  • The duration depends heavily on your technical skills.
• Additional Equipment Costs: $20-$300 for adapters, SD cards, cloud storage, USB drives, or blank DVDs.
• Service Challenges: No immediate support can be problematic if issues arise.
• Extra Storage Costs: $10-$300 for additional cloud storage, USB drives, or DVDs.
• Overall Budget: Estimate around $400 for a project that involves managing various software and adapters, with potential for only moderate-quality outcomes.

Professional VHS Transfer Service: Costs and Risks

If you decide on using a video conversion service, then the duration of your footage and number of tapes is an important consideration. 

While some transferring VHS to digital services charge per videotape, others will charge depending on duration. You also need to consider additional services like repairs, restoration, editing, USB flash drive or DVD copies, and more. 

The difference in videotape to digital and VHS to DVD costs can vary greatly from one service to another as well. That’s why it’s important to choose the best company to digitize home movies based on your budget, preferred quality, turnaround expectations, and security for your most precious memories. 

Cost Breakdown for a Professional VHS Transfer Service

• Conversion Cost: $15-$35 per tape
• Video Quality: Generally results in high-quality digital videos, though quality varies by service provider.
• Shipping Costs: $25-$100, varies based on the service selected.
• Your Time Investment: About 1 hour overall
  • 1 minute to place an order, plus about an hour to package and ship the tapes.
• Average Processing Time: From 6 weeks with Capture to over 3 months with others.
• Additional Costs for Media: Expect to pay $20+ for USB drives or DVDs.
• Service Quality: Service levels can vary significantly
  • Selecting a reputable provider is crucial to avoid issues.
• Overall Budget: Around $200 for 5-8 videotapes, which is generally sufficient for most families. Choosing a VHS conversion provider like Capture can ensure a hassle-free experience with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, the quality you desire, and how much time you are willing to invest.

Read on to learn about the average price for VHS conversion and how to choose the right conversion service.  

Average Costs of Converting VHS to Digital

The average cost depends on the VHS to digital methods that you choose as well as the factors above, but remember not to only consider cost when selecting a method because the quality of your digital video format is also important. 

You can find digital converters on Amazon for as little as $20 or as much as $500+, but the average price is generally between $40 and $200. While it might be tempting to choose a device on the lower end of that range, you’ll get the best quality by spending a little more. 

If you have a Mac computer, then make sure you choose a device that will work with it or select a standalone digital converter with an LED screen and SD card slot. Most of these types of devices have everything you need other than a camcorder or VCR, which can be an additional $20 to $300. 

Professional video transfer services can vary from around $8 to $30 per VHS transfer, with additional charges of $5 to $20 per DVD or USB copy. Some, like Capture, include cloud storage and a digital download version with the price, but others charge for those extra services as well. 

Why Convert VHS to Digital

If you're wondering why you should invest in a high-quality converter or professional service for digitizing your VHS tapes, here are some compelling reasons:

First, not only are VHS tapes obsolete, but it’s very hard to find a new VCR for sale in 2023. That’s because they do not still make VCRs and even if you have a VCR, your VHS tapes won’t last forever and are likely already starting to degrade. 

While how long VHS tapes last will depend on storage conditions and other factors, they typically start degrading after 10 to 25 years. While physical VHS tape repair is an option, it will only do so much. In fact, if you convert to digital copies then you can use video restoration software to improve the image quality more than you can with physical VHS cassettes. 

Digital files are also easier to share over email and social media, take up less space when stored on a hard drive or cloud storage option, and don’t degrade over time. That means your precious home videos will be preserved for future generations to watch, enjoy, and share. 

Choosing the Right Conversion Service

If you’ve done a little research, then you can see there are tons of different conversion service options available, so how do you choose the right one? Well, comparing prices of places like Legacybox vs Capture vs IMemories and others is a good first step. 

For example, Capture charges $29.99 for 2 hours of footage while Legacybox without discounts costs $299.98 for 10 VHS tapes. 

In addition to comparing prices, you should also consider convenience. While you will have to consider alternative options to Costco because they no longer offer VHS transfer, there are some in store drop off options available like Walmart and CVS. In addition, turnaround time can vary from as little as 30 days to as much as 12 weeks or longer, so that’s a crucial consideration as well. 

Since you probably want to keep your original tapes in good condition while creating digital format versions, you must go with a service that offers guarantees, security, monitoring, and other protective features. 

For example, Capture spent millions of dollars on a state-of-the-art tracking and security system that monitors your tapes through every hand and back to your doorstep. Other brands like ScanCafe offer security services like video and weight monitoring as well, while others only offer very basic protections like order tracking. 

The best advice is to read reviews of different services in addition to checking out their services, pricing, and guarantees. If you go through Legacybox, Capture, ScanCafe, and IMemories reviews, you’ll start to notice patterns or common grievances that will start to differentiate the high-quality services and reputable options from lesser quality ones. 

For example, check out some of the most common Legacybox complaints and you’ll see that longer than stated turnaround time, expensive add-on services, and poor customer service are common.

You should also check how much experience a brand has. While Capture offers the most experience with 23 years in the industry, other services offer over a decade of experience as well with the next oldest being IMemories with 18 years of service.

Conclusion

Not that you know the answer to, “How much does it cost to convert VHS to digital?” you can decide on the best method to digitize old tapes.

While cost is an important factor, you also need to keep quality, turnaround time, security, and other factors in mind as well. 

While we might be a little biased, we believe that Capture offers the most cost-effective services with not only affordable pricing, but industry-leading turnaround time, security, and quality. Plus, we can convert most tape formats and also offer Super 8, 16mm, and 8mm film transfer, photo transfer, and more! Click here to see exactly how we stack up against the competition.