Best Video Transfer Service - Comparison and Buyer’s Guide for 2024

Do you have precious memories stored on old VHS tapes or film reels? As time passes, these memories degrade, and the devices needed to play them become scarce. Transferring them to a digital format is the best solution. However, this process can be complex if you attempt it on your own.

The better option is to have a professional company handle it for you. Fortunately, we’ve conducted research and found the 10 best video transfer services. Save time and ensure high quality by following our recommendations. So, let’s get started so you can preserve your family memories for years to come.

1. Our top picks
2. Comparison table
3. iMemories
4. Legacybox
5. Memory Fortress
6. ScanMyPhotos
7. EverPresent
8. Forever Studio
9. Capture Time Capsule
10. ScanCafe
11. DigMyPics MemoryBox
12. Nostalgic Media
13. Final Words

Summary of Our Top Picks

Best Video Transfer Service Comparison Table

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1) iMemories - Overall Best Video Transfer Service

This service is one of the most popular choices among customers when it comes to video transfer. iMemories is an online video transfer service that has over a decade of experience with transferring old media to digital format. Besides that, it’s listed as among the most innovative companies for 2023. 

What stands behind this successful service is quality, simplicity and care about customers and its precious family memories.

Another thing that they are proud of is that they never lost or damaged a single piece of media that they received. The whole process or turnaround time is rather impressive, and you can get your media digitized and transferred in 2-3 weeks, depending on order size and media, of course.

You can choose their SafeShip kit for secure shipping, which comes with all necessary packaging and user guides and a prepaid shipping label. The iMemorise transfer process is quite simple and can be covered in a few following simple steps;

Gather All Your Media and Pack

Find all the media that you want to transfer and then pack it inside the SafeShip kit or your box. You do not need to organize or group media if you don’t want it.

Send the Kit to the Service

After you pack your media, stick a prepaid shipping label outside the box and drop off the kit at the nearest FedEx location.

Receive Free Quote

When your media arrives at service, you will be notified, and after that, your media will be inspected, after which you will receive a free, no-obligation quote. 

Transfer Process

Once you approve the quote, then your media is carefully transferred to digital by its experts. During the process, you will receive regular updates via email for each step your media go through.

Finally, Your Media Is Ready to Watch and Share with Your Family 

After your media has been carefully transferred to digital format, you can instantly stream your precious memories on your Smart TV with the iMemories app. It’s just like using any other popular streaming service. Share your memories with your loved ones, no matter where they are, with ease and convenience.

Digital Copy

Your video media can be transferred to iMemories cloud, downloaded and save all of your digital media for FREE or received on USB, DVD and Blu-ray.

iMemories Customer Reviews

What Media Do iMemories Accept?

iMemories will transfer:

• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Video8, Digital8, MiniDV, MicroMini
• Old films: 8mm, Super 8, 16mm (with and without sound)
• Photos: Photo prints, slides, negatives
• Digital media: DVDs, MiniDVDs

iMemories Service Cost

At the time of writing, iMemories is running a limited-time offer of 50% off their digital conversion pricing.

Videotape conversions that typically cost $29.99 are now only $14.99 per tape, and movie film conversions cost $14.99 per 50ft. Photo conversions, which are normally $0.99 per photo, are now $0.49 per photo. 

Check their website to see if this offer is still available.

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2) Legacybox

LegacyBox offers a trusted solution for converting your old analog media into digital format for a more accessible viewing experience. The company has over 10 years of experience and operates from a 100,000-square-foot production facility in the US, staffed with over 200 trained professionals.

LegacyBox takes the digitizing process seriously, with each item carefully hand-digitized by a team of trained technicians. The online tracking system provides regular updates via email to inform you of progress.

To use Legacybox, you must order a kit that corresponds to the number of media items you want to transfer. Kits come in sizes of 2, 10, 20, and 40 items, with the final price determined by the kit size you select.

To begin, order the LegacyBox Kit and fill it with your preferred media, ensuring that you send only one media type per box. Each kit comes with a prepaid return UPS mailing label for convenience.

After LegacyBox receives your media, they will convert it to one of three options: Digital Access, Thumb Drive, or Disc Set. Digital Access offers a one-time download for $5.99, while the unlimited full-year download is $5.99/year. Thumb Drive and Disc Set options are also available for the same price.

What Media Does Legacybox Accept?

• For videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, Mini-DV, Hi8, Digital 8, MicroMV, Betamax, 8mm Video Cassette
• Old films: 8mm, Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm
• Photos: Prints, 35mm Negatives, 35mm/126 slides
• Audio: Micro-Cassette, Audio Cassette, Reel to Reel

Legacybox Service Cost

Legacybox offers four different box size options for transferring video formats, with prices determined by the size of the box you choose. The box size options are:

• 2 Items for $59.99
• 10 Items for $279.99
• 20 Items for $559.99
• 40 Items for $1099.99

Don’t forget to visit the official Legacybox website, as they frequently offer discounts on various types of media, which can help you save even more on their services.

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3) Memory Fortress

Memory Fortress is a video transfer service that is renowned for its quality work and fast delivery, as reflected in its high customer ratings. You can order their services online or by phone, but unlike other services, they don’t provide shipping kits. 

You have to pack your films in your own box and send them to their address. 

Once they receive your films, Memory Fortress will quickly digitize them and transfer them to your choice of DVD, USB, or cloud (Dropbox). 

The pricing of the service is quite affordable, with 8mm film transfer priced at $0.29 per foot. Videotapes cost $20 per tape, and adding a larger number of media leads to lower prices. Photos, slides, and negatives start at $0.38 per photo, $0.54 per slide, and $0.75 per negative.

For customers with large and complex projects, Memory Fortress is an excellent option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that due to a high volume of orders, they have a minimum order policy of $99. This ensures that their team can provide the necessary attention and care to each order and guarantee quality results.

Upon completion of the order, Memory Fortress will ship back your original films alongside a digital copy. With an easy process, fast turnaround times, and reasonable prices, Memory Fortress is a great option for preserving your precious family memories and sharing them online. Memory Fortress accepts and converts the following formats:

• Films: 8mm
• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV/HDV, MicroMV
• Photos: Loose photos, photos in albums
• Slides: 35mm, Super 35mm, 35mm half frame, 110, 126, 127

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4) ScanMyPhotos

ScanMyPhotos offers a quick and easy way to digitize your old memories. While they specialize in photographs and slides, they also provide a transfer service for videotapes such as VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, and Hi8.

Individual Tape and Transfer Box Kits

ScanMyPhotos provides two service options - individual tape and transfer box kits. You can choose the one that suits your needs.

Improved 8mm Transfer System

Their 8mm transfer system has been upgraded with several excellent features to produce high-quality movies. Improvements include:

• Manual adjustment of scenes to ensure clarity and an overall good look
• Manual retiming of movies to appear at the correct speed
• Flicker-free playback for a seamless viewing experience
• Full-frame capture to capture the most amount of your movie without any distortion or stretching

Services Offered by ScanMyPhotos

ScanMyPhotos offers the following services:

• Movie Film Transfer: 8mm to DVD (Individual and Prepaid Box), 16mm to DVD
• VHS to DVD (Individual and Prepaid Box)
• Photo Scanning
• Slide Scanning
• Negative scanning: 35mm, APS, 120mm

Ways to Receive Your Digitized Media

You can choose to receive your newly converted memories on a DVD or through USB, HDD, or Cloud.

Pricing

Pricing for an individual videotape to DVD starts at 19.95 per tape, with a minimum order of $20. A prepaid videotape to DVD box starts at $255 per box and can hold up to 14 tapes. 

If you choose to go with the prepaid box, you could need to pay an additional $29.95 to have your originals returned or $24.95 to dispose of them. Don’t forget to visit the official website, as they frequently offer discounts on various media types, which can help you save even more on their services.

Also, you can use our special code ZOOPY45 for a discount on specific services.

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5) EverPresent

EverPresent has years of experience in transferring different media types, including video. They are transferring over 100,000 videotapes each year.

When it comes to delivering your media, EverPresent provides three options: dropping it off in person at one of their pickup locations, sending it by mail, or arranging a home pickup (available throughout the northeast).

EverPresent provides a free estimate of your material and there are no upfront payments. In addition, they offer four transfer options for videotapes: Digital, Signature, Family Bundle, and Professional, with unique features and price tags.

EverPresent can transfer your media to DVD, USB, or personal cloud. All originals will be returned to you with the completion of the order. Although an exact turnaround time was not found, their website states that over 80% of projects are completed within one month.

For the digital package, the cost is $19.99 per tape, while the signature package, the most popular choice, is $22.99 per tape. The family bundle package is available for $29.99, and the professional package costs $39.99 per tape. These prices are for the first ten tapes, with a bulk discount applied afterward.

A $40 service fee is applied to all orders, which provides for safe handling procedures, including intake, item coding, physical and digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians, and packaging.

Everpresent offers the following services:

• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, HDMiniDV, DVCam, DVCPro, Betamax, Betacam, BetacamSP, Digibeta, Umatic broadcast tapes, PAL formats, SECAM
• Movie Films: 16mm, 8mm, and Super8
• Photos: Photos 8″ x 10″, Photo Albums
• Slides: 35mm slides, stereo slides, 126 slides, 127 slides, 110 slides, Super35mm slides, half frame slides, Super127 slides
• Negatives: 35mm negatives, 110 negatives, 126 negatives, APS canisters, glass plate negatives
• Audio: Cassettes, Mini/Micro Audio, Vinyl Records, Reel-to-Reel

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6) Forever Studio

Since its inception in 2007, Forever Studio has emerged as a distinguished name in media digitization. What makes them truly shine is their spectrum of services, including advanced enhancements, retouching, and photo refurbishment. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is evident through their glowing customer feedback.

One notable aspect of Forever Studio is their multitude of media return options. They offer a Home Ship Kit, local collection in South Florida, or a direct visit to their main office. Ordering is a cinch with their intuitive online form, and customers can choose between standard and premium quality, with the latter offering 4k UHD resolution and refined clarity.

Regarding format conversion, they provide an array of choices. You can opt for digital transfers to flash drives, DVDs, cloud storage, or even a bespoke bamboo box encased flash drive, making it a perfect gift.

Forever Studio isn’t just limited to videotapes; they handle films, photos, slides, negatives, and even audio. Upon digitization, your original items are safely returned alongside your selected digital storage medium.

With a turnaround time of 2 to 3 weeks, they're among the industry's front runners. Their shining reputation is evident with a 5 out of 5 rating on Reviews.io and a strong 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

Their pricing is competitive and is based on the reel or mount type. Upgrades to film quality come at an additional $0.10 per film foot.

Storage options include:

• Flash drive: $29
• Digital download (30 days): $10 | Cloud storage (1 year): $55
• DVD: $10
• Custom flash drive with box: $55

Formats they cater to:

• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, and more
• Films: Super 8, 8mm, 16mm
• Photos: Photo prints, Photos in albums, 35mm slides, and 35mm negatives
• Audio formats: Reel to Reel, Audio Cassette, Micro-Cassette
• Digital media: DVD, CD, Data & Mini Disks, SD, CF & Micro cards, Flash Drives, Data storage disks

7) Capture Time Capsule

Capture Time Capsule stands out as a distinct brand resulting from a strategic merger with the renowned YesVideo service. Their expansion now extends to Amazon, offering exclusive access to their convenient shipping kit. In addition, Capture proudly partners with prominent retailers like Costco and CVS, further solidifying their position in the market.

The modus operandi is simple: send, digitize, and receive. Pricing follows a per-item structure similar to Legacybox. Once your videotapes are digitized, they will be returned to you with the completion of the order. Their efficient 2-3 week processing time is complemented by email updates.

However, reviews suggest mixed experiences from the past YesVideo era, with Trustpilot rating them at 3.5 out of 5, Yelp 2.2 out of 5 and ResellerRatings 1.9 out of 5.

Their pricing breakdown is as follows:

Pricing per reel size. The Capture Time Capsule option varies from 2 items ($58.97) to 20 items ($420.97).

Formats they process include:

• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, Digital 8, MicroMV, Beta, PAL to NTSC
• Films: 8 mm, Super 8 mm, 16 mm
• Photos: 2” x 2” up to 8” x 12" (except sheets)
• Slides: 35mm, Super 35 mm, 110/220, 126, 127, and 127 Superslide photo slides (cardboard or plastic mounts only)
• Negatives: 35mm, APS film, 110 film, 110/220 film, 126 Instamatic film, and large negatives
• Digital Media: Secure Digital (SD), Smart Media (SM), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Compact Flash (CF), xD-Picture Card, USB Drive, CD/DVD

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8) ScanCafe

ScanCafe isn't just known for its top-tier photo scanning; its video transfer service also stands out, rightfully earning a place in our guide.

When it comes to ordering and shipping, ScanCafe keeps things straightforward. Unlike some competitors, they don't supply a shipping kit, so you'll pack your films in a box you have on hand. Once they get your movie film, it's given a thorough check and a careful clean. Any minor wear and tear, like damaged splices, are deftly addressed to maximize the transfer quality.

Your film then gets a detailed HD scan, capturing every frame crisply. Smaller film reels are seamlessly integrated onto a bigger 7-inch reel. When they send it back, you get both the merged large reel and your original empty ones. Plus, to polish off the result, they employ digital techniques to reduce any lingering dust or scratches.

After settling your payment, your scanned movies are ready for retrieval. ScanCafe offers a convenient digital download from their platform. If you prefer a tangible copy, you can choose a USB option.

When it's time for your originals to come back home, ScanCafe trusts UPS for the journey, complete with tracking. For added peace of mind, you can opt for signature delivery at checkout, so your precious package is handed directly to someone at your location.

Customer feedback? Stellar. A shining 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot tells the story of many satisfied movie lovers who've relied on ScanCafe.

In the cost department, ScanCafe has a higher price range of $28 per videotape. In the case of old films, it's just $0.34 per foot for video-to-digital conversions.
For your digital copies, pick from a $10 digital download, a $19 USB, or splurge on an $80 hard drive.

To sum it up, with ScanCafe, your video memories are treasured and treated with the utmost care. Their unwavering focus on quality combined with varied storage options makes them a top contender for safeguarding your irreplaceable moments.

Formats ScanCafe Can Handle:

• Video tapes: From BetaMax, Hi8, and Digital8 to Mini DV, VHS-C, and S-VHS.
• Vintage films: Be it 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, or 35mm movie film.
• Pictures: They accept photo prints (up to 8"x10"), negatives, APS, black & white shots, and 35mm color slides.
• Sound: Both Reel-to-Reel and Cassette tapes are welcome.

9) DigMyPics MemoryBox

Discover the DigMyPics MemoryBox, a leader in the field of image digitization, comparable in quality to ScanCafe. While you may come across both "DigMyPics" and "DigMyPics MemoryBox" in your search, be assured they are two faces of the same coin, with variations only in their service style.

Unlike many competitors that supply shipping kits, DigMyPics has a distinct system where you send your films in any box of your preference. In contrast, DigMyPics MemoryBox operates on the lines of Legacybox and Time Capture Vault, utilizing user-friendly box kits based on the number of items.

These box kits are designed for a simple and stress-free experience. You can select sizes like small (4 items), medium (10 items), large (20 items), or extra-large (40 items). For those wanting to add more items, a fee of $15 per item is charged.

The digitization process at DigMyPics MemoryBox is thorough and careful. It begins with a gentle dusting and culminates in an exhaustive digital cleanup to wipe away any residual dust. They also expertly tweak the colors of your images and films, promising the best visual appeal.

Once digitized, your memories can be stored on a DVD, a handy flash drive, or even available for digital download.

A unique feature of DigMyPics MemoryBox is their commitment to the preservation of your originals. They return your films on brand-new archival reels, which not only ensures their longevity but also eases storage. Both the new reels and the digital format will be dispatched to you, offering dual ways to relive and celebrate your memories.

With a strong focus on client contentment, DigMyPics has amassed commendable feedback. They shine with a stellar 5 out of 5 on Sitejabber and hold a noteworthy 4.1 out of 5 on Facebook.

Their pricing for the DigMyPics MemoryBox box kits are as follows:

• $65 for a small 4-items box
• $160 for a medium 10-items box
• $310 for a large 20-items box
• $600 for an extra-large 40-items box

Formats accepted and transformed by DigMyPics MemoryBox:

• Video formats: VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, MiniDV, Betamax
• Vintage films: 8mm, Super 8, 16mm
• Images: Physical prints, negatives, slide images
• Sound: Audio cassettes, reel-to-reel recordings

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10) Nostalgic Media

Nostalgic Media proudly holds a place on our list as a video transfer service that has been saving cherished memories since 1989. With a strong commitment to delivering top-notch service, Nostalgic Media firmly believes in the principle of “you get what you pay for.” They prioritize providing the highest quality film, photo, and video conversion services in the industry, ensuring your precious memories are handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

It’s worth noting that Nostalgic Media does not offer a shipping kit like some other services. Instead, you are responsible for packing and mailing your media to their lab in Atlanta. However, for those who prefer a personal touch, you have the option to drop off your media in person at their lab.

Nostalgic Media takes pride in their highly specialized services. Using in-house, customized equipment and procedures, they guarantee the best quality conversion for your media, ensuring you and your family can enjoy them for years to come. Their commitment to excellence is backed by a satisfaction guarantee - if you’re not happy, they’re not happy.

Converting your videotapes and films to DVD and digital formats is a meticulous process for Nostalgic Media. Their skilled technicians leave no room for shortcuts, ensuring the job is done right the first time. Additionally, they offer tape repair services for damaged tapes at a reasonable cost of $20 per tape.

When you receive your converted media, Nostalgic Media ensures your original materials are returned to you. For movie films, they are cleaned and spliced onto 400 ft. reels, while videotapes are neatly bundled in plastic zipper bags, accompanied by the corresponding DVD.

One of the highlights of Nostalgic Media is their faster turnaround time, typically ranging from 5 to 7 working days, excluding holidays.

Customer ratings are a testament to their quality of service, with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating on Facebook and an impressive 4.9 out of 5 on Google Reviews.

In terms of service prices, Nostalgic Media requires a minimum order of $30, which is a reasonable starting point for their exceptional services. For videotapes, prices start at $30 for one videotape and decrease with larger quantities, with a cost of $14 for 2 to 10 tapes.

For old films, the price is $0.22 per foot for up to 1,000 ft., and the price decreases for larger amounts.

With Nostalgic Media, you can trust that your cherished memories are in capable hands, and their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction ensures a memorable and reliable service.

Formats accepted and transformed by Nostalgic Media:

• Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, Hi-8, Video8, Digital 8, and MiniDV
• Old films: Super 8, 8mm, and 16mm
• Photos: Photo prints, Prints in albums, 35mm slides, and Negatives
• Audio: Audio cassette, micro cassette, 33 record albums, 78 record albums, 45 record albums, and audio reels

Final Words

In conclusion, choosing the right video transfer service is essential to preserve your media correctly. Take your time to research and compare different options based on their features, pricing, and customer reviews. If you’re not sure where to start, iMemories is a great option that offers quality, simplicity, and excellent customer care. With their SafeShip kit, you can easily and securely send your media, and their experts will digitize and transfer it to digital format.

LegacyBox is also a good choice, especially for larger projects, while Memory Fortress and ScanMyPhotos have their unique features that make them stand out. Whatever your choice may be, don’t forget to check for active discounts on their official websites to save even more on their services.