- Comparison Table
- Which One is The Best?
- iMemories
- Legacybox
- iMemories and Legacybox Side by Side
- Final Thoughts
We all want to keep memories of the old days. However, it's not easy to get equipment that will fit the old format in the modern world and in most times, this equipment is not in working condition and can destroy your memories completely. With such a competitive world, we know you need a comprehensive review of the best options for preserving content. I fear what might happen to precious memories over the years. But, on the other hand, I like the idea of knowing I can back up such moments.
Because of that fear, I've decided to find the best company to digitize old media to the new and better modern format. While researching, I stumbled upon iMemories and Legacybox, two of the best and most popular choices among digitization companies. I decided to make a comparison guide so you, the reader, can make an easier choice between these two.
iMemories and Legacybox Comparison Table
| Service | Editor's choice iMemories | Legacybox |
|---|---|---|
| Where to buy | Official website | Official website |
| Videotape conversion | VHS, MiniDV, Digital 8, 8mm, MicroMini, Hi8, VHS-C, Betamax | VHS, 8mm Video Cassette, Betamax, Hi8, Digital 8, MicroMV, Mini-DV, VHS-C |
| Film conversion | 8mm, Super 8, 16mm | 16mm, 8mm, Super 8, Regular 8 |
| Photo conversion | Photo prints, slides, negatives | 35mm/126 slides, prints, 35mm negatives |
| Audio conversion | n/a | Reel to Reel, Micro-cassette, Audio cassette |
| DVD transfer | DVDs, MiniDVD | n/a |
| What you receive back | DVDs, Blu-ray, Portable Hard Drive, USB Flash Drive, iMemories Cloud, Digital Download | USB Drive, Digital Download, DVD |
| Price | Videotapes = $14.99 per tape Movie film = $14.99 per 50 ft. Photos = $0.49 per photo, slide, negative | 2 item starter = $59.99 10 item family = $279.99 20 item closet = $559.99 40 item trunk = $1099.99 (an item can be a videotape, film reel or a set of 25 picture) |
| Originals return | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot |   4.5 out of 5 |  4.0 out of 5 |
| Sitejabber | 4.8 out of 5 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| Yelp | 3.9 out of 5 | n/a |
4.4 out of 5 | n/a | |
| Shipping kit (box) | Yes | Yes |
| iOS and Android app | Yes | No |
| Free media repair and enhancement | Yes | No |
| Easy edit and organize | Yes | Yes |
| Shipping time | 3 to 5 days | 3 - 6 days |
| How long does it take to digitize (turnaround time) | 2 to 3 weeks | 6 - 8 weeks |
| Learn more | iMemories Review | Legacybox Review |
iMemories vs. Legacybox - Which One is The Best?
iMemories and Legacybox are both popular transfer services, but which one is right for you? iMemories offers four viewing options: digital file download, customized DVDs, USB thumb drive, and the iMemories Cloud. Legacybox, on the other hand, provides three viewing options. iMemories has mobile apps for Android and iOS and unlimited cloud storage for a low, flat rate, while Legacybox does not have mobile apps and offers a Google Drive link to download media.
One advantage of iMemories is their 30-day free trial for the cloud and unlimited storage for one low rate, as opposed to being charged for the amount of storage used like other cloud storage sites. Additionally, iMemories offers better tech support and more FAQ answers. However, if audio cassette conversion is a priority, Legacybox may be the better choice. Overall, we recommend iMemories for their safety, affordability, faster turnaround time and high customer ratings, guaranteeing satisfaction.
iMemories
What we like
- You can mail-in in your box or order their SafeShip kit
- They accept a wide range of analog media, including digital media such as DVDs and MiniDVDs
- They include enhancements and repairs for specific media
- Plenty of options for digital copies
- Fast turnaround time
- Service prices are affordable
- Highly rated among customers
What we don't like
- Some customers report the iMemories shipping kit being too small for bigger orders.
If you're in search of a digitization service that can transform your cherished memories into a digital format, you may have come across iMemories. This company has 15 years of experience in providing transfer services from analog to digital formats.
iMemories is committed to the safety of your media, and as a result, they offer a SafeShip kit, which is a crush-proof box with all the necessary protective packaging and a prepaid shipping label. Alternatively, you can send your media in your own shipping box.
iMemories can transfer a wide range of media formats, including VHS tapes, old films, photos, slides, negatives, and DVDs and MiniDVDs. Additionally, they provide enhancements and repairs for specific media types. They can restore your media to look even better and even repair broken video tapes or old films without losing any footage, which is a valuable service that other digitization companies may not offer.
It is an ideal option for anyone with reels and boxes of old family photographs or videos in the house.
Did your parents believe in documenting family holiday celebrations and vacations? Viewing these movies serves as an effective method to reminisce about memories with other family members or to reconnect with those you've lost throughout the years.
Although there are companies with similar services, iMemories has trustworthy positive reviews. It offers a convenient and easy way to send your memories, decide what you want, and receive them back in a digital format. It is the best choice for many people, including:
- Those who lack technical equipment or skills to convert old films into a digital format,
- Parents who need to keep their memories for the future generation,
- Those who want to preserve their family history,
- Those who do not want to lose their old films or photos, and
- Children with fun gift ideas for their parents.
Which Media Can You Send to iMemories?
If you're looking to preserve your old memories in a digital format, iMemories can help. They can digitize a wide range of media formats, including:
- Videotapes: VHS, MiniDV, Digital 8, 8mm, MicroMini, Hi8, VHS-C, Betamax
- Movie Films: 8mm, Super 8, 16mm (with and without sound)
- Photos: Photo prints, negatives, and slides
- Digital Media: DVDs and MiniDVD
Most customers send in old videotapes from the 1980s and 1990s, but you can also send in any film or photograph to add to your collection which matches the format that we stated above. With iMemories, you can have peace of mind that your precious memories will be preserved and ready to view for years to come.
What Can You Get Back with iMemories?
At iMemories, you have the option to receive your newly digitized memories in various formats, including DVD, USB, digital download, or cloud. Additionally, there are several add-on options available such as extra DVD copies, Blu-ray, and a portable hard drive with a 1T storage capacity. With iMemories, you not only receive the original media but also have the flexibility to choose how you want to access and store your digitized memories.
iMemories Cloud
How Much Does the iMemories Charge?
The cost of digitizing your media with iMemories depends on the format you're sending. Fortunately, they offer a free, no-obligation quote after reviewing your media, so you know exactly what to expect. Right now, they have a limited-time offer where you can save up to 50% on digital conversion pricing. You can check the offer by clicking here.
For videotapes, iMemories charges $14.99 per tape. Unlike other services, they don't base their charges on the length of the tape. So, whether your film is 80 minutes long or more, you'll pay the same rate.
For film reels, the cost is different. You'll pay $14.99 for every 50 feet of film tape, and $0.49 per photo, slide, or negative. With these affordable rates, preserving your memories has never been easier.
How Does iMemories Work?
When it comes to preserving your family memories, the process with iMemories is straightforward and easy to follow. To start, gather your old memories, and choose the ones you want to send for preservation.
Once you have made your selection, create an online account with iMemories, then order their SafeShip kit or send in your own box. After they inspect your media, they will then provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. If you approve the quote, then the iMemories team takes over from there and starts with the digitizing process.
They will keep you informed every step of the way, from receiving your box to the final digitization process. You can easily check the status of your order on the Order Status page and receive updates via email so you will know when:
- iMemories gets your movies & photos
- You have approved and paid your order
- iMemories starts digitizing
- iMemories completes your digitizing
- Digitized DVDs or USBs are shipped to you alongside your originals
With iMemories, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your cherished memories are in good hands.
Keep in mind that the turnaround time for the digitization process with iMemories can be up to 2-3 weeks from the moment they receive your box to the time they ship everything back to you. However, it's worth the wait to see your precious memories preserved and accessible in a digital format.
Content iMemories Does Not Accept
Some of the content that iMemories will not work on are:
- Commercial footage,
- Adult content,
- Footage that violates the law, and
- Footage with illegal activities.
Legacybox
What we like
- Accepts a variety of analog media, including old audio formats
- Shipping box kit included with a prepaid shipping label
- Suitable for large and small orders
- They use barcodes sticker for better monitoring of your media
What we don't like
- They don't offer restoration, enhancement, or editing offered
- Higher prices compared to other services
- Longer turnaround time (around 6-8 weeks)
Same as the previous company, Legacybox is a mail-in service with over a decade of experience that helps digitize your old memories and preserve them for future generations.
They offer professional digitization where every item is hand-digitized by a team of 200+ employees.
The company has an 8-acre, 100,000-square-foot production facility. They call it "the world's largest temple to all things analog".
Which Media Type Can You Send to Legacybox?
With Legacybox, you can send in a variety of analog media for digitization, including audio formats. This sets it apart from many other digitizing services that may not accept audio formats.
In terms of specific media types, you can send the following:
- Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, Mini-DV, Hi8, Digital 8, MicroMV, Betamax, 8mm Video Cassette
- Old films: 8mm, Super8, Regular 8, 16mm
- Photos: Prints, 35mm negatives, 35mm/126 slides
- Audio: Reel to reel, audio cassette, micro-cassette
This wide range of accepted media makes Legacybox a versatile option for those looking to preserve their memories in a digital format.
Same as with iMemories, they won't convert any copyright media type unless you obtain permission from the copyright owner before you send them your media.
How Does LegacyBox Work?
With Legacybox, the process of ordering digitization services is slightly different from iMemories. In order to get started with digitizing your media, you'll need to determine the exact number of items you have. Legacybox has different-sized kits available, each priced based on the number of items you have. For example, a starter kit can hold up to 2 items, such as 2 videotapes. If you have photos, each item counts as 25 photos, slides, or negatives.
Once you've purchased a kit that fits your needs, Legacybox will send you a package with barcode stickers, a comprehensive guide on how to label your media, and a prepaid UPS shipping label. The entire process is easily trackable, so you can keep an eye on your package as it's shipped back to you.
To start the process, you'll pack your media in the box provided, attach the barcode stickers, and drop it off at your local UPS. With Legacybox, you can rest assured that your memories will be well taken care of throughout the digitization process.
It's important to keep in mind that Legacybox won't perform any restoration, enhancement, or editing on your media. The quality of the digital file will hinge on the initial quality of your media, and any problems found in the original will also manifest in the transferred digital version.
Legacybox provides various options for receiving your digitized media, including DVD/CD set, USB, digital download, or a combination of these options. To access your digitized files, they use Google Drive instead of their own proprietary cloud service, which is different from iMemories.
How Long Does It Take?
The digitization process with Legacybox is a bit longer compared to other services, but it's worth it if you want your memories preserved in the best way possible. On average, it should take about 6-8 weeks from the time you send in your box until you receive your digital copies. Just keep in mind that the timeline may be longer during the holidays, so plan accordingly if you have other plans in the works.
How Much Do the Legacybox Charge Their Services?
As we talked about earlier, Legacybox is sized and priced basically by the number of media. Its lowest box kit is $65.98, and this cost might only cover 2 videotapes or 50 photo prints. The other charge rates may range up to $1,179.98 for forty items. If you look at the prices, they seem high compared to other services, but the company, most of the time, has different types of discounts, so you can get a better deal. To see if there are any current deals, click here.
iMemories and Legacybox Side by Side
Unlike Legacybox, iMemories provides you with a free digital download for 30 days. If you remember the email address and password to your account, you can use other devices to log in, view your videos or photos, and add new photographs. IMemories also work with social media platforms like, Facebook, Twitter, and other sites to share your memories with loved ones. Also, you can create slideshows using iMemories, and it enhances offline viewing. You can download the photos and videos to your device and watch them at your convenience.
iMemories is the ideal solution for those with an overwhelming amount of old media. They have no problem handling them and will ensure all your memories are perfectly digitized. For instance, they received orders containing more than 100 videotapes and movie films, along with 10,000 photos.
Legacybox accepts audio files for conversion, whereas iMemories cannot digitize audio-only media files like audio cassettes.
If you want the best when it comes to professional digitization, turnaround time, and a reasonable price, then iMemories is your go-to service. On the other hand, if you want to convert audio cassettes, then it's best to use Legacybox.
Even though iMemories and Legacybox are two different companies, they still provide a service that is the same with only minor differences, so whichever service you choose will eventually be up to you.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to preserving family memories, we have different options. While you can keep your videos and photographs sitting somewhere in the attic, you can also invest in a company that will help preserve your memories. Review the features of such companies to determine what they offer and whether or not they're convenient.
Although Legacybox and iMemories are both worth considering, the latter is more convenient and accommodates content flexibility.