A VHS (Video Home System) to digital converter is a device that allows users to convert VHS tapes into a digital format so that they can be played on devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Converting your videos from VHS to digital is important for preserving your memories and sharing them. VHS tapes are not the most durable things in the world, and they can be damaged by heat or light, which means that they can break easily, and you could lose all of your memories forever. Instead of risking all of those precious moments, get a converter and convert your tapes today!
We have been doing research, and on the basis of our own experiences, here are what we consider the best VHS to Digital Converters that you can buy today.
What is in this guide?
- The 8 Best VHS to Digital Converters with their comprehensive overview.
- Evaluation of each product’s features.
- What we liked and what we didn’t like in every digital converter.
- Value Editorial & Buying debates
Quick Summary: 8 Best VHS to Digital Converters
Our editors go through and research, test, and qualify our recommended products. We receive commissions on purchases from certain links.
- Best Overall: Elgato Video Capture – Digitize Video
- Best Features: ClearClick Video to Digital Converter
- Best Price: August External USB VGB100 Video Capture Card
- Great: VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite
- Also Great: The Little World Digital Converter USB 2.0
- Also Great: DIGITNOW Video Capture Converter
- Good: Roxio Easy 3 Plus VHS to DVD Video Converter for PC
- Also Good: Diamond One Touch VC500 USB 2.0 VHS to Digital File
1. Elgato Video Capture – Digitize Video
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: H.264 digital format
- Video Resolutions: 640×360 (16:9) or 640×480 (4:3)
- Handles: PAL, SECAM, NTSC, and PAL/60 video
- Includes: Adapter, Video Capture, Composite cable
- Warranty: 2 Years
Our Pick
Provides excellent video results (up to 640 x 480) easy for new & professional users with the best compatibility & automatically determines the format of the footage.
Highlights
This VHS to digital video converter is the best of its kind in the market. With the Elgato Video Capture device, you can connect an analog video device to your Mac or PC and use it to convert old home movies for iTunes, iMovie, or Final Cut Pro.
You can save hours of tiresome manual conversion. Convert to digital effortlessly – Elgato Video Capture is an easy-to-use device that assists you through each step, from capturing video to connecting an analog video device and choosing how you will watch or share it. It has a Click-to-capture feature that makes the process a breeze. Its two years warranty shows its efficiency & durability.
What We Liked
- An excellent option for new & professionals
- 2 years warranty
- Highly compatible with different VHS connectors
- User-friendly software
- Dedicated cropping tool
What We Didn’t Like
- A little bit on the expensive side
2. ClearClick Video to Digital Converter
- Screen: Extra-Large 3.5″ Preview Screen
- Auto-stop Feature: Yes (60, 90, 120, 150 minutes)
- User Friendly: Yes
- MP4 Recording Format: Yes
- Video Resolutions: 720×480
- Handles: PAL, SECAM, NTSC, and PAL/60 video
- Includes: VCRs, DVD Players, Hi8, VHS, Camcorders, DVRs, and Retro Gaming
- Warranty: 1 Year
Best Features
Provides excellent features with converting videos in a single click and stops recording automatically with the best results of conversion.
Highlights
If you are searching for the next generation of digital converters, then ClearClick Digital Converter 2.0 with HD Recording is the best choice! It lets you to the easiest way to convert your VCR tapes, Hi8 and Video8 Camcorder Videos, and Analog Camcorder Tapes to digital MP4 format in just 3 steps. You can preserve and share your VHS tapes with the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter and Software. It easily captures video from your camcorder, VCR, or any other video source into digital format for viewing on your computer or posting on the web! It also includes Video2Digital® software, features a movie editor with a wide range of options and features.
What We Liked
- Considered a highly versatile option
- Also, has an inbuilt display
- High-quality video resolution
- Have multiple recording as well as connectivity options
- Mobile-friendly MP4 recording format
What We Didn’t Like
- Quite expensive
3. August External USB VGB100 Video Capture Card
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: AVI / MPEG1/2 / ASF / WMV / MP4 / BMP/ QTMOV
- Video Resolutions: 720 x 576 Pixel (Max)
- Handles: PAL / SECAM / NTSC
- Includes: USB Cable, Software Disk, August USB 2.0 Video Adapter, Scart Adaptor, Installation Guide
- Warranty: 7 days (No warranty)
Best Price
Provides excellent video converting results in the best budget option with the feature to record retro gameplay and it is also compatible with Windows 10.
Highlights
High-quality audio and video files can be captured directly with the August VGB100 External USB Video Capture Card, which is the best alternative to buying a sound card. It has a simple installation process, and external power is not required. It’s an ideal solution for laptop users: It supports Contrast, Brightness, Hue, & Saturation control. The key to capturing high-quality videos from an analog source is the included BT878 chip, and the August VGB100 gives you the best results from your analog source at a fraction of the cost of other similar devices on the market.
What We Liked
- Its own integrated software
- Compatible with operating systems like Windows 10
- Can record footage from a video game console
- Best for social media and YouTube
What We Didn’t Like
- 7 days warranty period (no long warranty)
4. VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: DVD, MPEG-2, MP4 (PC); MP4 (Mac)
- Video Resolutions: 720×480, 640×480
- Handles: PAL / SECAM / NTSC
- Includes: USB cable, USB video capture device, 2 Software download cards, RCA cables, Operating Guides for Mac & PC separately
- Warranty: 6 Months
Great
An excellent converter that includes an RCA AV Cable, USB video capture device, USB Cable, 2 Software Download Cards, two Quick Start Guides, and is compatible with VCR, camcorder, TV, DVD player, game console, and more.
Highlights
VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite is easy to use and converts analog video (VHS) tapes into digital formats so you can preserve your home movies for many years. This complete suite contains everything you need to easily transfer your old family home videos to a digital format, including a USB Video Capture device, RCA / AV cable, Quick Start Guide, and free software. VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite Solution works seamlessly with the included VIDBOX software and provides simple instructions and wizards to guide you through the process of converting your videos to digital files.
What We Liked
- High video resolution
- Offers a dual package for both software and hardware
- It includes the majority of the common connectors
- Also, include a USB 2.0 port
What We Didn’t Like
- 6 Months warranty period
5. The Little World Digital Converter USB 2.0
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: DV, MPEG, AVI, WMV, DVD, VCD
- Video Resolutions: PAL:720×576@25fps. NTSC:720×480@30fps
- Handles: PAL / NTSC
- Includes: USB video capture device, 4 connectors, USB cable, RCA cables, Operating Guides
- Warranty: No Warranty
Also Great
A powerful converter on a tight budget provides a video resolution of up to 720 x 576 that comes with 4 connectors as well as a USB 2.0 port to ensure that high-resolution recordings are possible.
Highlights
The Little World Video Converter allows you to convert your old VHS tapes to USB/SD cards for the home movie theater. Capture your video in stunning (up to) 1080p high definition and share your video directly on Facebook or YouTube. This includes the Gold Plated HDMI, RCA, and RF wires needed to capture the video. Features include: Plug and play, no button to push; Transfer videos from AV or S-video source to Digital Format; Compatible with Win & Mac /XP/Vista/Win 7/Win 10(32 bit & 64 bit); Support HDTV resolutions up to 720p or 1080p.
What We Liked
- Video resolution: 720 x 576 (Up to)
- 4 connectors with a USB 2.0 port
- Affordable price
What We Didn’t Like
- No Warranty
6. DIGITNOW Video Capture Converter
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: H.264 digital format
- Video Resolutions: 640×360 (16:9)or 640×480 (4:3)
- Handles: SECAM, NTSC, PAL/60, and PAL video
- Includes: Adapter, Capture, Composite stereo cable, Digitnow Video
- Warranty: 45 Days
Also Great
A powerful converter on a tight budget provides a video resolution of up to 720 x 576 that comes with 4 connectors as well as a USB 2.0 port to ensure that high-resolution recordings are possible.
Highlights
From this device, you can capture Video from Analog Video, VHS Tapes, Camcorder, Hi8, DVD Player, or other video sources to digital for Windows PC or Mac. Convert VCR’s Hi8 and VHS tapes or another analog video source to the digital format. Video Capture Device for Mac and WIN 10, Capacitor technology has been used in this DIGITNOW video capture device to improve the USB power supply. Other similar products need to work with a 9-volt adapter; this will cause problems with some cameras. This device runs on USB power only, which has more stable performance, and it is much more portable than others.
What We Liked
- Video resolution of up to 640 x 480
- Easy usage with more number connectors
- Converts video in fantastic quality
- Can read any analog video source
What We Didn’t Like
- It requires some extra time to functioning
![Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3 Plus | VHS, Hi8, V8 Video to DVD or Digital Converter | Amazon Exclusive 2 Bonus DVDs [Windows]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51UBEF6uzZL._SL160_.jpg)
7. Roxio Easy 3 Plus VHS to DVD Video Converter for PC
- Operation Systems: Windows & Mac
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: MPEG2, DVD, ISO, AVC (H.264)
- Video Resolutions: Up to 1024 x 768
- Handles: AVC (H.264), MPEG2, FLAC, WAV, mp3, ogg Vorbis, AAC (m4a), WMA
- Includes: USB Capture Device, Two free blank DVDs to help you, a Link to download software, Getting Started guide
- Warranty: No Warranty
Good
Excellent Professional-grade editing tools for stabilizing shaky video, reducing video noise, transition effects, color correction, and more. It also converts audio cassettes & LPs to MP3 or CD format.
Highlights
This is a good video converter for fulfilling your needs. It records live videos and converts them into Real-Time. It comes with user-friendly software and a USB video capture device, so you don’t need any additional software. The screen preview looks great, which is helpful when you are recording full-motion video at 30 frames per second. There are also several options for export, like DVD, digital file, or mobile files for your Android or iOS devices.
What We Liked
- The product comes with a complete VHS to digital conversion
- Video resolution offered up to 1024 x 768
- Easy to use connectors
What We Didn’t Like
- No manufacturer warranty
8. Diamond One Touch VC500 USB 2.0 VHS to Digital File
- Operation Systems: Windows & MAC
- Turns Analog into Digital: Yes
- User Friendly: Yes
- Captured Video: AVI, MPEG2, MPEG4, and MP3(Audio only)
- Video Resolutions: PAL:720×576 at 25FPS NTSC:720×480 at 30FPS
- Handles: NTSC, SECAM, and PAL
- Includes: Video Capturing Dongle, Diamond Video Capture Usb 2.0, Install CD, Guide
- Warranty: 1 Year Warranty
Also Good
Converts high-quality videos on one button and can capture videos from every video source. It includes Cyberlink PowerDirector software with powerful tools to edit your converted videos.
Highlights
Digitize your video library in the digital age, and convert old VHS tapes to DVDs with the Diamond USB 2.0 Video Capture Device. It will help you stop throwing out old VHS tapes or trying to find a working VCR. The USB 2.0 interface makes it easy to transfer your videos to any Mac or PC. Setup is simple with the included USB cable, RCA AV cable, USB power cable, and software CD.
What We Liked
- Powerful video editor
- Compatibility options
- 1 Year Warranty
- Allows the users to capture and save VHS files
What We Didn’t Like
- Slow processing time
Buying Guide for the Best VHS to Digital Converters
VHS is no longer used, but it was extremely popular a few decades ago. The availability of VHS players made it a popular choice for many people. Even now, many people have a collection of VHS tapes at home that they may want to convert to digital format. (1)
To do this, you can consider getting one of the best VHS to digital converters mentioned above. All these different VHS to digital converters have their own features and options properly explained. And if you want to know more about converters in general, you should check out this complete guide for buying VHS to digital converters.
Video Resolution
When you purchase a VHS to digital converter, the resolution of the videos it makes should be something you are looking forward to. Because the better the resolution of your videos, the higher quality videos will be there. For example, you may find a converter that makes 720 x 480 resolution but also has a cheaper lower-resolution option for those who aren’t looking for top quality.
Number of Connectors
When buying a VHS to digital converter, make sure you check how many connectors it offers. The more connectors, the better because this will ensure your converter connects and works properly with your VHS recorder or player. Most converters come with 4 connectors, which should be plenty for most people. The RCA connector transfers the video and audio signals from the VHS player or recorder to your computer over the USB.
USB Version
Although some VHS to digital converter models may offer faster data transfer with a USB 3.0 port, since the resolution of VHS tapes is significantly lower than a digital recording, you will need a USB 2.0 port to transfer that data quickly. (2)
Warranty
Just like your VHS player or VHS recorder, you would also want your VHS digital converter to last for as long as possible. For ensuring, checking the warranty of the VHS digital converter is the best option/idea. The main objective for checking the warranty is that many VHS converters have a long warranty period and these VHS last for a reasonable long time. Hence, almost all VHS to digital converters come with a 1-year long warranty (or at least 6 Months) period or longer for your peace of mind and longevity. (3)
FAQs
How do VHS to DVD converters work?
To copy old VHS tapes to your computer, you need an analog-to-digital adapter. When you connect your VHS player to your computer with that analog-to-digital adapter, you can create a digital file and then burn it onto a DVD.
How much does it cost to burn a VHS tape into a DVD?
It’s free if you are using your own VHS to DVD converters.
How do I convert VHS to DVD without VCR?
If you own a VHS tape and want to convert it to DVD, there are two ways for you to do so. You can either use an old VCR, or you can use a video camera that uses VHS tapes.
What format is the best to convert VHS to digital?
If you want to store your home movies in digital form, the right type of file format and compression will ensure success. The H-264 compression joint with storage in MPEG-4 file format has proven highly successful.
Wrapping Up
With the advent of technology, we were able to convert VHS tapes or video cassettes to a digital format. If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to digitize your favorite movies, look no further than Elgato Video Capture.
The device is a VHS converter that can be used on both PC and Mac computers and apps on mobile devices. It can capture from non-HD camcorders, cable and satellite boxes, old game systems, and more. It also comes with free backup software that can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
But if you have a large collection of VHS tapes and want something that can handle everything at once and at the same time you don’t find our number 1 a big deal, then our numbers 2 and 3 are also the best options. That’s it, and thank you for reading, and making the right choice!
You may want to check our list for the best digital converter boxes! We hope these guides will help you decide. Until our next review!
References
(1) VHS tapes – https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/style/vhs-tapes.html
(2) faster data transfer – http://monalisa.cern.ch/FDT/
(3) peace of mind – https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-achieve-peace-of-mind
Our Recommendation Again
- Digitize video from a VCR, camcorder or other analogue video source for your Mac, PC, and iPad
- Easy-to-use software guides you through every step
- Captures video in the universal H.264 digital format – ready for iPad, iMovie, Windows Live Movie Maker, and YouTube
