5 best VHS to DVD converter: complete reviews and buying tips
Do you ever miss going to a video store to rent an old VHS tape, and running home to watch the movie we rented (while sometimes having to rewind the tape before we could watch it)? While the way we framed the question makes it sound as if VHS tapes are challenging to deal with; in fact, most people link a certain amount of nostalgia to their VHS collections. Some of us have some very fond childhood memories linked to VHS tapes and recording our favorite childhood shows.
Chances are if you are like many people that still are fans of VHS tapes, you probably still have some of your old VHS collection lying around somewhere. If you’ve ever wanted to save your VHS collection and transfer it to DVDs, then you’ll need the best VHS to DVD converter on the market. Below we’ll cover a list of some of the best VHS to DVD converters for mac options around so that you’ll be able to preserve your favorite VHS memories.
1. ClearClick VHS To DVD Wizard
REASONS TO BUY
- Easy to follow directions
- Great user guide
- Converts to DVDs and digital video files
REASONS TO AVOID
- Won’t work with Macs
With ClearClick’s VHS to DVD Wizard software, you’ll get one of the best VHS to DVD converter options around if you decide to purchase this product. ClearClick’s system allows you to convert any VHS tape you own to a DVD. However, ClearClick can do far more than a move that VHS information to a DVD.
ClearClick’s software also allows you to convert your videotapes to digital video files. The kit comes with a USB video grabber to assist you with making digital video files. Along with the software and the USB, you’ll also get an RCA video cable and a manual when you purchase this item.
We also love that you’ll not only be able to transfer the files and save them for posterity, but you can also edit the VHS video information you are moving. So, if you have any old commercials on there or anything else you don’t care to have in your file for reasons of nostalgia, you can edit them out quickly.
ClearClick’s VHS to DVD software works with windows. So, if you have a mac, this wouldn’t be an excellent option for you. However, if you are looking for a VHS to DVD converter that’s easy to use and comes with understandable directions, then this option would be an excellent choice for you.
2. VIDBOX VHS to DVD 8.0 Deluxe
REASONS TO BUY
- It allows you to add background effects to your old VHS tapes
- Converts VHS tapes to DVDs and video files easily
- Instructions are straightforward
- Also works on old audiocassette tapes
REASONS TO AVOID
- It only works with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista
If you’re looking for some software that’s relatively simple and easy to use, then consider Vidbox’s VHS to DVD 8.0 Deluxe, another one of the best VHS to DVD converter options you’ll find on the market today. When you order the Vidbox VHS to DVD 8.0, you’ll get everything you need to use provided to you within the kit, including an RCA AV cable, instructions that are easy to follow, a CD to install your software, and a USB cable.
With the Vidbox 8.0 Deluxe kit, you’ll be able to move VHS content from VHS tapes or HDV camcorders, depending on what you own. You can also edit the tape’s footage to remove commercials and other unwanted items. Plus, the Vidbox software even allows you to add extras to your video, like background music.
Plus, you’ll not only be able to convert your VHS info into DVD format, but you’ll also be able to save your files as digital videos so that you can keep them for many years. Vidbox lets you not only fiddle around with VHS tapes, but you can even transfer audio from your old cassette tapes, too, if you’d like.
3. VIDBOX Video Conversion Suite (2019)
REASONS TO BUY
- Great for PCs and Macs
- Excellent instructions
- Transfer VHS tapes into DVDs or video files
- Edit out old commercials
REASONS TO AVOID
- If you don’t have everything you need to have for a Mac, you’ll be spending additional money
If you are looking to find the best VHS to DVD Converter for Mac, then you might want to consider Vidbox’s Video Conversion Suite. This software product supports the best of both worlds. When you purchase the kit, you’ll get two different download cards plus download information for the software. One download link is for a Mac, and the other is for Windows.
So, if you purchase Vidbox’s Video Conversion Suite, you’ll be covered whether you own a Windows computer or a Mac. You’ll also get everything you’ll need for your video conversion process featured in your kit, including a USB cable, USB video capture device, download cards, one RCA av cable, and two different sets of instructions (one for PCs and one for Macs).
With Vidbox’s Video Conversion Suite, you can transfer your old VHS tapes, Beta tapes, and even 8 mm camcorder tapes into a DVD or save them as a digital file. You’ll also be able to add special effects to your footage, and you can even edit out old commercials.
If you are using this product with a Mac, you’ll need a compatible VCR and camcorder, too. If you have all of that, then you’ll be ready to go with this product.
4. Roxio Easy VHS to DVD Burning and Video Capture for Mac
REASONS TO BUY
- Great for Mac lovers
- Smooth transfer of VHS to DVD in just a few clicks
- Instructions are easy to follow
- You can edit old footage and add special effects
REASONS TO AVOID
- Only for Macs; won’t work with PCs
Another one of the best VHS to DVD Converter for Mac options out there is Roxio Easy’s VHS to DVD Burning and Video Capture for Mac. This VHS to DVD converter works specifically for Macs. So, if you are one of those Mac lovers that prefer to use an option made only for Macs, then this would be an excellent choice for you.
With this software, you can take any video from any analog source, including old VHS tape, and transfer it to a digital format, or burn it to a DVD. That way, you can save and preserve all of your old VHS memories for years to come. It’s so simple to convert your old VHS tapes with this software, and it only takes a few minutes and a couple of clicks.
With this software, you can also edit your old VHS tapes and remove old commercials, or add any other special effects you might like. In addition to that, you can also make your movies with this software, which is a real plus for all of those selfie fanatics out there.
What’s especially helpful about this product is that you’ll even be able to watch your edited videos on all of your devices.
5. UCEC USB 2.0 Video Capture Card Device
REASONS TO BUY
- Works on Macs and PCs
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to follow instructions
- Transfers files in a few clicks
REASONS TO AVOID
- It doesn’t always include the Mac software
If you’re looking for one of the best VHS to DVD converter options on the market, but you are shopping on a budget, then you may want to consider the UCEC USB 2.0 Video Capture Card Device. With this device, you can quickly move your old VHS and analog files and transfer them into video files. You can also burn your old VHS tapes to DVDs as well.
The software guide that comes with this budget-friendly item is straightforward to use, and simple to follow. You’ll get your video capture done in a universal H.264 format, so you’ll be able to watch your old VHS movies on any of your modern-day devices once you transfer your files over.
If you have a Mac, you’ll use this software with QuickTime Player, and you can edit with iMovie. If you have a PC, then you’ll need to use the windows movie-making option. That way, you’ll be able to quickly transfer your old family VHS footage and save it for posterity.
When you purchase this item, you’ll get instructions, a disc that includes the software, one RCA cable, and one video capture. That way, you’ll be able to keep all of your memories safe in a digital format on your computer.
Dealing with VHS Tapes as Early as Possible
When people start shopping around for the best VHS to DVD converter options nowadays, they are usually feeling a sense of nostalgia for their old VHS recordings, and want to take the proper steps to preserve those old memories. While doing the necessary work to perform the file transfers will take some time, if you are dedicated to keeping all of your VHS memories alive, it shouldn’t take you too long to restore and record everything you want to keep.
Once you purchase your converter kit, when should you get started with your conversion process? Honestly, the sooner you start, the better your chances are for saving your old VHS tapes. You shouldn’t wait to convert your VHS tapes to DVDs because VHS tapes do break down over time. The longer you wait, the worse the quality of the video on the VHS tape will be.
If the decay on your VHS tapes is already too far gone, you may not be able to convert those VHS tapes to save your memories for posterity. ScanCafe tells us that VHS tapes break down after a decade of sitting on the shelves. Unfortunately, the last time a film was released on VHS was 2006, so chances are, some of your VHS tapes are already too far deteriorated.
However, if you’ve been storing your VHS tapes correctly, then you may be far better off than you think. If your VHS tapes have stayed in a cool, dry place, then they are probably in excellent condition. On the other hand, VHS tapes that were stored where there is moisture, or where the temperature is very frigid, probably will have deteriorated.
Finding a Reliable VHS to DVD Converter
So, how can you locate a reliable VHS to DVD converter so that you can save your already deteriorating VHS tapes and preserve your memories? We’ll cover some of the things you need to be aware of when shopping for the best VHS to DVD converter options on the market today.
Customizing Your Video
If you want a high-quality VHS to DVD converter, then you’ll want something that will not only move your videos from one file format to another, but you’ll also want something that can edit and customize your videos quickly. The VHS to DVD converter options we covered above all offer customization features for your videos.
If you purchase a high-quality VHS to DVD converter that has customizable options, then that type of converter can improve the quality of your old VHS tapes. You’ll also be able to edit out commercials and add special effects if you wish. Plus, some of these converters allow you to bypass the copyright protections we used to have to deal with on those old VHS tapes.
Speed of Customization
Another factor to consider when looking at the best VHS to DVD converter options is the overall speed of the conversion process. Most of us don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that takes us hours and hours to produce. A high-quality VHS to DVD converter should work quickly and easily, even when it comes to customization. The products we included on our list are all known to be quick and easy to use.
Price
Of course, you’ll also need to consider your budget and the overall cost of your VHS to DVD converter. Luckily, most VHS to DVD converters are affordable, and the price range starts at thirty dollars and ends at around eighty dollars.
Also, the products we covered above relate to 2020. If you’d like to see the top nine best VHS to DVD converters from 2019, go here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take to convert a file from VHS to DVD?
Much of that will depend on precisely what you plan on doing with the file, and how significant that original file is. If you are doing a simple file conversion and have no plans to edit or restore any footage, the process should only take a few minutes per video. However, if you are editing out commercials and trying to add any special effects, the process will take longer and probably run at about thirty minutes to an hour per video.
Q. Can I still get an excellent VHS to DVD converter while shopping on a budget?
Yes, you can. We gave you several affordable options above. Also, since most VHS to DVD converters don’t cost more than eighty dollars or so, most people feel they can afford them easily. If eighty dollars is too much for you, you can opt for a thirty-dollar selection, which we also included on our list.
Q. Is there any way to restore old VHS tapes?
You can restore VHS tapes with some of the conversion software we mentioned above. However, if your old VHS tape’s quality is too low, then nothing will be able to restore the VHS tape. That’s why we encouraged you to start transferring your old VHS files immediately.
Wrap up
Our top pick is the ClearClick VHS To DVD Wizard, mostly because it’s the fastest software around when it comes to easy and simple file conversion. Plus, ClearClick also allows you to edit your old VHS tapes and add some special effects. However, ClearClick won’t work for everybody since it doesn’t support Macs.
If you own a Mac, then your best option would be Roxio Easy VHS to DVD Burning and Video Capture for Mac. This VHS to DVD transfer software is designed specifically for Macs and can do everything with a Mac that ClearClick offers for a PC.
If you are shopping on a budget, then we’d recommend the low-costing UCEC USB 2.0 Video Capture Card Device. This device works on both PCs and Macs and costs around thirty dollars so that it won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll get to enjoy hours of nostalgia as you preserve your favorite VHS memories for posterity. If you want to share your childhood memories with your children, then we can think of no better way than using a VHS to DVD converter.