If you have any old VHS tapes lying around in your home, then you would want to convert those taps into digital format for ease of access. This can be quite important if you have any old family memories or events recorded on VHS tapes. For the same, you can consider using something like the best VHS to digital converters given down below thanks to these features offered by them:
- Video Capture Resolution: High-resolution capture is crucial for maintaining video quality. Look for converters that offer at least 720p resolution. The Viagkiki VHS to Digital Converter, for instance, provides 1080p capture, ensuring your videos look sharp and clear.
- Connector Type: Different converters come with varying connector options. USB connectors are the most common and user-friendly. However, if you need flexibility, consider models with RCA, S-Video, or HDMI options. This variety can make connecting older devices much simpler.
- Compatible Devices: Ensure the converter is compatible with your devices. Some converters are designed for Windows and macOS, while others might support Android or iOS. For example, the Elgato Video Capture works seamlessly with both Windows and macOS, offering broad compatibility.
These are some of the most important features related to VHS to digital converters. But to pick the right one, you should also check out all the various factors and specifications of the various VHS to digital converters present down below. You can also find an extensive “Buying Guide” to easily go with the best VHS to digital converter for your needs and requirements.
Best VHS To Digital Converters
| VHS to Digital Converters | Video Capture Resolution | Connector Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato VHS to Digital Converter | 480p | USB 2.0, RCA | Check On Amazon |
| UCEC VHS to Digital Converter | 480p | USB 2.0, RCA | Check On Amazon |
| ClearClick 2.0 VHS to Digital Converter | 640x480 or 720x480 Pixels | RCA | Check On Amazon |
| Viagkiki VHS To Digital Converter | 1080p/720p | RCA, HDMI | Check On Amazon |
| The Little World VHS to Digital Converter | 720p | USB 2.0, RCA | Check On Amazon |
| Roxio VHS to Digital Converter | 1024x768 | USB, RCA | Check On Amazon |
| DIGITNOW VHS to Digital Converter | 1080p | USB, USB 2.0 | Check On Amazon |
| VIDBOX VHS to Digital Converter | 720x480, 640x480 | USB & RCA | Check On Amazon |
| AIFUSI VHS to Digital Converter | 720x480, 720x576 | USB Type A, RCA | Check On Amazon |
| TCNEWCL VHS To Digital Converter | - | RCA | Check On Amazon |
Best VHS To Digital Converter Reviews
1. Elgato VHS To Digital Converter
Elgato is a highly popular brand of capture devices that is primarily known for making streaming products which also includes its older VHS to digital converters which can be handy for all kinds of usage.
The Elgato VHS to digital converter is present at the 1st position of this list since this is one of the best-performing options available out there. For starters, you get a pretty high video resolution of up to 640 x 480 with this converter for high video quality.
And to ensure proper compatibility, you get a total of 4 connectors with this converter which are combined along with a USB 2.0 connector for your computer connection. Since Elgato is a premium and reputable brand, you even get a 2-year warranty with it.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 640 x 480
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
- Pretty great performance for most users
- Highly compatible with various connectors for VHS
- Great build quality with a long warranty period
Cons:
- No “PAUSE” recording option, requiring a full restart for each segment recording.
2. UCEC VHS To Digital Converter
While you may not have heard about UCEC in the past, its VHS-to-digital converter can still be a great option if you are looking for an entry-level option for your VHS tapes.
UCEC’s VHS to digital converter is present at the 2nd position of this listicle as it offers great value for money with this affordable price tag but great features and performance. Even though this is an entry-level option, it offers a decent 420p resolution.
In fact, this VHS-to-digital converter even comes with a total of 4 connectors that come along with a USB 2.0 port for ease of use. While UCEC does offer a decent 1-year warranty, its cable build quality does reflect its entry-level price tag.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 420p
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
- High value for money VHS to digital converter
- Large number of connectors for proper compatibility
- Decent warranty period for the given price
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
3. ClearClick 2.0 VHS To Digital Converter
ClearClick is one of the most premium and high-end brands of VHS to digital converters since it offers unique and feature-rich options to its users like the model given here.
This ClearClick VHS to digital converter is present at the 3rd position of this article because it is the most feature-rich option given here. Starting with its resolution, you get a high video resolution of 720 x 480 which is quite higher than most others. But the most unique thing about this converter is that it has an inbuilt display for directly recording on an SD card or a USB flash drive.
If you want to connect it to your computer, then you can simply use its 3 connectors and USB 2.0 port for ease of use. Being such a high-end and premium VHS-to-digital converter, you also get a 1-year long warranty with it for your peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 720 x 480
- Includes 3 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
- Highly versatile option with an inbuilt display
- Various connectivity and recording options
- High video recording resolution for superb quality
Cons:
- Quite an expensive and premium model
4. Viagkiki VHS To Digital Converter
The Viagkiki VHS to Digital Converter excels in transitioning from analog to digital formats. Its compatibility with a wide array of old devices, from N64 consoles to traditional VCRs, highlighted its adaptability. This feature alone makes it a must-have for those with extensive vintage media collections.
Its plug-and-play design is particularly commendable. The device requires no driver installations or complex configurations. Connect it directly to your VCR using the RCA cable, attach the HDMI to your display, and it’s ready. The inclusion of both HDMI and RCA cables is a practical touch, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
While the device is versatile and straightforward, its reliance on an external power source via USB is a notable drawback. This requirement restricts its usability in settings without accessible USB ports. Also, the video output quality can fluctuate based on the age and condition of the media being converted.
Best Features:
- Compatible with Monitor, TV, PS One, PS2, PS3, N64, STB, VHS, VCR, Blu-Ray DVD Players.
- Equipped with RCA and HDMI ports.
- Features with 2 ports, 1 RCA input and 1 HDMI output.
- Supports output resolutions of 1080p and 720p at 60Hz.
Pros:
- Wide compatibility with old and new tech.
- Easy to set up with plug-and-play simplicity.
- Includes all necessary cables for immediate use.
- Constructed from durable ABS material.
Cons:
- Dependent on external power source.
5. The Little World VHS To Digital Converter
Little World is a fairly small and comparatively new brand of VHS-to-digital converter which still happens to be offering pretty great performance to its users while having a compact size and form factor.
Taking a look at its video resolution, this VHS-to-digital converter can record at up to 720 x 576 which is on the higher side.
To make such high-resolution recordings possible, this VHS-to-digital converter also comes with a total of 4 connectors as well as a USB 2.0 port. However, since this is a smaller brand, Little World does not offer any warranty with its VHS to digital converter.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 720 x 576
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
Pros:
- Quite high-performance numbers with a compact form factor
- Pretty affordable for budget buyers
- Fairly high video resolution for high video-quality recording
Cons:
- Poor build quality with plastic materials.
- Limited compatibility with modern operating systems.
6. Roxio VHS To Digital Converter
Since you will also need a program for recording your VHS tapes after converting them, Roxio offers exactly that to its users with its included accessories and programs which are perfect for most users.
Roxio’s VHS to digital converter is one of the only options out there that comes as a kit since you get a recording program with it. Thanks to its included recording program, you get the support for a very high resolution of 1024 x 768.
As for its physical features, you will get 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port which is the same as most other options out there. That being said, Roxio does not offer any warranty to the user which can be a bummer at such a high price tag.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 1024 x 768
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
Pros:
- Comes as a complete kit for VHS to digital conversion
- Superb video resolution for the best video quality
- Handy connectors for ease of use
Cons:
- Limited export options (WMV only, not MPEG).
7. DIGITNOW VHS To Digital Converter
Digitnow is one of the most popular options out there if you are looking for TV tuner cards and video converters which also includes its high-performance VHS to digital converter.
This Digitnow VHS to digital converter can be a great option for those who want all the major features without compromising on performance. Beginning with the resolution of this converter, it is rated for 640 x 480 which is on par with most other options.
To allow you to easily connect this converter to your VHS recorder or player to your computer, it uses 4 connectors combined along with a USB 2.0 port. You will also get a decent 45-day warranty with it which is better than nothing.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 640 x 480
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 45-day-long warranty period
Pros:
- Quite great performance numbers in a compact form factor
- Large number of connectors for ease of use
- Pretty great build quality for the cables
Cons:
- Audio and video sync issues on long recordings.
8. VIDBOX VHS To Digital Converter
Vidbox is primarily a company of video programs that are ideal for conversion which also includes its VHS to digital conversion program which offers all of the required hardware in the box.
The Vidbox VHS to digital converter offers a great balance between both hardware and software features since it is a complete package. With this complete package, you are able to record videos in a resolution of up to 720 x 480 which is on the higher side.
Just like most other VHS to digital converters out there, this one also comes with 3 connectors and a USB 2.0 port for easily connecting it wherever needed. Although, since this is a software company, Vidbox comes with a 6-month warranty and not a 1-year one.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 720 x 480
- Includes 3 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 6-month-long warranty period
Pros:
- Offers a package of software and hardware
- Fairly high video resolution
- Includes most of the common connectors
Cons:
- Requires additional player-specific cables for optimal use.
9. AIFUSI VHS To Digital Converter
While Aifusi might not be as popular as other brands of VHS to digital converters out there, you can still go with it if you are looking for high-performance options without paying a premium for the same.
Aifusi’s VHS to digital converter is one of the best-performing options present in its class since it offers excellent value for money. To be exact, you get a video resolution of up to 720 x 576 with this converter which is much higher than most other options in its class.
As for its similarity with other options, this one also comes with 4 connectors and a USB 2.0 port which are always great to have. But if you are looking for something reliable, then you should look elsewhere since this one lacks any kind of warranty.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 720 x 576
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
Pros:
- Highly affordable and high value for money option
- Pretty amazing video resolution
- Offers most of the common connectors and ports
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with some video devices like VCRs
10. TCNEWCL VHS To Digital Converter
TCNEWCL is a highly budget-oriented option if you are looking for VHS to digital converter since most of its offerings are entry-level models for budget buyers.
This VHS-to-digital converter is the cheapest and one of the best value-for-money options given here. Even at its highly budget-friendly price, you get a standard video resolution of 640 x 480 with it.
Another great thing about this VHS-to-digital converter is that just like other budget options, you get 4 connectors along with a USB port on this converter. While you do get a 30-day warranty with it, which is better than nothing, its build quality does leave the user wanting for more.
Best Features:
- Offers a video resolution of up to 640 x 480
- Includes 4 connectors along with a USB 2.0 port
- Comes with a 30 day long warranty period
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and budget-friendly VHS to digital converter
- Fairly decent performance numbers for the price
- Uses most of the common connectors and ports
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with driver CD
- Driver compatibility problems with newer operating systems.
Buying Guide For The Best VHS To Digital Converters
Even though VHS is not used anymore, it was highly popular a few decades ago since it is easily available in video recorders and video players. Due to this, you may even have VHS tapes lying around in your home that you may want to use with your computer in digital form.
For the same, you can consider getting one of the best VHS to digital converters given above. All these various VHS to digital converters also have their important features and options properly explained. And if you wish to know more, consider checking out this complete buying guide for the best VHS to digital converters:
1. Video Resolution
Whenever you are talking about any kind of video media including VHS tapes, you would want the video quality to be as high as possible. And the same holds true for VHS to digital converters as well since you would also want your converted videos to be of high quality. Regarding the same, checking the video resolution supported by your VHS to digital converter can be a great idea. This is due to the reason that a higher resolution like 720 x 480 will offer better video quality than a lower resolution like 640 x 480.
2. Number Of Connectors
While buying a VHS to digital converter, checking the number of connectors offered by it is highly important. This is to ensure that your VHS to digital converter can connect and work properly with your VHS recorder or VHS player. For the same, most VHS to digital converters come with 4 connectors which should be plenty for most. As for the connector types, these are RCA connectors that transfer the audio and video signals from your VHS record or player to your computer over USB.
3. USB Version
Since you will be using your VHS to digital converter along with your PC, it is generally connected via a USB connector to your computer. Although, not all VHS to digital converters use the same USB connector. While most of them offer USB 2.0, some may even come with USB 3.0 for faster transfers and conversions. Thankfully, even a USB 2.0 port will be good enough due to the lower quality video stored in most VHS tapes.
4. Compatibility
When choosing a VHS to digital converter, the first factor to consider is compatibility with your computer’s operating system. Most converters are compatible with popular systems like Windows and macOS, but checking for Linux compatibility is crucial if you use it. Additionally, ensure the converter supports various input formats, including VHS, VHS-C, and possibly others like Video8 or Hi8, depending on your collection.
5. Software Features
Many converters come bundled with proprietary software, which can range from basic file conversion applications to more advanced editing suites. Evaluate the software for user-friendliness and features such as video editing capabilities that allow you to trim videos, adjust audio levels, or add effects, which enhance the usability of the converter.
6. Portability
For those who need to convert VHS tapes on the go or in various locations, the portability of the converter is an important consideration. Look for compact and lightweight models that are easy to transport. Some converters are designed to be small enough to fit into a laptop bag or backpack, making them ideal for mobile use.
FAQs:
Ans: To turn VHS into digital you need to do two things first: connect your VHS converter to your computer, and connect your VHS-to-digital converter to your VCR
Ans: Look for a converter with good video and audio quality, ease of use, compatibility with various formats, and the ability to connect to your computer. Additional features like editing capabilities and different output resolutions can also be beneficial.
Ans: The horizontal resolution is 240 lines per picture height, or about 320 lines across a scan line, and the vertical resolution (the number of scan lines) is the same as the respective analog TV standard (576 for PAL or 486 for NTSC; usually, somewhat fewer scan lines are actually visible due to overscan).
Ans: To use these converters, you will need a working VHS VCR to play back the tape at normal speed; to create the signal that the digitizer with record onto your computers hard drive or SSD. Unfortunately VCRs are almost impossible to buy new nowadays, so you’ll have to find one secondhand, or borrow one off a friend that still has a working machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VHS to digital converters bridge the gap between cherished memories and modern accessibility. By meticulously evaluating factors like video quality, user-friendliness, editing capabilities, and budgetary constraints, you can select the optimal converter to seamlessly transition your VHS collection into a digital format. However, if you are still confused, consider checking out some of our favorite picks and recommendations for the best VHS to digital converters:
- TCNEWCL VHS to Digital Converter: Ideal for budget-conscious users, it offers a standard resolution of 640 x 480 and comes with 4 connectors and a USB 2.0 port. Despite its affordability, it provides decent performance, although its build quality could be better.
- ClearClick 2.0 VHS to Digital Converter: A premium choice with a high video resolution of 720 x 480 and an inbuilt display for direct recording to an SD card or USB flash drive. It includes multiple connectivity options and offers a 1-year warranty.
- Roxio VHS to Digital Converter: A complete package with a high resolution of 1024 x 768, 4 connectors, and an included recording program. While it’s more expensive, it offers comprehensive features for VHS to digital conversion.
