1. Our top picks
  2. Comparison table
  3. iMemories
  4. ScanMyPhotos
  5. Memory Fortress
  6. Legacybox
  7. ScanCafe
  8. EverPresent
  9. Bottom line

Summary of Our Top Picks

imemories best vhs to digital

Editor's pick

iMemories

They provide their customers with a free quote, free image enhancements, pre-paid FedEx shipping, and the best service prices with high customer ratings.

Runner up

ScanMyPhotos

ScanMyPhotos offers fast and affordable photo scanning services with the option of bulk or individual scans. They also provide image restoration services etc.

Jump to details

Use coupon code ZOOPY45 for 45% off most scanning services!

best photo to digital service

HONORABLE MENTION

Legacybox

They take their digitizing process very seriously and each photo is hand-digitized by a team of technicians.

Photo scanning services are the safest, easiest, and best overall solution for scanning and converting photos to digital format. With that said, here are our top pics for the best photo scanning service.

Top 7 Best Photo Scanning Services Comparison Table

iMemories

Editors Choice

ScanMyPhotos

Memory Fortress

Legacybox

ScanCafe

EverPresent

DigMyPics Memory Box

iMemories
Costco digitizing
Costco digitizing
Legacybox
Southtree
Costco digitizing
Costco digitizing

Website Link

Shipping kit (box)

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Free repairs (splicing)

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

n/a

Average turnaround time

2-3 weeks

4-8 weeks

1-2 weeks

10-12 weeks

3-4 weeks

3-4 weeks

10-20+ bussines days

Expedited turnaround time

n/a

2-4 weeks

n/a

3-4 weeks

10 days

n/a

n/a

Reviews Across Multiple Websites

Trustpilot: 4.5 out of 5

Sitejabber: 4.7 out of 5

Yelp: 3.5 out of 5

Trustpilot: n/a

Sitejabber: 2.3 out of 5

Yelp: 3.5 out of 5

Trustpilot: n/a

Sitejabber: n/a

Yelp: 4.5 out of 5

Trustpilot: 3.0 out of 5

Sitejabber: 3.6 out of 5

Yelp: n/a

Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5

Sitejabber: 2.5 out of 5

Yelp: 3.5 out of 5

Trustpilot: n/a

Sitejabber: n/a

Yelp: 4 out of 5

Trustpilot: n/a

Sitejabber: n/a

Yelp: n/a

WHAT FORMATS THEY CONVERT

Photo Conversion

Photos up to 12x16

3x3” to 8x10”

Loose photos (boxed or rubber banded), photos in albums (non-scrapbooks), scrapbooks

Up to 8.5" x 11"

Up to 8"x10"

Photos 8″ x 10″, Photo Albums

Loose Prints Up to 8 X 10
Non Standard Prints1
(Cards, children's artwork, documents, IDs, clippings, etc.)

Slide Conversion

Slides (any size)

35mm, 110, 126

35mm, Super 35mm, 35mm half frame, 110, 126, 127

35mm, 126mm

35mm color slide

35mm, stereo slides, 126, 127, 110, Super 35mm, half frame slides, Super127

35mm, 126, 110, 127, 110, Glass Mounted Slides

Negative Conversion

Negatives (any size)

35mm, APS, 120mm

35mm, 110 film, 126 film

35mm negative

APS, Black & White

35mm, 110, 126, APS, glass plate

35mm, APS, 126, 110

Video Conversion

Betamax, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, MicroMini, DVDs, MiniDVDs

VHS, VHS-C, Mini DV, and Hi8 (Digital 8)

VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV/HDV, MicroMV

VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, Betamax, Hi8, Digital8, Video8, MiniDV, MicroMV

BetaMax, Hi8, Digital8, Mini DV, VHS-C, S-VHS

VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, HDMiniDV, DVCam, DVCPro, Betamax, Betacam, BetacamSP, Digibeta, Umatic, PAL formats, SECAM

VHS, Super VHS, VHS-C, 8mm tape, Hi8, Digital-8, MiniDV

Film Conversion

8mm, 16mm, Super 8 (with and without sound)

8mm, 16mm

8mm

8mm, Super8, Regular, 16mm, Super16 

8mm film, Super 8 film, 16mm film, 35mm movie film

16mm, 8mm, and Super8

8mm, Super 8 film, 16mm

Audio Conversion

n/a

n/a

n/a

Reel to Reel, Audio Cassette, Micro-Cassette

Reel-to-Reel, Cassette tape

Cassettes, Mini/Micro Audio, Vinyl Records, Reel-to-Reel

Reel to Reel, Audio Cassette

PRICING

Photo Conversion Price

$0.49 per photo

Starting at $0.13 per scan ($25 minimum)

Starts at $0.38 per photo but gets cheaper the more you add

$59.99 for 2 sets of 25 pictures

$279.99 for 10 sets of 25 pictures

$559.99 for 20 sets of 25 pictures

$1099.99 for 40 sets of 25 pictures

$0.44 per photo

$0.59 per photo

$130 for 2 sets of 25 pictures
$160 for 10 sets of 25 pictures
$310 for 20 sets of 25 pictures
$600 for 40 sets of 25 pictures

Slide Conversion Price

$0.49 per slide

Starting at $0.71 per slide ($25 minimum)

Starts at $0.54 per photo but gets cheaper the more you add

$59.99 for 2 sets of 25 pictures

$279.99 for 10 sets of 25 pictures

$559.99 for 20 sets of 25 pictures

$1099.99 for 40 sets of 25 pictures

$0.44 per slide

Starting at $0.59 per 35mm slide

$1.69 per non-standard slide

$130 for 2 sets of 25 slides
$160 for 10 sets of 25 slides
$310 for 20 sets of 25 slides
$600 for 40 sets of 25 slides

Negative Conversion Price

$0.49 per negative

Starting at $0.45 per negative ($25 minimum)

$0.75 for 35mm

$1.79 up to 3"x3"

$4.95 over 3"x3"

Glass plate $9.49

$59.99 for 2 sets of 25 pictures

$279.99 for 10 sets of 25 pictures

$559.99 for 20 sets of 25 pictures

$1099.99 for 40 sets of 25 pictures

$0.44 per negative

Starting at $0.59 per 35mm slide

$1.39 per non-standard negative

Med. and Larg fomrats start at $3.99 per negative

$130 for 2 sets of 25 negatives
$160 for 10 sets of 25 negatives
$310 for 20 sets of 25 negatives
$600 for 40 sets of 25 negatives

Video Conversion Price

$14.99 per tape

$29.95 per tape

Starts at $20 per tape but gets cheaper the more you add

$59.99 for 2 tapes

$279.99 for 10 tapes

$559.99 for 20 tapes

$1099.99 for 40 tapes

$22.99 per tape

Starting at $17.99

$130 for 2 tapes
$160 for 10 tapes
$310 for 20 tapes
$600 for 40 tapes

Film Conversion Price

$14.99 per 50ft.

Starting at $0.19 per foot for 8mm, and $0.25 for 16mm

$0.29 per foot

$59.99 for 2 films

$279.99 for 10 films

$559.99 for 20 films

$1099.99 for 40 films

$0.30 per foot

$0.22 per foot

$130 for 2 films
$160 for 10 films
$310 for 20 films
$600 for 40 films

Audio Conversion Price

n/a

No

n/a

$59.99 for 2 audio items

$279.99 for 10 audio items

$559.99 for 20 audio items

$1099.99 for 40 audio items

$22.99 per audio cassette

$0.30 per feet of reel tapes

Starting at $25.99 per tape

Mini, Vinyl, and Reel to reel, starting at $35.99 per audio

n/a


1) iMemories

What we like

  • Free quote and image enhancements
  • Offers safe shipping kit
  • You can send media by yourself or via the SafeShip kit
  • Accepts small and large orders
  • Competitive pricing and high customer ratings
  • Have one of fastest turnaround times
  • Lots of options for digital storage

What we don't like

  • The safe shipping kit might be limited if you send large media volumes.

iMemories is one of the leading digitization services that can transfer your family photos, videos, and films into a digital format that will last forever. In addition, the service provides scanning from analog to digital with an online viewing and sharing option, including a free digital download of photos, for which other services charge an additional amount.

iMemories offers a safe and secure way to send your photos with their SafeShip kit for $14.99, which includes waterproof bags and other protective items that ensure safe shipping.

iMemories photo box

Also, you can send pictures in your own box if that's what you want, but you need to email them to receive shipping instructions.

You don't need to label or organize; simply fill up the box with gathered photos and, on the outside, stick the included shipping label. After that, drop the box at the nearest FedEx pickup location.

With iMemories, you can send one media type, such as photos, or send a mix of media, such as VHS tapes, 8mm films, negatives (any size) and slides (any size).

Photo scanning with iMemories is a straightforward process. Just send your photos and let the service do the rest. You will end up with digital photos that are ready for viewing and sharing with your family.

For photo scanning services, iMemories charges $0.49 per photo up to 12x16. So, for instance, 1,000 photos would cost $490, give or take additional charges.

iMemories Customer Reviews

reviews imemories photos
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imemories reviews very old photos
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imemories excellent service for photos
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photos converted to digital format imemories reviews
Click on the image to enlarge

People who send their video or photo memories to be digitized aren't always sure what condition the media will be in. This isn't something you should worry about, though. The iMemories team will restore your memories to look as good as they can and "splice" videotapes and films without losing footage and at no additional fees.

Besides photos, you can also transfer other media types, such as:

  • Slides and negatives for $0.49 per item of any size
  • Videotapes (Betamax, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, MicroMini) for $14.99 per tape
  • Old films (8mm, Super 8, 16mm) for $14.99 per 50ft.
  • Digital media (DVDs and MiniDVD) for $14.90 per DVD or MiniDVD

During the process, iMemories lets you stay informed about the digitizing process in real-time via your order status page and email updates. 

For the digital copy options, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can get scanned photos on customized DVDs, USB drives, iMemories cloud, or even download digital files for free. There's even more. They also offer additional pricing options for blu-ray and a portable 1TB hard drive.

When it's all finished, the original photos will be returned alongside the digital copy. 

Turnaround time for iMemories is currently 2-3 weeks, but it varies depending on the format and volume of the order.


2) ScanMyPhotos

ScanMyPhotos prepaid box

Editors Rating:

4.6 /5

What we like

  • Offers both individual and bulk scanning options with box kit
  • Allows you to choose your desired scanning quality
  • Provides photo restoration services
  • Lots of enhancement add-ons for photos
  • Convenient online ordering process
  • Positive customer reviews and ratings

What we don't like

  • Additional costs may apply for return or disposal of original media through transfer box option.

If you need your photos scanned fast, these guys offer the best service for a short time. You can digitize your memories and have them in an accessible digital format with the help of ScanMyPhotos. With its high-quality scans, you can get copies of those old photographs on a DVD or even online for easy viewing that will last much longer than any piece of paper could hope.

It also offers a range of services for protecting and preserving all different types of media, including slides, VHS tapes, and 8 and 16mm films.

It takes 5 to 10 business days for them to scan and digitize your photos if you choose the pay-per-photo option, but you can speed that process up if you select the Express Scanning add-on, which costs 5 cents per scan.

When you choose the Express Scanning add-on, they will complete your order within one business day.

There is also a Prepaid Photo Box in which you can put about 1800 photos. The turnaround time is about 25 business days without the Express Scanning add-on.

And finally, there is a Family Generation Collection where you can put about 11,000 photos. This is the same as a Prepaid Photo Box but with six boxes instead of only one.

The quality of the scanned photos depends on the DPI you choose, and the DPI determines the cost of photo scanning. There are three options: 72, 150, 300, and 600 dots per inch (DPI). The lowest resolution costs $170 for 1,800 photos at 72 DPI; this jumps to a $185 price tag if you want higher resolutions that come with more pixels per square inch or DPI.

ScanMyPhotos offers scanning photos for as low as 10 cents per scan for 150 DPI, 18 cents per scan for 300 DPI, and 23 cents per scan for 600 DPI if you choose the Pay-Per-Photo Scanning.

ScanMyPhotos is the best way to preserve your memories and have them in an accessible digital format. With its high-quality scans, you can choose to get copies of those old photographs on a DVD or a USB thumb drive. The default option is their Upload Service, in which you can choose for how long it will stay on the server before it's deleted. The lowest amount of time is five days until the photos are deleted, so be sure to download them as soon as you receive the link in the email.

Clean your images so they are not dusty and messy, so they turn out good when they're scanned. ScanMyPhotos offers a comprehensive package for care and shipping. To learn more about this service and what else you can do with it, read our in-depth ScanMyPhotos review.


4) LegacyBox

What we like

  • Comes with shipping kit
  • A good option for bulk photo scanning
  • Simple and easy process
  • Regular deals and discounts available
  • Accepts and transfers a wide range of analog media, including audio formats

What we don't like

  • Some customers report a longer digitization process than expected

LegacyBox is a highly experienced digitization service with over a decade of experience and over one million memories digitized. They offer a comprehensive range of conversion services, including photos, video tapes, films, and audio cassettes. The ease of use and convenience make it a popular choice for digitizing memories.

To make the process even more convenient, LegacyBox offers different sizes of shipping kits, which can be chosen based on the number of items to be digitized. One item can be equivalent to one video tape, film reel, audio cassette, or 25 photos, slides, or negatives.

legacybox-In-the-box

The company offers four different kit sizes: the 2-item Starter, 10-item Family, 20-item Closet, and 40-item Trunk. Each box kit has barcodes that you need to stick on each item you send. If you need to add extra items to your order, the kit comes with additional barcodes for this purpose.

LegacyBox is known for their frequent discounts and promotions, making it a cost-effective option for digitizing your memories. The prepaid return shipping label that comes with each kit makes the process even more seamless.

Customers can expect high-quality media after digitization, although the company does not offer enhancements. LegacyBox provides excellent customer service, with polite and helpful representatives who keep customers informed throughout the digitization process, ensuring a pleasant experience.

In conclusion, LegacyBox is a company that constantly strives to improve its services and simplify the transfer process while maintaining the safety and quality of customers' memories.

Legacybox box kits

Pricing for the conversion of photos:

  • $59.99 for two sets of 25 pictures
  • $279.99 for ten sets of 25 pictures
  • $559.99 for twenty sets of 25 pictures
  • $1099.99 for forty sets of 25 pictures

3) Memory Fortress

memory fortress logo

Editors Rating:

4.5 /5

What we like

  • The simple and easy ordering process
  • Phone ordering option available
  • Good for bulk orders and family project
  • Accepts any size photos, including photos in albums
  • You can choose photo scan quality
  • Fast turnaround time

What we don't like

  • No shipping kit provided
  • A minimum order fee of $99

You won't easily find this service, but it certainly deserves a place among the top services. Memory Fortress scanning service was founded by veterans and those with strong military backgrounds and started with photo scanning at first and video transfer service afterward.

With MemoryFortress, you can expect the following:

  • Affordable prices
  • Fastest turnaround time (1-2 days for small orders and 4-5 days for larger orders)
  • You can order through the website or via phone.
  • High-quality scans

For the photos, you can send loose photos, which can be in any size up to poster size, and photos in albums (non-scrapbooks). They can also scan the backs of photos, which is excellent if you have important notes, dates, and signatures on the back of photos. Honestly, this feature is a big plus, and we are disappointed not to see this feature with other photo-scanning services.

They handle all photo albums, and during the scanning process, photos will be removed from albums if possible. If they can't remove the photos from the album for some reason, in that case, they will be scanned safely with special software while the images remain in the album.

memory fortress service

Besides photos, Memory Fortress also accepts media such as:

  • Slides: 35mm, 35mm half frame, Super 35mm, 126, 127, 110
  • Negatives: 35mm, 110, 126
  • Videotapes: VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV/HDV, MicroMV
  • Old film: 8mm
  • Scrapbooks 12x12

Memory Fortress will not accept any copyrighted media type except if you are the owner or have permission to reproduce the work.

You first have to gather all your photos. Memory Fortress says they take photos if loose, in albums, or put in rubber bands; you don't even need to worry about organizing them if you don't want to. Then pack them in a sturdy box to be safe during shipping. If you already have photos in a box or shoebox, as most do, you can leave them in if you prefer.

They know how most people store photos, so they don't bother customers about photo organization or packaging.

When they receive your photos, they will scan them. So if you send, for example, two boxes, they will be scanned and organized in that fashion, like a folder for each box.

All photos will get a crop, rotation, and color correction.

After completing the scanning process, photos will be transferred to the digital copy you choose while making an order. All your original photos will be returned to you alongside a digital copy.

Current prices for photo scanning start at $0.38 per loose photo at 300dpi and $0.42 per loose photo at higher quality 600 dpi scan.

For photos in albums, the price is $0.54 at 300dpi and $0.58 at 600dpi.

Since Memory Fortress receives a large volume of orders, they have a minimum order policy of $99. If your order is below $99, they will direct you to their smaller partnership scanning facilities, which can also handle your order.


5) ScanCafe

scancafe tb

Editors Rating:

4.5 /5

What we like

  • Good value for money on bulk scanning
  • Offers box kit for easy and safe process
  • High customer ratings
  • Reasonable turnaround time
  • Includes photo enhancements and restoration options

What we don't like

  • The box kit is not customizable for other media
  • Scanned images may not be organized into folders for easier access

ScanCafe is a one-stop for all your scanning needs. They'll take care of everything from photos, slides to negatives and even videos at affordable prices.

ScanCafe photo scanning ranges from 28 cents to 39 cents with Value Kits. The Value Kit ranges from 500 scans all the way up to 10,000 scans. With a higher number of scans, the lower the cost is per photo. Every image is color corrected and edited by hand before being sent out to the customer.

With time, photos naturally fade and lose color. Even those stored away in photo albums can be affected by fading or reaction to their surroundings.

They repair the photo if needed, re-orientation, photo cropping, removing light scratches and dust marks, photo color correction, and removing the case of red-eye.

If you've got a heart-wrenching photo that needs repairing, the team of experts will take every single one and give them their best examination so they can get back on track with all those precious memories.

ScanCafe may be a good option if you need to digitize photos and other media, but it's not as fast or reliable as ScanMyPhotos.

You can get individual photos scanned at 600dpi for $0.44 per photo.

You can choose from paper photos (both color and black-and-white), 35mm film negatives, or slides for that classic look.


6) EverPresent

What we like

  • Supports a wide range of media formats, including audio
  • Photos are ordered, titled and numbered
  • Offers media home pickup
  • Suitable for small and large orders

What we don't like

  • Higher scanning prices compared to other services
  • The digitization process may take longer

EverPresent is a service that has decades of experience in photo scanning and converting other media types. They can scan photos with standard sizes up to 8x10", photo albums, oversized items and frames, letters, memory cards, and even newspapers. 

Besides photos, they also convert media such as slides, negatives, videotapes, films, and audio. Like with Memory Fortress, you don't have to organize the photos for them. Also, they scan photos that are in envelopes, shoeboxes, bags, etc. 

everpresent site

With EverPresent, you have three options for delivering your photos to them. You can choose from dropping it off by yourself in one of their pickup locations, sending it by mail, or arranging a home pickup (available across the northeast).

Standard photos are scanned at 600dpi on professional scanners. During scanning, processed photos are ordered, titled, and numbered. They get dust removal, cleaning, and orientation and go through three levels of quality control during the scanning process. 

EverPresent can transfer scanned photos to DVD, USB, or personal cloud. They will also return all originals to you with the completion of the order.

We could not find the precise turnaround time you may expect, but the website states that over 80% of their projects are completed within one month. 

The standard photo (up to 8x10") scanning price is $0.59 per photo at 600 dpi. For albums and scrapbooks, prices start at $2.99 per page, and you can choose from 300 and 600 dpi scanning. For handling albums, additional fees may be applied.

7) DigMyPics

digmypics box

Editors Rating:

4.2 /5

What we like

  • Comes with shipping box kit
  • You can put different media types in the shipping kit
  • They return originals
  • Offers color correction, rotation, and dust removal

What we don't like

  • More expensive compared to other services

DigMyPics is a well-known scanning service with 20 years of experience in transferring photos, slides, negatives, videotapes and old films. The company offers two websites for different types of orders. If you want to send your media using your own shipping box and carrier, you can visit the DigMyPics website. If you prefer a shipping kit equivalent to the number of items you have, you can visit DigMyPics Memory Box.

The process for DigMyPics Memory Box is similar to the LegacyBox, but it allows for more possibilities as it allows you to mix different media formats. After choosing a kit equivalent to your media count, you will receive the MemoryBox with all the necessary items for safe shipping.

To send your media, simply fill the box with your items, making sure to pack them securely, and attach the prepaid shipping label to the outside of the box. You can track the shipment through the online order status page.

At DigMyPics, your media will undergo a dust removal process before the digitizing process begins. The photos will also undergo color correction and digital cleaning to remove any remaining dust. The company offers "Real Time Scanning," which allows you to watch your images being scanned online.

Upon completion of the scanning process:

  • Your original media and chosen digital copy will be returned to you.
  • Available options for the digital copy include: DVD set, flash drive, hard drive, or digital download.

Estimated Turn Times:

  • 4 items: 10 business days
  • 10 items: 12 business days
  • 20 items: 15 business days
  • 40 items: 20+ business days

Pricing for converting photos:

  • $130 for 4 sets of 25 photos, slides, or negatives
  • $320 for 10 sets of 25 photos, slides, or negatives
  • $620 for 20 sets of 25 photos, slides, or negatives
  • $1200 for 40 sets of 25 photos, slides, or negatives

Final Words

scan old photos

The best way to ensure the longevity of your photos and other media is to digitize them. This way, your photos, negatives, and slides will not deteriorate over time as they would if left to chance. Each service will return your original images to you so that you may use them as desired. However, we suggest keeping them securely stored, just in case.

Our article lists the top photo scanning services, each with its unique scanning process. These options are ideal if you're seeking high-quality results, but it's important to keep in mind that each service has its own unique features. Take the time to carefully choose the one that best suits your needs. In our opinion, iMemories is the quickest and most cost-effective way to digitize your photos and also with highest customer ratings on Trustpilot, Sitejabber and Yelp. 

Be sure to also check out our comprehensive comparison table between services and our top-pick summary. They will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Written by Abdo

Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.

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