LegacyBox vs Costco: Which Digitizing Service Is Worth It?

When it comes to protecting your most precious memories—old VHS tapes, photo albums, 8mm film reels—the last thing you want is regret. For many families, the choice often comes down to LegacyBox vs Costco. While both offer photo and video digitizing services, the experience, reliability, and results can be vastly different.

Let’s walk through what each service offers, where they succeed, and where they fall short—so you can feel confident about preserving your past.

Costco Photo and VHS to DVD Service: What Changed?

Costco once offered in-store media transfers, but today all digitizing services are handled through an online partner, Capture (formerly YesVideo). This service is now part of Costco Next, a curated collection of third-party providers.

What’s included:

• VHS to DVD conversions
  
  
• Photo scanning, including prints, albums, slides, and negatives
  
  
• 8mm film reel transfers to digital
  
  
• Access to files via a temporary cloud (MemoryCloud), USB, or DVD
  
  

Starting price: $16.99 per tape or photo batch
Turnaround: 3–4 weeks
Delivery method: Mail-in only (FedEx/UPS)

For basic needs, Costco’s offering is a relatively safe choice—especially if you're already a member. But the service lacks personalization, and your digital files are only stored temporarily in the cloud.

Learn more about our America’s best digitizing service.

LegacyBox Complaints and Customer Concerns

LegacyBox built its brand on convenience—offering pre-packaged kits that let you send your media by mail. However, there’s been a growing chorus of LegacyBox complaints, including:

• Lost or damaged tapes
  
  
• Delays exceeding 10–12 weeks
  
  
• Poor communication and customer support
  
  
• Low-resolution or poorly edited files
  
  
• Receiving DVDs instead of cloud links
  
  

Despite aggressive marketing, LegacyBox has struggled with consistent quality. If you're concerned about irreplaceable memories, this service may feel like a risk.

Want to dig deeper? Read our guide on what to know before you send your memories.

Costco vs LegacyBox: Head-to-Head Comparison

In short, neither service offers much hands-on care—but Costco’s digitizing partner is faster and more affordable, while LegacyBox relies heavily on volume at the expense of reliability.

Looking to convert VHS tapes to digital? Make sure your provider handles tapes with care and offers clear, cloud-based access.

What to Watch Out For

Whether you go with Costco or LegacyBox, keep these tips in mind:

• Always back up your digital files once you receive them.
  
  
• Ask if they handle tape repair or mold remediation before sending damaged items.
  
  
• Check if you're required to pay before they inspect your media (some services invoice only after reviewing your order).
  
  
• Avoid companies lacking live customer reviews, not verified from a reputable third party website.
  
  

Want to know how to convert photo slides to digital or preserve 8mm film reels with higher quality? These details can make a major difference.

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