Legacybox vs iMemories: Pros & Cons Comparison With EverPresent

We see Legacybox vs iMemories compared often, as they’re two of the biggest mail-in digitizing companies in the entire country. You can use either to convert old tapes, film, and photos into digital files, safekeeping precious memories or your favorite music forever.

So what’s the difference between iMemories vs Legacybox, and how does EverPresent compare? We’ve put together this three-way showdown to help you find clarity and feel confident taking your next steps.

The most noteworthy nuances are in regard to features, pricing, and what actually happens to your physical media once you send it in the mail. But if you don’t have time to dig all the way into this comparison, the short answer is that EverPresent is the premium alternative (and the third largest digitizing company in America!).

We handle the services neither competitor specializes in and offer full restoration services to help you bring out the best in your physical media. You also gain access to labeling services, multiple format outputs, longer access to your digital files in the EverPresent app, and superior support. Find out firsthand what makes EverPresent the premier choice below.   

Legacybox vs iMemories vs EverPresent (Quick Comparison)

	Legacybox	iMemories	EverPresent
Pricing Model	Prepaid boxes (2-80 items)	Per-item	Custom quote, pay after approval
HD Upscaling	Not available	$10/tape	$4/tape
Restorative Services	None advertised	None advertised	Casing repair, splicing, mold cleaning, sticky shed, TBC
Labeling	DIY in app	DIY in app	Done for you (transcribed from tape labels)
Output Formats	.mp4 only	.mp4 only	.mp4, ProRes, ProResHQ, JPEG2000
Local Pickup or Drop-off	Not available	Not available	Home pickup + 130+ stores
Cloud Access	Downloads not included in list price	List price includes 30 days (downloads included)	List price includes 60 days (downloads included)
Turnaround	6-12 weeks	2-3 weeks	Varies by project, with 7-10 day rush links available

What Does iMemories Offer?

iMemories is owned by Ancestry.com. The Scottsdale, Arizona based company staffs over 250 restoration specialists. More than a million customers have used iMemories, and with 25,000+ five-star reviews, this is a legit option for converting your media to digital files. 

Services

iMemories accepts VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, 8mm, Hi8, Video8, Digital8, MiniDV, and MicroMV videotapes. They’re also equipped to convert film (8mm, Super 8, and 16mm), with or without sound. You can send in photos, slides, negatives, DVDs, and MiniDVDs as well. 

We want to talk about what they don’t offer, though, because that matters for anyone trying to digitize less common formats. There are no photo albums or film with sound. 

The company offers HD upscaling. 

The way it works is you order a SafeShip Kit ($29.99), which is what you pack your media up in. You get a crush-proof box, waterproof bags, and shock-resistant cushioning for peace of mind. Then, you send your copies away via the prepaid FedEx label. 

Turnaround time is between 2-3 weeks on average, and you get 30 days of free cloud access to your digital files. You can download the files yourself after the fact if you don’t want to continue storing them on the cloud. 

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Fast turnaround (2-3 weeks)	HD upscaling costs $10/tape
Digital downloads included in base price	DIY labeling only (in-app)
Stream your files on SmartTV (Roku, Apple TV, all major platforms)	.mp4 output only
SafeShip Kit with crush-proof packaging	No local pickup or store drop-off
Over 1 million customers served	Cloud access expires after 30 days

A Look at Legacybox’s Offerings

The other side of the iMemories vs Legacybox comparison takes a totally different approach to ordering. You’re not given a per-item price. Rather, you pick a box size that is paid for upfront:

• Starter: 2 tapes, film reels, or sets of 25 photos
• Family: 10 tapes, film reels or sets of 25 photos
• Closet: 20 tapes, film reels, or sets of 25 photos
• Trunk: 40 tapes, film reels, or sets of 25 photos

Prices range from $41.99 for the Starter up to $749.99 for the Trunk. You’re sent your box, you pack it up, and you send it back. A lot of customers prefer this simpler approach, which is why Legacybox has become a very popular gift for older family members who might not want to count tapes and compare per-item pricing. 

Services

You’ll see a ton of overlap in comparing Legacybox vs iMemories services. Legacybox accepts VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, Betamax, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, and MicroMV videotapes. They also handle film (8mm, Super 8, and 16mm), photo prints, slides (35mm and 126mm), negatives, audio cassettes, microcassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, DVDs, CDs, and mini CDs.

Legacybox also doesn’t offer photo albums or film with sound, which is just one of many shortcomings the two companies share. It’s something we specialize in here at EverPresent, though.

Film gets digitized at 480p standard definition and is delivered in .mp4 files via the Legacybox, which you have free access to for 30 days. However, you have to pay extra to actually download your items ($1-$3 each), so factor that in as well. Turnaround time is 6-12 weeks. 

 

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Simple prepaid box model	Downloads not included in base price
Great for gifting	No HD upscaling available
Accepts a wide range of formats including audio	Limited services for damaged media
Mix different media types in one box	DIY labeling only (in-app)
Straightforward pricing (pick a size)	6-12 week turnaround
	Film scanned at 480p only

Introducing EverPresent: The Alternative You’ve Been Looking For

We know you came here specifically for a Legacybox vs iMemories pros & cons comparison, but hear us out. Adding EverPresent to the mix changes everything. It no longer feels like you’re forced to choose between two incomplete options. 

Because at the end of the day, neither side of the iMemories vs Legacybox comparison offers:

• Restoration services for physically damaged tapes
• Written label transcription for filenames
• Additional outputs beyond .mp4
• The option to hand your media off to a real person instead of mailing it

EverPresent offers all this and so much more. You can count on us to convert more video formats than any other competitor across the entire industry, Legacybox and iMemories included. Even professional and institutional tapes like U-Matic, all Betacam formats, DVCPro, HDCam, and PAL. These are the types of tapes that other companies just send back.

You pay less than half what iMemories charges for HD upscaling, too, at only $4/tape. The quality is equivalent, if not better. Our team is also equipped to handle mechanical casing repair, tape splicing, mold cleaning, sticky shed incubation, and time base correction in-house. We’re the only top digitizing company that can do all this without having to outsource.

Beyond video, we’re capable of converting slides to digital, cassette tape to digital, DVD to digital, negatives, vinyl records, and so much more. Anything you need preserved, we can do it. 

But what really separates us from a lot of other options is you don’t HAVE to mail in your files if you live on the East Coast. We know how stressful it can be sending one-of-one copies in the mail. We offer free home pickup in select locations, and you can also drop your stuff off at one of over 130 partner locations. Otherwise, we’ll send you a prepaid label – and you can rest assured your items are only heading to our facility, not being shipped somewhere else after the fact.  You don’t have to wait for a box, and you are not limited to the box  EverPresent accepts photo albums, picture frames, slide carousels – whatever you have, as is.

Your files arrive on USB, DVD, or through our private cloud app with 60 days of free access. Key Moments technology identifies roughly 10 key moments in each video, generates transcripts, and tells you which family members appear. Casting to your TV is available now from the smartphone app, with dedicated SmartTV apps on the way for all major platforms.

Comparing iMemories vs LegacyBox vs EverPresent Side-by-Side

There’s a lot to love about EverPresent, but we want you to make the most calculated decision possible – so let’s take a closer look at the Legacybox vs iMemories pros & cons comparison alongside EverPresent below. 

Formats Accepted

You might be able to narrow it down between one of these three services just based on what you’re actually trying to convert to digital. Because while there’s tons of overlap in formats accepted, there are a few distinctions.

Format	Legacybox	iMemories	EverPresent
VHS, VHS-C	✅	✅	✅
Photo albums	❌	❌	✅
Scrapbooks	❌	❌	✅
Hi8, Video8, Digital8	✅	✅	✅
MiniDV	✅	✅	✅
Betamax, MicroMV	✅	✅	✅
8mm, Super 8, 16mm Film	✅	✅	✅
Photos, Slides, Negatives	✅	✅	✅
Audio Cassettes	✅	❌	✅
Reel-to-Reel Audio	✅	❌	✅
DVDs	✅	✅	✅
U-Matic, Betacam, DVCPro, HDCam, PAL	❌	❌	✅

The key takeaway here is that EverPresent can convert anything. Legacybox accepts more formats than iMemories, but you’re still missing out on the ability to convert some of the more unique videotape types.

How You Send in Your Physical Copies

The actual process of working with Legacybox, iMemories, and EverPresent is a little different as well. Legacybox sends you a prepaid box only after you’ve paid for your full order. On the other hand, iMemories sends you their SafeShip kit – which a lot of customers have said is a lot sturdier and less stressful to pack goods in. 

You can choose to ship your items to EverPresent as well – which is definitely your best option if you live on the West Coast or the Midwest. EverPresent sends free shipping labels so you don’t have to wait and can use boxes that fit larger items like photo albums.  However, we also have a home pickup service in the Northeast. Or, you can drop your photos and videos off at one of our 130+ partner locations. 

Who Actually Handles Them?

There’s been a lot of debate over what actually happens to your physical media after sending it in to Legacybox vs iMemories. But Legacybox has its own massive, 110,000 square-foot facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It doesn’t appear that anything is outsourced. iMemories handles everything in its own facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The same can be said for EverPresent. We operate in-house labs and use a private logistics network with company-owned drivers and vehicles for local pickups. Nothing goes through the postal service if we’re local to your area. 

So no matter which you choose between iMemories, Legacybox, or EverPresent, you can rest assured you’re working with the same people from A to Z.

Media Enhancement Services

This is a big divide between Legacybox vs iMemories. LegacyBox is not as focused on enhancement services.

In contrast, iMemories and EverPresent provide enhancement for all types of media to really help bring out the best in your physical copy. For instance, iMemories has McKenzie AI enhancement for $10 per tape. This improves sharpness and color accuracy while reducing imperfections.

Here at EverPresent, you gain access to HD upscaling for only $4/tape – a fraction of what you’d pay at iMemories. You can also take advantage of professional EQ and compression for audio transfer services. We offer AI-assisted restoration tools across media types. You get Image Enhancement and Advanced Image Retouching for photos that need color correction, scratch repair, water damage restoration, and more.

But one key takeaway is that a human expert ALWAYS reviews the final result before it’s sent your way. AI is just one tool we have in our arsenal, not something we use across the board. 

Restoration and Repair Services

This is something you’ll be missing out on no matter which company you go with in the Legacybox vs iMemories debate. Neither advertises any sort of media restoration and repair services prior to converting your media.

That means you’re probably going to get your media sent back if a VHS has a broken casing, torn tape, mold, or sticky shed syndrome. But we handle all the most common tape issues in-house here at EverPresent:

• Mechanical casing repair
• Tape splicing
• Mold cleaning
• Sticky shed incubation
• Time base correction

You’ll find countless complaints about companies like Legacybox and iMemories rejecting difficult tapes. EverPresent is the company you choose to fix them and then transfer them.

Labeling & Organization

You can label your files yourself in either the Legacybox or iMemories app. That’s fine if you have a few tapes. But it’s a massive headache if you have 50. 

This is why here at EverPresent, we made it a point to include transcription services. Whatever is written on your tapes is directly added to the filename on your USB, cloud delivery, or DVD menu. No app or extra hoops to jump through. 

We also have Key Moments, a feature that automatically processes your footage so you can effortlessly find memories you’re looking for in longer footage. The tool creates clickable highlight clips in the video player with titles so you can jump right to specific scenes.

What You Get Back

You get your originals back with all three services in the iMemories vs Legacybox vs EverPresent showdown. But digital delivery is where you’ll notice some shortcomings. 

iMemories gives you free downloads which is great, but you only have access to the app for 30 days until you have to pay for it. Legacybox gives you the same 30-day runway, but you have to actually pay for digital downloads beyond the initial price you see listed on the website. That drives the final price way up. Cost aside, it’s frustrating to think you’re all done with the service only to be met with a bill of $1-$3 per download.

EverPresent lets you store your files in the app for 60 days, twice as long as the other guys. You can also download your files if you want. No charge. Or, you can choose to have your files put on a USB or CD and shipped to you. 

Cost Comparison

We’ve run you through a Legacybox vs iMemories pros & cons comparison with EverPresent. But let’s look at the cost side of things below to see where you get the best value for your money.

Service	Legacybox	iMemories	EverPresent
Video tape	~$32/tape	$29.99/tape	$24/tape (first 10), $19/tape (11+)
Film reel (per 50ft)	~$32/reel (any length)	$29.99/50ft	$0.39/ft (first 1,000 ft), $0.31/ft (1,001+)
Photo	~$1.28/photo	$0.99/photo	$0.98/photo (first 300), $0.68/photo (301+)
Slide	~$1.28/slide	$0.99/slide	$0.98/slide (first 300), $0.68/slide (301+)
Audio cassette	~$32/cassette	Not offered	$24/cassette (first 10), $16.99/cassette (11+)
Order / kit fee	Included in box price	$29.99 SafeShip Kit	$50 service fee
HD upscaling	Not available	+$9.99/tape	+$4/tape
USB drive	Extra	Extra	Extra
Downloads	$1-$3 each	Included	Included

Customer Service

Both Legacybox and iMemories run through online shopping carts with no phone consultation before you commit. You count your own media, select your package, and pay. 

You can talk to someone at EverPresent before you get started if you want. We inventory and count your formats for you, put together a custom quote, and you approve it before anything starts.

Which Photo, Film, or Audio Conversion Service is Right For You?

We hope this Legacybox vs iMemories pros & cons comparison with EverPresent has left you totally clear about which of these services best suits your needs. You’re looking at three of the best the industry has to offer – but only one really goes above and beyond.

Don’t settle for less than the best experience as you convert your precious memories into digital files that can be enjoyed forever. Learn more about how it works with EverPresent today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, iMemories or Legacybox?

iMemories works faster (2-3 weeks vs 6-12), includes downloads in the base price, and offers HD upscaling and SmartTV streaming. Some customers say Legacybox is easier to get started with and works really well as a gift. But neither offers restoration services, done-for-you labeling, or some of the more rare formats you may need converted. EverPresent does everything these two services do and then some. 

Are Legacybox and iMemories owned by the same company?

No. Legacybox lives under the same parent company as Southtree and Kodak Digitizing (AMB Media LLC). iMemories is owned by Ancestry.com. 

What resolution do Legacybox and iMemories scan film at?

Legacybox scans film at 480p standard definition with no color correction or editing. We couldn’t find any information regarding iMemories’ film scan resolution. But for comparison, we can tell you that EverPresent offers multiple output formats including .mp4, ProRes, ProResHQ, and JPEG2000 and can scan up to native 2K in frame-by-frame scans.

Do you have to pay to keep access to your digital files? 

Yes. You get 30 days of app access with either Legacybox vs iMemories. You can download your files for free with iMemories, whereas you pay to download them from Legacybox. EverPresent gives you twice as long to store things in the app, and you can download files free.

Can I just download my digital files and keep them on my desktop?

Yes – but you have to pay for this with Legacybox on top of the digitizing unit prices. It’s free through iMemories or EverPresent. 

What are the typical turnaround times for Legacybox and iMemories?

It always depends on the backlog and what you’re sending in to some degree. However, iMemories seems to be the faster service with a 2-3 week turnaround time, whereas Legacybox can take as long as 12 weeks. EverPresent completes more than 80% of orders in less than a month and offers seven-day link rush service for most projects. 

How safe is mailing your physical media to Legacybox or iMemories?

It’s very safe with iMemories since you get a crush-proof box, waterproof bags, and shock-resistant cushioning. We’ve seen some concerns about Legacybox’s pre-paid shipping box. If you’re on the East Coast and would prefer to avoid the mailing uncertainty, look into EverPresent. We have home pickup and local drop-off in some areas.  

Is it worth using AI enhancement for your photo, audio, or video?

It can make a dramatic difference for faded or discolored footage. It can also eliminate hissing/crackling in audio. iMemories and EverPresent both offer enhancement; Legacybox doesn’t. EverPresent is best if your physical media is damaged. 

What is better than Legacybox and iMemories?

EverPresent is the complete service that Legacybox and iMemories strive to be. You get full repair for damaged tapes, done-for-you labeling, archival output formats, HD upscaling at $4/tape, local intake options, and a cloud app with KeyMoments tech.