The Best DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combinations

Best Overall (Certified Refurbished)

Sanyo FWZV475F

$290 at Amazon $777 at Walmart

TL;DR: For the best overall DVD recorder/VCR combo experience, we recommend the Sanyo FWZV475F.

Why We Recommend It

If you want a DVD recorder/VCR combo unit that's easy to use and won't empty your pockets, the Sanyo FWZV475F is a compelling option even in certified refurbished condition.

It's compatible with DVD-R and DVD-RW disc formats, which can be played back on most DVD players.

It can also record and play VHS tapes, and you can dub from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS—provided the dubbed content is not copy-protected.

The FWZV475F is compatible with DVDs, CDs, and Kodak CD Picture Discs for additional playback flexibility. Inputs include both composite and S-video (along with analog stereo audio).

In terms of video output capability, progressive scan is accommodated via the component video outputs and HDMI, and 1080p video upscaling via HDMI is possible when connected to a 1080p TV (720p upscaling is also possible for 720p TVs).

However, it is important to point out that the FWZV475F does have a built-in tuner. You must connect a cable/satellite or DTV converter box to record TV programs.

Amazon purchasers give the Sanyo WZV475F4.1 stars out of 5, and 61% of buyers rate this product 5 out of 5 stars.

Best Upscaling (Used)

Magnavox ZV427MG9

$225 at Amazon $250 at Walmart

TL;DR: Though it's not the most modern unit (and availably only used), this Magnavox combo offers capable upscaling for high-resolution conversions.

Why We Recommend It

The Magnavox ZV427MG9 has genuinely useful features for all your VHS and DVD needs.

Its best feature is the ability to upscale thanks to its 1080p up-conversion functionality, so you can automatically convert your videos to a higher resolution.

There's also two-way conversion, so you can convert DVDs and VCR tapes into both formats—something not all DVD recorder/VHS VCR combos offer.

Alongside all that is HDMI output, although it's not quite perfect. You must purchase a separate tuner to record shows directly off your TV as they air.

Despite that drawback and its dated design, the device is relatively progressive in its offerings, easy to use, and upscaling is sure to be particularly helpful.

This product earns a global average of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and 60% of reviewers give it 5 stars.

Easiest to Use

Funai ZV427FX4

$750 at Amazon $979 at Walmart

TL;DR: This combo device offers the most straightforward experience out of the box to get you up and running quickly.

Why We Recommend It

At a time when DVD recorder/VCR combos are getting harder to find, the Funai ZV427FX4 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo continues to be highly reliable and easy-to-use option for everyone.

It's straightforward to use, so converting your family's VHS home videos to DVDs won't take a lot of effort.

The only thing to be aware of is that it lacks a tuner, so you'll need to connect an external tuner, such as a cable or satellite box, to the unit's AV line inputs if you want to record TV shows to either DVD or VHS.

For simple VHS-to-DVD conversion, though, you can't go wrong with the ZV427FX4. It just works. 

It records to only DVD-R (rather than DVD+R), which means it's compatible with playback on most DVD players, so you won't have to worry about any issues when watching them.

For all your playback needs, the ZV427FX4 is compatible with DVDs, CDs, Kodak CD Picture Discs, and VHS tapes, so there are plenty of options here.

It also offers progressive scans via the component video outputs and HDMI and 1080p video scaling via HDMI. The ZV427FX4 covers all the bases, is built to last, and is affordable for all its features.

Happy Amazon buyers give the Funai ZV427FX4 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Best for Wide Compatibility (Used)

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK

$300 $223 at Amazon

TL;DR: This model includes a built-in tuner, wide format compatibility, and upscaling too.

Why We Recommend It

This product has been discontinued and is only available on a used basis now, but the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR combo can record most DVD formats and play most DVD and CD formats, including MP3 and Divx files.

In addition, using the VCR section, you can record directly to VHS or dub non-copy-protected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS.

Panasonic's enhanced four-hour recording mode allows you to record sporting events and longer movies onto DVD with the same video quality as the two-hour recording mode.

Incorporating HDMI and video upscaling makes the EZ48VK a good match for an HDTV, and the SD card slot, USB input for digital image and music file playback, and an ATSC tuner add to the flexibility of this device.

Purchasers on Amazon give the Panasonic EZ48VK 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Best Basic Combo

Funai Dual Deck

$650 at Amazon

TL;DR: Practical and basic, the Funai Dual Deck DVD and VHS combination gives you precisely what you paid for and not much more.

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking fora no-frills, basic combo unit, the Funai does just that. It adds basic VHS functionality and near-instant hook-up and playback via a cable, satellite box, or directly to a TV,

The included AV cable facilitates any connection for easy setup. Line-in recording allows you to capture television programming on VHS tapes, and auto eject ensures that tapes won’t get stuck inside the player.

Fortunately, being a basic player doesn’t mean skimping on every feature. For strong audio playback, the Funai includes Dolby Digital Sound.

Additional options like still frames and slow motion are also included. Parents will note the parental lock, which prohibits unwanted access by children.

A multilingual operating system also makes it useful for all languages. And the included remote offers basic controls like fast forward, skip, pause, and stop.

Half of the Amazon buyers who reviewed this product give it 5 out of 5 stars.