Quick Overview
- 1#1: Macrium Reflect - Provides fast, reliable disk imaging, cloning, and incremental backups for complete system recovery.
- 2#2: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office - Offers comprehensive disk backup, imaging, and cybersecurity protection with cloud integration.
- 3#3: EaseUS Todo Backup - User-friendly tool for full system, disk, and file backups with cloning capabilities.
- 4#4: AOMEI Backupper - Free and pro disk backup, cloning, and restoration software with scheduling features.
- 5#5: Paragon Backup & Recovery - Advanced disk imaging and disaster recovery with support for multiple backup types.
- 6#6: MiniTool ShadowMaker - All-in-one backup solution for disks, systems, and files with real-time sync.
- 7#7: Veeam Agent for Windows - Robust backup for physical Windows machines including entire disk imaging.
- 8#8: Iperius Backup - Flexible disk backup software supporting images, increments, and multiple destinations.
- 9#9: Active@ Disk Image - Creates bootable disk images for backup, compression, and secure restoration.
- 10#10: O&O DiskImage - Professional disk imaging tool with incremental, differential, and direct cloning.
We evaluated these tools based on performance (including speed, reliability, and compression efficiency), feature breadth (such as incremental backups, cloud integration, and cloning capabilities), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring only the most effective solutions made the cut.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison of leading disk backup software, featuring Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, EaseUS Todo Backup, AOMEI Backupper, Paragon Backup & Recovery, and more. This table outlines key features, ease of use, and compatibility to guide readers toward the right tool for their backup requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Macrium Reflect Provides fast, reliable disk imaging, cloning, and incremental backups for complete system recovery. | other | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Offers comprehensive disk backup, imaging, and cybersecurity protection with cloud integration. | other | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | EaseUS Todo Backup User-friendly tool for full system, disk, and file backups with cloning capabilities. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | AOMEI Backupper Free and pro disk backup, cloning, and restoration software with scheduling features. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Paragon Backup & Recovery Advanced disk imaging and disaster recovery with support for multiple backup types. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | MiniTool ShadowMaker All-in-one backup solution for disks, systems, and files with real-time sync. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 7 | Veeam Agent for Windows Robust backup for physical Windows machines including entire disk imaging. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Iperius Backup Flexible disk backup software supporting images, increments, and multiple destinations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Active@ Disk Image Creates bootable disk images for backup, compression, and secure restoration. | other | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | O&O DiskImage Professional disk imaging tool with incremental, differential, and direct cloning. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Provides fast, reliable disk imaging, cloning, and incremental backups for complete system recovery.
Offers comprehensive disk backup, imaging, and cybersecurity protection with cloud integration.
User-friendly tool for full system, disk, and file backups with cloning capabilities.
Free and pro disk backup, cloning, and restoration software with scheduling features.
Advanced disk imaging and disaster recovery with support for multiple backup types.
All-in-one backup solution for disks, systems, and files with real-time sync.
Robust backup for physical Windows machines including entire disk imaging.
Flexible disk backup software supporting images, increments, and multiple destinations.
Creates bootable disk images for backup, compression, and secure restoration.
Professional disk imaging tool with incremental, differential, and direct cloning.
Macrium Reflect
otherProvides fast, reliable disk imaging, cloning, and incremental backups for complete system recovery.
viBoot technology for instantly virtualizing disk images without full restoration
Macrium Reflect is a leading disk imaging and backup software for Windows that creates full, incremental, and differential backups of entire disks, partitions, or specific files/folders. It excels in system cloning, bare-metal restores, and creating bootable rescue media for disaster recovery. With features like ransomware detection and viBoot virtualization, it provides comprehensive protection for home and business users.
Pros
- Exceptionally reliable imaging and cloning with fast incremental backups
- Bootable rescue media and bare-metal restore capabilities
- Free edition includes core disk backup features
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility
- Advanced features like file/folder backup require paid version
- Interface appears somewhat dated despite functional wizards
Best For
Windows users needing robust, reliable disk imaging for system backups and disaster recovery, from home enthusiasts to IT professionals.
Pricing
Free edition for basic imaging; Home perpetual license $69.95; Workstation/Server subscriptions from $49.50/year.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
otherOffers comprehensive disk backup, imaging, and cybersecurity protection with cloud integration.
AI-powered Active Protection that detects and blocks ransomware attacks in real-time during backups
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is an all-in-one backup and cybersecurity solution tailored for home users and small offices, specializing in disk imaging, file backups, and system cloning. It provides local, external drive, NAS, and cloud backup options with incremental and differential methods for efficient data protection. Beyond basic backups, it integrates real-time anti-ransomware, anti-malware, and vulnerability assessments to safeguard against cyber threats.
Pros
- Comprehensive disk imaging and cloning with universal restore capabilities
- Integrated AI-based cyber protection including real-time ransomware defense
- Flexible backup destinations with reliable incremental backups and cloud integration
Cons
- Subscription model increases long-term costs compared to one-time purchase alternatives
- Can be resource-intensive during full disk backups on lower-end hardware
- Occasional complexity in advanced scheduling and recovery options for beginners
Best For
Home office users or tech-savvy individuals seeking robust disk backups combined with proactive cybersecurity features.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $49.99/year for 250GB cloud storage, up to $149.99/year for 5TB; perpetual license options available but limited.
EaseUS Todo Backup
otherUser-friendly tool for full system, disk, and file backups with cloning capabilities.
Universal Restore for seamless backup recovery on dissimilar hardware
EaseUS Todo Backup is a robust Windows-based backup solution designed for disk, partition, system, and file-level backups, supporting full, incremental, and differential backup types. It excels in disk cloning, imaging, and restoration, with options for scheduling automated backups to local drives, NAS, or cloud storage. The software also includes recovery tools like Universal Restore for dissimilar hardware compatibility, making it suitable for personal and small business data protection.
Pros
- Intuitive, wizard-based interface simplifies complex backup tasks
- Strong support for disk cloning and incremental backups to save time and space
- Universal Restore enables recovery on different hardware configurations
Cons
- Free version has significant limitations and frequent upsell prompts
- Backup speeds can be slower compared to competitors on large drives
- Limited to Windows; no native support for macOS or Linux
Best For
Home users and small businesses needing reliable, user-friendly disk imaging and cloning for routine backups.
Pricing
Free edition with basic features; Home annual $39.95 or lifetime $59.95; Workstation and Server editions from $73/year.
AOMEI Backupper
otherFree and pro disk backup, cloning, and restoration software with scheduling features.
Universal Restore for seamless recovery to dissimilar hardware
AOMEI Backupper is a versatile disk backup and restore software for Windows that enables full, incremental, and differential backups of entire disks, partitions, or systems. It supports disk cloning, imaging, scheduling, compression, encryption, and recovery to dissimilar hardware via Universal Restore. The tool also includes P2V/V2P conversion and command-line support, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface with wizard-guided operations
- Free Standard edition covers basic disk backup needs
- Fast backup speeds and reliable restore functionality
Cons
- Advanced features like real-time sync require paid upgrade
- Limited to Windows platforms only
- Occasional bloatware during installation
Best For
Windows users seeking affordable, reliable disk backup for home or small office environments.
Pricing
Free Standard edition; Professional one-time purchase from $49.95, Technician edition from $199.
Paragon Backup & Recovery
enterpriseAdvanced disk imaging and disaster recovery with support for multiple backup types.
P2P Adjust for seamless recovery to dissimilar hardware
Paragon Backup & Recovery is a comprehensive disk imaging and backup solution from Paragon Software that enables users to create full, incremental, and differential backups of entire disks, partitions, or files. It excels in recovery scenarios, including to dissimilar hardware via its unique P2P (Powered by Paragon) technology, and supports bootable WinPE/UEFI media for offline restores. The software also includes scheduling, encryption, compression, and integration with partitioning tools for a complete data protection suite.
Pros
- Robust disk imaging with support for GPT/UEFI and BitLocker
- Reliable recovery to dissimilar hardware (P2P Adjust)
- Free Community Edition with core functionality
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Free version lacks advanced features like incremental backups
- Slower performance on very large drives during imaging
Best For
IT professionals and advanced users needing reliable disk-level backups and flexible recovery options across hardware changes.
Pricing
Free Community Edition; paid editions start at $79.95/year for Standard (1 PC), up to $399 for Enterprise.
MiniTool ShadowMaker
otherAll-in-one backup solution for disks, systems, and files with real-time sync.
Easy bootable WinPE media creation for offline disk recovery
MiniTool ShadowMaker is a robust disk backup software for Windows that enables full disk/partition imaging, system backups, file/folder synchronization, and disk cloning. It supports incremental and differential backups, scheduling, and encryption for secure data protection against failures or disasters. The tool also includes a bootable media builder for offline recovery, making it suitable for both personal and small business use.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with wizard-guided backups
- Free edition includes core disk imaging and cloning
- Fast incremental backups and reliable restore process
Cons
- Free version lacks scheduling and auto-backup features
- Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Some advanced options require paid upgrade
Best For
Home users and small businesses seeking an affordable, straightforward Windows disk backup solution.
Pricing
Free edition with basic features; Pro starts at $39/year or $59 lifetime, with higher tiers up to $159 lifetime for Technician edition.
Veeam Agent for Windows
enterpriseRobust backup for physical Windows machines including entire disk imaging.
Seamless integration with Veeam Backup & Replication for centralized management and automated verification
Veeam Agent for Windows is a comprehensive backup solution for protecting physical Windows endpoints, including desktops, laptops, and servers, by creating full disk images, volume backups, and file-level copies. It supports incremental backups, encryption, compression, and bare-metal recovery to the same or dissimilar hardware. The tool integrates seamlessly with Veeam Backup & Replication for centralized management and offers options for cloud and NAS backups.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade reliability with proven recovery success rates
- Free edition with core backup functionality
- Strong ransomware protection via immutable backups
Cons
- Subscription pricing for advanced features
- Higher resource usage during backups
- Steeper learning curve for non-IT users
Best For
IT administrators and SMBs managing fleets of Windows endpoints requiring robust, scalable disk backups.
Pricing
Free edition available; Workstation subscription ~$10-15/year per endpoint, Server editions ~$50+/year.
Iperius Backup
enterpriseFlexible disk backup software supporting images, increments, and multiple destinations.
Agentless VM backups for Hyper-V and VMware alongside full disk imaging
Iperius Backup is a robust Windows-focused backup solution specializing in disk imaging, full system backups, and replication to diverse destinations including local drives, NAS, FTP, and multiple cloud providers. It supports incremental and differential backups, bare-metal restores, and advanced scheduling for automated operations. Ideal for protecting entire disks or partitions, it also handles file-level backups and offers scripting for customization.
Pros
- Extensive backup destinations including 10+ cloud services without extra fees
- Free version with core disk imaging functionality
- Perpetual licensing options for long-term value
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than competitors
- Primarily Windows-only with limited cross-platform support
- Advanced features require higher-tier licenses
Best For
Small businesses and IT admins seeking cost-effective disk imaging with cloud and NAS integration.
Pricing
Free edition available; paid licenses start at €59 one-time per PC, with annual subscriptions from €69 and higher tiers for unlimited devices.
Active@ Disk Image
otherCreates bootable disk images for backup, compression, and secure restoration.
Bootable Linux/WinPE rescue environment for imaging inaccessible or non-booting drives
Active@ Disk Image is a robust disk imaging and backup solution that creates exact sector-by-sector copies of hard drives, partitions, and volumes for reliable data protection and recovery. It supports full, incremental, and differential backups with compression, AES-256 encryption, and scheduling options. The software also enables drive cloning, file/folder backups, and creates bootable WinPE or Linux-based rescue media for offline operations on non-booting systems.
Pros
- Reliable sector-by-sector imaging with verification
- Bootable rescue media for offline backups and restores
- Strong compression and encryption options
Cons
- Dated user interface lacking modern polish
- No native cloud integration or ransomware protection
- Limited customer support resources
Best For
Advanced users and IT admins needing precise local disk cloning and disaster recovery without cloud dependencies.
Pricing
Free edition with basic features; paid licenses from $29.95 (Standard) to $99.95 (Professional), with volume discounts for enterprises.
O&O DiskImage
otherProfessional disk imaging tool with incremental, differential, and direct cloning.
DirectCreate technology for imaging straight to target drives or NAS without temporary files
O&O DiskImage is a robust Windows-based disk imaging and backup tool that creates exact bit-for-bit copies of drives, partitions, or entire systems. It supports full, incremental, and differential backups, along with direct cloning for SSD upgrades and restoration to dissimilar hardware. The software includes bootable rescue media and features like compression, encryption, and live imaging for minimal downtime.
Pros
- Reliable incremental and differential backups save time and storage
- Bootable media ensures recovery even from failed systems
- Direct disk cloning optimized for SSD migrations
Cons
- Limited to Windows platforms only
- Free edition lacks advanced features like scripting
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Windows users seeking a reliable, one-time purchase solution for personal or professional disk imaging and backups.
Pricing
Free limited edition; Personal edition €49.90 one-time; Professional €99 one-time; higher for Server editions.
Conclusion
The top 10 disk backup tools offer reliable solutions, with Macrium Reflect leading as the clear winner, praised for its fast, consistent imaging and recovery capabilities. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office stands out as a strong alternative, combining comprehensive backup with cybersecurity and cloud integration, while EaseUS Todo Backup impresses with its user-friendly design for easy full-system and file protection. Each tool excels in different areas, ensuring a fit for various needs.
Take the first step in safeguarding your data by trying Macrium Reflect, the top-ranked tool, and discover why it’s trusted for seamless, effective disk protection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison