Quick Overview
- 1#1: Laplink PCmover - Automatically transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new one without reinstallation.
- 2#2: Zinstall WinWin - Migrates applications, files, profiles, and settings between PCs over a network with minimal downtime.
- 3#3: EaseUS Todo PCTrans - Enables selective migration of apps, data, and accounts between local or networked PCs with a free version available.
- 4#4: Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office - Offers full disk imaging, cloning, and backup for complete PC system migration to new hardware.
- 5#5: Macrium Reflect - Provides reliable disk imaging and cloning for fast and secure PC-to-PC migrations.
- 6#6: AOMEI Backupper - Supports disk cloning, system backup, and universal restore for migrating OS and data to new PCs.
- 7#7: Paragon Hard Disk Manager - Facilitates OS-to-SSD migration, disk cloning, and partition management for PC transfers.
- 8#8: MiniTool Partition Wizard - Includes disk cloning and OS migration features for transferring systems between drives or PCs.
- 9#9: Clonezilla - Free open-source tool for disk and partition imaging to clone entire PCs.
- 10#10: Rescuezilla - User-friendly graphical interface for Clonezilla-based PC backups and migrations.
We ranked these tools based on reliability, feature depth (including app/settings migration and cross-platform support), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring each entry stands out as a top choice for modern users.
Comparison Table
PC migration software simplifies transferring data, apps, and settings between devices, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like Laplink PCmover, Zinstall WinWin, EaseUS Todo PCTrans, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, Macrium Reflect, and more. Readers will discover key features, ease of use, compatibility, and additional capabilities to identify the best fit for their migration needs, whether personal or professional.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laplink PCmover Automatically transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new one without reinstallation. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Zinstall WinWin Migrates applications, files, profiles, and settings between PCs over a network with minimal downtime. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | EaseUS Todo PCTrans Enables selective migration of apps, data, and accounts between local or networked PCs with a free version available. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Offers full disk imaging, cloning, and backup for complete PC system migration to new hardware. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Macrium Reflect Provides reliable disk imaging and cloning for fast and secure PC-to-PC migrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | AOMEI Backupper Supports disk cloning, system backup, and universal restore for migrating OS and data to new PCs. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 7 | Paragon Hard Disk Manager Facilitates OS-to-SSD migration, disk cloning, and partition management for PC transfers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | MiniTool Partition Wizard Includes disk cloning and OS migration features for transferring systems between drives or PCs. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Clonezilla Free open-source tool for disk and partition imaging to clone entire PCs. | other | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 4.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | Rescuezilla User-friendly graphical interface for Clonezilla-based PC backups and migrations. | other | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
Automatically transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new one without reinstallation.
Migrates applications, files, profiles, and settings between PCs over a network with minimal downtime.
Enables selective migration of apps, data, and accounts between local or networked PCs with a free version available.
Offers full disk imaging, cloning, and backup for complete PC system migration to new hardware.
Provides reliable disk imaging and cloning for fast and secure PC-to-PC migrations.
Supports disk cloning, system backup, and universal restore for migrating OS and data to new PCs.
Facilitates OS-to-SSD migration, disk cloning, and partition management for PC transfers.
Includes disk cloning and OS migration features for transferring systems between drives or PCs.
Free open-source tool for disk and partition imaging to clone entire PCs.
User-friendly graphical interface for Clonezilla-based PC backups and migrations.
Laplink PCmover
enterpriseAutomatically transfers programs, files, settings, and user profiles from an old PC to a new one without reinstallation.
Automated application migration that transfers over 90% of programs with their licenses and settings intact
Laplink PCmover is a leading PC migration software that effortlessly transfers files, applications, settings, and user profiles from an old Windows PC to a new one. It supports multiple transfer methods including direct cable connection, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or even image files for offline migrations. Renowned for its ability to migrate licensed applications without reinstallation, it minimizes downtime and preserves system configurations during OS upgrades or hardware changes.
Pros
- Migrates applications, files, settings, and passwords intact—unique among competitors
- Multiple transfer options (cable, wireless, network, image-based) for flexibility
- High reliability with in-app transfer advisor to avoid compatibility issues
Cons
- Premium pricing for full features; free edition is limited
- Windows-only support, no macOS or cross-platform migration
- Occasional hiccups with heavily customized or enterprise apps
Best For
Professionals and home users upgrading PCs who need to preserve installed applications and configurations without manual reinstalls.
Pricing
Starts at $29.95 for Home edition (basic transfers); Professional at $59.95 (full app migration); Ultimate at $79.95 (includes USB transfer kit); one-time purchase per migration.
Zinstall WinWin
enterpriseMigrates applications, files, profiles, and settings between PCs over a network with minimal downtime.
In-place application migration that restores programs fully functional on the new PC, even across major OS upgrades or hardware changes
Zinstall WinWin is an automated PC migration software that transfers programs, files, settings, user profiles, and desktop configurations from an old Windows PC to a new one. It uniquely handles migrations between dissimilar hardware, different Windows versions (e.g., XP to Windows 11), and even over a network without requiring software reinstallation. The process runs remotely and in the background, minimizing downtime and user intervention while preserving application states intact.
Pros
- Migrates thousands of applications automatically without reinstallation
- Supports migrations across different Windows versions and hardware types
- Fast, remote operation with minimal user input and low downtime
Cons
- One-time license cost can be high for infrequent users
- Not all niche or DRM-protected software migrates perfectly
- Limited free trial; full features require purchase
Best For
Home users, small businesses, or IT pros needing to migrate full PC setups to new hardware while keeping all apps and settings intact.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $119.95 for a single migration, with multi-PC bundles up to $499; free trial available.
EaseUS Todo PCTrans
enterpriseEnables selective migration of apps, data, and accounts between local or networked PCs with a free version available.
Direct application migration that transfers programs with their settings intact, no reinstall needed
EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a robust PC migration software designed to transfer files, applications, user accounts, and settings between computers over a network or external drives. It excels in migrating installed programs without requiring reinstallation, preserving settings and data integrity. The tool supports Windows operating systems and offers both free and paid versions for individual and professional use.
Pros
- Migrates applications without reinstallation, saving time and effort
- Supports multiple transfer methods including PC-to-PC and to external drives
- User-friendly wizard interface simplifies the migration process
Cons
- Free version has significant limitations like no app migration
- Occasional compatibility issues with certain apps or newer Windows versions
- Pricing can be steep for multi-PC licenses
Best For
Users upgrading to a new PC who need to transfer installed applications and accounts seamlessly without reinstalling software.
Pricing
Free edition (basic file transfer); Professional $59.95 one-time for 1-2 PCs; higher tiers up to $399 for technician unlimited.
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
enterpriseOffers full disk imaging, cloning, and backup for complete PC system migration to new hardware.
Universal Restore for migrating to dissimilar hardware without driver issues
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is an all-in-one backup, cybersecurity, and system migration solution designed for home users. It excels in PC migration through disk imaging, cloning, and Universal Restore, allowing seamless transfer of OS, apps, and data to new or dissimilar hardware. Additional features include real-time ransomware protection, vulnerability scans, and continuous backups, making it more than just a migration tool.
Pros
- Powerful disk cloning and imaging for reliable full-system migrations
- Universal Restore supports transfers to dissimilar hardware
- Integrated cybersecurity protects data during migration and backups
Cons
- Primarily a backup tool, so migration workflow feels secondary and complex
- Subscription model required for ongoing access to full features
- Resource-intensive during imaging, slowing older PCs
Best For
Home users needing comprehensive backup with occasional PC migrations and built-in security.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $49.99/year for 1 PC (250GB cloud storage); higher tiers for multi-device up to $99.99/year.
Macrium Reflect
enterpriseProvides reliable disk imaging and cloning for fast and secure PC-to-PC migrations.
ReDeploy technology for seamless migration to dissimilar hardware by automating driver injection
Macrium Reflect is a robust disk imaging and cloning software primarily designed for creating reliable backups and exact copies of drives, making it suitable for PC migration by cloning entire systems or restoring images to new hardware. It supports both online and offline cloning via rescue media, with features like sector-by-sector copying for precision. While not exclusively a migration tool, its cloning capabilities excel in data transfer during hardware upgrades, though it requires some technical knowledge for optimal use.
Pros
- Highly reliable and fast disk cloning with support for large drives and UEFI/GPT
- Free edition available for basic personal use
- ReDeploy feature aids hardware-independent migrations
Cons
- Interface appears dated and technical for beginners
- Advanced migration tools locked behind paid licenses
- Less automation for application-specific migrations compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Advanced users and IT professionals needing precise, disk-level PC migrations without frills.
Pricing
Free edition for basic use; Home edition from $69.95/year or $149 perpetual; higher tiers for business.
AOMEI Backupper
otherSupports disk cloning, system backup, and universal restore for migrating OS and data to new PCs.
Universal Restore for seamless system migration across different hardware configurations
AOMEI Backupper is a versatile backup and disk cloning software that supports PC migration through features like system clone, disk clone, and partition clone, allowing users to transfer OS, data, and settings to new drives or computers. It includes Universal Restore for migrating to dissimilar hardware, making it suitable for SSD upgrades or full PC replacements. The intuitive wizard-based interface simplifies the process, with support for both Windows and bootable media creation.
Pros
- Universal Restore enables migration to dissimilar hardware
- Fast cloning speeds with support for MBR/GPT and dynamic disks
- Free version includes basic cloning for personal use
Cons
- Free edition lacks Universal Restore and advanced scheduling
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Occasional performance issues with very large drives
Best For
Home users and small businesses seeking an affordable solution for OS and disk migrations to new PCs or SSDs.
Pricing
Free edition available; Professional starts at $59.95/year per PC, with lifetime licenses from $99.95 and multi-PC bundles.
Paragon Hard Disk Manager
enterpriseFacilitates OS-to-SSD migration, disk cloning, and partition management for PC transfers.
Dissimilar hardware migration wizard that automatically adjusts drivers and partitions for seamless OS transfers
Paragon Hard Disk Manager is a robust disk management suite from paragon-software.com that provides advanced PC migration capabilities, including OS cloning, drive imaging, and data transfer between hard drives or to SSDs. It supports migrating entire systems to dissimilar hardware, P2P, P2V, and V2P scenarios with specialized wizards for seamless transitions. The software also integrates backup, recovery, and partitioning tools, making it a comprehensive solution for IT professionals handling PC upgrades or migrations.
Pros
- Powerful migration wizards for OS-to-SSD and dissimilar hardware
- Bootable WinPE recovery media for offline migrations
- Integrated backup and sector-level cloning for reliability
Cons
- Steep learning curve with cluttered interface for novices
- No free version with full migration features
- Slower performance on very large drives compared to competitors
Best For
IT professionals and advanced users migrating systems across hardware or to SSDs in enterprise or home environments.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $79.95 for Standard edition, $99.95 for Professional; subscription options from $29.95/year.
MiniTool Partition Wizard
otherIncludes disk cloning and OS migration features for transferring systems between drives or PCs.
OS to SSD migration wizard that relocates Windows without reinstallation
MiniTool Partition Wizard is a comprehensive disk management utility that provides robust tools for partitioning, resizing, cloning, and migrating operating systems to new drives. As a PC migration solution, it excels in disk and partition cloning, allowing users to transfer entire systems or data to SSDs, HDDs, or new PCs via bootable media. While not focused on application transfers or network migrations, its imaging and recovery features make it reliable for hardware upgrades and drive-based migrations.
Pros
- Powerful disk and partition cloning for seamless drive-to-drive migrations
- Intuitive graphical interface suitable for non-experts
- Generous free version covers core migration needs
Cons
- No support for transferring applications, profiles, or network-based migrations
- Advanced features like full imaging require paid upgrade
- Risk of data issues if partitions are complex or dynamic disks are involved
Best For
Users focused on cloning drives or migrating OS to new hardware like SSDs, rather than selective app transfers.
Pricing
Free edition available; Pro Annual $59, Pro Lifetime $159, higher tiers up to $169.
Clonezilla
otherFree open-source tool for disk and partition imaging to clone entire PCs.
Advanced partclone technology for block-level, efficient cloning with encryption, compression, and multicast support
Clonezilla is a free, open-source disk cloning and imaging tool that creates exact copies of partitions, drives, or entire systems for backup and migration purposes. It operates from a bootable live USB or CD, allowing users to clone data without installing software on the host machine. Ideal for PC migration, it supports resizing partitions and compressing images to fit smaller target drives, though it requires careful handling for hardware changes.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Supports extensive file systems, compression, and partition resizing for efficient migrations
- Multicast cloning capability for deploying to multiple machines simultaneously
Cons
- Text-based interface with steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Requires booting from external media, disrupting normal workflow
- Potential compatibility issues during migrations to dissimilar hardware
Best For
IT professionals and advanced users needing a powerful, cost-free solution for bulk disk imaging and system migrations.
Pricing
Free and open-source; no paid tiers available.
Rescuezilla
otherUser-friendly graphical interface for Clonezilla-based PC backups and migrations.
Bootable live USB with an intuitive GUI overlay on Clonezilla for seamless disk cloning without host OS interference
Rescuezilla is a free, open-source bootable Linux distribution forked from Clonezilla, specializing in disk imaging, cloning, and backup/restore operations for entire drives or partitions. It enables PC migration by creating exact copies of operating systems and data from one drive to another, supporting compression, encryption, and multicast cloning. Ideal for data recovery and system migration scenarios, it runs entirely from a USB without installation.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Supports advanced features like compression, encryption, and bare-metal restores
- Highly reliable for full disk-to-disk cloning and migrations
Cons
- Requires booting from a USB, which adds setup complexity
- Graphical interface has a learning curve for non-technical users
- Lacks incremental backups, scheduling, or live imaging capabilities
Best For
Budget-conscious IT admins or advanced users performing occasional full-system migrations on bare-metal hardware.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged).
Conclusion
Among the top PC migration tools, three stand out, each with unique strengths. Laplink PCmover takes the top spot, offering seamless automatic transfer of programs, files, and settings without the need for reinstallation. Zinstall WinWin follows closely, excelling in network-based migrations with minimal downtime, while EaseUS Todo PCTrans provides a flexible, free version for selective data and app transfer. Whether prioritizing ease, connectivity, or affordability, these three deliver reliable solutions.
Don’t let PC migration stress you—try Laplink PCmover first for a smooth, efficient transition that gets you up and running quickly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison