Jan 19, 2021 A commendable disk cloning app with multitudes of robust and scalable features is available with the EaseUS Todo Backup tool for Mac. If you are looking for a free Mac cloning software, then this can be your best chance to acquire a cloning app that comes with a 30-day free trial in addition to 30-day money-back guarantee. Here lists top 3 Acronis clone software free alternatives in different platforms: AOMEI Backupper as the best free Acronis clone software alternative for Windows 10/8/7, Disk Utility as Mac Acronis clone alternative, and Back In Time as Linux free Acronis alternative.
If you had purchased a new Hard drive and want to transfer all the data which is exactly present in the previous hard drive of your PC, then you need to clone your drive. We know that you are now thinking about what cloning of drive exactly means. So, the answer of this query is that every time you purchase a new hard drive for your PC and want to transfer all the files and documents present in it, then you need to create backup to transfer that files. Backing up of data may result in the loss of data because backup process in not very efficient. But, in cloning of drive process, every single bit of the data present in the hard drive get copied in to an image which can be copied in to the new hard drive very easily. This is much-much efficient process because it doesn’t allow any type of data loss in any form. That’s why user prefer this method the most.
To clone the hard drive, you need a drive cloning software which will help you to accomplish this task. That’s why we will present a list of top 6 drive cloning software which are available for free for all users. You can also use them for your purpose as well. So, let’s start with the first option:
1) AOMEI Backupper
This is undoubtedly the best drive cloning software which is used by millions of users to clone their drive. The enhanced features present in this drive cloning software cannot be compared with any other software because they are just magnificent. It is very hard to get a software like AOMEI Backupper because as we mentioned, the features and compatibility which it offers cannot be compared with other software. This software was launched way back 10 years ago and still this is one of the trending one. The lite and clean user-interface with additional user-guide is what creating a huge difference between this software and other software of this segment. When you use this software for the first time, you won’t become able to clone your drive in first attempt. But soon after you go through the features and description of this software, the things will automatically become easier for you guys. That’s why AOMEI drive cloning software must be the primary choice for every user who is looking for this software. We too sometimes use this software to clone the hard drive of our PC.
2) Macrium Reflect Free
When it comes to clone the hard drive, Macrium Reflect free is another strong claimant of AOMEI to accomplish this purpose. The user-friendly interface of this software helps every user to clone its hard drive very easily. You don’t need any high knowledge of computer software and hardware to use this drive cloning software. Your task will get completed in few clicks and in few minutes soon after you give the command inside the software. What we think about this drive cloning software is that this is fully loaded with advanced features and technicalities which makes it much easier for the users to use. As we mentioned, you drive will be cloned within some commands which is really very good. As the name of this software is evident that this software is an open-source software which means any user can use this software for free. Users don’t have to purchase any license or have to pay subscription charge to use this software. So, definitely we can say that Macrium Reflect free is a quite worthy choice for every user.
3) Paragon Backup and Recovery Free edition
This software is not a strong competitor of the above two mentioned software, but this software will surely help you to accomplish your task easily. There are not so much customized features available in this software, but the current existing features will do your job quite easily. This software is still under optimization and we really hope that new features will soon rolls out which will definitely make the job of users a lot easier. But if you compare this software with the above two software now, then you will find it to be lesser attractive in front of them. There are a lot of instruction which has to be given to start the cloning of drive process. But soon after the process start, it will not take much time and will do your job efficiently. Though it doesn’t contain much advance features, but still this software is bearing a lot of popularity among the users. So, definitely a very good choice as far as compatibility is concerned.
4) Drive Image XML
This is another very good software option which is available for the users. The main advantage of using this software is that if you want to clone your drive partially, then you can easily do that task with the help of this drive cloning software. Moreover, if some bad sectors have been created in the hard drive of your PC, then also it can help you in an efficient manner. This is the reason why tech lovers from all around the world suggest this software to the users. This is a multi-functioning software which is fully loaded with lots of exiting and customized features. This software had a lot of popularity in the past, but due to the launch of other software which are quite attractive in terms of Graphic user-interface, this software becomes unpopular with time. But still, tech users from different parts of world are still using this software and we really hope that you will too like it for sure.
5) PING (Part Image Is Not Ghost)
Although PING is recently launched software on the internet, still it had gained a lot of popularity among the users. Cloning and backing up of drive is no longer a hard task after the launch of this software. There are many significant features of this software which makes it a perfect choice for the users to accomplish their task. There are very minimum number of commands which you need to give to PING in order to create the image of the data present inside the hard drive. Moreover, using this software, your valuable time will be saved because this software doesn’t take so much time unlike the other software does. This is an open-source software though which can be upgraded to explore more exciting features by paying a nominal fee. This software also offers multiple functions like creating partial backup of drive, backup of drivers, software backup and much more for free. That’s why PING is regarded as the best of this segment. Though it is quite difficult to use, but still users are giving positive response to this software.
6) Clonezilla
Last but not the least of this list, Clonezilla is another very good drive cloning software which offers magnificent features like as other offers. Again, this is an open-source software which simply means any user can use this software absolutely for free. This software comes up with two types of mode, that is beginner mode and other is advanced mode. The beginner’s mode will guide you through the whole process of cloning of drive whereas the advanced mode will let you to explore the multi features present in this software. The advanced mode is sometimes regarded as expert mode but the meaning of both the modes is same. This software also comes with in-built programs which will help you to image all your data and to copy them very easily. These programs also help you to create the backup data file of various software, OS and much more. That’s why Clonezilla was once regarded as the top drive cloning software. But still it has a lot of things in it which you can personally browse and experience.
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Conclusion:
In this article, one can surely conclude that backing up of data is no longer a method used in this modern world. New methods have been introduced by the tech experts which are quite efficient and simple to use. If you ask from us about the top 2 picks, then we will name AOMEI Backupper and PING as our top 2 picks from the list. But now it’s your turn to tell us about your top picks from the list. You can easily tell us below in the comments section.
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Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.17 January 2020
Easeus is a free disk cloning software that lets you clone your drives, floppy disks, and USBs. In its free version, it provides all System/file/disk back-up & recovery Disk clone. For more features, one has to upgrade to its paid versions. It is one of the best software in the Disk cloning category.
Is your Mac backed up?
If so, how often?
Is it a file backup or a clone?
Is it backed up to the cloud or to an external drive?
What Mac backup software are you using?
How do you restore it if you need to?
Do you know these answers?
These might sound like silly questions, but you’ll be amazed to find out that only 6% of adult computer owners in the US backup their data every day! 34% do it at least once a month, 42% do it once a year or less, and 24% never back up their computers!
Where do you fit in?
What are the best practices for backing up your Mac?
Best Free Cloning Software For Mac Windows 10
What backup software for Mac should you use?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions.
Do I Really Need to Back Up My Mac?
Yes, you do - if you value what’s on it.
Although hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are more reliable than ever, things still go wrong. Even if your hard drive doesn’t break down, you might lose your Mac, it could be stolen, or it could be damaged or destroyed in some unforeseeable event.
It might not happen tomorrow, next week, or even next year. In fact, it may never happen to you.
But the reality is that it could happen at any time - and it does to many people.
If that were the case, what would the loss of all your data mean to you?
If your data isn’t backed up, there would be nothing to do except kick yourself for failing to do what you knew all along - to back up your data.
So don’t let that happen to you!
Back it up.
Go! Do it now!
How Many Backups Do I Need?
At least two.
Ideally, you should have both a local backup and an off-site or online backup to the cloud.
A local backup is where you copy the data from your Mac to an external hard drive. Both copies are in the same place so you can easily access the data, keep it up-to-date, or restore it if you have to.
The only problem with a local backup is that it’s probably in the same physical location as your Mac. If something happens to your Mac during a robbery, fire, flood, other natural disasters, or ransomware attack, the additional copy may also be affected. Moreover, the backup hard drive can also fail.
That’s why it’s best to keep both a local backup and an online backup in the cloud.
Should I Use File Backup or Cloning?
Both backup methods have advantages.
A file backup backs up each of your files individually. That makes it easy to restore a single file if you - by accident - permanently delete a single file or need to restore a previous version.
The advantage of cloning is that it makes an exact copy of your Mac’s hard drive at the bit level. If anything happens to your Mac, you can boot directly from the backup clone and carry on working without having first to replace your hard drive and restore your data.
As a best practice, you should keep both a file backup and a clone of your Mac.
Does My Mac Come with Backup Software?
Yes, it does.
Time Machine is macOS’ built-in software. All you need is an external hard drive to get started.
Easy to use, Time Machine is a “set-it-and-forget-it” experience. By default, it copies everything on your Mac - your accounts, applications, documents, email messages, movies, music, photos, preferences, and system files.
Time Machine also keeps multiple versions of each file. Any time a file is changed, Time Machine backs it up, allowing you to choose which specific version of the data to restore. Moreover, if you delete a file, Time Machine will keep a copy for a while.
Once you’ve set it up, you can literally forget all about it. All you need to do is make sure the external backup hard drive is at least twice the size of your internal hard drive and always attached to store the backups. The larger the drive, the more backups it can save.
How Do I Set Up Time Machine?
To set up Time Machine, all you have to do is buy an external hard drive and plug it into your Mac. As soon as you do, macOS will show a dialog box requesting confirmation that you want to use that drive with Time Machine, and ask whether to encrypt the backup disk or not.
When you choose Use as Backup Disk, Time Machine starts backing up all of your data. The process could take several hours, depending on the number of files and type of drive. Subsequent backups will be much faster since only changed files are backed up.
Time Machine backs up all files by default. Should you only wish to back up specific files or directories, you can choose which ones to exclude in System Preferences.
For more information on backing up your Mac, see the article Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
How Often Does Time Machine Back Up My Data?
Time Machine runs every hour. If for some reason, your Mac is asleep or the external hard drive cannot be reached, Time Machine will reinitiate the backup as soon as it can. As long as the backup hard drive can be found, Time Machine will take care of your data.
Why Do I Need Another Backup Software for My Mac?
While Time Machine is fast and easy to use, it’s not perfect.
Moreover, Time Machine does not include the ability to clone your entire drive. If you need to get up and running fast and don’t have time to replace and restore a failed drive, you’ll want to have another bootable backup in addition to Time Machine.
What is the Best Backup Software for Mac?
What Is The Best Cloning Software For Mac
Here are the top five backup applications that MacUpdate readers rave about:
SuperDuper! is easy to use with a well-designed, intuitive interface. You select the target and destination drives, and SuperDuper! will start backing up your data. It clones your Mac’s hard drive, so you always have a complete backup of all your data.
After the initial full backup, you can choose incremental backups that only copies new files or those that have been changed since the last backup. You can also select which files you want to back up and which ones you don’t.
SuperDuper! includes a Smart Wake feature - without turning on the screen to ensure your Mac is always backed up regardless of whether it’s awake or not when the backup starts.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.9
- Version Reviewed: 3.3
- System Requirements: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher and supports both APFS and HFS+ volumes.
- Licensing: $27.95 for one Mac.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of SuperDuper! for Mac.
What Is The Best Free Hard Drive Cloning Software
Carbon Copy Cloner is a simple cloning tool that backs up your internal hard drive at the bit level. You can boot off the backup disc or clone and install a new drive. The application allows you to choose which files and folders to clone, and supports incremental backups with its Smart Updates feature.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.8
- Version Reviewed: 5.1.14
- System Requirements: macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher.
- Licensing: $39.99 for all computers within a household. A free 30-day trial is available.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of Carbon Copy Cloner for Mac.
Rather than only being a backup tool, ChronoSync includes both backup and synchronization capabilities. It allows you to backup - including bootable backups - to almost any external device or service, including iPads, iPhones, Windows PCs, and some cloud services.
ChronoSync Express provides entry-level synchronization and backup for only $24.99, but lacks the enhanced features that ChronoSync offers.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.7
- Version Reviewed: 4.9.7
- System Requirements: OS X 10.12 (Sierra) or higher.
- Licensing: $39.99 on sale. Usual price $59.98.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of ChronoSync for Mac.
An easy to use utility, SmartBackup uses a custom synchronization engine with enhancedfeatures to improve performance. It allows you to choose which folders or volumes to sync, along with the ability to create a bootable clone of your internal hard drive.
Supporting a range of different configurations, SmartBackup allows you to archive changed or deleted files, choose multiple destinations, or exclude specific files or folders. Built-in automation enables you to schedule backups quickly.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 4.0
- Version Reviewed: 4.2
- System Requirements: OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher.
- Licensing: Free.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of SmartBackup for Mac.
Disk Drill is a powerful data recovery tool that allows you to scan your Mac - or other devices connected to your Mac - for deleted or corrupt files or partitions. Once the scan is complete, the Preview feature allows you to see which items were recoverable.
While the free version shows you what can be recovered, you need to purchase the Pro version to actually recover them.
- MacUpdate User Rating: 3.7
- Version Reviewed: 3.8.953
- System Requirements: OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) or higher.
- Licensing: Free for the basic version or $89.00 for the Pro version.
- Read MacUpdate user reviews of Disk Drill for Mac or download it here.
Best Free Cloning Software For Mac
The Bottom Line
Backing up your Mac is not an option. It’s a necessity.
All it takes is three simple steps:
- Purchase an external drive and set up Time Machine - today!
- Choose the right backup app to clone and/or synchronize your Mac.
- Check your backups regularly to verify you can read and restore from them.
Save yourself the headache and stress. Back it up - now.
Why is it recommended to clone Mac hard drive to SSD?
When it comes to the 'clone' topic, what do you expect the most? We usually recommend the way of cloning your Mac hard drive in case that you decide to upgrade Mac hard drive with a solid state drive, replace an old or corrupted Mac drive with a newly bought one, or perhaps try to create a bootable hard drive for Mac.
All those demands can be easily satisfied by cloning behavior. Above all, by cloning disk 1 to disk 2, you don't necessarily worry about reinstalling operating system, transfer files, folders, applications and some settings on the new hard disk; second, keep a cloned hard drive with setup volume on it can help boot your Mac machine easily when unexpected disasters came and stroke your Mac.
What's the best Mac cloning software?
Best Free Drive Cloning Software Macrium
In order to assist you better in cloning Mac's hard drive without interruption, we come up with a piece of handy and specialized Mac cloning software, which is called EaseUS Todo Backup for Mac.
Being a professional Mac backup, clone and synchronization utility, EaseUS Todo Backup for Mac allows Mac users to clone everything on one hard drive to another easily, and the destination disk can be an HDD as well as SSD.
How to clone Mac hard drive to SSD (Make a bootable Mac hard drive)?
Only several simple clicks can help accomplish the job of cloning Mac hard drive to a solid state drive. Follow the detailed guide and get started.
Step 1. Connect both hard drive and SSD to Mac computer and launch EaseUS Mac cloning software.
Step 2. In the From drop-down list, select the volume you want to clone, which should be the source disk.
Step 3. In the To drop-down list, select the SSD as the destination disk.
Best Free Drive Cloning Software Mac Download
Step 4. Set up the disk cloning properties. Here, you are allowed to exclude files or folders if necessary.
Best Free Hard Drive Cloning Software Mac
Step 5. Finally, click the Start button to execute the cloning operation.