At some point in time, we all need to migrate from one hard drive to another.
That can be a very annoying process.
This is where the best cloning software for SSD drives comes into play. And luckily for you, we found the best options for you.
We factored in:
And more!
Read our reviews for the full low down on the best SSD cloning software.
Best Cloning Software for SSD
1. Aomei Backupper Professional
Aomei Backupper Professional can backup your entire system, hard disks, partitions, and individual files or folders.
• Supports full, differential, and incremental backups
• Powerful and easy to use
• Includes file synching
AOMEI Backupper is a popular and free program to clone hard drive disks, as well as modern SSDs.
The best thing about it:
It can clone a hard drive to SSD and compress space in the process.
You get a true clone, including important files like:
- winload.exe
- boot.ini
- NTLDR
- BCD
- MBR
Above all, this means you do not have to reinstall Windows on the new drive and the entire file system and installed apps remain intact. On the other hand, if you want to modify the folder structure when restoring, you can’t.
AOMEI also handles specific partitions on a drive, so you can move just that to any other drive.
The free disk clone software does not come with any bundled bloat, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted extras. However, there is some upselling of its premium plans, which offer further features.
Nonetheless, the interface is flawless, and you can run clones in the background with minimal system impact.
As far as system disks, the standard free program is limited to regular MBRs. You will need to upgrade to copy MBR to GPT, GPT to MBR, or GPT to GPT. These are just different ways of storing the partitioning information. These latter versions are rarer but still worth considering if you do not want to pay.
For $49.95 per license, you get priority support, differential backups, syncing, merging of full and incremental backups, and the ability to backup to CDs and DVDs.
With Windows support back to XP, this is our pick for the best overall SSD imaging and other hard drive backups. Other software packs in the extra features but this gets the job done for SSDs.
2. O&O Disk Image
O&O Disk Image is in its 17th edition and continues to pack in the features. That means full SSD and UEFI system support and the cloning of an entire PC or any disk. It is straightforward and has loads of disk imaging and backup choices, including HDD to SSD cloning.
• Strong AES 256-bit encryption
• Scheduled backups
• One-click disk imaging
The 17th edition of O&O is its most powerful yet. Back up everything from your entire computer and migrate it to another, or simply pick and choose individual files. Even if Windows is unbootable.
The software is Windows-only but supports versions 11, 10, and 8.1. Furthermore, if you need to know how to clone HDD to SSD, look no further. It supports the latest UEFI system and lets you migrate full drives, partitions, and files between computers with entirely different drives and hardware.
New for 17 is support for Microsoft Virtual Hard Disc (VHDX as well as VHD) image files. This is useful, for example, if you want to test a Windows 11 on a system that doesn’t run it but aren’t sure if it can handle it. You can do it all within a virtual environment that can just be wiped if it fails.
Furthermore, you can back up to external media like a USB stick and set this up to do so automatically in a plug-and-play fashion.
O&O is competitively priced at $49.95, and you can try it for free for 30 days. It would be nice for, at the least, a scaled-back free version as the software is so good.
The interface is modern and clean. Most importantly, a lot of features are just one click. After installation, the first screen you see shows icons for:
- drive imaging
- file backups
- incremental or differential backups
- restoration
- drive cloning
- creating a bootable medium.
Above all, the one-click image icon backs up all drives from the current computer right away!
Whether you’re looking for HDD to SSD cloning software or everything in between, O&O Disk Image has you covered.
3. MiniTool Partition Wizard
This all-in-one partition manager and drive cloning software shouldn’t fool you with its MiniTool branding. It’s packed with options, has a free version, and is extremely easy to use. Moreover, it’s fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
• Great free version
• Beginner-friendly
• Preview changes
MiniTool Partition Wizard is beginner-friendly and has an entirely free SSD NVMe cloning software before paying for pro. Windows users can manage their existing hard drives or migrate non-system disks without paying a penny.
All of the features, such as partition alignment, performance measurement, and copying are available for SSD drives, as well as traditional HDDs. Furthermore, the software is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7. As is common, macOS and Linux users are out in the cold here.
Despite being ‘Mini’, the features are endless. You can create, delete, and format any partition. Or you can move, resize, or extend it. Check your disk’s file system securely if you’re experiencing errors, or completely convert it from FAT to NTFS or vice versa. That’s without mentioning migrating disks. That’s just the free version!
For a $59 annual subscription, you can migrate operating system disks, including a mirror hard drive to SSD feature and vice versa. Furthermore, you can convert from MBR to GPT, and create bootable media.
For quite a pricey $109 per year, you also get partition recovery, data recovery, and a license for three PCs. The rest only support one.
The user interface is perfect for beginners, with each option taking you through an aptly named wizard to help you understand. It also asks if you are absolutely sure about proceeding with your choice via a pending task window. This is also useful if you want to schedule things for later.
Although it is very easy to use, some icons take you directly to the pro version without an obvious sign the particular feature is unsupported for free.
4. EaseUS Todo Backup
With over 20 million users, it’s hard to find a more popular disk copy software for free. EaseUS Todo Backup works on Windows and Mac, allowing for seamless disk imaging and backup saving with the added security of encryption. Its ability to backup to the cloud makes it stand out against similar software.
• 250GB free cloud storage
• One-click backups
• Powerful free version
Todo Backup by EaseUS is one of the most popular disk copy software, providing a huge selection of tools, and a superb free edition. As a hard drive and SSD cloner it can copy the entire system and OS, any HDD, or single partitions. Its backup modes also include full and incremental.
You can even schedule backups for the future or at regular intervals. I.e., once a week to keep on top of things.
We especially like the free 250GB free cloud storage option, so you do not have to fill up your own storage with backup data. However, this is with Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. It just makes the process easier.
Paying customers get a Home plan for $39.99 a year, $59.95 forever, or $79.95 forever but with lifetime upgrades and priority support.
This tier adds email notifications about your backups and the ability to backup offsite to your own servers. You can also backup Outlook email databases exclusively. One interesting feature is excluding all of one or more particular file types from backups.
Its Security Zone aims to protect from ransomware attacks, which can be particularly costly for businesses. Business users themselves can upgrade to the $49.95 Workstation tier, which includes a central dashboard to manage all workstations, command-line access, and a one-third faster estimated backup speed.
If you’re after a feature-rich yet user-friendly drive cloning software, you will appreciate EaseUS Todo Backup. Despite being one of the best overall suites on the market, its home premium plan is one of the cheapest. Furthermore, the free plan is as generous as they come.
5. Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image takes things a step further when it comes to disk clone software. It can back up and restore hard drive content. In addition, it encrypts data, protects from ransomware, malware, phishing, and malicious web URLs. It even supports cloud backups!
• Unrivalled security features
• Full hard drive cloning software
• Local and cloud backups
Acronis True Image is now much more than just an HDD and SSD imaging tool. Acronis has renamed it Cyber Protect Home Office, on account of its wide array of backup and cyber security features. In many ways, it’s an antivirus and disk cloning solution in one.
What’s more, it’s one of the few solutions we’ve reviewed that’s available on Windows and macOS. So, as well as all the expected disk imaging and cloning features, you get encryption and the detection of ransomware, malware, phishing, and malicious web URLs. This is on in real-time, or you can scan at any time.
Backups go to a local drive, storage solution, the cloud, or all of the above. Plus, if you need to, say, mirror a hard drive to SSD or any other kind of cloning, it takes just two clicks.
In addition, it supports the backing up of connected mobile devices.
To pick one fault, it is one of the more resource-intensive hard drive cloning software solutions and is even known to prolong boot times, which is never ideal.
There are three plans, with pricing increasing per license. It’s not cheap.
- Essentials $49.99/yr – No cloud storage.
- Advanced $89.99/yr – 500GB cloud storage, antivirus and anti-malware protection.
- Premium $124.99/yr – 1TB cloud storage, blockchain certification of files, electronic signatures on files.
You can try the software for free for 30 days, along with 1TB of cloud storage and all features. No credit card is required.
To conclude, Acronis is unmatched in features but might be a little much if you just want SSD clone software.
6. Paragon Hard Disk Manager
If you’re looking for the best way to clone HDD to SSD, Paragon is up there. Its collection of tools forms a full disk manager, letting you create and migrate partitions and do your backups to a USB flash drive. It even lets you fix existing backups with boot errors.
• Very versatile
• Bootable recovery environment
• Useful email notifications
This hard disk tool from Paragon supports a comprehensive selection of disk related tasks, including cloning full drives, different partitions on the drive, and many other extras. For example, you can resize partitions or even migrate a hard drive to another of a different size. Furthermore, you can work with individual files and folders.
Full backups can not only be sent to removable storage, like a USB drive, you can create a virtual version that’s portable and can boot from this drive! Moreover, this feature lets you restore backups to a non-bootable computer via USB.
Paragon Hard Disk Manager is available from Windows 7 to Windows 11 and works flawlessly with SSDs. You can create a cloning boot drive to SSD, do all the typical backups and restorations, and wipe or trim the SSD.
Meanwhile, convert file systems with ease. I.e., from:
- FAT to NTFS
- NTFS to FAT
- HFS to NTFS
- NTFS to HFS
Users may also schedule backups and automate the process, and it will send completion notifications via email.
The key downside to supporting all these features is the software is premium and does not have a freeware version. So, those in need of free SSD cloning software must look elsewhere.
The current price is $79.95, which is quite high but does include three PC licenses. However, it also has a macOS version and is, therefore, our pick for Mac users.
7. Macrium Reflect
One of the longest-running and most trusted PC cloning software, Macrium Reflect offers everything you need. There is an entirely free backup service to keep your data safe and secure. Meanwhile, it has industry-leading plans for all conceivable file, folder, OS, and virtual machine cloning.
• Powerful but simple interface
• Lots of licensing options
• Automatic backups
Macrium Reflect is some of the best free SSD cloning software on the market. The freeware version provides:
- free disk clone to SSD and regular HDDs
- restoring systems that don’t boot
- backup scheduling
Moreover, it supports imaging and cloning to removable media, virtual environments, and live Windows imaging.
Its interface is clean and simple. Connected disks are all shown in the main window from launch, and you can do disk clones, backups, and other tasks with just a few clicks.
Although the free tier has everything you need for SSD cloning, the paid ‘Home’ edition provides several feature upgrades for an even more impressive suite of PC cloning software.
This includes encryption of backups, incremental backups, and protection from ransomware. This isn’t as advanced as a dedicated security program, but it’s a nice feature, nonetheless.
Home costs $69.95 for a single license and $139.95 for use on four PCs.
Similarly, there is a Workstation version that costs $75 for a license, $299 for servers, and a more advanced Server Plus plan for $599. Discounts are available when you purchase multiple licenses.
Macrium aims these versions at businesses and offers logging Windows events, central management of multiple PCs, and remote support. The more expensive packages add on priority support, a direct support telephone number, and even a dedicated case manager.
All paid versions come with a 30-day free trial, so you can fully test the drive migration software and all its premium extras.
In conclusion, Macrium Reflect is full of tools, easy to use, and has a commendable free version.
8. Uranium Backup
Uranium Backup is arguably the most versatile backup suite on the market. Depending on the plan, it will backup PCs and servers, databases, and virtual environments. That’s without mentioning network-based backups, and cloud and FTP backups. Computer clone software doesn’t go far enough to describe all its features.
• Supports physical and virtual machines
• Cloud, FTP, NAS, and Tape backup
• 21-day free trial
Italian developer Uranium stands out with its Uranium Backup software, thanks to a very versatile feature set. You can backup entire systems, hard drives including SSDs, and virtual machines like:
- VMware
- ESX
- ESXi
- vSphere
- Hyper-V
It secures and encrypts all of this.
Moreover, it’s ideal for businesses that use SQL and Exchange databases, as well as servers, as it can back up these too.
The options to store backups are also impressive. Users may send data and drive images to their own FTP server, the cloud, NAS devices, and tape storage in all common modes. It can also compress backups via Zip. You can schedule tasks and do things both incrementally and differentially.
Unfortunately, there is no free SSD migration software here, but you can benefit from a free trial.
Unlikely extras include Blu-ray and DVD burning, where you can also store backups along with USB drives and other removable media. More common features that are still useful include scheduling, email notifications, and file synchronization.
Its features are spread across numerous products, which is a hassle. However, you can get the Gold edition for €290 (roughly $305) with all features and even try it for 21 days. It prices individual products as follows:
- Uranium Backup Base for standard HDD cloning software – €80 (approx $84)
- Uranium Backup Pro Tape for tape backups – €150 (approx $158)
- Uranium Backup Pro DB for database backups – €150 (approx $158)
- Uranium Backup Pro Virtual for virtual environments – €229 (approx $241)
Though pricey, these are all one-off payments with lifetime licenses, updates, and technical support.
If you’re searching for a program to clone hard drive data and entire systems, it gets the job done. Yet, there is so much more here, and we recommend it especially for businesses.
9. Iperius Backup
This powerful HDD cloning software works for PCs and servers and provides efficient backup to the cloud and FTP. You can also save and replicate VMWare and other virtual environments. Most importantly, the freeware version boasts all Windows support, scheduling, and backup to any storage device.
• Excellent range of features
• Forever free version
• Backup to Cloud and FTP
Iperius Backup is a UK-based PC software helping you to clone HDD to SSD free of charge, as well as SSD to HDD, and server systems. This includes Windows Server:
- 2022
- 2019
- 2016
- 2012
- 2008
- 2003
- SBS
You can even pick and choose specific files and folders if you don’t want an exact clone.
The free version permits backups to all conceivable storage devices, including NAS and RDX drives, external USB devices, and other networked PCs. Making backups is seamless with scheduling and it sends out an email as soon as the process is complete – essentially leaving everything on autopilot.
Its Zip compression keeps imaging size low, while you don’t always have to make full backups thanks to incremental or differential modes.
If you need more advanced features, you should consider the many premium versions. These introduce backups being stored in tape, in the cloud, or on an FTP server. Furthermore, you get synchronization, database backups, and virtual machine backups.
- Desktop for standard HDD copier software – €29 (approx $30.50)
- Essential for Windows Server support – €69 (approx $72.50)
- Advanced for virtual machines and databases – €219 (approx $230)
- Full for every available feature – €299 (approx $314.50)
Fortunately, you get a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.
Our only qualm is that the interfaces are a little more complex than the average and it only supports Windows systems.
10. Clonezilla
Clonezilla accomplishes what many expensive programs do for free. Its open-source approach has created an endless number of features way beyond just hard drive duplicator software. Those that love command-line software will appreciate its endless customization.
• Free and open source
• Suitable for home and servers
• Customizable for experts
Clonezilla made our list because it is fully open-source and the best free SSD cloning software for command-line users. However, that does mean it isn’t for beginners and those accustomed to simple graphical user interfaces.
It curries further favor for supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. It offers USB and CD backup and restoration methods. However, it’s also powerful enough to run as a server utility for multi-system cloning. The client sits on a portable disc or drive and does not need to be installed on any particular machine or operating system.
Encryption is just one of many additional features that make this a powerful and secure option.
Disk images themselves can be backed up on the local machine, including different partitions. However, it makes more sense to utilize an external hard drive, FTP server, or even a WebDAV server. One image can be cloned to multiple local devices, and you can directly clone it to another physical disk. In other words, backup and restore is done in one fell swoop.
All being said, It’s not the perfect disk utility. Incremental backups are missing, so you can only do a full backup each time. Moreover, it only handles disk images, be that from HDDs, SSDs, their partitions, etc. The point is you cannot pick and choose individual files or filter out types as files like some of the other best disc cloning software.
To conclude, Clonezilla deserves its spot as a favorite among IT experts, but it’s not intended for the average home user.
How To Choose the Right Software
Choosing the right drive cloning software for you boils down to a few key factors. Let’s take a closer look at what makes an SSD cloner, or any disk backup tool for that matter, worth your time. We consider performance and all the extra features you might desire.
1. Features
If you’re looking for free SSD clone software it obviously needs enough features to complete the job well. Some software only offers free trials, such as Acronis or Uranium. Others have forever free versions, like AOMEI Backupper or the EaseUS Todo cloning software.
Look out for the ability to clone entire systems, move between an SSD and a traditional hard disk drive, partition support, and unlimited file transfer. Above all, look for the features that suit your needs and cost nothing.
2. Premium Pricing
Premium pricing and plans can vary quite a bit, as can the features available between the same and competing software. As a rule, you shouldn’t be spending more than $100 for a home or single business license without excessive extra features.
3. Supported Drives and Backups
Almost all modern programs have clone disk to SSD support and vice versa. However, in some cases, this is locked behind a premium plan.
Traditional HDDs are either FAT32 or NTFS, while SSDs are NVMe. Then you need to factor in support for individual partitions, operating systems, or single files and folders.
Do you always have to do full backups, or can they be incremental, adding only the new data each time?
Certain business-centric computer clone software also has options for SQL and other types of databases.
Depending on the program, you could backup to external storage like:
- flash drives
- SD Cards
- CDs
- DVDs
- external USB hard drives
Some also work with special backup devices called tape drives or cartridges. This is common in businesses that store a lot of data.
4. Extra Features
There’s more to the best migration software SSD owners can use than simply backing up and restoring. Some extra features worth looking out for are security and encryption ones to keep your data safe.
What about email notifications?
Or the ability to create bootable media or backups on flash drives? Some software even has built-in antivirus features.
5. Speed and Ease of Use
Lots of factors play a role in the speed of backups, file transfer, and restoration. The primary contributors are the disks themselves and the CPU and RAM of the systems themselves. However, some software is simply designed to run faster than others, so this is worth considering if you need backups done quickly and perhaps even in the background.
Most importantly, how easy is it to use?
Unfortunately, some hard drive mirroring software has all the features but a dated and clunky interface. Others have so many features it’s difficult for beginners to pick-up.
Therefore, software that strikes a good balance should be high on your list of choices.
6. Cloud Support
Not everyone has endless storage devices and media to keep backups, especially if done on a regular basis. One way to solve this is to use software that supports backups in cloud storage. This could be to the software’s own cloud network or a popular third party like One Drive.
Iperius Backup provides its own cloud storage for paid users. EaseUS Todo seamlessly supports popular third-party cloud services with 250GB for free to start.
7. Operating System
If you’re a Windows user, you have the pick of the bunch when it comes to the best cloning software for SSD and regular hard drives. MacOS users have less choice. However, EaseUS is one such program with an excellent Mac version. Paragon also allows you to transfer drives over to Macs.
Moreover, even if you are a Windows user, remember to check if your version is compatible. Most of the drive migration software on our list supports Windows 11 back to 7 but there are some exceptions. Furthermore, Windows server and other more uncommon versions are found with software aimed more at business users.
Wrap Up
So, by now you’ve probably chosen an option or maybe more?
Our list has a lot to offer. And the best thing – you can try some of the tools for free!
So, dip your toes and find the best option for you. Good software will definitely make your life easier.
FAQs
What is the best free SSD cloning software?
The best free SSD cloning software from our testing is the free version of EaseUS Todo Backup. This has free cloud storage and a straightforward user interface. Moreover, you can clone the entire hard drive, all volumes, or specific partitions. It also works between drive types, which is perfect if you’re searching for free HDD to SSD cloning software.
How do I clone my SSD to a new SSD?
Choosing from the best cloning software for SSD to SSD support, as reviewed above, is your best bet. You’re sure to get everything transferred fast, efficient, and securely.
What SSD comes with cloning software?
Whether your solid-state drive comes with free SSD cloning software depends on the brand and the retailer you choose. Mostly, you will have the option to purchase software as part of a bundle that may also include a kit for complex cloning methods between different types of drives.
Deyan is an avid enthusiast and self-proclaimed fan of the Windows operating system. His passion for discovering new functionalities and hidden gems within Windows drives his insatiable curiosity and fuels his desire to share his findings with others. As an avid writer, Deyan frequently shares his expertise through articles that provide tips and tricks to optimize the Windows experience.