balenaEtcher
6.8#3 in bootable usb softwareFrom $1,720 a yearFree planLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitbalenaEtcher vs SARDU MultiBoot Creator
SARDU MultiBoot Creator
6.3#8 in bootable usb softwareFree planFree planWindowsLinux
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | balenaEtcher | SARDU MultiBoot Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2008 |
| Purpose | Etcher flashes OS images to SD cards and USB drives. | SARDU creates a bootable multiboot USB drive for computer maintenance from a catalog of bootable ISO images. |
| Support | The documentation directs users with problems to raise an issue on GitHub, where the balena.io team can help. | SARDU directs users to its FAQ and accepts questions by email in Italian or English. |
balenaEtcher plans
- balenaCloud FreeFree
- balenaEtcherFree
- balenaCloud Prototype$159 a month
- balenaCloud Pilot$329 a month
- balenaCloud Production$1,439 a month
- balenaCloud Prototype$1,720 a year
SARDU MultiBoot Creator plans
- Free registeredFree
- Free standardFree
- PRO Advanced—
- PRO Advanced Lifetime—
- PRO Basic—
- PRO Basic Lifetime—
Pick balenaEtcher if…
Etcher suits people creating installation media or writing an OS image to an SD card or USB drive on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Users who need persistent storage on a live USB should look elsewhere.
Pick SARDU MultiBoot Creator if…
SARDU suits people assembling maintenance or rescue media from bootable ISO images. Free licenses fit personal, non-commercial use; commercial use requires PRO.