balenaEtcher
6.8#3 in bootable usb softwareFrom $1,720 a yearFree planLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitbalenaEtcher vs Unraid USB Creator
Unraid USB Creator
6.4#6 in bootable usb software$49 one-timeLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | balenaEtcher | Unraid USB Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2005 |
| Purpose | Etcher flashes OS images to SD cards and USB drives. | The USB Creator prepares an Unraid USB flash drive from a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer so it can boot a server and continue setup in the onboarding wizard. |
| Support | The documentation directs users with problems to raise an issue on GitHub, where the balena.io team can help. | Unraid offers product documentation, community forums, support tickets, and paid one-on-one support sessions. |
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
Unraid USB Creator plans
- Starter$49, paid once
- Unleashed$109, paid once
- Lifetime$249, paid once
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 Unraid USB Creator if…
The Creator suits people preparing an Unraid server boot drive from a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Unraid is described for media enthusiasts, gamers, and other intensive data users seeking control of data, media, applications, and desktops.