Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FreeFileSync VS Active@ Disk Image

Compare FreeFileSync VS Active@ Disk Image and see what are their differences

FreeFileSync logo FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Active@ Disk Image logo Active@ Disk Image

Data Backup Software helps you to backup whole disks and partitions and to restores them when needed
  • FreeFileSync Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24
  • Active@ Disk Image Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-24

FreeFileSync features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    FreeFileSync is freely available without any cost and its source code can be inspected, modified, and enhanced by anyone.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for users across different platforms.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features an intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface that simplifies the process of setting up and running backups and syncs.
  • Advanced Sync Options
    FreeFileSync offers advanced options like real-time sync, versioning, and mirror sync, giving users flexibility in how they manage their files.
  • High Performance
    The software is optimized for speed and efficiency, enabling quick synchronization and backup processes even for large directories.
  • Robust Error Handling
    FreeFileSync has robust error handling and recovery features, ensuring data integrity and reliability during file operations.

Possible disadvantages of FreeFileSync

  • Limited Cloud Integration
    FreeFileSync offers limited integration with cloud storage services, which may not be sufficient for users heavily reliant on cloud platforms.
  • Potentially Complex for Novices
    While the interface is user-friendly, some of the advanced options and settings may be overwhelming for new or inexperienced users.
  • Donation Requests
    The software occasionally prompts users to donate, which some may find intrusive or annoying despite being free to use.
  • No Automated Scheduling in Free Version
    Automated scheduling is not available in the free version, requiring users to manually trigger synchronization or purchase the donation edition for this feature.
  • Community Support
    Being open-source, the primary support channel is community forums, which may not offer the same level of assistance as dedicated customer service.

Active@ Disk Image features and specs

  • Comprehensive Backup Solution
    Active@ Disk Image offers a complete backup solution by allowing users to create exact images of their PC's hard drives, including all system and application files, settings, and data, ensuring full data recovery.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for users, regardless of their technical expertise, to navigate and use the various features effectively.
  • Flexible Storage Options
    Active@ Disk Image supports a wide range of storage options for saving disk images, including local HDDs, network drives, USB drives, and CD/DVD/BD media, offering great flexibility to users.
  • Incremental and Differential Backups
    The tool offers incremental and differential backup options, which help conserve storage space and reduce backup time by only saving changes made since the last backup.
  • Boot Disk Creation
    Active@ Disk Image allows users to create bootable rescue media, enabling recovery of a system that cannot be started normally, which is critical in dealing with catastrophic system failures.

Possible disadvantages of Active@ Disk Image

  • Cost
    Compared to some free alternatives, Active@ Disk Image is a paid software, which might be prohibitive for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it provides essential backup features, some advanced features commonly found in competing premium solutions, like cloud integration and extensive scheduling options, might be limited.
  • System Resource Usage
    Running full disk backups can be resource-intensive, potentially leading to decreased system performance during the backup process, especially on less powerful hardware.
  • Complexity for Novices
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the numerous options available might still be overwhelming for complete novices or individuals unfamiliar with disk imaging concepts.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    As with any third-party software, there could be compatibility issues with newer or less common hardware and software configurations, which might require technical support to resolve.

Analysis of FreeFileSync

Overall verdict

  • Overall, FreeFileSync is a highly regarded file synchronization and backup solution. Its combination of powerful features, user-friendly interface, and low cost (free) makes it a popular choice for individuals and small businesses looking to manage their file synchronization needs.

Why this product is good

  • FreeFileSync is considered good by many users because of its robust feature set, ease of use, and the fact that it is open source. It offers features such as real-time synchronization, support for multiple platforms, and the ability to handle large files and numerous files efficiently, which makes it a versatile tool for personal and professional use.

Recommended for

    FreeFileSync is recommended for users who need a reliable and efficient way to sync files across devices or create consistent backups. It is ideal for both casual users who need a straightforward backup solution and more technical users who require advanced features and customization.

Analysis of Active@ Disk Image

Overall verdict

  • Active@ Disk Image is a reliable tool for creating backups and disk images, suitable for both personal and professional use. Its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface make it a worthwhile choice for safeguarding data.

Why this product is good

  • Active@ Disk Image is considered good because it provides reliable disk imaging and backup solutions. It offers features such as disk cloning, backup scheduling, and support for a wide range of file systems and storage devices. The software ensures data integrity by creating exact disk image copies and providing recovery options in case of data loss.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a robust backup solution for their system or individual disks.
  • IT professionals who need a reliable tool for disk cloning and recovery.
  • Individuals and businesses seeking to protect sensitive data from potential loss or corruption.

FreeFileSync videos

Simple, Fast, Automated File Backup [FREE] | 2020 [FreeFileSync]

More videos:

  • Review - FreeFileSync: Tips and Tricks
  • Review - FreeFileSync: RealTimeSync
  • Review - FreeFileSync: Folder Comparison and Synchronization

Active@ Disk Image videos

How to backup your disk with Active@ Disk Image

More videos:

  • Review - Active@ Disk Image - Backup and Restore Windows system

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FreeFileSync and Active@ Disk Image)
File Sharing And Backup
100 100%
0% 0
Backup & Restore
0 0%
100% 100
Backup And Disaster Recovery
Cyber Security
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FreeFileSync and Active@ Disk Image

FreeFileSync Reviews

15 Best Rclone Alternatives 2022
As a result, FreeFileSync helps speed up backup procedures by comparing source and target folders and just copying what is needed rather than copying everything. Additional synchronization options are available via the command line just like with rclone.
The 5 Best File Syncing Apps
FreeFileSync is useful for individuals and businesses for comparing multiple folders and synchronizing folders. It provides a robust backup solution. Choose to sync folders in real time, sync on a schedule, or run the sync program at startup.
Review of the File Synchronization Tools
FreeFileSync is a folder comparison and synchronization software, which can create and manage backup copies of all important files. FreeFileSync does not need to copy every file every time but determines the difference between the source folder and the destination folder and transfers only the minimum amount of data required. FreeFileSync is open source software, which can...
8 best Windows 10 file sync software
User feedback: “After wasting $40+ dollars on a competitor’s product, I tried out Freefilesync. FreefileSync was able to compare hundreds of thousands of files […] in 10 minutes, which was taking the competitor’s product over 3 hours.”
12 Free File and Folder Synchronization Tools for windows
Enhanced for maximum performance, FreeFileSync is an open source tool that assists you to sync files and folders for different operating systems like, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It comes with a simplified interface and offers an optimized usability. Using this tool you can compare data by date, size or content. You simply need to drag and drop the folders you want to...
Source: thegeekpage.com

Active@ Disk Image Reviews

We have no reviews of Active@ Disk Image yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FreeFileSync seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 204 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FreeFileSync mentions (204)

  • Ask HN: What project do you donate to?
    Not regularly, but I have donated to: FreeFileSync, an excellent file sync utility within a network. https://freefilesync.org/ StemRoller, separate stems (e.g., voice) from songs. https://www.stemroller.com/ John's Background Switcher, shuffle wallpapers from various sources https://johnsad.ventures/software/backgroundswitcher/ Wikipedia Foundation Etc. - Source: Hacker News / 18 days ago
  • Ask HN: What Underrated Open Source Project Deserves More Recognition?
    FreeFileSync https://freefilesync.org/ I have been a happy user for years and have made a donation too. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Which synchronization tool are you using together with the pCloud Crypto Folder?
    FreeFileSync messed up my pCloud database a couple times at first (causing disappearing files in the Crypto Folder, mirroring of the same files over and over again). Pcloud support provided an easy way to fix the database. To fix the root cause, one needs to exclude FreeFileSync's temporary files from the backup: pCloud Drive > Settings > Backup/Sync Exclusions, exclude sync.ffs_lock and *.ffs_tmp. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Why are file backups so slow on Windows 11?
    As per Apprehensive_Arm_754 answer below, https://freefilesync.org is the solution to my particular problem, since it allows all kind of simple rules and logic to apply, so I can make sure that the copy only happens in one direction, and only ever by file date etc. Much appreciated. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Why are file backups so slow on Windows 11?
    I use this one: https://freefilesync.org. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

Active@ Disk Image mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Active@ Disk Image yet. Tracking of Active@ Disk Image recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FreeFileSync and Active@ Disk Image, you can also consider the following products

Syncthing - Syncthing replaces proprietary sync and cloud services with something open, trustworthy and...

Acronis True Image - (Formerly Acronis True Image) Complete protection for your digital life

rsync - rsync is a file transfer program for Unix systems. rsync uses the "rsync algorithm" which provides a very fast method for bringing remote files into sync.

Clonezilla - Clonezilla is a suite of software that's designed to allow you to back-up and image new hard drives with your data.

GoodSync - GoodSync provides highly reliable file backup and synchronization for both individuals and businesses.

Macrium Reflect - Macrium Software - the creators of Macrium Reflect backup, imaging and cloning software.