Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Mtools VS mkusb

Compare Mtools VS mkusb and see what are their differences

Mtools logo Mtools

Mtools is a collection of utilities to access MS-DOS disks from GNU and Unix without mounting them.

mkusb logo mkusb

(Straight up rufus for Linux users ) The mkusb tool was developed to make it simpler and safer to create boot drives with the method to flash or clone an iso image or a compressed image file. It is using dd under the hood.
  • Mtools Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-08
  • mkusb Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-20

Mtools features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Mtools can be used on various operating systems including Unix, Linux, and DOS, making it a versatile tool for users working with different platforms.
  • No Superuser Privileges Required
    Users do not need root or superuser access to perform file operations on MS-DOS file systems, enhancing security and ease of use in multi-user environments.
  • File Manipulation Without Mounting
    Mtools allows users to access and manipulate files on MS-DOS file systems without the need to mount them, saving time and simplifying workflows.
  • Wide Range of Utilities
    Includes a variety of tools like mdir, mcopy, and mdel, which offer familiar commands for users with experience in command-line interfaces.

Possible disadvantages of Mtools

  • Limited to MS-DOS File Systems
    Mtools is specifically designed for MS-DOS file systems, limiting its usefulness for interacting with other types of file systems.
  • Command Line Interface
    Mtools operates primarily via the command line, which may not be user-friendly for individuals accustomed to graphical user interfaces.
  • Potential for Data Corruption
    As with any tool that interacts directly with file systems, there is a risk of data corruption if used improperly, particularly when bypassing standard mounting procedures.
  • Outdated Documentation
    The documentation for Mtools might be outdated or insufficient for users with less technical expertise, posing challenges in troubleshooting and advanced usage.

mkusb features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    mkusb provides an easy-to-understand graphical user interface, making it accessible for users who may not be comfortable with command-line tools.
  • Versatility
    The tool supports a wide range of Linux distributions, offering users the ability to create bootable USB drives for various purposes, such as installing an OS or creating a live boot environment.
  • Persistence Feature
    mkusb allows users to set up persistent storage on the USB drive, which means that changes and files can be saved across reboots.
  • Safety Mechanisms
    The tool implements safety checks to prevent accidental data loss by ensuring users have the opportunity to confirm their actions before any changes to the drive are made.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    mkusb is compatible with various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it a versatile tool for users regardless of their primary OS.

Possible disadvantages of mkusb

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While mkusb offers all the necessary features for average users, it may lack some advanced features that more experienced users might require.
  • Performance
    The speed of creating bootable USB drives with mkusb may not be as fast as some other dedicated command-line tools, potentially making it a less efficient choice for users who need to create multiple drives quickly.
  • Dependency on External Libraries
    mkusb relies on certain external libraries and tools, which may cause compatibility issues or require additional installations on some systems.
  • Resource Intensive
    The graphical nature of mkusb can make it slightly more resource-intensive compared to command-line only alternatives, which might be a consideration for users with older hardware.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    The tool might not receive updates as frequently as some other more community-active projects, potentially leading to slower integration of new features or bug fixes.

Mtools videos

Mifare hack read IC Card with MTools and Mifare classic tools without acr122u

More videos:

  • Review - MTools Clone Mifare 1K Card to Mi Band 3 NFC Version ACR1222U PN532
  • Review - 2020 New Design All In One PN532 RFID APP Working on Android with MTools | Micro USB Type C

mkusb videos

Make a persistent Linux usb drive with mkusb

More videos:

  • Tutorial - mkusb, a tutorial on how to burn isos to usbs in less than 5
  • Tutorial - How to install mkusb on Linux Mint 20.2

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Mtools and mkusb)
Bootable USB
62 62%
38% 38
Utilities
65 65%
35% 35
CD/DVD Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Backup & Sync
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, mkusb seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time 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.

Mtools mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Mtools yet. Tracking of Mtools recommendations started around Mar 2021.

mkusb mentions (1)

  • Ubuntu's version of mksub on Arch?
    Hello everyone, I have previously used mkusb and mkusb-dus on Ubuntu to make live USB sticks for various distros. However, I can't find that version available for Arch. I've found the githubversion on the AUR, but the github version clearly states that it is NOT related to Ubuntu's version. Does anyone know if I can somehow get Ubuntu's version "do USB stuff" on Arch? Source: over 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Mtools and mkusb, you can also consider the following products

FlashBoot - FLASH VENDOR, FLASH MODEL, VID, PID, CHIP VENDOR, CHIP MODEL, MEMORY CHIP, SIZE (GB), UTILS. product, Udisk2. 0, 1234, 5678, SSS (Solid State System), UDISK2. 0, 8. usb(2268 PRAM), Mass Storage Device, 13FE, 3E00, Phison, PS2251-68(PS2268)-F/W01.

Tuxboot - Tuxboot helps you to create a bootable Live USB drive for Clonezilla live, DRBL live, GParted live...

Unit Converter Gadget - Unit Converter Gadget is a unit conversion for the Windows users that empowers them to always get the right conversion with this advanced unit converter.

Mac Linux USB Loader - A linux live USB maker for Mac OS X

YUMI - YUMI (Your USB Multiboot Installer), is a tool that allows you to boot multiple ISO files from one USB drive.

Install Disk Creator - Install Disk Creator simplifies creating a bootable OS X installer.