--- title: Acronis True Image vs. Clonezilla — which is the best cloning tool? description: Compare the full-featured Acronis True Image with the open-source Clonezilla to see which suits your data protection needs best. canonical_url: https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/comparison/acronis-vs-clonezilla/ locale: en last_updated: 2026-10-13 --- # Acronis True Image vs. Clonezilla — which is the best cloning tool? Now with boosted security From **€49.99** per year [Buy now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/purchasing/?utm_webteam=product-header) [Try now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/trial/?utm_webteam=product-header) Looking for help? ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the main difference between Acronis True Image and Clonezilla software? Acronis True Image combines AI-based security, secure backup and Identity Protection* to completely protect your home computers with one simple tool. You have different subscription plans and secure cloud storage tiers to choose from. Clonezilla, on the other hand, is an open-source disk cloning and imaging tool designed for tech savvy users, focusing on offline cloning and bare-metal recovery without automation or integrated security protection. ### Is Clonezilla completely free to use for disk cloning and backup? Yes, Clonezilla is a free tool that gives you disk imaging and cloning capabilities. However, it requires manual setup and command-line knowledge, as the platform was designed from the start to clone disks without interfering with the operating system. This makes it less user friendly than Acronis True Image, which includes easy cloning and automated backups for peace of mind. ### Can Acronis True Image perform live disk cloning while the operating system is running? Yes. Acronis True Image supports active disk cloning, enabling users to clone a running system without rebooting or going offline. Clonezilla requires you to boot from external storage media such as a CD, USB flash drive or USB hard drive. And it needs to perform the cloning in a preboot environment. ### Does Clonezilla support cloud backup or online storage? No. Clonezilla does not offer backing up to cloud or online storage options; it’s focused purely on local or network-based disk imaging. Acronis True Image, on the other hand, includes replication and recovery. When opting for an Advanced or Premium subscription plan, you also have access to secure cloud storage, up to 10 TB, combining both local and off-site protection. ### Which tool is better for nontechnical users — Acronis True Image or Clonezilla? Acronis True Image is more suitable for home users who need a tool that is easy to use and has an intuitive interface. It also offers one-click backups, cloning, recovery and built-in security to its users for peace of mind. Clonezilla is best for technical users or IT professionals who prefer command-line control and manual configuration. Product help If you need product assistance, you can find helpful materials in the [Knowledge Base](https://care.acronis.com/s/support-portal/for-individuals). Or, post questions on our [discussion boards](https://forum.acronis.com/). Technical support For subscription owners, there is free, 24-hour technical support. Refer to the [Technical Support Site](https://www.acronis.com/support/protect-home-office/) to find the appropriate support contact. ## Advanced backup and cloning software or open-source cloning tool? Acronis True Image combines AI-based security, secure backup and Identity Protection** to completely protect your home computers with one simple tool. Clonezilla is a free, open-source disk cloning and imaging tool used mostly by advanced users or IT professionals. Where you can do offline cloning via bootable media but lacks automation, cloud options and built-in security. For users at home seeking peace of mind that automatically can back up personal files and offers built-in ransomware protection, Acronis True Image is the tool to use. ![Image 2: Acronis](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/b6f0f1affb044d26476ee5be319d441c.png) 0:31 [Acronis (0:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvzASCcrUX0) [![Image 3](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/aadbaf079ed3109ec512a9b9a5eb45dc.png) 100% Detection Rate and 0 False Alarms in independent tests](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/acronis-true-image-excels-in-av-test-certification-unmatched-protection-and-usability/) [![Image 4](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/4d5333d1ea505ec644f498b4b7d3593d.png) Best Windows backup software, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/407021/best-windows-backup-software.html) [![Image 5](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/2f919f77b7afbe9e3386eef3a49b2135.png) Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Winner](https://cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com/candidates/acronis-cyber-protect-home-office/) [![Image 6](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/03fe5f638ee1ac6a581ecdd72554c749.png) Editors' Choice, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/393356/acronis-true-image-review.html) [![Image 7](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/0d56ed0fe1ba43c51e1c0d7f180c1e1b.png) OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification](https://www.opswat.com/blog/opswat-access-control-certification-oaccp-update-for-july-2021) [![Image 8](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/b2ce59307620ff669b7f1b88612fdd1c.png) TIME's Best Cloud Backup Services](https://time.com/4738916/best-cloud-backup-services/) ## Acronis True Image vs Clonezilla | Features | Acronis True Image | Clonezilla | | --- | --- | --- | | Offers | Complete cyber protection | Backup and cloning | | Desktop support | 1, 3 or 5 PCs / Macs | 1 PC / Mac | | Mobile support | Unlimited number of mobile devices | ❌ | | Supported operating systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows | | Data protection: backup, cloning and recovery | | File and folder backup (Protect frequent file changes by selecting individual files and folders that you want specific replicas of.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Full image backup (Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery.) | ✅ | ✅ | | Active disk cloning (Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Disk and partition backup (Protect individual disks or partitions.) | ✅ | ✅ | | All-in-one recovery drive (Acronis Survival Kit) (Recover your system data even if the OS fails to boot.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Recover to similar or dissimilar hardware * (Restore a complete system backup even to dissimilar hardware (e.g. new hard drive).) | ✅ | ✅ | | Incremental and differential backups (Save time and disk space by backing up only files that have been modified since the last backup.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Backup scheduling (Schedule time-based backups, or set them to run dynamically based on events (e.g. when users attach a USB drive).) | ✅ | ❌ | | Cloud storage (Easily access, restore, and recover your data from anywhere.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Cloud storage upgrades (Expand your cloud storage as your data grows.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Microsoft 365 backup, including Outlook.com and OneDrive * (Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in the event of disaster.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Local-to-cloud backups (Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Cloud restores (Restore data from the Acronis Cloud with the click of a button.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Cloud sync and share * (Sync files to the Acronis Cloud and access them from any device.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Automatic mobile backups (Back up mobile data to your PC and Mac automatically when connected to your Wi-Fi network.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Integrated anti-malware and privacy features | | Anti-ransomware and cryptojacking * protection (Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Vulnerability assessments (Identify security weaknesses in your operating system and the apps you rely on.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Patch management * | ✅ | ❌ | | Videoconference app protection * (Secure your data and ensure privacy when videoconferencing via Zoom, Cisco Webex, or Microsoft Teams.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Real-time anti-malware protection (Block cyberthreats before they can do harm with automatic anti-malware scanning of every file you interact with.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Antivirus scans (Ensure threats aren’t lurking on your computer by scanning for malware whenever you want.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Web filtering * (Avoid website-based cyberthreats by blocking malicious URLs from loading.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Quarantine and exclusions (Isolate potential threats in quarantine. Set exclusions to allow admin-approved processes.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Backups encrypted with user-defined passwords (Create encrypted backups for each individual user, with custom password protection.) | ✅ | ✅ | | Identity Protection ** (Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Electronic signatures (Acronis ASign) (Capture electronic signatures from multiple parties and record them in a blockchain ledger.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Blockchain notarization (Acronis Notary) (Confirm data authenticity with blockchain technology.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Easy management | | User-friendly cyber protection dashboard (Monitor everything at a glance, including backup activity, data statistics, and cybersecurity metrics for all your devices.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Control backup-on-battery (Restrict backup activity based on your device's battery level. Optionally postpone backups when unplugged.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Back up on preferred Wi-Fi (Set cloud backups to run only over known, trusted Wi-Fi networks.) | ✅ | ❌ | | CPU load balancing (Streamline system performance during anti-malware scans with dynamic allocation of processing power.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Protection pause (Pause the anti-malware functions for a specified length of time.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Tray notification center (Track the status of backups and anti-malware protection with desktop push notifications.) | ✅ | ❌ | | Remote data management (Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime.) | ✅ | ❌ | | | | Tech support | ✅ | Open source | | Updates | ✅ | Open source | | Price | From **€49.99** per year | Free | * Windows only. ** Only available in the U.S. for Advanced and Premium subscriptions. ## Reasons to choose Acronis True Image over Clonezilla Unlike Clonezilla, Acronis True Image feels like an app. It’s built around a dashboard and “normal person workflows” – create a backup plan, pick local or cloud, set a schedule and let it run. It also has active protection to protect your precious files and system against cyberthreats. It provides the possibility to store backup in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere and always have an off-site copy available. Access personal files that are backed up to the cloud easily from your Android or your iOS device. ### Acronis True Image: Easy and with built-in security and cloud storage Acronis True Image is designed with a modern intuitive interface that is easy to use and combines reliable backup and cloning with recovery and protection, even for nontechnical users. You do not have to be tech savvy as it is super easy to use and has an intuitive design. * Detailed disk and partition layouts. * A toolbar of imaging/cloning options. * More pragmatic design overall. ![Image 9: Acronis True Image: Easy and with built-in security and cloud storage](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/db1741158d87a130eb6396da5a91cbc6.png) ### Clonezilla: Technical and without cloud storage options Clonezilla is a technical tool which can be used for cloning or bare metal recovery. It needs to be booted from external storage media, either a CD, USB flash drive or a USB hard drive, and knowledge of command line is required. So, the workflow is more manual as you will need to boot into it, select device-image or device-device, choose where to store the image (local disk or file server) and run it. It’s not “backup while you work”; it’s “backup when you can take the system / partition offline.” This means that you will need to be tech-savvy as it takes some time to understand how it works. * Offline cloning and recovery with no secure cloud storage options. * Manual setup and command-line knowledge is required. * Technical and open source. ![Image 10: Clonezilla: Technical and without cloud storage options](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/7b9ef3412a543ec1f55fd5e205133449.png) ## Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs Essentials Local backup and anti-ransomware protection One-year subscription €49.99/year For 1 computer Cloud is not available Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Most popular Advanced Local and cloud backup and security One-year subscription €72.99/year For 1 computer 250 GB Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Premium Up to 10 TB of cloud and local backup and security One-year subscription €124.99/year For 1 computer 1 TB for free Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * Blockchain certification of files Confirm data authenticity with blockchain technology. * Electronic signatures on files Capture electronic signatures from multiple parties and record them in a blockchain ledger. * Ability to add up to 10 TB of cloud storage Expand your cloud storage as your data grows. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Priority phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS **Give the gift of cyber protection** [Get Acronis True Image as a gift](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/personal/gift/) **Need more details?** [Compare our products in depth](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/products/true-image/comparison/) ## What the experts say [![Image 11: Case study](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/3dc0b756d6b8386ea3560e65065bf142.png)](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/renowned-composer-william-goldstein-relies-on-acronis-true-image-to-protect-his-valuable-music-files/) Case study ### [Renowned composer William Goldstein relies on Acronis True Image to protect his valuable music files](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/renowned-composer-william-goldstein-relies-on-acronis-true-image-to-protect-his-valuable-music-files/) “The backups I make with Acronis True Image are part of my life. They make it possible for me to access my work and be able to get back to it.” **William Goldstein** Grammy-nominated composer, pianist and recording artist [Read case study](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/renowned-composer-william-goldstein-relies-on-acronis-true-image-to-protect-his-valuable-music-files/) [![Image 12: Case study](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/a3eeb966eded0c71ac0aa3eb76db75e6.png)](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/case-study-eli-yablonovitch/) Case study ### [Acronis True Image has saved my career on numerous occasions](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/case-study-eli-yablonovitch/) “I was hit by a ransomware attack and a gentleman told me on the phone that I should pay a certain amount of money to get my data back. But in the back of my head, I knew that I had the ace card as I had Acronis True Image.” **Eli Yablonovitch** Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley [Read case study](https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/case-study-eli-yablonovitch/) ## Trustpilot reviews Acronis solutions are trusted by thousands worldwide