Reliable software is very important for making bootable USB drives. Although Rufus has been a popular choice for many, looking into other options can help you find different features and functions that fit your needs. Many different operating systems, user interfaces, and extra features are supported by the best Rufus alternatives. Notable alternatives to Rufus include Etcher, which is known for being easy to use and working on multiple platforms.
Easier to make bootable USB drives with Etcher’s drag-and-drop feature. Popular alternative UNetbootin is liked for supporting many Linux distributions and Windows ISOs. Ventoy’s ability to store multiple bootable ISOs on a single USB drive makes it stand out among other features. This makes it very convenient for system administrators and tech fans alike. Win32 Disk Imager is still a popular choice because it is easy to use and reliable when writing disk images to USB drives.
What is Rufus?
Rufus is a piece of software that is open-source and free to use. It enables users to convert ISO image files into bootable USB drives. It is utilized by a large number of individuals for the purpose of installing bootable tools and operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Those users who need to create bootable USB drives for the purposes of system installations, recovery, or troubleshooting frequently choose Rufus as their tool of choice. Additionally, it offers advanced options for formatting, partition schemes, and file systems, in addition to having an intuitive user interface.
Best Rufus Alternatives Comparison Table
Rufus alternatives offer bootable USB drive solutions for different operating systems and user preferences. BalenaEtcher, UNetbootin, and Ventoy have simple interfaces and powerful features, making it easy to create bootable media for installing operating systems or recovering systems.
| Feature | Etcher | UNetbootin | Ventoy | YUMI | WoeUSB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Simple and intuitive | Simple and intuitive | Simple and intuitive | User-friendly but outdated | Simple and straightforward |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows | Windows |
| Multi-boot | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Persistence | Limited support | Limited support | Limited support | Yes | Limited support |
| File System Support | FAT32, NTFS, Ext2/3/4 | FAT32, NTFS, Ext2/3/4 | FAT32, NTFS | FAT32, NTFS | FAT32, NTFS |
| Live USB Creation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Etcher
Features:
- Open-source tool for flashing OS images to USB drives and SD cards.
- Simple and intuitive user interface.
- Support for multiple operating systems.
- Fast and reliable image writing process.
Etcher fixes one of Rufus’s problems, which was that it wasn’t available on all platforms. Like Rufus, it works with all system image types, such as ISO, DMG, IMG, and more. Its beautiful UI and the fact that it is open source are two of the best things about Etcher. You choose a system image, the USB stick, and click on Flash. Still, it is one of the best Rufus alternatives that you can consider.
Pros
- User-friendly interface for creating bootable USB drives.
- Supports various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Provides fast and reliable burning of disk images to USB drives.
Cons
- Limited advanced features compared to some competitors.
- Occasional compatibility issues with certain USB drives.
UNetbootin
Features:
- Cross-platform utility for creating bootable USB drives.
- Supports various Linux distributions and other operating systems.
- No installation required, runs directly from the executable.
- Easy-to-use interface for selecting and downloading ISO images.
UNetbootin is a well-known alternative to Rufus that provides support for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. Additionally, it is compatible with a number of different Linux distributions, despite its extremely low overhead. One of the most advantageous aspects of UNetbootin is that it is accessible on all major operating systems, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. Overall, it is one of the best Rufus alternatives that you can consider.
Pros
- Free and open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives.
- Supports a wide range of Linux distributions and other operating systems.
- Simple interface with easy-to-follow steps for creating bootable drives.
Cons
- Development has slowed down, leading to potential compatibility issues with newer systems.
- Limited support and documentation available for troubleshooting.
Ventoy
Features:
- Open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives.
- Supports booting from multiple ISO files on the same USB drive.
- No need to format the USB drive each time a new ISO is added.
- Supports both legacy BIOS and UEFI systems.
Ventoy’s open-source platform makes it easier to make bootable USB drives for ISO files. Ventoy simplifies the process by getting rid of the need to format the disk over and over again. Users only need to copy the ISO file to the USB drive and start the boot sequence. This tool is quick and easy to use, and it saves users the trouble of making bootable media over and over again. This is the best Rufus alternatives that you can consider.
Pros
- Innovative open-source tool for creating multiboot USB drives.
- Supports booting multiple ISO files from a single USB drive.
- Compatible with various operating systems and file systems.
Cons
- May have a steeper learning curve compared to traditional bootable USB creators.
- Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain ISO files.
YUMI
Features:
- Multiboot USB creator for Windows.
- Allows booting multiple operating systems and utilities from a single USB drive.
- User-friendly interface for adding and removing ISO images.
- Supports persistence for certain Linux distributions.
The MultibootISOs that we have developed have been replaced by YUMI, which is an acronym that stands for Your Universal Multiboot Installer. Multiple operating systems, antivirus utilities, disc cloning, diagnostic tools, and other applications can be included on a Multiboot Bootable USB Flash Drive that can be created with this software. Additional applications can also be included on the flash drive. Overall, this is one of the best Rufus alternatives.
Pros
- Supports multiboot configurations for various Linux distributions and utilities.
- User-friendly interface with step-by-step instructions.
- Allows for persistent storage on the USB drive for certain distributions.
Cons
- Limited support for non-Linux operating systems.
- Some users may experience issues with booting certain distributions or utilities.
WoeUSB
Features:
- Utility for creating bootable Windows USB drives from Windows ISO images.
- Supports both legacy BIOS and UEFI systems.
- Cross-platform compatibility with Linux distributions.
- Simple command-line interface for creating bootable USB drives.
WoeUSB is a cool app that lets you make a USB drive that can boot Windows on a Linux computer. You can use WoeUSB to flash Windows ISO images on a USB drive if you are running Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution. Plus, WoeUSB is great because it has a graphical user interface (GUI), and it’s easy to make a USB installer with just a few clicks. Currently, this is one of the best Rufus alternatives.
Pros
- Enables users to create bootable Windows USB drives from ISO images.
- Open-source and available for Linux distributions.
- Simple command-line interface for creating bootable drives.
Cons
- Limited support for certain Windows ISO images.
- May require additional dependencies and libraries to function properly on some systems.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Rufus Alternatives
There are a few common problems that you might run into when switching from Rufus to other software for making bootable USB drives. Here are some ways to fix some of these problems:
Not Working with USB Drive: Make sure the other software you’re using works with the USB drive you want to use. Some software might have limits on the types or sizes of USB drives that it can work with.
Corruption in the Bootable USB Drive: If the bootable USB drive you made with the other software is broken or not working right, try formatting it and making a new one with the software. When you’re making something, make sure you pick the right options and settings.
Wrong BIOS/UEFI Settings: If you don’t change the right BIOS/UEFI settings, bootable USB drives might not work. Make sure the USB drive is set as the primary boot device in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Also, make sure that the secure boot options are set up correctly.
Operating System Not Supported: Make sure the alternative software you’re using works with the OS you want to make a bootable USB drive for. Some software might have restrictions on the operating systems it can run on, or it might need extra settings to work with certain OS images.
File System Compatibility: It is important to make sure that the bootable USB drive’s file system works with the target system. Some older computers might only be able to start up from USB drives that have certain file systems, like FAT32. Make sure that the alternative software lets you pick the right file system when you’re making the file.
How to Choose the Right Rufus Alternative for Your Needs
A lot of people use Rufus to turn ISO images into bootable USB drives. When looking for an alternative to Rufus, here are some things to keep in mind to get the best experience:
Platform Compatibility: Make sure that the alternative software works with the OS you’re using. Some tools might only work on Windows, while others might be able to run on more than one system, like macOS and Linux.
Easy to Use: Look for a tool that has a simple interface and clear instructions. Making a bootable USB drive should be a simple process that is easy to understand and do.
File Formats Supported: Make sure that the alternative software can open the file types that you need. Most tools for making bootable USB drives can work with ISO images, but some may also be able to work with IMG, DD, and other formats.
Speed and Performance: Think about how fast and well the software works. It’s possible that some tools are faster than others at making bootable USB drives, especially when working with large ISO images.
Extra Features: See if the alternative software has any extra features that you might find useful. This could include things like UEFI boot support, disk partitioning options, settings for personalization, and so on.
FAQs
Rufus is one of several USB stick ISO creators. Rufus requires only your ISO, such as Windows 10, to create a bootable USB.
bin is actually a dd bootable image, so Rufus will happily write it to your media.
