Top 13 Data Migration Tools to Watch in 2025 – Including Free Picks

Acronis True Image is a powerful backup tool designed to help you safeguard, duplicate, and move your operating system, files, and data. It supports backing up all data types, including system files, applications, and personal files, making data recovery straightforward if complications occur.

Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, it stores your backups in the cloud for easy access and security. The software also includes integrated anti-malware features, eliminating the need for additional security tools, streamlining your protection process.

Key features include:
– Transitioning your drive from HDD to SSD.
– Migrating data between HDDs, SSDs, or a combination of both.
– Seamless data transfer across different storage devices.

Acronis True Image is a comprehensive tool that safeguards your device against a variety of threats, including hardware failures, theft, and cyberattacks.

One of its notable features is Active Disk Learning, which allows you to create an exact replica of your operating system even while it’s in use. This eliminates the need to shut down or reboot your system during data migration.

In addition, Acronis True Image provides straightforward restore options for backups and stores up to 20 versions of your files for a period of six months. It can also create complete disk images and supports copying, formatting, partitioning, and deleting hard drive images.

The software also includes Active Protection to monitor suspicious activity across all your files—not just backup copies. The latest version enhances security further with protections against crypto-mining threats.

Other useful features include automatic mobile backups, event-triggered backups, backup validation checks, anti-ransomware and crypto-jacking defenses, resumable data transfers, and more.

Pricing:

Acronis True Image offers three pricing tiers: Essential at $49.99 annually, Advanced at $89.99 annually, and Premium at $124.99 annually. All plans include vital features like disk cloning, full system backups, quick recovery options, universal restore, and ransomware protection.

This section discusses MiniTool Partition Wizard, which is highly recommended for those new to data management and personal use, with prices ranging from free to $159.

Ideal for beginners and personal use (Free – $159).

MiniTool Partition Wizard is a versatile tool for managing data transfers and disk partitioning. It assists in copying OS to SSD or HDD, cloning entire disks, and backing up data easily, making data migration smooth. It also allows users to back up or upgrade their hard drives without the hassle of reinstalling apps or operating systems.

Compatible with all Windows versions from XP onwards, it supports a wide range of file systems, including FAT 12/16/32, exFAT, NTFS, and Ext2/3/4.

Key features of MiniTool Partition Wizard include disk cloning, managing disks and partitions, recovering data from desktop, Recycle Bin, or specific folders, converting disks between MBR and GPT, and transforming dynamic disks into basic disks without data loss. It also enables partition resizing, creation, deletion, and formatting.

In addition to cloning, it offers data recovery tools—Partition Recovery Wizard for restoring lost partitions, and Data Recovery for retrieving deleted or inaccessible files from damaged or formatted folders. The software also provides disk diagnostics, including reading/writing speed tests, disk usage analysis, file system verification, and error detection.

Pricing options vary, with both free and paid Pro editions. The free version covers basic partitioning, file system checks, and FAT-to-NTFS conversions. The Pro version, starting at $159 per license, unlocks advanced features such as dynamic disk conversion, disk cloning, and creating bootable media.

Paragon Drive Copy Professional is another excellent choice for disk cloning and partition management, available at $79.95, emphasizing its effectiveness in copying disks and managing partitions efficiently.

Expert Recommendations

Are you searching for a dependable software solution to clone your operating system and migrate your data? Paragon Drive Copy is an excellent choice. It allows you to efficiently transfer your data without compromising quality. Additionally, it includes features to keep your files organized after migration, ensuring everything is sorted correctly.

Paragon Drive Copy Professional is a trustworthy software designed to transfer your entire data or operating system from one disk to another. It streamlines the process of migrating your data efficiently while maintaining quality and organization. The software also offers features to create backups, manage disk partitions, migrate your OS to different drives like USB flash devices, and clone your system for various purposes.

With a variety of copying options, it allows you to clone entire hard drives or specific partitions swiftly. Whether you need to duplicate a 512-byte hard disk to a 4K hard disk or migrate Windows from an HDD to an SSD, this tool simplifies the process, saving you time and effort. It supports moving any Windows OS from Windows 7 onwards, making it versatile for many user needs.

The software also performs additional functions such as cloning your disk to a larger drive, transferring your system to a new hard drive in a laptop, or maintaining an organized disk with features like splitting and merging partitions. Its comprehensive capabilities make it a valuable tool for managing and optimizing disk drives effectively.

It also provides features to open existing backups, safeguard your data, or troubleshoot boot issues if your operating system fails to start.

Paragon Drive Copy Professional is a streamlined disk imaging tool, but it lacks advanced features like disk repair and data recovery. For those functions, you should consider using Hard Disk Manager Advanced for home use, or Hard Disk Manager for Business if you need it for commercial purposes.

Pricing:

Paragon Drive Copy Professional is priced at $79.95 per license, which covers up to three personal computers.

5. NovaBACKUP PC

Best suited for Windows users ($49.95 per year).

If you’re running Windows OS, reliable backup software is essential to prevent accidental data loss or damage. NovaBACKUP PC is among the top options available, offering both local and cloud backup options. It is particularly suitable for home use and small businesses, and its cost-effectiveness is notable given its comprehensive features.

NovaBACKUP PC is backup software designed for Windows computers. It allows users to create copies of disks, operating systems, and individual files, supporting both local and cloud storage options. This makes it ideal for small businesses and IT professionals who want to secure their data without hassle.

One of its key features is the Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan, which automatically safeguards your system and ensures data can be recovered quickly. It also helps organizations comply with data protection regulations like HIPAA, FERPA, and GLBA, offering peace of mind and regulatory compliance.

Some of the main features of NovaBACKUP PC include a broad range of backup options—such as file-level or full disk images—allowing for flexible data protection. You can back up and move various types of content, like videos and documents, to local drives or cloud services like Dropbox. It’s accessible for users with disabilities, integrating with screen readers for those with visual impairments. The software also provides multiple encryption options, including AES 256-bit and Blowfish, giving you control over data security levels, although higher security may affect backup speeds. The disaster recovery feature enables comprehensive image backups covering your entire system, including email settings and personalized preferences, facilitating swift restoration in emergencies. Additional capabilities include scheduled or differential backups, centralized backup management, and versatile data retrieval from any location.

NovaBACKUP PC’s pricing is structured into three plans based on the number of computers, each offering a 30-day money-back guarantee and free updates. The plans are: $49.95 annually for a single Windows PC, $79.95 for up to three PCs, and $99.95 for up to five PCs. There are also options tailored for server backup needs.

Another robust option is DriveImage XML, suitable for both personal and commercial use, with a free version available and paid plans up to $100. It specializes in disk imaging and cloning, supporting Windows XP and newer systems. Using Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Services, DriveImage XML creates safe backups without rebooting, storing images as XML documents that can be viewed or extracted easily. Users can clone drives directly from one to another, restore images to different drives, or browse backups to retrieve specific files. The tool supports backing up both NTFS and FAT partitions, though it does not include partition management features. The free Private Edition is perfect for individual users, whereas the Commercial Edition offers expanded capabilities for business use.The product is available for commercial use and offers a selection of licenses for different team sizes, including 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 users, which can be purchased through this link. When opting for the paid version, you are permitted to download the specified number of DriveImage XML copies onto your organization’s computers.

Pricing for DriveImage XML’s Commercial edition is as follows: a 5-user license costs $100, a 10-user license is $150, a 20-user license is $200, a 50-user license is $400, and a 100-user license is $500. All purchase options include free updates for one year and access to customer support.

The next product is DAEMON Tools Pro 8, which is ideal for securely migrating data at the cost of around $20.21. This software specializes in disk image emulation and imaging, enabling you to work with virtual drives and clone various security technologies such as StarForce, Securom, Safedisc, and Protect CD. During migration and emulation, it ensures that media remains in the correct order for the intended application or game to function properly.

DAEMON Tools Pro 8 supports mounting most image formats, including .mds, .mdf, and .ape, directly from applications or Windows Explorer. It allows you to create virtual hard disks—both dynamic and fixed—and securely store sensitive information. Its user-friendly interface simplifies all operations, letting you manage images and customize views through Windows Explorer and the program’s Image Editor.

It also provides advanced features for cloning, creating, and burning images to USB devices. Key capabilities include editing or creating data images and audio CDs, securely transferring and compressing files, restoring USB drives to their factory state, and burning files or discs. The software can generate raw disk images from USB content, modify copying methods, and emulate disc burning with its Virtual Burner. Additionally, with support for up to four IDE devices, users can clone hundreds of drives, including DT, SCSI, and HDD drives.

An extensive media info panel offers insights into stored game images and helps users stay updated with industry news and reviews.

Pricing details are available through visual information, displaying various options and packages for different user needs, accompanied by relevant images showing the product and its interface.

DAEMON Tools Pro 8 offers four subscription options:

All options include a free trial period of 14 days.

Ideal for restoring images across multiple devices (Free and open source).

Clonezilla is a free tool for data migration and backup. It’s open-source software designed for creating and restoring disk images or cloning disks. It supports data transfer and system deployment for Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for various operating systems.

There are three main versions: Clonezilla Live, Clonezilla Lite Server, and Clonezilla SE. While Clonezilla Live is suited for backing up or restoring a single system, the Lite Server and SE versions are designed for large-scale deployments, capable of cloning over 40 systems simultaneously.

Clonezilla’s key features include:

However, it has some limitations. Clonezilla does not support differential backups, online cloning, or imaging of open systems. Additionally, the target partition must be equal or larger than the source partition. To operate Clonezilla, your system needs an x86 or x86-64 processor, at least 196MB of RAM, a CD/DVD drive, hard disk, and either PXE or USB port.

Pricing: It’s completely free and open-source software.

Designed for reversing migration mishaps ($59.95).

Laplink PCmover is a comprehensive data migration tool that seamlessly transfers all your files, applications, and settings to a new computer. Since most programs are pre-installed and compatible, you don’t need to input license codes or use old disks. Its process ensures quick migration without leaving any residual data behind, even if the target system has a different version. The migration is straightforward, consisting of three simple steps.

Here are some of the transfer options you can choose with PCmover:

Key features of PCmover include:

Overall, PCmover is a comprehensive migration tool, giving you control over which files and programs you want to move or restore from drives. However, it does not transfer antivirus software; you’ll need to deactivate it on your old system and reactivate or reinstall it on the new one. The software also offers a feature to undo the transfer if any issues arise during the process.

Laplink provides round-the-clock support, including phone and live chat options, to help guide you through the migration.

Pricing options for PCmover include:

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

10. Macrium Reflect 7.

Ideal for users looking to add virtualization to their backup procedures (available through reseller channels).

Macrium Reflect 7 is a disk imaging and migration solution designed to create exact duplicates of your drives or partitions, enabling easy recovery after system failures. It supports local, network, and USB drives, suitable for both home use and business applications.

Its notable features include:

The brand’s newest feature, Macrium Image Guardian, offers robust protection against ransomware by preventing unauthorized modifications to backup files. It also enables seamless copying and writing access to current files, while restricting other modifications, which is especially useful for managing large files and speeding up incremental backups.

Furthermore, Macrium viBoot allows users to create, launch, and manage Hyper-V virtual machines based on Macrium images, streamlining virtualization tasks.

Pricing details are available upon inquiry through authorized resellers.Reflect 7 is available in four different editions: Home Edition, Workstation, Server, and Server Plus, which includes additional features for SQL and Exchange.

Pricing details can be obtained through authorized Macrium resellers or third-party sellers. Alternatively, a 30-day trial version is accessible for testing purposes.

11. IBM InfoSphere Data Replication.

Ideal for large enterprises (pricing based on quotes), IBM InfoSphere Data Replication is a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate data migration, cleansing, and transformation across various systems. This on-premise tool enables seamless data integration from multiple platforms, enhancing business operations. It features massively parallel processing (MPP) to efficiently handle large data volumes. Besides supporting data migration, it plays a crucial role in data governance, ensuring data quality, and powering critical business initiatives. Its functions include application consolidation, dynamic data warehousing, master data management, and service-oriented architecture. The platform serves as a centralized monitoring hub for deployment and data integration tasks via an intuitive GUI.

Some of the key features include: real-time processing of large data volumes, support for zero-downtime migrations and upgrades, cloud environment creation for IT teams, remote log-based capture from Db2 z/OS, and maintaining database replicas remotely. It also allows access to legacy databases and connects with multiple data sources such as Oracle and SQL Server. IBM InfoSphere helps manage, organize, and refresh data as needed, offering high performance across on-premise and cloud environments. It efficiently moves small amounts of data continuously, which helps reduce costs and network load. Additionally, you can use the InfoSphere Information Server for Data Quality to cleanse data and monitor quality, transforming raw data into reliable information.

Pricing details are available directly from the vendor.

12. O&O DiskImage.

Best suited for monitoring security risks, O&O DiskImage is a backup and migration tool priced at $49.95. It enables users to back up entire computers or individual files even while the system is running. The tool supports cloning, protecting, recovering, and storing essential data, allowing restoration even if the Windows system fails to start. Moving away from traditional backup media like CDs or USB drives, O&O DiskImage lets you clone data for easy remote access and portability, providing an extra layer of security. It supports creating virtual hard disks (VHDs), automatic backups, and restoring backups efficiently.

The dashboard interface offers simple management of backup and cloning tasks, making data protection straightforward. The tool’s features significantly simplify the process of safeguarding data and facilitate quick recovery in case of system issues.

O&O DiskImage offers several key features:

Additionally, the software facilitates creating bootable media directly from within the program, and the latest version automatically saves data to specified locations.

While O&O DiskImage covers standard data cloning and migration functions, it does have some limitations. Notably, it lacks a built-in backup scheduler, so users needing automated scheduled backups may need to look into alternative solutions.

Pricing

O&O DiskImage offers three payment options:

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the vendor is available for custom quotes upon request.

Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses or large enterprises (Pricing based on quotation).

CloverDX is a comprehensive data integration and management platform designed to assist in designing, automating, running, and sharing data workflows.

The platform operates through three primary modes: it manages data warehouses—handling customer onboarding, transforming data, and validating accuracy; facilitates complex data migrations, especially when dealing with cluttered or large datasets under tight deadlines; and supports data ingestion, ensuring smooth data entry, transformation, and validation processes. Small to medium-sized businesses utilize CloverDX for efficient data processing, boasting a quick and user-friendly interface that supports end-to-end management.

This flexibility, lightweight design, and rapid processing capabilities make CloverDX suitable for handling large-scale data tasks. Users can easily map workflows in sequence, oversee productivity, and maintain consistent operations whether on-site or in the cloud. Key features include the ability to design and debug data pipelines on a single platform, manage all data-related activities conveniently, customize data visibility based on user roles, share data across various platforms—from local servers to cloud environments—and monitor workflows regularly. CloverDX also automates data recognition, correction, and supports critical functions like digital transformation, compliance, and data anonymization, making it suitable for industries such as banking, healthcare, and government agencies.

Pricing:
Pricing is based on tailored quotes to meet specific business needs.

Data migration involves transferring data from one storage location to another, usually during system updates, upgrades, or maintenance. Automated tools manage this process to reduce manual effort. Many organizations rely on data migration software to facilitate device replacements, resolve system failures, or address security concerns. With the shift to cloud storage over traditional on-premises data centers, these tools have become increasingly essential.

Typically, data migration software supports three main types of migrations:

Moving data from local servers to cloud storage has become essential for modern businesses. Whether transferring files within the cloud or from on-premises systems, the process involves several key steps. Application migration—shifting an entire application from one environment to another, possibly from one cloud platform to another or from local servers to the cloud—is also a critical aspect of digital transformation.

When selecting data migration software, it’s important to identify the features that will support a smooth and secure transfer. Choosing the right tool can seem overwhelming because many options are available, each with different pricing, capabilities, and compatibility. While some tools are designed specifically for certain brands—such as Samsung or Intel—most data migration solutions share core features that facilitate the process.

Some essential features to look for include comprehensive functionality, scalability, data security, user-friendliness, and reliable customer support. For functionality, aim for software that offers extensive features to handle unforeseen complications efficiently. Critical capabilities include scheduling and planning, data profiling followed by analysis before migration, extracting, transforming, and loading data (ETL), designing migration flows, thorough testing, and quality assurance.

Scalability is vital because data volumes and business needs tend to grow over time. A scalable tool will accommodate increased data without significant re-investment. Security measures are equally crucial; opt for solutions with advanced anti-malware protections like real-time virus scanning, AI-driven behavioral detection, and web filtering to safeguard sensitive information.

Ease of use ensures your IT team can implement the migration with minimal hassle, leading to higher success rates across the organization. Intuitive interfaces and straightforward workflows help streamline adoption. Customer support is perhaps the most critical feature because technical issues can arise unexpectedly, causing delays. Prompt, customer-centric support can resolve problems quickly and keep projects on track.

Additional important considerations include the ability to handle various data sources and destinations, speed of migration, debugging tools, data governance features, and options for backup and recovery.

Understanding how to operate data migration software is straightforward once familiar with the steps. Using Acronis True Image as an example:

First, select a suitable pricing plan to meet your needs. Download the application and install it on your system. After installation, carefully review and accept the license agreement to begin using the software.

Next, create a new account by entering your personal details and setting a password. You’ll also be prompted to input a complex 64-character license key. Shortly afterward, you’ll receive an email for account confirmation; clicking the link will redirect you to your online account. To activate your product, input your 16-character activation code, then re-enter the 64-character key to finalize the setup.

Once activated, you’re ready to proceed with data migration. Acronis offers various cloning options; for simplicity, you might choose the ‘automatic cloning’ feature. Begin by selecting the source disk from which you want to migrate data, then click ‘Next’. After that, specify the destination where the data should be copied. Review your selections and proceed with the migration process to ensure a seamless transfer of your data.

Here are my top recommendations for reliable data migration tools. These solutions can help you clone your drives and transfer your data smoothly from one system to another. Choosing the right software depends on your specific needs, budget, and the scope of your migration. Whether you’re moving data due to security concerns or infrastructure upgrades, these tools can assist you effectively.

For example, if security is a priority, consider options like DAEMON Tools Pro 8 or O&O DiskImage. Small businesses or individual users might find MiniTool Partition Wizard suitable for their needs.

Overall, I recommend Acronis True Image. This software offers comprehensive features for migrating data across different storage devices, including HDDs and SSDs, and even between different operating systems like Android and iOS. It’s a versatile choice for most users needing reliable migration solutions.

Which of these tools are you planning to use, and what is your primary reason for migrating data? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Further reading on StepThroughThePortal.com: After you complete the data migration, it’s crucial to ensure your system remains secure. You should verify that no vulnerabilities are left open for hackers to exploit during or after the process.

Cybersecurity plays an essential role during data transfers, so selecting the appropriate XDR (Extended Detection and Response) software is vital to protect your environment effectively.

XDR solutions provide comprehensive security coverage, offering visibility and protection from on-premises systems to cloud environments.

Check out the best XDR platforms of 2025 for current top options.