True Image vs True Image Premium: What’s the difference?

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True Image 2014 "Getting Started" screenAcronis True Image is full disk imaging software that can backup and restore your entire hard drive.  It comes in two editions: the “regular” version of True Image, and True Image Premium.

If you’re considering Acronis for your backup and recovery needs, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the extra $30 to buy the Premium edition.  In this article, I’ll explain the differences between them.

Features

True Image and True Image Premium have nearly identical features, and there’s very little difference here.

Both editions of True Image will let you:

  • Backup your files continuously
  • Create a full disk image of your PC
  • Restore files, folders, and full disk images
  • Backup to cloud storage space (5GB free for 1 year)
  • Create advanced backup routines
  • Synchronize your files on PCs and mobile devices

Price

True Image costs $50 per PC, while True Image Premium costs $80 per PC.

The $30 price difference is minimized when you buy licences for 3 computers.  True Image costs $80 to backup 3 PCs (savings of $70), while True Image Premium costs $100 to backup 3 PCs (savings of $140).  So if you want to backup 3 computers, the cost to spring for Premium is only $20.

Migrate or Restore to a New PC (Premium Only)

The biggest difference between the True Image editions is the ability to restore (or migrate) to completely different hardware.  To be clear: both editions will let you restore your entire hard drive, but only True Image Premium will inject drivers for the new hardware into your operating system.  This will let you boot without errors or needing to repair your Windows installation.

Aside from backup and recovery, the other use for this is to migrate to a new PC.  If you buy a new computer, the hardware will be completely different than the hardware on the old PC.  True Image Premium will let you seamlessly transfer your operating system to new hardware.

Backup and Restore Dynamic Disks (Premium Only)

A dynamic disk is a type of storage volume that can span multiple physical hard drives.  It is typically for enterprise use, so home users won’t need to worry about this feature when comparing True Image editions.

Only True Image Premium lets you backup dynamic volumes from Windows dynamic disks.  It also lets you restore onto bare-metal hard disks or previously configured dynamic disks.

Which True Image Edition Should You Choose?

If you want to restore or migrate to completely different hardware, go with True Image Premium.  The premium edition can also be used to backup dynamic disks.

If you’re not planning on migrating to a new computer, you’ll be able to get by just fine with the standard edition of True Image.  You’ll save some money, and still have an easy way to backup and restore your entire computer.

Get True Image and never worry about hard drive failure again.

Geoff Akerlund

Geoff Akerlund

Geoff Akerlund is the founder and editor-in-chief of BackupReview.com. He enjoys attending music festivals, whitewater kayaking on the American River, and board game nights in his free time.

Geoff Akerlund

@backupsoftware