Certus Erasure vs Overwrite

Certus Erasure provides software to wipe data from computers, servers, storage devices, and mobile devices, then verify and document the results. Its tools cover HDDs, SSDs, NVMe drives, USB storage, iOS and Android phones and tablets, and macOS devices such as MacBooks and iMacs. Certus supports 45 recognized erasure methods and standards, including NIST 800-88 and IEEE 2883-2022. VerifyDrive checks erased drives, and erasure reports record results described as auditable and tamper-proof. DispositionCenter is a cloud platform for managing licenses, settings, workflows, users, permissions, and reports; it also supports a REST API, custom ERP and enterprise connections, and single sign-on through supported identity providers. Diagnostics assesses, grades, and reports on devices for reuse, resale, or recycling. CheckDeviceLock identifies whether a computer remains registered with Windows Autopilot. Deployment options include PXE and cloud. The free trial covers erasure or verification of one chosen device and provides access to several tools. Pricing is available on request, and no free plan is listed.

Overwrite is a macOS utility for sanitizing external drives, USB sticks, and SD cards. Its Mac App Store edition deletes files and overwrites free space through the file system. Overwrite Elite can instead overwrite every block the Mac can address on an external drive, using 1-, 3-, 7-, or 35-pass protocols. Completed wipes produce a locally signed Certificate of Data Erasure; Elite certificates can be checked with a free standalone verifier. Elite also offers optional read-back after a multi-pass Full Disk wipe and prints measured coverage on the certificate. The utility is designed for external and removable media and cannot erase the internal boot drive. Both editions have no accounts, analytics, or crash reporting; Elite makes three disclosed connections, while the App Store edition uses Apple’s StoreKit. The free Preview plan lets users explore drives and app screens but does not include secure wiping or certificates. Annual Pro costs $12.99 per year, Lifetime Pro costs $24.99 once, and Overwrite Elite costs $99 once.