Raspberry Pi Imager vs SARDU MultiBoot Creator
Raspberry Pi Imager
raspberrypi.comSARDU MultiBoot Creator
sardu.proSide by side
| Figure | Raspberry Pi Imager | SARDU MultiBoot Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Bootable USB Software | 7.9 (#11) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Founded | 2012 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, United Kingdom | Sanluri, Italy |
| Purpose | Raspberry Pi Imager installs Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems onto storage media for use with a Raspberry Pi. | SARDU creates a bootable multiboot USB drive for computer maintenance from a catalog of bootable ISO images. |
Plans
SARDU MultiBoot Creator
- Free registeredFree
- Free standardFree
- PRO AdvancedPrice not published
- PRO Advanced LifetimePrice not published
- PRO BasicPrice not published
- PRO Basic LifetimePrice not published
- PRO TechPrice not published
In their own words
Raspberry Pi Imager
Raspberry Pi Imager writes Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to storage media for Raspberry Pi use. It includes popular images, accepts locally stored images, and lets advanced users configure a custom image repository from a file or URL. For supported systems, setup options can set a hostname, time zone, user and Wi-Fi credentials, and remote connectivity; SSH can be enabled with password or public key authentication. After writing, the app checks the image, a step Raspberry Pi recommends completing. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS installation options and AppImage downloads documented for other Linux distributions. Compatible Raspberry Pi models can install an operating system over a wired network without a separate computer or SD card reader. Writing overwrites all data on the chosen storage device, so selecting the destination carefully matters. Anonymous usage telemetry is on by default and can be disabled in App Options. Raspberry Pi publishes the source code publicly and accepts vulnerability reports. The software is free.
SARDU MultiBoot Creator
SARDU MultiBoot Creator builds bootable media for computer maintenance from a catalog of more than 300 ISO images, organized into Antivirus, Utility, Linux, and Windows categories. It can create a multiboot rescue disk on a USB flash drive or DVD, and its downloader can fetch selected images and build a USB drive in one step. The resulting media can support Windows installation, cloning, backup and restore, data recovery, password recovery or change, RAM testing, and hard disk checks. SARDU is portable: unzip the download and run it without installation. Version 6.1.0 is offered for Windows and 4.4.0 for GNU Linux. Free licenses are for personal, non-commercial use; PRO licenses permit commercial use. PRO includes BIOS Legacy and UEFI boot support, while free licenses do not include the stated PRO UEFI feature. Secure Boot must be disabled for the described Windows installation workflow. SARDU offers free plans and paid options from €11.90. Support is available through an FAQ and by email in Italian or English.