Head-to-head · Backup Software
Acronis True Image vs MiniTool ShadowMaker
Acronis True Image leads on 0 checks, MiniTool ShadowMaker on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAcronis True Image · 7.2/10
- Free planonly MiniTool ShadowMaker
- Free trialonly Acronis True Image
Acronis True Image scores higher on our rubric for backup software: 7.2 against 6.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #19 and #29.
MiniTool ShadowMaker offers free plan; Acronis True Image doesn't.
Acronis True Image is the better fit for consumer full-image and mobile backup. MiniTool ShadowMaker is the better fit for windows users wanting affordable image backup.
- Acronis True Image fits best
Consumer full-image and mobile backup
- MiniTool ShadowMaker fits best
Windows users wanting affordable image backup
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Side by side
| Feature | Acronis True Image 7.2/10 Visit ↗ | MiniTool ShadowMaker 6.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.2 | 6.2 |
| Ranking | #19 in Backup Software | #29 in Backup Software |
| Best for | Consumer full-image and mobile backup | Windows users wanting affordable image backup |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $49.99/yr | $3/device/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Email, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Acronis True Image 3/4 · MiniTool ShadowMaker 3/4 | ||
| Computer backup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile backup | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Server backup | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Backup scope | Mixed | Mixed |
| Restore modes | Mixed | Mixed |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Acronis True Image is personal backup and cyber-protection software for home and office users. It covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, with support for full-image backups of computers, disks and partitions alongside file, folder,… Read the review → |
MiniTool ShadowMaker is backup and disaster recovery software for Windows PCs, workstations, and servers. It covers files, folders, operating systems, disks, and partitions, with backup destinations including local, external, shared, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Acronis True Image — where it wins
- Full-image backup, disk cloning and Universal Restore
- Backs up computers, mobile devices, NAS and cloud destinations
- Active Protection adds anti-ransomware monitoring
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; annual pricing starts at $49.99
- Server backup is not included
- Cloud storage is limited by plan
MiniTool ShadowMaker — where it wins
- Free plan includes system, disk, partition, and file backup
- Full, incremental, and differential backup schemes
- Cloning, WinPE rescue media, and Universal Restore options
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform coverage
- No mobile backup support
- Remote backup is limited to computers on the same LAN
- Acronis True Image7.2/10 · 30-day trial
Full-image, mobile and cloud backup for personal devices, with no free plan.
Visit AcronisFull verdict → - MiniTool ShadowMaker6.2/10 · Free plan
A value-focused Windows backup tool with imaging, cloning, and rescue options.
Visit MiniToolFull verdict →
All backup software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update

