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Head-to-head · Boot Manager Software

EasyBCD vs rEFInd

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score EasyBCD #3 in Boot Manager Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Visit EasyBCD
rEFInd #8 in Boot Manager Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Visit rEFInd

EasyBCD leads on 0 checks, rEFInd on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEasyBCD · 8.3/10
  • Free planboth

EasyBCD scores higher on our rubric for boot manager software: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

On operating systems, rEFInd gives you Multiplatform where EasyBCD offers Windows.

EasyBCD is the better fit for windows users managing multiboot entries. rEFInd is the better fit for free graphical multiboot across major desktop systems.

  • EasyBCD fits best

    Windows users managing multiboot entries

  • rEFInd fits best

    Free graphical multiboot across major desktop systems

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Side by side

Feature EasyBCD 8.3/10 Visit ↗ rEFInd 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 7.9
Ranking #3 in Boot Manager Software #8 in Boot Manager Software
Best for Windows users managing multiboot entries Free graphical multiboot across major desktop systems
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $20/device one-time Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Self-hosted
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features EasyBCD 6/6 · rEFInd 6/6
UEFI support ✓ ✓
BIOS support ✓ ✓
Multiboot support ✓ ✓
Boot-entry editing ✓ ✓
Boot repair ✓ ✓
Boot-menu customization ✓ ✓
Specs
Operating systems Windows Multiplatform
Our review
Pros
  • Edits, reorders, backs up, and restores Windows boot entries
  • Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD, USB, ISO, VHD, and WinPE targets
  • Includes bootloader repair and bootable USB media creation
  • Automatically scans EFI, BIOS/CSM, and firmware boot options
  • Supports Linux kernel booting, legacy BIOS systems, and Secure Boot
  • Offers editable entries, kernel options, themes, and filesystem drivers
Cons
  • Runs on Windows rather than across multiple desktop platforms
  • Many multiboot features are restricted in EFI mode
  • Cannot fix a PC that will not boot
  • The project describes the software as beta-quality
  • Advanced boot configuration can require manual entries and option editing
  • Its primary design is for EFI-based computers
Our verdict

EasyBCD is a Windows utility for configuring and editing the Windows Boot Configuration Data store. It is designed for people managing dual-boot or multiboot systems, including setups involving Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD, legacy systems,…

Read the review →

rEFInd is an open-source graphical boot manager for EFI-based computers. It is designed for people who need to select among multiple operating systems, boot loaders, kernels, or firmware utilities from one menu. Packages and installation…

Read the review →
  1. EasyBCDBoot Manager Software 8.3Free plan
  2. rEFIndBoot Manager Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EasyBCD — where it wins

    • Edits, reorders, backs up, and restores Windows boot entries
    • Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD, USB, ISO, VHD, and WinPE targets
    • Includes bootloader repair and bootable USB media creation

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows rather than across multiple desktop platforms
    • Many multiboot features are restricted in EFI mode
    • Cannot fix a PC that will not boot

  • rEFInd — where it wins

    • Automatically scans EFI, BIOS/CSM, and firmware boot options
    • Supports Linux kernel booting, legacy BIOS systems, and Secure Boot
    • Offers editable entries, kernel options, themes, and filesystem drivers

    Where it doesn't

    • The project describes the software as beta-quality
    • Advanced boot configuration can require manual entries and option editing
    • Its primary design is for EFI-based computers
  • EasyBCD8.3/10 · Free plan

    A capable Windows boot manager for editing entries, repairing BCD, and creating multiboot setups.

    Visit EasyBCDFull verdict →
  • rEFInd7.9/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source graphical multiboot manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Visit rEFIndFull verdict →

More comparisons

All boot manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update