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Head-to-head · Virtual Drive Software

Virtual CloneDrive vs ImgDrive

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Virtual CloneDrive #4 in Virtual Drive Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit site
ImgDrive #7 in Virtual Drive Software 8.6/10 Free plan · paid from $12 Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit ImgDrive

Virtual CloneDrive leads on 1 check, ImgDrive on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreVirtual CloneDrive · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth

Virtual CloneDrive scores higher on our rubric for virtual drive software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Virtual CloneDrive leads on max virtual drives: 15 drives versus 9 drives.

Virtual CloneDrive is the better fit for simple, high-capacity free optical mounting. ImgDrive is the better fit for low-cost Windows optical mounting and folder drives.

  • Virtual CloneDrive fits best

    Simple, high-capacity free optical mounting

  • ImgDrive fits best

    Low-cost Windows optical mounting and folder drives

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Virtual CloneDrive 8.9/10 Visit ↗ ImgDrive 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #4 in Virtual Drive Software #7 in Virtual Drive Software
Best for Simple, high-capacity free optical mounting Low-cost Windows optical mounting and folder drives
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published $12one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Email Email
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Virtual CloneDrive 1/4 · ImgDrive 1/4
Virtual disk files Not published Not published
Optical image mounting ✓ ✓
Write images Not published Not published
Persistent mounts Not published Not published
Specs
Image formats ISO, BIN, IMG, UDF, DVD, CCD .ccd, .cue, .iso, .isz, .mds, .nrg, .metaiso, .ashdisc, .cdi, .pdi, .bwt, .b5t, .b6t, .mdx, .uif
Max virtual drives 15 drives (best) 9 drives
Supported platforms Windows XP, XP64, Vista, Vista64, Windows 7, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8, Windows 8 64-bit, Windows 10, Windows 11 Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11
Our review
Pros
  • Freeware with support for up to 15 simultaneous virtual drives
  • Emulates CD, DVD, and Blu-ray media
  • Windows Explorer integration with image history and auto-mounting
  • Mounts many CD, DVD, Blu-ray, and audio-image formats
  • Mounts folders and multisession disc images as virtual drives
  • Integrates with Windows Explorer and command-line workflows
Cons
  • Windows-only software
  • Supports six documented image formats
  • No paid tiers or additional plan options
  • Verified platform coverage is limited to Windows
  • Free edition is for personal use only
  • More than four virtual drives requires Pro
Our verdict

Virtual CloneDrive is free Windows desktop software for mounting supported disc image files as virtual drives. It is intended for Windows users who need to access optical media images without physical discs, including ISO, BIN, IMG, UDF,…

Read the review →

ImgDrive is a Windows desktop utility for turning disc-image files into virtual CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives. It is aimed at people who need straightforward optical-image mounting, folder-based virtual drives, or command-line control on…

Read the review →
  1. Virtual CloneDriveVirtual Drive Software 8.9Free plan
  2. ImgDriveVirtual Drive Software 8.6Free plan · paid from $12

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Virtual CloneDrive — where it wins

    • Freeware with support for up to 15 simultaneous virtual drives
    • Emulates CD, DVD, and Blu-ray media
    • Windows Explorer integration with image history and auto-mounting

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only software
    • Supports six documented image formats
    • No paid tiers or additional plan options

  • ImgDrive — where it wins

    • Mounts many CD, DVD, Blu-ray, and audio-image formats
    • Mounts folders and multisession disc images as virtual drives
    • Integrates with Windows Explorer and command-line workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Verified platform coverage is limited to Windows
    • Free edition is for personal use only
    • More than four virtual drives requires Pro
  • Virtual CloneDrive8.9/10 · Free plan

    A free Windows utility for mounting disc images with up to 15 virtual drives.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • ImgDrive8.6/10 · Free plan · paid from $12

    A low-cost Windows utility for optical images, folder drives, and command-line control.

    Visit ImgDriveFull verdict →

More comparisons

All virtual drive software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update