macUSB
macUSB: A free, open-source Mac tool for creating macOS, Windows, and Linux boot media. Ranked #20 of 38 in Bootable USB Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users creating varied boot media.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users creating varied boot media
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Creates bootable macOS, Windows, and Linux USB media
- Downloads macOS installers from Apple servers
- Supports checksums, installer detection, and Windows automation
Where it doesn't
- Requires macOS 14.6 Sonoma or newer
- Runs as a macOS app rather than a Windows or Linux app
- Windows setup automation is optional rather than built into every workflow
Our verdict on macUSB
macUSB is a guided macOS application for creating bootable USB media on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It is intended for Mac users who need installation or recovery media for macOS, Windows, or Linux. The app works with local installer files and disk images, while also downloading macOS installers from Apple servers. Its focus is practical: prepare boot media from a Mac across several operating systems rather than provide a general-purpose imaging environment for multiple desktop platforms.
The Free plan includes all updates and features for everyone, and the project is open source. macUSB can detect installer versions, editions, and architectures, which helps organize supported images before media preparation. It also calculates SHA-256 checksums for supported images, adding a verification step to workflows that rely on local files or disk images. For Windows media, optional setup automation is available, while legacy macOS compatibility handling supports older macOS installation scenarios.
Platform fit is the main consideration. macUSB is distributed for macOS through GitHub Releases or Homebrew and requires macOS 14.6 Sonoma or newer, so it suits users who already have a compatible Mac available for the task. It offers broader media coverage than a tool limited to macOS installers, but its application platform remains narrow: there is no Windows or Linux app. Choose macUSB if a Mac is your working environment and you need varied boot media with installer detection, downloads, and checksum support. Choose an alternative if you need to create boot media directly from Windows or Linux.
Your product? Our editors can test macUSB in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
macUSB pricing
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macUSB fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Windows app | No |
| macOS app | Yes |
| Linux app | No |
| Multiboot support | Not verified |
| Persistent storage | Not verified |
| Image downloads | Both |
| Partition schemes | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to macUSB
- VentoyA free, open-source multiboot USB utility with broad image and boot-mode support.9.4
- Universal USB InstallerA free, broad USB creation toolkit with multiboot, persistence, downloads, and QEMU testing.9.2
- Easy2BootA free, format-flexible choice for advanced multiboot USB and hard-disk setups.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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