Feature Set:  

Macrium Reflect is great at backing up files and disks, but does not offer every feature that its competitors offer. Some disk imaging programs also include partitioning or partition management tools, which though not technically disk imaging, can be used to resize a partition or restore a partition to a different type. In terms of disk imaging, this software works great, but it doesn’t offer as many additional features (like levels of shredding) like some software does.

But as mentioned above, it works with a variety of drivers, can back up to an assortment of storage options and supports script creation, password protection, data verification, incremental back up and much more.

Ease of Use:  

This disk imaging program employs a selection of wizards for common processes like backing up files, restoring, imaging, data verification and rescue CD creation. Though these wizards help streamline complicated procedures, we found the language a bit more technical than some other programs, which may be intimidating to novice users. For example, when using the backup wizard you are given the option of full, incremental and differential, without these terms being defined, if you are not familiar with these terms you are going to have to pause the process and go look them up before you continue.

Backup/Restore Process:  

Macrium Reflect does an exceptional job at backing up disks or files, either exactly or compressed to pretty much any source you choose, whether to a virtual drive or to a portable drive or CD. Disk images can conveniently be created while Windows is in use and it can verify data separately before a restore. It can also save your backup definitions as XML files that can be activated from your desktop and it supports VBScript integration and has a VBScript generator.

Macrium Reflect offers three different levels of compression and AES 256 bit encryption for security.

Help/Support:  

This software comes with fairly extensive embedded support as well as online documentation and a support forum. We had to consult the help pages several times and usually quickly found the answers we were looking for. You can also contact Paramount Software by email; however, they do not offer telephone or chat support.

Macrium Reflect is a great disk imaging program for those that have a bit of disk imaging experience. It works with many drivers, storage formats and file types and can create restoration files easily. However, if you are looking for more partition management tools or if you are a beginner looking for an easy to use product you may want to check out our higher ranked disk imaging solutions, like Acronis True Image.