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MacOS is undoubtedly one of the most stable and secure operating systems available in the market. But there can be times when you face issues with your system, and the only way to resolve them is by reinstalling your operating system. However, to reinstall the OS, you need a bootable USB drive, which most Mac devices don’t have. Therefore, having a reliable bootable USB creator tool for your Mac device can be a lifesaver.
Creating a bootable USB is not easy, especially for people who are not tech-savvy. Moreover, there are several tools available in the market that claims to be the best. In this article, we will be discussing the top 7 best Mac bootable USB creators that you can use to make a reliable and portable OS installation drive to reinstall your MacOS in case of any issues.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Mac Bootable USB Creator?
Mac Bootable USB Creator is a software tool designed to help users create a bootable USB drive that can be used to reinstall MacOS. With the help of these tools, you can create a portable installation drive that allows you to reinstall the OS on any Mac device. It is essential to have a bootable USB creator tool because you never know when you might need to reinstall your MacOS.
One of the significant advantages of having a bootable USB creator tool is that it allows you to reinstall MacOS without an internet connection. Moreover, if you face any issues with your Mac device, the bootable USB drive can help you troubleshoot and fix the problems.
Top 7 Best Mac Bootable USB Creators
1. DiskMaker X
DiskMaker X has been a popular bootable USB creator tool for Mac devices for quite some time now. This tool is easy to use and allows you to create a bootable USB drive that can install MacOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, and El Capitan. Additionally, DiskMaker X supports multiple languages, making it ideal for users across the world.
Pros:
– DiskMaker X is free to use
– It supports multiple languages
– Easy to use interface
Cons:
– Can only be used to install specific MacOS versions
– Limited features compared to paid tools
2. UNetbootin
UNetbootin has been around since 2007 and has been a favorite among Linux users. However, this tool also works great for creating bootable USB drives for MacOS. What makes UNetbootin great is that it allows you to create portable drives not only for MacOS but also for Windows and Linux operating systems.
Pros:
– Supports multiple operating systems
– Free to use
– Easy to use interface
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with specific MacOS versions
– May not work on some Mac devices
3. Etcher
Etcher is a reliable bootable USB creator tool for Mac devices that boasts an easy-to-use interface. With Etcher, you can create bootable USB drives for MacOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool supports multiple file formats such as ISO, IMG, and DD, making it ideal for users who prefer flexibility.
Pros:
– Supports multiple operating systems
– Free to use
– Easy to use interface
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with specific MacOS versions
4. Boot Buddy
Boot Buddy is an easy-to-use bootable USB creator tool that is designed for macOS users exclusively. This tool allows you to create bootable USB drives for all MacOS versions starting from OS X Lion to the latest macOS Catalina. Boot Buddy includes all the necessary files required to create the bootable USB, making the process much faster and simpler.
Pros:
– Supports all Mac operating systems
– Easy-to-use interface
– Includes all necessary files
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with non-Mac devices
5. Mac Linux USB Loader
Despite its name, the Mac Linux USB Loader can also create bootable USB drives for MacOS operating systems. This tool is easy to use and supports all MacOS versions. Additionally, the tool allows you to add multiple operating systems to a single USB, making it an ideal tool for users who work with multiple operating systems.
Pros:
– Supports all MacOS versions
– Easy-to-use interface
– Allows for multiple OS on one USB
Cons:
– Limited customization options
6. TransMac
TransMac is a paid tool that offers advanced features to create bootable USBs for Mac devices. This tool can create bootable USBs for all MacOS versions and also supports multiple file systems, including HFS, HFS+, and APFS. With TransMac, you can also create read-only or read-write drives, making it an ideal tool for Mac users who work with Windows as well.
Pros:
– Supports all MacOS versions and multiple file systems
– Advanced features for customization
– Can create both read-only and read-write drives
Cons:
– Paid tool with no free trial
7. Terminal
MacOS comes with its native command-line tool, Terminal, that can be used to create bootable USB drives. While Terminal may not be the easiest tool to use, it is free and allows you to customize the bootable USB drive as per your requirements. All you need is a little knowledge of Terminal commands, and you can create a bootable USB drive in no time.
Pros:
– Free to use
– Complete customization
Cons:
– Difficult to use for non-tech-savvy users
– Steep learning curve
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money | Customer Support |
|———-|————|——-|————-|—————-|——————|
| DiskMaker X | Yes | Free | Easy | Excellent | Limited |
| UNetbootin | No | Free | Easy | Excellent | Limited |
| Etcher | No | Free | Easy | Excellent | Limited |
| Boot Buddy | No | $29.99 | Easy | Good | Good |
| Mac Linux USB Loader | Yes | Free | Easy | Excellent | Limited |
| TransMac | No | $59.00 | Advanced | Good | Good |
| Terminal | N/A | Free | Difficult | Excellent | Limited |
Our Thoughts on the Best Mac Bootable USB Creators
After reviewing and testing the top 7 best Mac bootable USB creators, it is clear that each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages. For users who are looking for a free and easy-to-use tool, DiskMaker X or UNetbootin can be great options. For users who are willing to pay a little extra for additional customization features, TransMac can be an excellent tool. For Mac users who prefer to work with a native tool, Terminal can be the right choice.
FAQs
Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive for multiple macOS versions using DiskMaker X?
A: No, DiskMaker X can only be used to create a bootable USB for a single macOS version.
Q: Is UNetbootin free to use?
A: Yes, UNetbootin is a free and open-source tool.
Q: Does Boot Buddy work with non-Mac devices?
A: No, Boot Buddy is designed specifically for Mac devices.
Q: Is TransMac worth the investment for a Mac user?
A: Yes, TransMac not only supports all MacOS versions but also offers advanced customization features that can be useful for power users.
Q: Can I use Terminal to create a bootable USB drive for Windows?
A: No, Terminal is a native tool for MacOS and can only be used to create bootable USB drives for MacOS.
In Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB drive for your Mac device can be a lifesaver in case of any issues. With the help of the top 7 best Mac bootable USB creators mentioned in this article, you can easily create a reliable and portable OS installation drive. Each tool mentioned above has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to choose the one that best fits your requirements.
