OCTOBER 2019 PCWorld 59up yet another $50, but check your version’s
features against this year’s and make up your
own mind. You can also read our review of
True Image 2019 (go.pcworld.com/ti19) to
understand the differences with past versions.
For those that aren’t currently
experiencing True Image, it is quite arguably
the fastest, most powerful, and reliable
backup program on the planet. If you work
with sensitive data, the active protection
could be a major boon.
Personally, I’ve been running True Image
off of the recovery media it creates since its
first iteration around 2003, along with the
similar vintage R-Drive Image (go.pcworld.
com/rdrv), and it’s yet to fail me. Note that I
perform more than the usual number of
restores in resetting PCWorld’s and my own
software test beds. I trust it, and that’s why I
continue to use it.trees, and minor language and organizational
issues all add up to inefficiency in spots.
Overall, however, the look is attractive and
modern-looking, and things improve a bit with
every iteration.
PRICING
The Standard version of True Image is a
perpetual license without cloud storage for
$50 and is the version I use. The Advanced
version is the same price and includes
250GB of cloud storage plus Office 365
backup. It’s a true subscription in that all but
the restore functionality will cease after the
one year you paid for.
The $100 Premium version uses the same
subscription model as Advanced, but
includes the blockchain and electronic
signature functionality. Additional seat
licenses are discounted, and the program is
also available for Macs and various NAS
boxes (Linux-based).
Those variations will cover most users, but
it would be nice to see Acronis market the
recovery media on its own, or a Lite version
without all the fancy doodads (backup/
restore only) for an entry-level price.
BOTTOM LINE
If you’re a current owner on a subscription
plan, True Image 2020 is nothing but good
news. If you already own a perpetual license
for True Image from the last couple of years, I
don’t think you’ll find much to warrant ponying
Acronis True Image 2020
PROS- Fast, reliable image and file backup.
- Includes anti-ransomware.
- Offers cloning, system recovery, and secure erase.
CONS - Proprietary backup format is inconvenient.
- Demands a heavy system footprint.
BOTTOM LINE
TrueImage is a venerable backup product that
seasoned pros have relied on for years. It now offers
unique ransomware protection along with rock-solid
system and file backup. Great stuff, but arguably
overkill for the average user.
$50