Top 3 Best Samsung Data Migration Alternatives

This post will show you the best 3 Samsung Data Migration alternatives that can help you transfer data from one drive to another error-free, when meeting Samsung Data Migration only the source drive or other problems.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on April 23, 2025

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Samsung Data Migration Review

Samsung Data Migration (SDM) is a free disk cloning tool developed by Samsung Electronics. It is intended to help users move their entire system, including the Windows operating system, software, settings, and files, from an old hard drive or SSD to a new Samsung SSD without reinstalling everything from scratch.

Samsung Data Migration Main Interface

Despite its simplicity and ease of use, some users are looking for a Samsung Data Migration alternative because they frequently encounter problems like Samsung Data Migration stuck at 0%, Samsung Data Migration only the source drive, Samsung Data Migration non-Samsung SSD detected, and so on. The following is a simple review of the Samsung Data Migration software:

>>Useful Tip: Samsung Data Migration is not a standalone application anymore, but has been integrated into Samsung Magician.

Features

Pros & Cons

  • Simple, straightforward interface makes it easy for beginners to use
  • Support HDD/SSD migration for all data to another HDD/SSD easily
  • Quick and secure data transfer for basic cloning
  • Coming with other SSD management tools like performance benchmarking, firmware updates, disk erase, etc.

✅Free to use with Samsung SSDs

❌ Work exclusively with Samsung-branded SSDs

❌No support for Mac or Linux systems

❌Not compatible with dynamic disks

❌Only support cloning a disk with OS installed

❌No supportfor disk clone with bad sectors

Top 3 Best Samsung Data Migration Alternatives

If you're in need of a reliable, versatile alternative to Samsung Data Migration due to its limitations or data migration errors, these are 3 options that are worth considering. Let’s check them one by one.

Option 1. AOMEI Cloner

AOMEI Cloner is widely regarded as one of the most robust alternatives to Samsung Data Migration for Windows 11/10/8/7. It offers an intuitive interface and comprehensive cloning features.

Compared to Samsung Data Migration, which offers only disk cloning, this software comes with not only Disk Clone for copying an entire disk to another, but also System Clone for migrating only Windows OS and Partition Clone for copying an individual partition as needed. And it ensures a secure bootable clone to make sure you can boot computer from the cloned drive seamlessly.

Features

Pros & Cons

  • Support clone HDD to SSD, SSD to SSD, or SSD to HDD, USB or SD card to SSD, and so on, either for system drive or data disk.
  • Compatible with SSDs and HDDs from all popular brands, like Samsung, Crucial, WD, Seagate, Kingston, etc.
  • Run in Hot Clone to clone a disk in the background without interrupting your work or games
  • Support cloning from MBR to GPT disk or vice versa
  • Support cloning drive to a smaller drive or a larger drive

✅Various cloning options for different cloning needs

✅Automatically aligns partitions for SSD

✅User-friendly, beginner-friendly interface

❌Only work on Windows PCs

Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

To clone HDD to a Samsung SSD with the bebst Samsung Data Migration tool alternative AOMEI Cloner, download and run it on computer, and select Clone > Disk Clone to initiate data migration easily. Also, it provides SSD Alignment to improve SSD performance and prolong its lifespan.

Disk Clone

Option 2. Clonezilla

For those who prefer open-source solutions, Clonezilla is an impressive Samsung Data Migration alternative free to use. It is a powerful disk imaging and cloning software that runs in a bootable environment. While it’s more technical in nature, it provides deep functionality for those familiar with command-line interfaces.

Features

Pros & Cons

  • Clone entire disks or specific partitions
  • Save a snapshot of a disk or partition into an image file with encryption
  • Supports many file systems: ext2, ext3, ext4, xfs, btrfs, NTFS, FAT, HFS+, and more
  • Runs from USB/CD without installation

✅ Free and open source

✅ Highly customizable with scripts

✅ Great for mass deployment

❌Text-based UI may be difficult for beginners

❌ No real-time cloning

To clone a hard drive with Clonezilla, download the Clonezilla ISO and create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus. Then, boot into Clonezilla from your USB, and proceed with cloning.

Select Mode

Option 3. Macrium Reflect

Macrium Reflect is a powerful disk imaging and backup software designed for Windows users. This powerful Samsung Magician Data Migration alternative enables users to create full, differential, and incremental backups of disks or partitions, making it ideal for system recovery, data protection, and migration.

Features

Pros & Cons

  • Support cloning hard drive or SSD to another drive for system migration or replacement
  • Pre-boot environment for recovery
  • Supports MBR and GPT disks
  • Rapid Delta Cloning for only cloning changed data.

✅ Supports incremental and differential backups

✅ Easy-to-use interface for beginners

❌ Windows-only (no Linux or macOS support)

❌ Overly complex for basic cloning needs

You can download and install Macrium Reflect, then open the software and click Clone this disk under your current drive to run it for disk clone.

Clone This Disk

FAQs about Samsung Data Migration Alternative

#1. Is Samsung Data Migration software free?

Yes, Samsung Data Migration is completely free, but it only works with Samsung-branded SSDs.

#2. Is Samsung Data Migration the same as cloning?

In essence, yes. Samsung Data Migration clones your existing drive’s contents onto a new Samsung SSD, including your OS, applications, and personal files.But it is limited in function compared to full-featured cloning utilities

#3. Does Samsung Magician work with other brands?

Nope! Samsung Magician is exclusive to Samsung SSDs. If you're looking for an alternative cloning software to Samsung Data Migration to clone hard drive to Crucial SSD or other SSDs, AOMEI Cloner and Macrium Reflect are great substitutes.

#4. Does Samsung Data Migration copy all partitions?

Yes, by default, it clones the OS partition and other selected partitions. But some users have reported that it skips recovery or system-reserved partitions, which can cause boot issues.

#5. How can I transfer all my data from one Samsung SSD to another?

You can use Samsung Data Migration if both are Samsung SSDs, or you can opt for alternatives like AOMEI Cloner, Clonezilla, or Macrium Reflect to perform the operation smoothly without compatibility restrictions.

The Verdict

While Samsung Data Migration is a convenient tool for basic, brand-specific disk cloning, its limitations often push users to seek better, more versatile alternatives. Among the top options:

  • AOMEI Cloner shines with its beginner-friendly UI, full cloning options, and other advanced cloning features.
  • Clonezilla offers unbeatable customization and reliability for advanced users who are comfortable in a text-based environment.
  • Macrium Reflect supports disk cloning and imaging, making it simple to clone disks as well as create disk backups.

Choosing the right Samsung Data Migration alternative depends on your specific cloning needs. Whether you're migrating to a new SSD, upgrading your hardware, or backing up your system, these tools provide reliable, efficient ways to safeguard and transfer your data without hassle.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends and ensures that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.