Side by side
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator vs macUSB
Both stand on bootable usb software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan MacWindows
Choose LibreELEC USB-SD Creator if you need bootable LibreELEC media and use a supported Windows or macOS system. Look elsewhere if you need a Linux version or automatic app updates, and verify the target device before writing because its data will be overwritten.
Visit LibreELEC USB-SD Creator Free plan Mac
macUSB covers macOS installers as well as supported Windows and Linux images, with image verification included. Check the host and USB capacity requirements, and expect the selected drive to be erased.
Visit macUSBThe facts
| LibreELEC USB-SD Creator | macUSB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | libreelec.tv | github.com |
| On bootable usb software | #10 of 38 | #14 of 38 |
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator: what it does well
- Offers the latest stable release and older stable releases.
- Can write a local .img.gz file or download an image.
- Free and open source, with no paid plans stated.
- SHA-256 installer links are provided for Windows and macOS.
- The macOS app is signed to help prevent Gatekeeper issues.
What to know first
- Writing an image overwrites all data on the target device.
- The current app does not support Linux.
- Newer versions must be downloaded and installed manually.
macUSB: what it does well
- Downloads macOS installers from Apple servers
- Supports supported Linux and Windows ISO images
- Verifies raw image writes against their source
- Available through GitHub Releases and Homebrew
What to know first
- Requires macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later
- Creating media erases the selected USB drive
- wimlib must be installed separately for some Windows images
- External HDD and SSD support is disabled by default
Alternatives to LibreELEC USB-SD Creator Alternatives to macUSB The whole list