Reviews of BurnAware Free

1. 
   DudeBoyz

   Reviewing 5.2 (Sep 14, 2012)

   I'd give this a 3.5 if it was an option. It is particularly effective for novices in burning. It's much less intimidating than Nero Burning ROM 10 or 11, for example, and much less bloated.
   
   I'm glad that the program is out there and that it's free. Yes, I wish it did more and was slightly more intuitive but it's still worth using.
2. 
   Andem

   Reviewing 5.1 (Aug 27, 2012)

   I personally like this program since its interface is pretty simple. I have a few issues with the features it offers, though. It isn't nearly as powerful as paid programs like Nero.
   
   Since it's free, you can't really complain about what it doesn't do.. but if you have a simple burning project, it is sufficient.
3. 
   dalmiroy2k

   Reviewing 5.1 (Aug 8, 2012)

   You must install AVG browser toolbar and there is no way around it.
4. 
   -Lord-

   Reviewing 4.9 (May 1, 2012)

   Free means free. It should not mean it's "free, but if you want it complete it will cost you money". So for that I give it one strike. It's easy to use but not nearly as powerful as alternatives, thus giving it an element of incomplete-ness. Strike two. Beyond that it's decent, and works for the newbs, I guess. If you want powerful, and really, truly free... get ImgBurn.
   
   3 for putting up a decent effort, but the most damning is that it's not "truly" free for all the complete features.
5. 
   minklein

   Reviewing 4.8 (Mar 29, 2012)

   You have to buy Pro to get a full fleged Burner. No Copy Disk in Free.
6. 
   egg83

   Reviewing 4.6 (Feb 10, 2012)

   Very lightweight program that handles a bunch of cd/dvd burning tasks. Price is great too! Highly recommended.
7. 
   Assirius

   Reviewing 4.2 (Nov 29, 2011)

   I give it 4 because it could go to beat others burning tools but still miss something.
   A good alternative freeware and intuitive interface .
8. 
   Sativarg

   Reviewing 3.5 (Sep 6, 2011)

   BurnAware Version History
   BurnAware 3.5
   (5-Sep-2011)
   
   Updated translations.
   Fixed bug with importing M3U playlists.
   Fixed bug with adding unicode MP3 files.
   Fixed bug with MP3 tags detection.
   
   BurnAware 3.4
   (26-Jul-2011)
   
   Updated shell SDK and audio libraries.
   Updated translations.
   Minor GUI improvements and fixes.
9. 
   g4qber

   Reviewing 3.4 Final (Jul 27, 2011)

   timestamps still out
   data is OK
   
   pre-beta 4 same
10. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 3.3.1 (Jun 9, 2011)

    time stamps still out, hopefully will be fixed by BA 4
11. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 3.3 (May 11, 2011)

    timestamps still off
    data OK.
    
    use beyond compare - scootersoftware.com
    to check out timestamps
    
    using closeall
    http://www.ntwind.com/so...tilities/close-all.html
    closes & crashes this program
    compare with ImgBurn
    which asks are you sure you want to quit.
12. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 3.2 (Apr 19, 2011)

    good stuff non bloat does it all
13. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 3.2 (Apr 19, 2011)

    version 3.2 - timestamps still out
14. 
    been

    Reviewing 3.1.6 (Mar 21, 2011)

    Warning: The 'feet' site which the spammer kyliean links to below appears to contain malware.
15. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 3.1.6 (Mar 21, 2011)

    timestamps still out
    version 2 was fine.
    
    compare with imgburn / jetbee free
    no problem with timestamps
    
    using closeall,
    http://www.ntwind.com/so...tilities/close-all.html
    kills program
    imgburn asks if you want to quit.
16. 
    bobad

    Reviewing 3.1.3 (Feb 7, 2011)

    There's nothing to distinguish Burnaware from a half dozen other freeware burning programs. If it had an extra feature or 2, or was portable, then it would stand out. As it is, it's just bleh. Also, it harbors the dreadful Ask Toolbar, so it's really "Adware". not "Freeware".
17. 
    Alexander-GG

    Reviewing 3.1.1 (Jan 5, 2011)

    Very nice burner. Has almost all features, light and fast, nice interface.
18. 
    Brandawg

    Reviewing 3.0.7 (Oct 28, 2010)

    I gave Burn Aware a 3 because I've been using if for about two years now. When I first started using it it was GREAT!!! But then updates started and it's gotten progressively worse with each update. The control panel is not as user friendly as previous versions - it went from two clicks to burn a DVD to about 6 clicks and options for burn speed decreased. With this latest update - 3.0.7 - it crashes more then it functions. It never crashed before. It's just gotten progressively worse over time. PLEASE GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS CONTROL PANEL.
19. 
    mlfsup

    Reviewing 3.0.6 (Sep 23, 2010)

    This software rocks. It works well for the DVD RWs. This allows me to create data disks out of my DVDs also.
    
    Thanks!! Keep up the great work
20. 
    Input Overload

    Reviewing 3.0.5 (Sep 12, 2010)

    Very good but not as stable or intuitive as Ashampoo burner 2010 which also is freeware.
21. 
    Alexander-GG

    Reviewing 3.0.5 (Sep 12, 2010)

    Satisfies all of my needs, nice interface, fast and light on resources.
22. 
    GadgetPig

    Reviewing 3.0.2 (Aug 11, 2010)

    Good program for most "basic" CD/DVD needs. As was mentioned, minus 1 star since you can't directly create DVD disc from a single movie file. I think in 2010 this should really be standard.
    
    2 workarounds to create DVD disc from a single movie file:
    
    - Use windows live DVD maker which is included with Vista or Windows 7
    
    - Use "DVD Flick" freeware from sourceforge:
    
    http://www.dvdflick.net
    or
    http://sourceforge.net/projects/dvdflick/
23. 
    markos63

    Reviewing 3.0.2 (Aug 9, 2010)

    new 3.02 still looks for a Video_ts folder and won't accept anything else (valid of course video folder)
24. 
    JethroB

    Reviewing 3.0.1 (Aug 1, 2010)

    Version 3.0.2 now available (1 Aug 2010)
    My favorite for making data CD's because it defaults to multisession.
25. 
    gate1975mlm

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 13 (Jun 4, 2010)

    @DudeBoyz
    
    With the latest release Beta 13 Build Date June.4,2010 I am not seeing Burnaware choking on audio files that exist on a network PC using Gigabit Lan.I copied lots of files and Burnaware burned them very fast!!
    
    Burnaware 3.0 latest beta is rock solid!! :)
    
    If any of you see any bugs however please make sure and report them to the tech support guy. He listens to his users and is very fast at fixing things when needed to be fixed.
    
    Or if you have a good idea for a new feature contact him for that also.
26. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 12 (May 28, 2010)

    timestamps off
    don't match timestamp
    Perth Western Australia
    
    ImgBurn OK.
    
    good to see that v3.0 doesn't use 100% CPU :)
27. 
    Richardky

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 10 (May 12, 2010)

    its my prefered burner for what little i do .. i like it better than what you would pay for else where .. if your looking for a simple no brainer no bloat burner then you should try this best of all its free .. outstanding software
28. 
    DudeBoyz

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 10 (May 10, 2010)

    UPDATE:
    
    In testing I'm finding that this app chokes on audio files that exist in a Gigabit Lan. Buffer Underrun is enabled, which should help with hiccups but the thing hit 15% and stayed there for 38 minutes before I canceled it. Repeat test with different files on another networked drive yielded the same result. That's a fairly high-profile issue, and may be a show-stopper for some who may be hosting their audio library from a remote machine.
    
    It was not able to close the track and recover with either occurrence.
    
    ORIGINAL REVIEW:
    
    I think I like the new interface better than the previous one, but I do sort of wish that they allowed you to set the Sidebar so that it can show Text-Only and Text With Icon in addition to the default Icon-Only.
    
    It is a very basic, very simple program without a folder tree, but if you don't mind that limitation, it can work well as a drag-and-drop destination particularly for creating Audio-CD's.
    
    It does NOT rely on DOT NET, which I find to be a major plus, and it looks to be pretty lean in terms of the code-base and the use of system resources.
    
    Since this program is so tailored for a drag-and-drop method, I think it would be much more helpful if the program provided users with an option to have it remember the window size and location that was last used. I'll send that in as a requested feature.
    
    I'd give it a 3.5 if I could, but it does offer enough usability (and is free) so I'll settle for a 4 and re-look when the final release drops.
29. 
    yincision

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 8 (Apr 23, 2010)

    us3r is wrong and his review should be deleted. Earlier versions of burnaware gave you the option to install an Ask.com toolbar but this is gone in the 3.0 beta.
    
    The newest 3.0 beta 8 is awesome. It fixes the "no recorder found" problem. I have been using BurnAware for about 3 years and find it to be the simplest, lightest and best free burning program out there. No bloat just what you need to get the job done quickly.
    
    The latest 3.0 beta is perfect.
30. 
    Raton

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 8 (Apr 13, 2010)

    This beta is faster, has superior interface. Nice job !
    
    The DataRat
31. 
    NappyHead

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 8 (Apr 13, 2010)

    Just made an audio CD from FLAC flies, pretty slick
32. 
    gate1975mlm

    Reviewing 3.0 Beta 8 (Apr 13, 2010)

    The new BurnAware Free 3.0 Beta 8 looks very promising!
    
    It loads up so fast and has a nice and simple to understand interface and is very easy to use. And its also not bloated like other popular burning softwares. Its very light!
    
    I have not tested it enough to find all the bugs but if everything works as it should when the final version is released then Burnaware 3.0 will be a great alternative to other burning softwares like the bloated "Nero" for example.
    
    Also @ us3r
    
    Burnaware does not have any spyware dude!!!
    
    It is as clean as software gets!
33. 
    niknetpc

    Reviewing 2.4.5 (Apr 5, 2010)

    THE BEST! Kicking a** many shareware alternatives free disk burner! Use from first release and never had any problem with it. Some guys in bottom, you like a kids, please stop f*** up about Ask toolbar, just do not check Ask agreement with installation,it's simple..and everything to be OK :)
34. 
    us3r

    Reviewing 2.4.4 (Feb 11, 2010)

    Spyware crap. First thing it does after clicking the install.exe is to install Ask Toolbar. Go F@ck youself is my answer to that.
35. 
    cowgaR

    Reviewing 2.4.3 (Jan 10, 2010)

    too simplistic:
    1. doesn't burn multisession discs, either CDs or DVDs (will load session but any burn attempt will end up with meaningless error)
    
    2. formating/writing to DVD-RW takes ages, cancel not possible
    
    3. does not remember settings, need to set filesystem (ISO/UDF) or characters depth all the time and again and again
    
    after so many patches, I expected something more robust... (installed it for not-so-knowledgable users), Nero is still the king (until imgburn updates its horrible multi-zillion-tab interface)
36. 
    GadgetPig

    Reviewing 2.4.3 (Jan 8, 2010)

    Good program for basic burning tasks. During setup, I recommend to disable both the "check for newer version" and "ask toolbar" options. Other good alternatives are infrarecorder and cdburnerxp
    
    @ET
    There is a similar issue with that error using Memorex discs here:
    http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/158885
    
    They suggest to make sure your burner firmware is up to date, chkdsk your hard drive, and use good quality discs like RiData, Sony, TDK, "Branded" Ritek G04's, "Branded" Verbatim Data Life, Verbatim DataLife and Taiyo Yuden. Try using a Verbatim or TDK disc, and post back if this fixed your issue. Otherwise "infrarecorder" is an excellent alternative:
    
    http://infrarecorder.org/
37. 
    E.T

    Reviewing 2.4.2 (Dec 11, 2009)

    Burning iso image was failed.
    
    I'm using:
    
    - Memorex DVD-RW Disc
    
    - Lite-on DVDRW SHW-1635S
    
    - BurnAware Free ver 2.4.2
    
    and it's say: " Burn process failed.. " (invalid field in CDB)
    
    but burned with imgburn everything was fine.
38. 
    zeon

    Reviewing 2.4.2 (Nov 26, 2009)

    A good and most importantly free alternative to things like Nero, at least if your needs (like mine) are just simple burning. Unlike some other free alternatives it doesn't waste time writing out a DVD-sized temporary ISO before every burn attempt, and instead burns straight from the files. Has a few odd UI choices but nothing problematic, everything important is easily accessible or visible (e.g . disc capacity remaining, verify data checkbox, manual burn speed, etc.). Drag and drop from Explorer works fine too. Is a little CPU-heavy when burning but supposedly the upcoming version 3 is going to address that, either way I've had no problems with version 2 thus far. Good program and I look forward to its future development.
39. 
    Richardky

    Reviewing 2.4.2 (Nov 25, 2009)

    Does all my burning needs very lean straight to the point software .. good stuff
40. 
    beansprout

    Reviewing 2.4 (Oct 7, 2009)

    superb application!
    
    *** but... SORTING of files is kinda frustrating on some media type of what im burning ...like for example, when im burning audio CD's, i have to drag or move up and down one by one just to sort the files... PLEASE do add sorting of files for all media types...
    
    *** and... it doesn't read ID3 tags... (for ease of sorting)
    
    that's all., thanks!
    
    hope you'll fix that...
41. 
    gheebee1

    Reviewing 2.3.9 (Sep 10, 2009)

    Downloaded to Windows 2003 Server. Exported *.AU music files into *.MP3 format and burned to a cd using NEC_DVD. This software works so great, I'm ditching (1)Img Burn; (2) Roxio; and (3) Nero....
42. 
    Reverb

    Reviewing 2.3.9 (Aug 28, 2009)

    Ths is probably the best non-bloat alternative to Nero. I bought the pro version and the only problem I have is I can't get it to burn faster than 6x despite the fact that both my DVD burners (Toshiba and Optiarc) are 16x. Nero and ImgBurn work fine (I usually burn 12x to be safe). It would be nice if they had support forums instead of just email support so you can see if anyone else is experiencing the same problems and what they did to fix it.
    
    Another thing....all settings are stored to an INI file yet their FAQ states that BurnAware cannot be made portable. Wha? Hope they address the speed issue in the next update. Otherwise a good, stable burner with more options than ImgBurn and lighter than Nero.
43. 
    KingSky

    Reviewing 2.3.9 (Aug 27, 2009)

    This program works great. I have been using it for years with no problems. I don't know what all the complaints are about.
    
    The program is small, fast, has a nice user interface, and doesn't take up lots of memory OR try to shove an ugly theme down my throat.
44. 
    g4qber

    Reviewing 2.3.6 (Jul 6, 2009)

    100% CPU
    there is a new version 2.3.7
45. 
    Tenoq

    Reviewing 2.3.6 (Jul 6, 2009)

    Terrible program.
    
    Access violation erros, won't quit, crashes on Vista (or needs to be crashed so you can quit), won't recognise burner. Completely useless software.
46. 
    zeeZee

    Reviewing 2.3.5 (May 16, 2009)

    it has a checkmark for installing ask.com toolbar. it is checkmarked by default. if it was a porn toolbar, i would never of installed, even with the option. ask.com is great anyway. here is a tip, ashampoo burning studio free 6.75 is the same program. it looks identical to burnaware, except for a few tiny art decorations. i can't find it on ashampoo website, but it is on web.
47. 
    srnty

    Reviewing 2.3.5 (May 14, 2009)

    Still very recommended for your basic burn operations. I use this application for quite a while now and it has never let me down.
    
    umbelino: The setup asks you very clearly if you want to install any Ask Toolbar crap!
48. 
    umbelino

    Reviewing 2.3.5 (May 8, 2009)

    Install Ask Toolbar without notice the user...
    
    Adware!
49. 
    thartist

    Reviewing 2.3.4 (Apr 21, 2009)

    Is it free? -Yes
    Is it not a bloated piece of s***? -Yes
    Is it beautiful? -Yes
    Is it powerful? -No, it does only the most basic crap needed. Love ends.
50. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 2.3.4 (Apr 21, 2009)

    fantastic non bloat like nero
51. 
    itsimm

    Reviewing 2.3.3 (Apr 1, 2009)

    Excellent freeware utility! Has a great feature of being able to keep adding to disc without having to erase disc every time you want to burn.
52. 
    Richardky

    Reviewing 2.3.3 (Mar 29, 2009)

    A great piece of freeware that does the job, very simple to use with no bloat ... its all a average user will ever need.
53. 
    antigin

    Reviewing 2.3.2 (Mar 17, 2009)

    Great lite burning app. I'm really impressed with it. I'm still using it more than a half of year and have no problems with it. Burned more than hundred times with it Data/Video/Image recordable, rewritable and double-layer DVDs, Audio and Data CDs and all was perfect. Even no problems with erasing disks such I met in past with InfraRecorder or problems with non-unicode languages and empty folders after renaming files I met with CDBurnerXP Pro and have no problems with detecting burned tracks on non-finalized disks I met on DeepBurner Free.
    Great app. Sure I understand that this edition is free, but would be great to see disk copy functions, making ISO function and burning more images types such as mds (mdf), bin/cue, nrg, img etc. That's why I'm using ImgBurn in that cases. Uh, thanks to developers for that diamond. I recommend it. BeautyAware.
54. 
    Steve1209

    Reviewing 2.3.2 (Mar 16, 2009)

    Hi have to agree with skyfrog, this software is fine, I had no problems burning files with it, it's NOT fancy but it works as advertised!
    
    Steve
55. 
    us3r

    Reviewing 2.3.2 (Mar 16, 2009)

    @Skyfrog: FYI: I burned the very same files with my 'crappy' burner and 'cheap' discs using other software I usually use without ANY problems. I only tried BurnAware because it has got good notes and this was my mistake. What makes me wonder what kind of morr0ns give 5 to such a cr@pware.
56. 
    Skyfrog

    Reviewing 2.3.2 (Mar 16, 2009)

    Works just fine. Obviously the person below was using cheap crappy discs and/or a crappy burner, or it was just plain "us3r error".
57. 
    us3r

    Reviewing 2.3.1 (Mar 13, 2009)

    Piece of cr@pware. F@cked up 2 dvds out of 3 burn tries.
58. 
    uberfly

    Reviewing 2.3.1 (Feb 27, 2009)

    Excellent software. It's won't get me away from ImgBurn - lacking its deep features and a bit less stable when dealing with media, but still great. Good for mom's computer.
59. 
    maxkit

    Reviewing 2.2.8 Beta (Feb 3, 2009)

    Great application which suits the most home users which need to create data discs and burn ISO or DVD/BD video.
60. 
    mikefeuer

    Reviewing 2.2.4 Beta (Jan 26, 2009)

    Running 2.2.4.Beta prompts that a newer version 2.2.3 is available.
    A little annoyanc.
61. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 2.2.3 (Jan 21, 2009)

    non bloat like nero dose what it says
62. 
    Diam0nd

    Reviewing 2.2.3 (Jan 21, 2009)

    It's an elegant little burner, but missing advanced features that Nero, for instance, has. Even verification was only introduced one version ago.
63. 
    marsovac

    Reviewing 2.2.2 (Jan 12, 2009)

    For those who stated that Disc Copy is missing, just use separate options:
    1. Make CD Image
    2. Burn ISO image
    3. Finally delete the ISO image when you done burning.
    
    That's the technique that some other programs' disc copy wizards are doing for you when you run them.
    Here you need to run just a bit of brains!
64. 
    mikefeuer

    Reviewing 2.1.7 (Nov 24, 2008)

    This is a nice little gem of a program. I have used it mostly for .mp3 back up to DVD, and burning .mp3 to CD data. Always fine. For some reason in the last two versions I had a problem when burning a normal music CD however and the Bose claimed unknown format. This is not a problem for me with 2.1.7 and this version also seemed faster to me. Can't beat the price.
65. 
    nms04

    Reviewing 2.1.6 (Nov 17, 2008)

    greaaaaaaaat!! i use clonecd to copy cd's, so there's not realy need for that function in burnaware :D
66. 
    Jordanr05

    Reviewing 2.1.5 (Oct 28, 2008)

    Amazing Piece of Software. Small size and does everything the majority of users need it to do. Just note that it does not support CD copying unless you buy the home version.
    
    Works just fine on my Vista Business SP1 machine.
67. 
    seelengarten

    Reviewing 2.1.4 (Oct 22, 2008)

    Great Software!! I only miss a sort function for burning mp3s...
68. 
    molumen

    Reviewing 2.1.4 (Oct 12, 2008)

    to Mahlers.Com:
    
    I have Vista Home Premium SP1 and never had problems with this software (I use it since version 2.1.2). Try this version, and if the problems still appear try contacting the BurnAware developers.
69. 
    revparadigm

    Reviewing 2.1.4 (Oct 6, 2008)

    Works flawlessly for me with WinXP SP3 & my 20x SATA burner. Couldn't ask for more with a solid free app like this.
70. 
    wiak

    Reviewing 2.1.3.1 (Oct 5, 2008)

    Decent, burns better than nero i have noticed, alot less BLOATED than nero to!
    Burns dvd/cd and blu-ray
    Makes cd/dvd and blu-ray images
    
    Does not support anything else that .iso (i realy hope they will get .img, .bin, .cue and other image files support!)
    Does not have a Cover Designer (i hope they get this into home edition)
71. 
    Mahlers.Com

    Reviewing 2.1.3.1 (Sep 26, 2008)

    Hi, If you can get this version of BurnAware Free to work with Vista Home Premium w/SP1, let me know how you did it. BurnAware Free used to work awesome with a outdated computer with XP on it, with SP2.
72. 
    And|

    Reviewing 2.1.3.1 (Sep 25, 2008)

    Works like a charm.
    
    I have had no problems since I installed it a month ago. Actually I am pretty surprised how well this works.
    
    I had an old Nero 6.6 license, which has been thrown in the gutter.
73. 
    OAKsider

    Reviewing 2.1.2 (Sep 14, 2008)

    Failed to burn a PS3-readable Audio CD from MP3's. (Fine on the PC, though.)
74. 
    some guy

    Reviewing 2.1.2 (Sep 9, 2008)

    simple free without the bloat like Nero.
75. 
    madmike

    Reviewing 2.1.1 (Sep 2, 2008)

    Free or not.. this is the real deal. I had terrible problems with my DVD Drive, would not write cos of disk, and other issues.
    
    Installed this program, worked first time. Therefore 5/5 great job:)
76. 
    thartist

    Reviewing 2.1.1 (Sep 1, 2008)

    only an idiot could feel vengative about the soft being freeware again. It might have been a matter of decisions going forth and back.
    
    Now about the software, irrelevant audio support and options depth destroy it. It's a pity because it achieves a fantastic interface.
77. 
    catchpole

    Reviewing 2.1 (Aug 25, 2008)

    hah! free version back again! guess it didnt sell so well.
78. 
    turistas

    Reviewing 2.1 (Aug 25, 2008)

    i like it.
79. 
    dejavu

    Reviewing 2.1 (Aug 25, 2008)

    Freeware again! Good news! Thank You!

Discuss BurnAware Free

1. Jan 31, 2009 - 11:12 AM
   bobad

   This little app is sneaking up on ImgBurn. I think the average geek would prefer ImgBurn, but the average computer user would probably prefer Burn Aware.