Nero Multimedia Suite is comprehensive and if you are looking for a one-stop shop for your video editing, burning and back-up, it will definitely fit the bill. Although getting started is a bit of a mystery (the app installs lots of icons for features that can be managed via the StartSmart button), the various components are slick, easy-to-use and meet most basic to intermediate needs.

As in previous versions, Nero Multimedia Suite offers a range of quick burning/ripping tasks on the left and the complete range of features divided into tabbed areas at the top. When you choose an option, a window will open. You control the feature from there, choosing options and tweaking configurations.

The whole Nero Multimedia Suite experience is very simple. There are loads of online tutorials, wizards and step-by-step instructions for burning, ripping, backing up and editing - among Nero Multimedia Suite's most interesting features are the ability to digitize tapes and records, the file recovery application and, of course, Nero's famous burning skills.

Nero Multimedia Suite's critics will call it bloated and filled with unnecessary features. That's not entirely wrong, but what it brings in bloat, it makes up for in ease of use and centralization. Sure, you could carry out all of Nero Multimedia Suite's functions using other, cheaper software, and it's true that you may never use many of its functions, but users who will be interested in Nero Multimedia Suite won't care, because it allows them to do exactly what they want, when they want, and with minimal technical knowledge.

Nero Multimedia Suite 10 is bloated, but provides centralization and flexibility that many users will find irresistible.

Download Nero Multimedia Suite 12.5.01900 in Softonic

What it does

The Lite version of DAEMON Tools only lets you emulate up to four virtual drives but doesn't have the extra features of the Pro and Advanced editions, such as support for DVD HD and Blu-Ray drivers, or the ability to create image files. However this version of DAEMON Tools is just perfect for the average home user, who will hardly need to emulate more than a couple drives simultaneously.

DAEMON Tools supports a wide variety of formats and is a really useful app for accessing your CD collection without having to carry them around, protecting them from scratches in the process.

Usability

Emulating a virtual drive may not seem that useful at first sight, but if you think about it, it has many advantages: you can load any image file directly on your system, you save the time and effort of CD burning and plus, virtual drives are much faster than actual CD units.

After installation – and the necessary system reboot – DAEMON Tools shows up as an unobtrusive icon in the system tray from which you can access the program's main tools and the configuration menu. All you have to do is browse to where your image file is stored and 'mount' it as a virtual drive using DAEMON Tools.

Hard working and reliable

DAEMON Tools supports a wide variety of formats and is a really useful app for accessing your CD collection without having to carry them around, protecting them from scratches in the process.

Conclusion

With DAEMON Tools you can easily emulate up to four virtual drives on your system, and mount a wide range of image files on them.

Download DAEMON Tools lite 4.47.1.0333 in Softonic

Nero Burning ROM was the original Nero application and, some would argue, also the best. As a burning application, it excels. Nero Burning ROM is by no means the simplest app on the market, but what it lacks in simplicity, it makes up for in quality, configuration choices and speed.

In broad terms, you can use Nero Burning ROM to burn and copy to CDs, DVDs and DVD and CD ROMS. So far, so normal. What differentiates the application from its competitors, however, are its excellent configuration options - you'll see them as soon as you open the program. They might be overwhelming for beginners, but it shouldn't take long to get to grips with them. Once you do, you'll see this choice as one of Nero Burning ROM's major advantages.

This app doesn't stop at configuration options, however. Nero Burning ROM also offers lots of secondary tools which means there's a good chance you'll be able to meet all your CD/DVD needs from within the same program. There's an encoder, compilation tool, built-in recorder and disc explorer.

Nero Burning ROM is a one-stop shop for all your CD and DVD burning needs.

Download Nero Burning ROM 12.5.00900 in Softonic

Nero is the most popular desktop recording suite, but it has been often accused of becoming a piece of bloatware. Now it seems they're trying to make up for it with the launch of a light app - Nero Kwik Burn. Remember that this is the same lite version as before, they've just taken a while to decide on a name, passing through Nero Lite, Nero Free and Nero BurnLite before settling on Kwik Burn. Keeping up?!

Nero Kwik Burn is basically a stripped-down version of the original Nero suite. In fact it's so reduced it only lets you burn data discs and also create copies of discs. Nero Kwik Burn works with CD and DVD, and offers some basic options such as the ability to simulate the burning process before actually doing it or verify data on disc after burning. Nero Kwik Burn also includes tools to analyze your disc and also erase re-writable discs.

Nero Kwik Burn features a clear, easy-to-use interface with the burning and copying tools on the left side, and a tab bar on top – which I found a bit misleading because it only shows you all the other great things you could do with the full version of Nero if only you upgraded.

In any case, Nero Kwik Burn remains a good alternative for those of you who're looking for a quick, efficient and reliable CD recorder without all the bells and whistles of the complete suite.

Nero Kwik Burn is the free version of the well-known Nero suite: a nice, simple tool for the most basic recording needs.

Download Nero Kwik Burn ex. BurnLite 12.5.00300 in Softonic

Selecting files for data and music creation was simple and straight forward. Burning times are fast with no errors or hiccups. Files can be further protected and backed up with high compression and encryption.

For music Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 supports standard audio CDs, as well as both MP3 and WMA compatible DVD/Blu-ray players. Movies can be burned to DVD from VOB, BUP, or IFO. There is also an option to burn Blu-rays, though we have not tested that feature at this time.

Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013’s virtual disc image selection is rather limited. The software can only read and burn ISO, CUE/BIN, and ASHDISC file formats. If you happen to be using Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 in conjunction with other disc programs, such as Nero or Daemon Tools, you may need to convert disc formats.

Be careful of the erase disc option. Formatting a DVD is almost too fast and simple; there is even a check box to erase much quicker. It would have been better if there were one or two more confirmations to prevent accidental deletions.

Overall Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 is a great piece of burning and ripping software for anyone using physical discs.

Download Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 11.0.5 in Softonic

Developed by the creators of the popular recording suite, Nero Kwik Media is very similar to other Nero apps in terms of interface design and usability – but unfortunately also in more negative aspects like lengthy installations and a somewhat excessive weight on system resources.

That said, the truth is that Nero Kwik Media is quite a nice media manager. It automatically scans the most common places where you store your media files, and adds them to a centralized library, neatly organized by groups or tags. The image module includes basic photo retouching and optimization tools, while the audio player lets you burn custom music CDs.

Other interesting features included in Nero Kwik Media are a quick photo slideshow creation tool, support to create and play audio playlists and the possibility to share content online by uploading it to Flickr, YouTube and Facebook right from Nero Kwik Media.

Organize and view your photos, play videos and listen to your favorite music, all in Nero Kwik Media.

Download Nero Kwik Media 1.18.19600 in Softonic

IrfanView is already quite a powerful program, but you can add even more functions to it with the IrfanView PlugIns.

This pack of plug-ins is directly saved into the program's installation folder. They enable you to play and view more formats in IrfanView, such as video files, audio CD and even MP3 files, plus a plethora of image formats you usually don't find in other photo viewers.

IrfanView PlugIns also brings new extra features to the program, like the ability to create a photo slideshow, add new effects to your images or integrate burning functionality from Nero.

IrfanView PlugIns are very easy to install. Simply follow the on-screen instructions and if you've installed IrfanView in the program's default directory, you won't have to configure or tweak anything.

Expand the capabilities of IrfanView with the IrfanView PlugIns pack!

Download IrfanView PlugIns 4.35 in Softonic

The main Nero Vision Xtra interface is quite plain, but it clearly presents your options. The app divides up its options by the type of disk you ultimately want to produce - DVD, CD, Blu-Ray, etc. At this point you can also capture video directly from your webcam or erase rewritable discs.

The main Nero Vision Xtra editing interface will appear once you have decided on a format. If you have used a video editing program before, it will be quite easy to use - add the media files, edit them to your liking, add effects and transitions and finalize the project, ready for exporting.

Nero Vision Xtra offers some nice effects and lays out your options very clearly. This makes it accessible to all levels of user, and even the configuration options won't confuse beginners. You have more advanced control over recording format options, but there's also an automatic option for those who don't really know which to choose.

Although Nero Vision Xtra struck us as being flexible, efficient and straightforward, it still seems to be lacking compared to other video editing applications out there. Nonetheless, Nero Vision Xtra makes a good partner for Nero Burning ROM, and users of the two apps should be very happy with their creations.

Nero Vision Xtra is a solid, if uninspiring, tool for creating movies and slideshows ready for burning.

Download Nero Vision Xtra 12.0.00200 in Softonic

Download Nero InfoTool 8.0.1.100 in Softonic

Although speed is the key attraction here, what's even more useful is that Express Burn can convert files into another format if required - excellent if you're recording music data that's not in MP3. Although the process of preparing a CD to burn is very quick, the burning process will depend on your hardware but Express Burn supports high speed drives.

Express Burn also includes Video DVD authoring, Data DVD burning and even HDDVD disks and Bluray. Data disks are also catered for, and the program offers you the ability to create ISO images and a wide range of other data file types.

Express Burn is a compact, fast program that offers you the ability to burn a great amount of different media and file formats. Unfortunately, it's blighted by features that look like part of the program, but when you click, you realize they're actually other pieces of software that you must download separately. We don't mind downloading add-ons, but it would be nice if the program was a little more upfront about it.

Express Burn is a great piece of burning software that can handle a huge number of formats. That makes it an all-round winner.

Download Express Burn 4.66 in Softonic

gBurner Virtual Drive enables you to create up to 16 virtual drives, allowing you to run your game/program images at over 200X faster than from a conventional CD/DVD–ROM. gBurner Virtual Drive supports all popular CD/DVD image file formats. Following is a list of all supported CD/DVD image file formats: ISO (Standard ISO File) GBI / GBP (gBurner Images) DAA (PowerISO Images) NRG (Nero Images) MDF / MDS (Alcohol Images) BIN / CUE (CDRWin Images) UIF (MagicISO Images) ISZ (UltraISO Images) ...

gBurner Virtual Drive enables you to create up to 16 virtual drives, allowing you to run your game/program images at over 200X faster than from a conventional CD/DVD–ROM.

Download gBurner Virtual Drive 3.1 in Softonic

When all you want to do is just burn a CD or DVD, huge suites like Nero are certainly not the most suitable solution. Instead, you should look for a simple recording application such as InfraRecorder.

This easy tool features everything you need to record both CD and DVD. It supports data and audio burning, dual-layer DVD and also disc images. It works with rewritable discs and can burn copies on the fly as well. Results are very satisfying, with just one small complaint: I'd like to have a sound normalizer for song compilations.

But the best thing about InfraRecorder is undoubtedly its simplicity, in every sense. It launches in a few seconds, enables you to drag and drop files, features very intuitive menus and even includes a reduced version (InfraExpress) for last-minute recordings. However, if you want to record MP3 files into audio CDs you'll need to download the InfraRecorder decoder by yourself and copy it to the Program files – InfraRecorder – Codecs folder.

InfraRecorder is a simple and efficient tool for quick CD and DVD recording.

Download InfraRecorder 0.52 in Softonic

Software applications are being constantly improved with every new version. Bugs are fixed, designs are polished, new functionalities are added.

But sometimes they become too bloated, often losing sight of what they were created for in the first place. So for instance, whenever I need to record a CD or DVD, I no longer turn to Nero but use DeepBurner instead.

There's also the option to create ISO image files, although you need to follow a small workaround to get to it: run the program and choose "Create data CD/DVD" in the project selection window.

Select the files and folders you want to include in your ISO and when you're done click on the "Burn Disk" button. In the next dialog you'll be able to choose "Save ISO" instead of actually burning the data onto a CD.

It's perfect if you just need to record a CD from time to time, but if you're looking for something more then you'll miss features like volume normalizing or being able to create copies, to name just a few.

In any case, DeepBurner is a perfectly valid option for those who prefer avoiding complicated programs and prefer the simplicity of an app focused on one single ability: recording CD's and DVD's.

Download DeepBurner Free 1.9.0.228 in Softonic

ZylBurner is capable of burning data, music, video and more to CDs and DVDs. This product supports almost all kinds of CDs and DVDs. Other features of ZylBurner include Quick Erase and Full Erase functions, BurnImage and Eject functions.

Download ZylBurner 1.73 in Softonic

This software eliminates the need to purchase discs of karaoke tracks and enables you to create your own karaoke track and make a compilation of your favorite songs in karaoke format.

Karaoke Builder Studio has a professional interface but is easy to use. Even first time users can create a track on the spot. This software is capable of producing high-quality output that matches those of karaoke tracks on discs.

All output tracks created by this software is playable on any karaoke CD+G machine. Other features of Karaoke Builder Studio include additional support for CD burners not supported by previous versions, full support for a Nero burning tool using the CUE file builder and AVI features for video playback.

Download Karaoke Builder Studio 3.0 in Softonic

Download Morfic FileExtractor 1.10 in Softonic

Nero BackItUp & Burn, included as part of Nero Multimedia Suite 10, is a worthy choice. Not only because it's a Nero app – which always guarantees a high quality product – but because it features all the tools and functions you need to backup your sensitive data in a very easy, efficient way.

With Nero BackItUp & Burn you can create backup copies on demand by manually selecting the files and folders you want to include in them – even the complete hard drive - or set the program to do it automatically without user intervention. These automatic backups can be scheduled according to a certain period of time or set to run every time you change a certain file or folder on the system. As well as backups, you can synchronize folders and choose whether to set up regular tasks or not.

All the processes in Nero BackItUp & Burn are done step by step, and are really accessible and easy. At the same time, there is nothing in the setup process that will irritate seasoned users. It has a fast, clear and concise interface that's a great improvement over the previous version 4.

Nero BackItUp & Burn is a complete backup utility that provides you with all the tools you need to create, restore, schedule and manage data backups.

Download Nero BackItUp & Burn 1.4 in Softonic

Play lists can then be sent to Windows Media Player for quick play. Your saved lists can also be edited to add/remove tracks or adjusting the order.

Play lists can also be imported into your favorite CD burning program (such as Nero) to create a CD of your list playable on any CD player or stereo system.

Download MP3 Playlister in Softonic

MagicISO is a powerful and easy CD/DVD image file edit tool. It can open/create/edit/extract CD/DVD image files, and convert BIN to ISO and back. Make image files from CD-ROM or hard disk, and handle bootable information. It can also convert BIN or any other format file created by CD burning software (Such as Nero-Burning ROM, Easy CD Create) or virtual CD-ROM driver software (such as Daemon-tools) to standard ISO format.

MagicISO has the ability to create ISO image files. You can directly add/delete/rename files or folder in CD image file(s) with MagicISO. It can handle up to 10G large sizes so that user can extract/edit/open DVD image files in ease. You can also use MagicISO to make CD/DVD image from CD-ROM to hard disk in order to backup CD/DVD or use it with virtual CD or Virtual machine.

MagicISO has the ability to make bootable CD/DVD image file. With MagicISO, you can process the boot information for CD/DVD image file, as well as directly add/remove/extract boot image for the CD/DVD image file. MagicISO can also make multiple bootable CD/DVD image file. Using this function, you can combine multiple OS installation CD into one CD/DVD image file in order to install multiple OS from one CD/DVD. MagicISO embed Windows Explorer and use the double window unification user contact interface. Use the quick button and the mouse Drag & Drops files between Windows Explorer and MagicISO so that you can handle the CD/DVD image file easy but powerful enough.

Download MagicISO Maker 5.5.281 in Softonic