EaseUS Todo PCTrans Review – Effortless PC-to-PC Data Transfers

good
key review info
application features
  • Transfer personal files from one PC to another via LAN
  • (6 more, see all...)

Pen drives, CDs and DVDs are a great storage method for backing up software applications and files, or transferring data from one PC to another. However, programs like EaseUS Todo PCTrans simplify this entire process by directly moving information between computers via LAN in just a matter of clicks.

With this program, it is also possible to migrate important tools and files from an older operating system to a newer one, ideally for users who don't want to go through the trouble of manually installing each important program. It works for systems running Windows XP and upwards, whether they are 32- or 64-bit.

The trial edition does not have an expiration date. However, users may transfer up to two applications. This limitation can be lifted to be able to transfer unlimited apps by purchasing the full package for $39.95 / €32.44.

The entire installation operation is speedy and simple, since there are no unfamiliar options to configure. As far as the interface is concerned, PCTrans is wrapped in an intuitive wizard that has only a few steps to perform data transfers. Several tasks are required beforehand, as described in the first panel.

Showing the interface in EaseUS Todo PCTrans
Showing the box for adding a PC in EaseUS Todo PCTrans
Automatically identify PC via LAN or add new onesEaseUS Todo PCTrans must be installed on at least two computers, the computer's antivirus application and firewall should be turned off to prevent access issues, and the PC should not have the sleep, hibernation or any other monitor off setting activated, which are likely to disrupt data transfer operations otherwise.

The other computer should become visible in the main frame once EaseUS Todo PCTrans is running on it. Alternatively, it can be added by inputting its host name or IP address in a small box.

Showing the panel with apps and user data in EaseUS Todo PCTrans
PCTrans finds all files and compatible apps ready for transferIn the next step, PCTrans identifies and shows the total number and size of files (non-system data) and compatible apps. When it comes to programs, it automatically selects only compatible items which do not already exist on the other PC, along with all non-system data from all drives, including personal documents and desktop objects.

Users may tinker with this default selection after examining the name, dimension and compatibility status of each application, together with a custom location for each selected drive in the target machine. It is possible to select only apps or only user data.

Showing the selection options for apps in EaseUS Todo PCTrans
Showing the selection options for data in EaseUS Todo PCTrans
Select the apps and personal files to transferDuring data transfers, users may inspect information regarding analysis, currently processed objects, current and total size, along with speed. Once finished, PCTrans pops up a message dialog. System reboot is required on the target machine to complete apps installation (not necessary if only user data was copied).

The Good

We put EaseUS Todo PCTrans to the test on two machines running Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 7 Professional. It successfully transferred programs and user data in our evaluation.

The app supports Windows XP and upward, both 32- and 64-bit architecture types. It can move files between any two computers in the local network where PCTrans is installed and running.

If the transfer task carried out on either source or target machine is interrupted due to various reasons, it can be resumed once the software utility runs again.

It is extremely simple to use, whether you are a first-time or experienced user. It facilitates large data transfers and app installation in a simplistic interface.

The Bad

It can take a while to identify all installed applications and user data. Likewise, it requires a long time to transfer programs, since it automatically installs them too.

It failed to mark some apps as already existing on the target machine, while some programs were inaccurately marked as existing. Similarly, it did not detect many installed utilities on the source machine.

Although CPU consumption is low, RAM usage is high. It does not show statistics on task completion, such as total time spent for transfers.

There aren't too many customization features available. For example, it is not possible to modify the new locations for installed apps or files and directories (drives only).

Taking into account its aforementioned downsides, the whole package seems too expensive. For example, three months ago we evaluated IObit PCtransfer, an app that offers similar functionality as EaseUS Todo PCTrans for free. 

The Truth

All in all, the software utility does a pretty decent job when it comes to transferring personal files and applications between two computers, with its primary attraction point being simplicity. However, there's a lot of room for improvement.

NOTE: In association with EaseUS, we are giving away 50 license keys for EaseUS Todo PCTrans. Normally, a license key costs $39.95 / €32.44. The ones offered in this giveaway promo are for personal use only, and each one can be installed on 2 PCs. There is no time limitation until license activation. The free key applies to software updates but minor ones only (6.x yes, 7.x no).

To join the competition, drop us a few lines in the comment section (one comment per user) and don't forget to leave a valid email address. We will randomly pick 50 comments at the end of the week using random.org and send the keys to the winners via email.

The deadline for this giveaway promo is Friday, July 25 at 15:00 UTC ((8:00 a.m. PDT/PST). Any comments past that time will not be taken into account.

Follow us on Twitter @spgiveaways to find out the latest Softpedia giveaway offers.

UPDATE: Giveaway over! Since there are less than 50 comments on this page, all of you will receive a free key. All contacts have been notified.

user interface 4
features 3
ease of use 5
pricing / value 2


final rating 3
Editor's review
good