Our verdict: Burning Studio FREE is an easy, wizard-driven disc burner that covers data discs, audio CDs, ripping, disc copies and ISO images. It needs a one-time registration with an email address, and it advertises the paid Burning Studio.
About Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE
Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE is the free edition of Ashampoo's disc burning software. It burns data to CD, DVD and Blu-ray, updates or erases rewritable discs, creates audio CDs and MP3 or WMA discs, rips audio CDs to MP3, WMA or WAV, and burns prepared Video_TS or Blu-ray folders.
It can also create and burn ISO, CUE/BIN and Ashampoo's ASHDISC images and make compressed, password-protected backups across several discs. Ashampoo says it is free with no time limit after a one-time registration. The paid Burning Studio adds video DVD menus, a cover designer and more.
What it does well
- Data discs. Burns files to CD, DVD and Blu-ray and updates rewritable discs.
- Audio CDs and ripping. Creates audio and MP3/WMA discs and rips CDs with track detection.
- Disc images. Creates and burns ISO, CUE/BIN and ASHDISC images.
- Disc copies. Copies CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
- Disc backups. Compressed, password-protected backups spanning several discs.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users who occasionally burn music, data or ISO images and want simple wizards.
Look elsewhere
Users who do not want to register an email address, or who need video DVD menus.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free with no time limit
- Simple wizard interface
- Burns, rips, copies and handles ISO images
- Regular updates
Cons
- One-time registration with an email address required
- Promotes the paid Burning Studio
- No video DVD menus or cover designer
How to install Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE
The button downloads the official installer from ashampoo.com. Register with an email address to activate the free license. Untick offers for other Ashampoo products during setup and in the app.
Questions about Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE
Is Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE really free?
Yes. Ashampoo says it is free to use permanently with no time limit, after a one-time registration.
Can it burn ISO files?
Yes. It burns and creates ISO images, as well as CUE/BIN and ASHDISC.
What does the paid version add?
The full Burning Studio adds video DVDs with menus, a cover designer, encryption, slideshows and more.
