: Pi Imager is faster and allows you to pre-configure Wi-Fi/SSH settings, but Etcher is better for general ISO/IMG files that aren't Pi-specific.
: Etcher is much more modern and less prone to crashing on newer macOS versions.
: The "Select image -> Select drive -> Flash" process is foolproof and prevents accidental wiping of your hard drive by hiding system partitions. balenaEtcher for macOS 1.7.9
: Version 1.7.9 is stable on both Intel and Apple Silicon (via Rosetta 2), though later versions (1.18+) offer better native optimization for M1/M2/M3 chips.
: The app is over 100MB, whereas tools like dd or Raspberry Pi Imager are much lighter. How it Compares : Pi Imager is faster and allows you
: By default, it tracks some usage data (can be disabled in settings).
: It respects macOS permissions, though you will be prompted for your admin password to allow the app to write to external hardware. Pros and Cons Beautifully Simple : The cleanest UI in its category. : Version 1
If you need to create a bootable drive for a Raspberry Pi or a Linux distro without touching the Terminal, balenaEtcher is the most user-friendly choice available. However, be aware of its large file size compared to native macOS alternatives.