SmartDeploy: The flexible alternative to Acronis Snap Deploy
SmartDeploy is a flexible Acronis Snap Deploy alternative that offers easy-to-use agent-based imaging and device management for all your Windows devices. With SmartDeploy's intuitive interface and workflows, you can get up and running in an afternoon.
Make Windows imaging a whole lot easier
Easy
Set up and support your devices with wizard-guided workflows and a user-friendly dashboard.
Fast
Use hardware-independent images that free you from creating a new image for every device model.
Efficient
Choose from 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that support all major OEM business-class models.
Flexible
Deploy images and software using offline media, network servers, or the cloud — no VPN required.
SmartDeploy vs. Acronis Snap Deploy
Acronis Snap Deploy
Acronis Snap Deploy is a deployment tool designed to help IT teams handle local, one-off deployments. While Acronis Snap Deploy is locally scalable, the tool lacks cloud deployment capabilities, which limits deployments to on-prem setups. Further, Acronis Snap Deploy is built for more technical IT teams, meaning a steeper learning curve and increased time to value.
Shortcomings:
Designed for one-off deployments
No cloud deployment capabilities
No patch management features
Hardware-dependent images only
Manual driver management
Steep learning curve
SmartDeploy
SmartDeploy is a scalable, cloud-friendly deployment solution designed for busy IT teams. Its simple interface and wizard-driven workflows help IT teams do their jobs quickly and efficiently. With 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs that support major OEM business-class models, SmartDeploy takes the hard work out of imaging and device management. And because SmartDeploy supports hardware-independent images, you can keep your image library lean and easy to maintain.
SmartDeploy vs. Acronis Snap Deploy: Feature breakdown
SmartDeploy | Acronis Snap Deploy | |
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Easy learning curve |
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Patch management features |
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Transparent pricing |
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Starting price | $1,100/year for unlimited client installations | $25 per device/year and $109 per server/year |
Remote computer imaging |
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Prebuilt driver pack library |
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Offline image deployments |
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Out-of-box integration with cloud storage providers |
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Network deployments |
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Virtual reference machines |
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Multicast imaging |
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Wizard-guided workflows |
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Prebuilt, customizable app packages |
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Works with Linux systems |
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Zero-touch deployments |
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Remote desktop management |
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Scheduled deployments |
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Windows updates automation |
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USMT integration |
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Windows 11 in-place upgrades |
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How it works
Set up, update, and manage endpoints with greater flexibility and ease. Flexible layers enable you to manage the OS, applications, drivers, and user data independently from each other rather than baking everything into a locked image.
Meet some of our customers
Learn how businesses from startups to global leaders use SmartDeploy to streamline their endpoint management.
“SmartDeploy is an easy transition from any current system you are using. Their support is out of this world. If you notice a bug or an outdated driver, the turnaround is incredibly fast. It is everything and more you can ask for from deployment software.”
SAMI R.
Computer Technician
The new industry standard
SmartDeploy is an award-winning solution with a proven track record helping IT teams become more effective and efficient. We think the results speak for themselves.
One platform, endless use cases
SmartDeploy is your one-stop shop for PC provisioning and lifecycle management.
Computer imaging
Build and maintain a single Windows golden image, regardless of PC make or model
PC refreshes
Keep all your users' files and settings consistent while rolling out new hardware
Application management
Deploy, update, and patch applications zero-touch to any endpoint
Windows updates
Push periodic updates or centrally manage entire migrations for local and remote PCs
Device setup
Seamlessly roll out images, drivers, and applications to entirely new devices
PC break-fixes
Reimage the operating system layer without affecting applications or user data
Resources
Ready to get started?
See how easy device management can be. Try SmartDeploy free for 15 days — no credit card required.
SmartDeploy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Acronis. The use of Acronis Snap Deploy on this page is for comparison purposes only. Information last updated: 10/23/2025
FAQ
What’s the difference between Acronis and SmartDeploy?
SmartDeploy is a flexible Windows imaging solution that includes 1,500+ prebuilt driver packs and supports a range of flexible deployment methods — including cloud-based, VPN-free options suited for remote and distributed teams. Acronis Snap Deploy supports both Windows and Linux devices but does not come with a driver pack library and is more suited for on-prem environments.
Is SmartDeploy a good alternative to Acronis?
SmartDeploy can be a practical alternative to Acronis Snap Deploy, especially for teams that want more deployment flexibility and time-saving features, like prebuilt driver packs. Its straightforward setup and guided workflows are also designed to help streamline computer imaging without adding complex infrastructure.
Why are IT teams switching from Acronis to SmartDeploy?
Teams often consider SmartDeploy when they’re looking to simplify setup, support cloud-based imaging workflows, and have the flexibility to support different environments. Built-in features — like a web-based console, a range of different deployment methods, and an extensive library of prebuilt driver packs — allow IT teams to collaborate easily, support different environments with ease, and reduce time-consuming driver management work.
What does SmartDeploy do better than Acronis?
SmartDeploy focuses on operational simplicity and flexibility. It offers cloud-based deployment options, guided workflows, and prebuilt driver packs to help reduce maintenance work and support consistent outcomes across endpoints.
Which is easier to use: SmartDeploy or Acronis?
Ease of use can vary by environment and preference. SmartDeploy emphasizes a simpler setup, wizard-driven workflows, and greater deployment flexibility intended to shorten ramp-up, reduce manual work, and support a wider range of different environments and use cases, which some teams may find more approachable.
Which tool is better for computer imaging: SmartDeploy or Acronis?
Both tools support Windows imaging. SmartDeploy supports multiple deployment methods, including cloud deployment without needing VPN, and native integrations with major cloud storage providers, which allows IT teams to support both on-prem and remote scenarios with one tool.
How does SmartDeploy handle driver management compared to Acronis?
SmartDeploy provides a library of prebuilt, regularly updated driver packs for major business-class hardware. This can help reduce the time typically spent on manual driver management and support seamless deployments across models.
Which tool scales better: Acronis or SmartDeploy?
Scaling needs differ by organization. SmartDeploy emphasizes deployment flexibility — including remote imaging and workflows — to help teams support multiple locations and distributed users without relying solely on local networks.