I am always on the lookout for great disc burning programs, and Ashampoo is a pretty well-known name when it comes to such software. So when I heard that Ashampoo Burning Studio was out, I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Now let’s see if the wait was worth it.

WHAT IS IT AND WHAT DOES IT DO

Main Functionality

Ashampoo Burning Studio is a program that offers you everything that you need to burn your own movies, music and data. Not only that, but it allows you to do all of this fast and effectively. The program has a very intuitive user interface, which makes it perfect for both newbies and vets.

Take note there are two versions of Ashampoo Burning Studio out there. There is Ashampoo Burning Studio XX (e.g. Ashampoo Burning Studio 10, Ashampoo Burning Studio 11, etc.) and there is Ashampoo Burning Studio 20XX (e.g. Ashampoo Burning Studio 2012, Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013, etc.). Ashampoo Burning Studio XX is the shareware, paid version of the program. Ashampoo Burning Studio 20XX is a version used by Ashampoo in giveaways and freebies. Ashampoo Burning Studio 20XX has almost all of the features of Ashampoo Burning Studio XX except a few.

This review was specifically written on Ashampoo Burning Studio 2012 but do note the feature differences between Ashampoo Burning Studio 2010, Ashampoo Burning Studio 2011, Ashampoo Burning Studio 2012, and Ashampoo Burning Studio 2013 are minimal and almost non-existent — they are all pretty much the same programs, except with different names.

Pros

• Burn data, audio, and video CDs, Blu-rays, and DVDs easily
• Back up your important information onto discs
• Copy CDs/DVDs/Blu-rays
• Rip audio right from your CDs
• Burn your own audio files as either CDs, MP3s ,or WMAs
• Create and burn your own disc images
• Erase rewritable discs
• Design the covers, labels and booklets for your created discs
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Tries to install the Ashampoo Toolbar during installation and change your homepage. Uncheck during installation if you don’t want.
• Can burn DVDs but cannot author DVDs. The difference is when you burn a movie DVD you are putting DVD compliant videos (i.e. VOB) onto a DVD; if you burn non-DVD compliant videos onto the DVD, like AVI or MP4, the DVD just acts like a VCD instead of a proper DVD. When you author a movie DVD, you take non-DVD compliant videos (e.g. AVI, WMV, MP4, etc.), convert them to DVD compliant format (i.e. VOB), and burn them onto a DVD.
• Ripping DVDs cannot bypass DRM protection
• Must provide your e-mail address for registration
• Larger and more resource intensive than rival burning software; “bloated” some may even say

Discussion

There are many things to like about Ashampoo Burning Studio. However, the thing I like about it the most is the fact that they offer everything you need to burn your own discs in one easy-to-use package. Regardless if you want to make a music CD or a Blu-ray disc, Ashampoo Burning Studio has you covered.

Right away you can tell that the interface for this program has been streamlined. From the start you can easily choose which function you want to use. Each button is clearly labeled with a little description explaining what that option is used for. If this is your first time using a burning program, you will be happy to see just how easy Ashampoo Burning Studio makes it for you.

The good news is the program lets you do more than just burn discs. You can also rip and rewrite discs, design your own labels and burn your own disc images. Although you may not use all of these features right off the bat, it is nice to have them available.

The biggest problem I had with the program is the fact that you have to give up your email address to get a free activation code. The program is completely free to use, but I don’t like handing out my email. If you use the link below, you can download the program. The good news is you can try the program out before needing to get your activation code.

CONCLUSION AND DOWNLOAD LINK

In short, the program is definitely worth using. It has a lot of features, and that is hard to find in a free program. It is a letdown that you have to give up your email to continue using the program, but at least it does remain free. So if you’re looking for a new disc burning program, I recommend giving Ashampoo Burning Studio a try.

If you are turned off by the lack of ability to author DVDs or want more features, you can always purchase the shareware version of Ashampoo Burning Studio. It will cost your $49.99.

Price: Free, $49.99

Version reviewed: 11.0.4

Supported OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7

Download size: 79.5 MB

VirusTotal malware scan results: File too large to scan

Is it portable? No

Ashampoo Burning Studio 2012 freebie page | Ashampoo Burning Studio 12 homepage