We tried it, here's what we think
Since iTunes hung up its hat, there has been no way to manage iPhone and iPad data except through macOSCatalina. Even though iTunes is gone for Mac users, it still works on Windows machines, but many users find it to be difficult and outdated.
MobiMover is one iTunes alternative for Windows users. This free software actually works on both Windows and Mac, but is clearly aimed primarily at Windows users with no other alternative for handling their iPhone data. We decided to try this software and give you our thoughts.
Table of Contents
Clear Navigation
Once you connect your phone to MobiMover, the software makes it easy to navigate and manage your content. On the left side of the screen is a navigation bar that allows you to easily choose between the various options.
The first option is the Content Manager. It allows you to browse the content on your device and easily move it from place to place as well as delete anything you no longer need. Below that is the Data Transfer section.
The first option in the Data Transfer section is to transfer files from your phone to your PC. The next option lets you transfer files from the PC to the phone. Finally, the third option allows you to transfer data from one phone to another.
Below that is the Media tab and the Video Downloader. If you find a video online that you want to keep, you can select this tab and enter the link. It can save videos from Vimeo, YouTube, Instagram, Daily Motion, and more.
Finally, there is a Social App Manager that currently only works with WhatsApp. This tab allows you to backup your WhatsApp messages to your PC, restore them to your iOS device, and transfer your WhatsApp data between two iPhones.
Data Transfer Performance
Transferring information from your phone to the PC or back is a simple matter. MobiMover is particularly useful for backing up contacts and other important information before purchasing a new device. It’s also just a good idea to backup important information regularly to safeguard it in the event you lose your phone.
You only have to connect your phone to your computer through a lightning cable to view the various categories. You can choose to transfer Audio, Pictures, Videos, Books, Voicemail, Contacts, Podcasts, and Messages. Just select the check mark at the top-right of each icon to select or unselect it.
You can also choose what folder on your PC you want to back the data up to. Once you’ve selected the various categories, click Transfer at the bottom of the screen. The process tends to move quickly, but it can take longer if you are transferring a large number of big files.
Transferring from your PC back to your phone follows the same steps. Instead, you simply select the files you want to transfer from your PC to your iPhone.
If a file transfer fails, MobiMover provides various suggestions to correct the problem, including checking your connection and ensuring your phone has sufficient storage.
Pricing
One detail that sets MobiMover apart from other options is that it has a useful free plan. The free plan allows access to all the features of the program, but limits file transfer to 20 files per day.
Note that this is 20 files, period–not 20 transfers. Once you run out of file transfers, you can still attempt to transfer files, but it will give an error message stating that the transfer completed, but no files were transferred.
There are three premium tiers. The first is for a single month at $23.95. The next is for one year at $29.95. The final (and most affordable) option is the Lifetime plan for $69.95. The pricing is a bit erratic, but the smartest financial move is to invest in a Lifetime license if you intend to use MobiMover frequently.
The premium plans provide unlimited file transfers and 24/7 technical support.
Alternative Options
MobiMover is a great iTunes alternative for those that don’t want to pay (and are willing to transfer files 20 at a time), but let’s face it: most of the time, you need to transfer hundreds of files at once, not just 20. You can upgrade MobiMover, but there are other iTunes alternatives for iPhone to PC file management.
One of the most popular choices is iMazing. The license for a single machine is $35.99. It comes with all of the backup features that MobiMover offers, but also has other options like Ringtone management and an Apple Profile editor.
Another option is AnyTrans. It appeals to many users because it isn’t limited solely to iPhone, but to all types of Apple data – including iCloud. A single license for AnyTrans is .99 for one year, but a Lifetime license is just more at .99.
Since the death of iTunes, third parties have arisen to offer even more services than the original program ever did. Take the time to evaluate the different options and decide which one best suits your needs. If you want something to totally backup all of your files, you will need to spring for a premium version.
On the other hand, if you just want to save a few specific files from your iPhone to your computer, MobiMover is a fantastic choice. Help Desk Geek has negotiated a fantastic time-limited 60% discount for readers of the site. Simply go here and enter the code ENYTB60.
