To recover lost or deleted files, using data recovery software is one of the most effective DIY solutions available. With plenty of recovery applications online, choosing the best data recovery software for Mac that matches your specific needs will greatly improve your chances of successful recovery.
For your convenience to make it easier for you, we created various situations of data loss and tested a variety of programs against our meticulously designed guidelines. Based on our research, we came up with the 10 best data recovery software for Mac and then carefully categorized their functions based on what they’re best suited to. Check it out!
8 Best Data Recovery Software for Mac
1. Disk Drill
Based on our evaluations, we selected Disk Drill as the best data recovery software for Mac. Its user-friendliness, flexibility, and range of features, along with its ability to deal with various cases of data loss, put it ahead of its rivals, although certain programs performed better than others at specific tasks.
Disk offers a contemporary interface created for data retrieval to be simple, so beginners can start immediately. Additionally, it provides great assistance for a variety of loss scenarios. Disk Drill recognizes over 400 signatures of files (including videos and photos in RAW format) and every Mac data system (HFS+ and APFS). It can restore the files on iOS and Android devices. This is something that other apps offer separately.
Pros
- Nice interface and great user experience
- Average price but strong value for money with powerful recovery features
- One license (one-time payment) works for both macOS and Windows
- macOS version also supports iOS and Android recovery
- Supports the latest macOS while maintaining backward compatibility
- Extra tools: preview, session management, bootable recovery, byte-to-byte backup
- One of the largest file signature databases available
Cons
- Doesn’t offer free recovery (only allows preview of recoverable data)
Also read: 5 Free Disk Cloning Software for 2025
2. TestDisk
TestDisk is a free and open-source data recovery tool designed to retrieve deleted partitions of data storage and correct disk booting errors resulting from faulty software or accidental deletion of partitions.
The app is well-known as an open-source recovery tool for Mac that is typically used in conjunction with its sister program. TestDisk is completely free data recovery software for Mac. However, it does not have the additional features and functionality that we usually get from recovery software.
But it’s also a fantastic tool for recovering partitions. If you’ve deleted, lost, or damaged partitions, that can lead to data loss. TestDisk will perform repairs that will allow access to the partitions and the data that is stored in them. Although it’s not free, it gave superior results in our tests.
Pros
- Free and open-source software
- Capable of restoring both lost partitions and files
- Lightweight and easy to run without heavy system demands
- Delivers a decent recovery rate depending on issue severity
- Still works with the latest macOS, despite its outdated status
Cons
- No graphical interface (runs through a Terminal-like UI)
- Missing key features such as file preview and advanced browsing
- Limited support for the HFS+ file system
- No compatibility with APFS
- Infrequently updated and lacks ongoing development
3. PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source software that allows you to recover any type of data from various storage devices. This recovery software is highly recommended to recover information from devices because of its popularity as a safe and secure method for recovering deleted files.
PhotoRec can also be regarded as a free and open-source recovery application that is often regarded as TestDisk’s file recovery equivalent. It is the signature scanner, which is a recovery tool that finds and retrieves data by scanning for signatures of files. As a free software, it is a great performer as it has a large database of signatures for supported files and signatures that are proprietary for RAW formats for files.
It is expectedly to lack other recovery algorithms, and comes with only a few options (no backup of images or S.M.A.R.T. monitoring tools). Therefore, its recovery capabilities may be a bit shaky depending on the situation. PhotoRec’s interface is also reminiscent of the Terminal application. However, it doesn’t require any commands. You can just use the keyboard to navigate through the software’s controls.
Pros
- Free and open-source tool
- Compatible with the latest macOS
- Detects and recognizes a wide range of file signatures
- Delivers a solid recovery success rate
- Can work with non-encrypted APFS volumes
Cons
- Rarely maintained or updated
- Incompatible with encrypted APFS volumes
- Limited functionality—only provides a signature scanner, leaving other recovery needs unmet
- Command-line interface that resembles Terminal, which may be difficult for beginners
4. R-Studio
In this particular section, R-Studio is our definite selection. R-Studio is a time-tested recovery tool for technicians because of its extensive and complete collection of tools that can handle the entire spectrum of scenarios for data loss. However, it gives you lots of power at an affordable price (for the base version).
Aimed at professionals, R-studio is a powerful data recovery software for Mac that allows you to retrieve information from various storage devices, including removable drives. Compatible file systems include APFS/HFS+/HFS (Macintosh).
R-studio has a variety of sophisticated tools that aren’t required to perform basic data recovery. For those who aren’t familiar, they may need to read the lengthy user manual to understand the ropes and nuances of this complex software. Its key features include recovery via network S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and damage RAID recovery, disk imaging, along with Pro Hex Editor.
Pros
- Includes S.M.A.R.T. disk monitoring for early issue detection
- Can repair damaged RAID arrays effectively
- Offers a free version for basic use
- Supports data recovery over a network
- Known for reliable and consistent performance
Cons
- Free version limited to files smaller than 256 KB
- Unfriendly user interface, not ideal for beginners
- Designed mainly for advanced or technical users
5. EaseUS Data Recovery
A renowned app according to any criteria, EaseUS Data Recovery software is widely used all over the world to retrieve files due to its remarkable speed and user-friendly interface.
EaseUS Data Recovery merits its spot in this list due to its popularity and how powerful it is. It features a simple user interface that enables anyone, from experts to novices, to start using it quickly and retrieve data from every type of storage device and more than 1,000 different file formats.
If you’re looking for documents, videos, images, or another type of file, be assured that you’ll be happy with the speed and efficiency of recovery. The free version can recover up to 2GB if you need to recover a small number of files and save a few dollars.
Pros
- Live chat support.
- Superior user interface.
- Recover 2 GB with the free version.
- 1,000+ file formats supported.
- Great Performance.
- Search, filter, and preview recoverable files.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- The scan includes both recoverable and unrecoverable files.
- Expensive licenses.
6. Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most popular data recovery software for Mac to recover deleted files stored on devices that have failed or been damaged by viruses. It is dependable in recovering data from more recent versions of Macs that are equipped with an APFS File System.
Stellar Data Recovery intuitive data recovery tool to recover deleted files from all storage devices. The application completely supports APFS and offers different editions specifically designed for situations involving data recovery.
Common file formats like PNG, JPEG, TIFF, MP3, MOV, 3GP, and WMA are completely and compatible and compatible with Stellar Phoenix.
In comparison to other best data recovery software for Mac that offer a free version, it is unable to recover data, although you’re allowed to look for it. So, if you’re seeking to recover your files, you must consider alternatives to this free option.
Pros
- Can recover data from encrypted drives
- Easy-to-use interface suitable for most users
- Allows creation of clone drives to assist in data recovery
Cons
- Supports only a limited range of file formats
- Recovery performance is average compared to competitors
7. iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac
iBoysoft data recovery for Mac is an easy-to-use and serviceable recovery tool that can be used with many different storage devices and file systems.
The strengths of this tool are its user-friendly interface and the ability to retrieve information from APFS encryption-encrypted drives. The tool was formerly known as M3 Data Recovery Software and was recently acquired by iBoysoft.
Users can run quick or deeper scans to tackle diverse data loss issues. A deeper scan could take several hours to complete, but it can provide better recovery results. As a user, you can retrieve up to 1GB of data for free, which means you can try the software before purchasing it to determine whether it meets your requirements. If you just need to retrieve a small volume of data free version of the program could suffice to accomplish the task.
Pros
- Supports data recovery from encrypted drives
- Offers up to 1GB of free data recovery
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Ability to preview files before recovery
Cons
- High licensing cost compared to alternatives
- Lacks the option to pause and resume scans
Also read: Carbon Copy Cloner: The Best Mac Backup Tool for 2025
8. Wondershare Recoverit
Wondershare Recoverit is a distinct inclusion on this list that deserves the title of being its own. While other applications can retrieve multimedia data, Recoverit provides a specific additional feature that will boost the effectiveness of recovery for multimedia. It’s software for fixing video.
Although most applications can repair videos, the quality of the restored videos isn’t always assured. We have found Recoverit to be extremely efficient in repairing corrupted and recovered videos regardless of whether they were damaged before or after losing the data. In addition to Recoverit’s general recovery capabilities, it has several positive aspects.
Pros
- Provides an effective tool for repairing corrupted videos
- Allows users to preview files before recovery
- Supports multiple file formats
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Delivers a high recovery success rate
- Access to live chat and email support
Cons
- Beyond its video repair feature, it doesn’t stand out significantly from competitors
- Free version is limited to just 100 MB of recovery
- Annual license costs are relatively high compared to alternatives
Key Features to Look for in Mac Data Recovery Software
Before choosing the best data recovery software for Mac, it’s important to evaluate the features that matter most. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive interface helps beginners recover data without a steep learning curve.
- File System Support: Ensure the software supports macOS file systems like APFS, HFS+, HFS, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS.
- Encrypted Drive Recovery: Some tools can recover data from encrypted or password-protected drives, which is essential for Mac users.
- File Preview Options: Being able to preview recoverable files before restoring ensures you recover exactly what you need.
- Supported File Formats: Check if it can restore a wide range of files, such as photos, videos, documents, audio, and emails.
- Free Trial or Free Recovery Limit: Many apps allow limited free recovery (like 100 MB or 1 GB) so you can test effectiveness before buying.
- Extra Recovery Tools: Advanced features like corrupted video repair, RAID array recovery, S.M.A.R.T. disk monitoring, bootable recovery disks, and clone creation can be very useful.
- Performance & Speed: Look for a balance of quick scans and deep scans that thoroughly search for lost files without excessive waiting times.
- Regular Updates & macOS Compatibility: Make sure the tool supports the latest macOS versions while remaining backward compatible.
- Customer Support: Reliable help channels such as live chat, email, or forums can make a big difference when troubleshooting.
Ending Point
Even if you adhere to the most effective practices designed to ensure your data is safe and secure, unforeseen circumstances can leave you with no alternative but to use data recovery software to retrieve your data. Damage to your computer or even upgrades to your computer can result in your files being lost.
This article provides a complete list of applications you need to look into when you are trying to recover data from your Mac. In contrast to other forums and online sources, this review is based on numerous reviews and is backed by our own experience, and we’re sure you will find the best data recovery software is over.
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