Top 5 Best Mac Data Recovery Software in 2024

This page covers the top 5 best Mac data recovery software with detailed information about the Pros and Cons. Learn how to recover deleted, lost files from Mac or external hard drives using the best Mac data recovery software on your own in only 3 steps. The latest macOS Catalina data recovery is supported.

Table of Contents

This page covers the top 5 best Mac data recovery software in 2023 with detailed information about the Pros and Cons. On this page, you will learn how to recover deleted, lost files from Mac or external hard drives using the best Mac data recovery software on your own in only 3 steps. 

What Is the Best Data Recovery Software for Mac? Top 5 Recommends

As you know, files and data may get lost due to careless deletion, or unintentional formatting on Mac. In this case, you may try to recover emptied Trash on Mac or bring lost data back from Mac data backups. However, when you fail to restore files from Trash or your backup doesn't contain the missing data, your best try is to apply professional Mac data recovery software for help.

With reliable Mac data recovery software, you can immediately restore all lost files deleted, formatted, and even lost due to virus infection on Mac or external hard drives with or without backups. What is the best Mac data recovery software? 

What Is the Best Data Recovery Software for Mac?

The best Mac data recovery software supports restoring all types of files from various data loss situations, including deleting, formatting, virus attack, etc. All levels of Mac users can use this software to bring lost files from emptied trash, inaccessible/corrupted Mac HDD/SSD, SD, USB, external hard drive, etc., devices. It also supports the latest macOS, like Catalina, Mojave, etc. 

The best Mac data recovery software is listed below. To find out the best Mac data recovery software, we have tested 15 software and picked out the best five Mac data recovery software. Here is a glance at the testing statistics.

Criteria Details
🔢 Number of tested tools 15
⏳ Lasting time 5 weeks
💻 OS version macOS Ventura
💰 Average cost $70
💵 Minimum cost  Free
🥇 Best recommendation EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Free

Top 5 Best Mac Data Recovery Software Recommends

So how to find the best and most suitable Mac data recovery software to protect your data in case of any unexpected data loss issues happen? Here is a list of the Top 5 best Mac data recovery software in 2022 for you to pick up as your best data bodyguard: 

Pick Up the Best Data Recovery Software to Restore Mac Data

Bonus Tip: If you prefer a 100% free data recovery option on Mac, refer to the Top 5 Completely Free Data Recovery Software for Mac to have a try.

If you prefer a smooth and unlimited data recovery chance, continue reading and check out which data recovery software is the best for you.

# 1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac [Catalina Compatible]

Applies to: comprehensive & efficient Mac data recovery in 3 steps for all levels of Mac users.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is one of the top data recovery software which is fully compatible with the latest macOS Catalina, Mojave, etc. and old Mac OS X. Personal users, small and medium companies can all use this software on Mac computers to restore all types of lost data with its Free, Pro and Technician versions.

It performs perfectly well in data recovery with all types of Mac storage devices including SD cards, USB flash drives, pen drives, external hard drives, SSDs, HDDs, SSHDs, etc.  With its built-in Quick Scan and Deep Scan modes, EaseUS Mac data recovery software enables uses to effectively scan and restore lost files and data in 3 practical steps. 

Pros:

  • Supports bootable data recovery when Mac computer dies or crashes.
  • Full data recovery with all mac file system devices: APFS, HFS+, HFS X, FAT (FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS.
  • Supports cross-platform recovery, recovering lost data on both Windows and Mac computers. 
  • Supports 2GB of free data recovery with its Free edition and unlimited of data recovery with its Pro version.
  • Live Chat and Email Support are both available. Support email: [email protected].

Cons: 

  • As for more than 2GB data recovery, users need to upgrade to its Pro version to continue restoring lost data without limitation.
  • Supported OS: Latest macOS 10.15 (Catalina) and OS X above 10.9
  • 3-Step Data Recovery: Select Location - Scan - Preview & Recover
  • Install Size: 37MB

Best for all levels of Mac users to fully recovering lost data from complex situations on all Mac computers and external storage devices. 3-step Mac data recovery is available.

#2. Ontrack EasyRecovery for Mac

Ontrack EasyRecovery for Mac

Ontrack EasyRecovery for Mac is described as DIY (Do It Yourself) data recovery software on its website. It's also highly praised by professional evaluating sites and editors due to its powerful recovery capabilities. It's a well-regarded software that especially takes care of small and medium businesses with EasyRecovery Professional.

Uses can recover deleted files, including deleted backup files from Time Machine. It also specializes in photo and video repair.

Pros:

  • Supports corrupted photo and video file repair with its Premium and Technician versions.
  • Supports cross-platform recovery on both Mac and Windows OS. 
  • Telephone service is available:  855.411.0560.

Cons:

  • Bootable recovery is not supported.
  • Free Trial version has no free recovery capacity. Users have to pay if they need to restore even 10MB of files.
  • No live chat nor support email.
  • Supported OS: macOS 10.14 (Mojave), 10.13, 10.12, 10.11
  • 5-Step Data Recovery: Select What to Recover - Select Location - Scan - Preview - Recover
  • Install Size: 40.9MB

Best for DIY recovery software for photo and video repair on Mac.

#3. Data Rescue 5

Data Rescue 5

Data Rescue 5 with a well-designed interface makes it easier for Mac users to follow the guidelines and complete each step of data recovery. An outstanding feature of excluding duplicate files from the recovery result indeed saves Mac users some precious minutes in finding out what they did lose and exclude unwanted data quickly.

Pros:

  • Exclude duplicate files from the recovery result. (Saving minutes for Mac users to quickly locate and restore wanted data.)

Cons:

  • Not compatible with Time Machine on macOS 10.14.
  • Doesn't support the latest macOS 10.15 Catalina.
  • The APFS file system is not compatible.
  • The Demo is only for a free trial, not free recovery capacity.
  • Customer Service: No Live Chat, email only.
  • Supported OS: 10.14(Mojave)/10.13 (High Sierra)/10.12 (Sierra) and Mac OS X 10.11
  • 5-Step Data Recovery: Start Recovery - Select Device - Scan - Preview - Recover
  • Install Size: 15.7 MB

Best for powerful data recovery on old Mac OS X with small data recovery software.

#4. Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac

Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac

Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac is also well designed with its user-friendly UI. The "Recover Data" option on the welcome window straightforwardly helps users find what they are looking for by choosing this software.

And "Monitor Drive" - SMART drive monitor also stands out, allowing users tracking of their hard drives' performance and health status.

Pros:

  • Two straightforward buttons (Recover Data and Monitor Drives) on the main window simplifies data recovery for Mac users.

Cons:

  • Bootable recovery is not available.
  • APFS and HFS X are not supported.
  • No Free or Demo version - no free recovery capacity.
  • Support: Live chat only (unavailable at night), no email.
  • Supported OS: macOS Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8 & 10.7
  • 5-Step Data Recovery: Start Recovery - Select Device - Scan - Preview - Recover
  • Install Size: 41.3MB

Best for Mac hard drive recovery with simple software.

#5. Disk Drill

Disk Drill

Besides data recovery, Disk Drill also enables Mac users to analyze disk space and free up the hard drive with its Cleanup feature. Instead of regarding it as reliable data recovery software, it's more like a Mac disk management tool with data backup, disk cleanup, and duplicate files finder features.

Of course, it's making improvements in data recovery on both Mac computers and external storage devices.

Pros:

  • 500MB of data recovery capacity with its free version.

Cons: 

  • Bootable recovery is not supported.
  • APFS and HFS X are not supported.
  • A recovery boot drive is a must need for data recovery on the latest macOS 10.14/10.13.
  • Support: No live chat, email only.
  • Supported OS: macOS Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8.5
  • 3-Step Data Recovery: Select Device - Click Recover and Scan - Recover
  • Install Size: 17.4MB

Best for data recovery with Mac hard drive management tool.

Tutorial: Perform Mac Data Recovery in 3 Steps

Applies to: restore data for all levels of Mac users - personal home users, business or technician users. 

If you need a step-by-step guide to bring all your lost files back on Mac, follow the tutorial below and let EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac help now:

Step 1. Select the location to scan

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and choose the hard drive, SSD,  SD card, USB flash drive, or TF card where you lost data. Click "Search for lost files" to start scanning.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

select a location and click search for lost files

Step 2. Filter lost Mac data

The software will automatically scan for lost data on MacBook/iMac. When the scan completes, filter wanted data through the "Type" and "Path" buttons.

filter lost files in types

Step 3. Recover lost data or files

Double-click a file to preview it. Then, click the "Recover" button to restore the lost data to another place. 

click recover to recover lost data

Conclusion

To wrap things up, if you are a new Mac user with no data recovery experience, a simple tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac or Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac might be more accessible.

If you need a fully-featured tool to repair corrupted photos and videos, OnTrack EasyRecovery is worthy of trying.

If you request timely customer service, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is on the top of the list with its live chat and email support services.

Further Readings: Mac Data Recovery FAQs

This page answers the question of "What is the best data recovery software for Mac" and lists top 5 Mac file recovery software to help you restore whatever you lost on Mac and external storage devices. However, some of you may have further questions about Mac data recovery. Check and find answers below if you have the same questions asked by other people on Google.

1. What Data Recovery Software Do Professionals Use

Among the above 5 recommended software, both EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and OnTrack EasyRecovery share a technician version for business owners, service providers, technical consultants, organizations, etc., to restore unlimited data. 

What data recovery software can be applied by IT professionals or business service providers? EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Technician performs better in the latest macOS Catalina data recovery than OnTrack EasyRecovery as it is not compatible with Catalina.

2. Is Mac Data Recovery Safe? 

Basically, when you lost data on a Mac computer or on a storage device, it's not safe to continue using the device to save data and files. You should stop using the device and apply reliable data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to restore your lost files immediately.

3. Is it safe to use a Mac data recovery torrent?

Most professional or trial versions of Mac data recovery software require an activation key or a license code for activation. Some users may want to turn to unauthorized torrents provided by other crack sites or hackers. However, this is not a wise choice. We do not recommend you to license software with a cracked torrent. 

Instead, you should use an official key to upgrade the software to guarantee your own rights.

4. How to perform external hard drive recovery on Mac?

When you lost data on an external hard drive, follow the steps below to perform external hard drive recovery on Mac:

Step 1. Don't use the external hard drive and connect it to your Mac computer.

Step 2. Install and run reliable data recovery software - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Step 3. Select an external hard drive to scan and find all lost data.

Step 4. Preview and restore all lost data from the external hard drive to another secure location on Mac.

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Updated by Cedric

Cedric Grantham is a senior editor and data recovery specialist of EaseUS. He mainly writes articles and how-to tips about data recovery on PC and Mac. He has handled 10,000+ data recovery cases and is good at data recovery of NTFS, FAT (FAT32 and ExFAT) file systems, and RAID structure reorganization.

Read full bio

Written by Tracy King

Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.

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TrustScore 4.7 | 59 reviews
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