Losing files on a Mac can be frustrating, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system crashes, or drive corruption.
The good news is that with the best file recovery software for Mac, you can restore lost, deleted, or damaged files quickly.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top Mac data recovery tools available in 2025 to help you make the best choice.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best File Recovery Software for Mac
Before selecting a recovery tool, consider the following factors:
- Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive interface simplifies the recovery process.
- Recovery Capabilities: Ensure the software supports various file types and storage devices.
- Scanning Speed & Depth: Look for tools offering both quick and deep scans.
- File Preview: The ability to preview files before recovery saves time and effort.
- Pricing & Plans: Some software offers one-time purchases, while others require subscriptions.
Best File Recovery Software for Mac in 2025
Wondershare Recoverit
Best for recovering multimedia files
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Quick and deep scanning
- Repairs corrupted photos and videos
- Supports NAS and Linux recovery
Cons:
- Issues with USB boot drive creation
Pricing: Starts at $79.99/month for two Macs
Wondershare Recoverit is a powerful tool that excels in recovering lost multimedia files. It supports various storage devices and even repairs corrupted media, making it ideal for photographers and videographers.
Stellar Data Recovery for Mac
Best for advanced users
Pros:
- Fast and reliable scans
- Supports multiple file formats
- Can recover non-booting Macs
Cons:
- Occasional crashes
- Activation issues
Pricing: Free trial available; premium plans vary
Stellar Data Recovery offers deep scanning to retrieve deleted files effectively. It is perfect for professionals needing advanced recovery options, including data retrieval from crashed Macs.
Data Rescue by Prosoft Engineering
Best for professionals
Pros:
- Advanced scanning features
- Strong scan management system
- Supports virtual RAID recovery
Cons:
- High subscription cost
- No macOS Sonoma recovery drive option
Pricing: $19 per recovery; $399/year for a professional license
Data Rescue is a high-end option for professionals. With powerful scanning features and RAID recovery support, it’s best suited for those needing a comprehensive recovery solution.
Disk Drill Pro by CleverFiles
Best for casual users
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Recovers data from multiple storage devices
- Extra tools like data shredding and disk cleanup
Cons:
- Some features may cause crashes
- Boot drive creation issues
Pricing: Free version (up to 500MB); Pro version available
Disk Drill Pro is an excellent option for casual users. It not only recovers lost files but also offers additional tools for disk health monitoring and file management.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac
Best for beginners
Pros:
- Free version allows up to 2GB of recovery
- Supports a wide range of file formats
- Includes a video repair tool
Cons:
- Expensive premium plans
- Some cloud recovery issues
Pricing: Subscription-based; monthly, yearly, and lifetime plans available
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is user-friendly and allows free recovery of up to 2GB of data. It’s a great choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use file recovery solution.
Alsoft DiskWarrior
Best for repairing directories
Pros:
- Excellent at repairing directory errors
- Simple interface
- Customizable options
Cons:
- No APFS support (yet)
- Expensive
Pricing: $119.95 (one-time purchase)
DiskWarrior is perfect for users who need to recover and repair Mac directories. However, its lack of APFS support raises concerns about long-term usability.
Which File Recovery Software Should You Choose?
- For casual users: Disk Drill Pro and EaseUS provide simple and effective solutions.
- For professionals: Data Rescue and Stellar Data Recovery offer advanced tools.
- For multimedia file recovery: Wondershare Recoverit is an excellent choice.
- For directory repairs: DiskWarrior is a strong option, despite its APFS limitations.
How to Prevent Data Loss on Mac
While these tools can recover lost files, prevention is always better. Follow these tips to avoid data loss:
- Regular Backups: Use Time Machine or third-party backup software like Carbon Copy Cloner
- Enable iCloud Drive: Store important files in the cloud for extra security.
- Avoid Overwriting Data: If you lose a file, stop using the drive to prevent overwriting.
- Use an External Hard Drive: Keep an extra backup on an external storage device.
Final Thoughts
Losing important files can be stressful, but the best file recovery software for Mac can help restore them quickly.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or an advanced recovery tool, this list provides the top choices.
Remember, backing up your data regularly using multiple methods is the best way to prevent permanent loss and ensure file security and accessibility.
Do you have experience with any of these tools? Share your thoughts, feedback, and recovery success stories in the comments below to help others!
FAQs
What is the best file recovery software for Mac in 2025?
It depends on your needs—Disk Drill Pro is great for casual users, while Data Rescue suits professionals.
Can I recover files from a formatted Mac drive?
Yes, tools like Stellar Data Recovery and Wondershare Recoverit can retrieve data from formatted drives.
Is free Mac file recovery software effective?
Free versions (like EaseUS) allow limited recovery, but premium plans offer deeper scans and better success rates.
Does Mac file recovery software work on external drives?
Yes, most tools support recovery from external HDDs, SSDs, USBs, and SD cards.
Can I recover permanently deleted files on Mac?
Yes, deep scanning features in software like Data Rescue and Stellar can recover permanently deleted files.
Does Mac file recovery software repair corrupted files?
Wondershare Recoverit and EaseUS include features to repair corrupted photos, videos, and documents.
Is it safe to use file recovery software on Mac?
Yes, but avoid writing new data to the drive to prevent overwriting lost files.
How can I prevent data loss on my Mac?
Regularly back up using Time Machine, iCloud, or external drives to safeguard important files.
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