Accidentally deleted important files on my Mac, and I desperately need to recover them. Looking for reliable recovery software options available for Mac users. Any recommendations?
Top Data Recovery Software for Mac and Windows: Free & Paid Options
Losing important files can be a nightmare, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, corruption, or hardware malfunction. Below is a definitive guide to the best tools available for recovering lost data across Mac and Windows platforms, offering both free and paid options.
1. Disk Drill (For Mac & Windows)
Why You’ll Love It:
Disk Drill stands out due to its intuitive design and robust features, making it ideal for beginners while still powerful enough for professionals.
Pros:
User-friendly interface that simplifies recovery.- Capable of retrieving over 400 file types.
- Offers Recovery Vault for safeguarding files ahead of time.
- Free up to 500MB recovery on Windows.
Cons:
- ✘ Mac’s free version is limited to file previews.
- ✘ Deep scans can be quite time-consuming.
- ✘ Full recovery requires purchasing a license.
Verdict: An excellent choice blending ease of use and advanced functionality. Great for routine use and tackling more severe data loss.
Visit Disk Drill Homepage
Read a Reddit Review
YouTube Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGEizr1WZ3E
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2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (For Mac & Windows)
Why It’s a Top Pick:
EaseUS boasts simplicity with a 3-step wizard, making complex recoveries remarkably straightforward.
Pros:
- Fast recovery in just three steps.
- AI-powered deep scan for locating hard-to-find files.
- Free version retrieves up to 2GB of data.
- Excellent for retrieving lost partitions and RAW files.
Cons:
- ✘ The free recovery maximum can feel limiting for larger files.
- ✘ Deep scanning may take a considerable amount of time.
- ✘ Most advanced features are locked behind the paid edition.
Verdict: Perfect for casual recoveries, reliable, and hassle-free for a range of tasks.
3. Recuva (Windows Only)
Best for Budget-Conscious Users:
If you’re looking for a completely free Windows solution, Recuva delivers.
Pros:
- Unlimited file recovery without any hidden costs.
- Amazingly lightweight and quick to run.
- Available as a portable program – no installation needed.
Cons:
- ✘ Exclusively for Windows, no support for Mac users.
- ✘ Lacks more robust recovery features.
- ✘ Can struggle with files located on severely damaged drives.
Verdict: The go-to free option for simple Windows-based recoveries.
4. Stellar Data Recovery (For Mac & Windows)
Exceptional for Professionals:
Stellar enhances regular recovery tools with options to repair photos, videos, and emails.
Pros:
- Handles file recovery across numerous formats and devices.
- Free version retrieves up to 1GB of data.
- High success rate in restoring files.
Cons:
- ✘ Free tier capped at 1GB.
- ✘ Slower speeds during in-depth scanning.
- ✘ Higher-tier licenses are costly but unlock better capabilities.
Verdict: A multifaceted solution fit for highly specific recovery needs.
5. TestDisk & PhotoRec (Free, Open-Source, For Mac & Windows)
What Makes It Unique:
Open-source and utterly free, TestDisk and PhotoRec cater to advanced users who aren’t daunted by command-line tools.
Pros:
- No cost & completely open-source for transparency.
- Effective with partition recovery and intensive scanning.
- Operates across many platforms.
Cons:
- ✘ Not recommended for beginners due to lack of graphical interface.
- ✘ Learning its functionality requires time and patience.
Verdict: A phenomenal, sophisticated tool for tech-savvy individuals.
6. R-Studio (For Mac & Windows)
Paving the Way for Professionals:
With features like RAID recovery and network support, R-Studio is the ultimate weapon for IT specialists.
Pros:
- Among the most powerful tools on the market.
- Handles RAID and remote server recoveries.
- Compatible with numerous file systems.
Cons:
- ✘ The interface is intricate, requiring expertise.
- ✘ Doesn’t have a free version offering meaningful recovery solutions.
Verdict: Tailored for experienced professionals needing maximum efficiency.
7. Wondershare Recoverit (For Mac & Windows)
Why It’s a Fan Favorite:
Perfectly bridges ease of use and unique video-repair capabilities.
Pros:
- Clean, straightforward interface.
- Supports recovery for over 1,000 file formats.
- Specialized options for fixing corrupted videos.
Cons:
- ✘ Free tier restricted to 500MB recovery.
- ✘ Deep scans may slow your workflow.
Verdict: Excellent for recovering multimedia files quickly.
8. Ontrack EasyRecovery (For Mac & Windows)
Trusted by Experts:
Highly recommended for its reliability and inclusivity of advanced recovery options.
Pros:
- Designed for professional-grade recovery.
- Free tier recovers up to 1GB (individual files capped at 25MB).
- Features RAID and email recovery on higher-tier plans.
Cons:
- ✘ Free version limits per file size.
- ✘ Premium licenses can be expensive.
Verdict: A dependable option for critical data restoration.
9. Prosoft Data Rescue (For Mac & Windows)
Why It Stands Out:
This software provides powerful recovery algorithms and is a favorite among Mac users.
Pros:
- Extracts data even from damaged drives with its cloning feature.
- Accurate, deep recovery capabilities.
- Tailored for macOS users.
Cons:
- ✘ Operates on a pay-per-recovery model, which can confuse some users.
- ✘ Lacks a lifetime purchase option.
Verdict: The sophisticated choice for intensive recovery efforts.
10. MiniTool Power Data Recovery (Windows Only)
Straightforward & Free:
MiniTool gets the job done for casual users who don’t need advanced features.
Pros:
- Intuitive design ideal for less tech-savvy users.
- Free recovery up to 1GB.
- Best suited to small, everyday data retrieval needs.
Cons:
- ✘ Exclusively built for Windows machines.
- ✘ Limited usability for more complicated recovery projects.
Verdict: Best suited for addressing minimal data loss on Windows.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a quick breakdown to guide you toward the right tool:
- For Beginners: Disk Drill, EaseUS, Wondershare Recoverit
- For Free Recovery: Recuva (Windows), TestDisk (Mac & Windows)
- For Professionals: R-Studio, Disk Drill, Ontrack, Prosoft Data Rescue
- For Video Recovery: Wondershare Recoverit, Disk Drill
Pro Tip:
Start with a free software for minor issues. For more extensive or critical recovery, a paid tool may be essential to ensure success.
1 Like
Honestly, Disk Drill is probably the best shot for Mac users. It’s super user-friendly but packs enough power to handle some intense file recoveries. The fact that it supports over 400 file types is a lifesaver, especially if you’re unsure of what you lost. Sure, the free version won’t let you actually recover files (only preview them), which feels a bit like dangling the carrot, but once you pay for the license, you’re set for most scenarios. Deep scans can take a hot minute though, so bring your patience.
But hey, if you’re feeling stingy with your wallet, you could try something like TestDisk—it’s free and open-source. The only catch is it’s not for the faint of heart, as there’s no shiny UI. If you’re okay with some command-line tomfoolery, it’s solid.
I saw @mikeappsreviewer mentioned EaseUS, which is also decent—but the free tier caps you at 2GB, which might not cut it for bigger recoveries. And Stellar? Yeah, it’s good but can be slow at times, not ideal if you’re in a hurry. In all fairness, Disk Drill seems like the sweet spot for balancing ease of use and functionality for Mac users without needing to overthink things. Just make sure you stop using the disk you’re recovering from to avoid overwriting your lost files. And uh, maybe back up your stuff next time? 
Okay, I’m gonna get straight to the point: Disk Drill is probably your safest bet for recovering files on Mac. I know @mikeappsreviewer and @mike34 already covered it in detail, but let me add my two cents. Yeah, it’s not perfect (that free version limitation to just file previews is annoying), but honestly? It’s super easy to use and supports a ton of file types — over 400, which is bananas. If what you deleted wasn’t overwritten, Disk Drill has a solid shot at bringing it back. Just don’t expect miracles with deep scans; they can feel like watching paint dry.
For the budget-conscious crowd, TestDisk is worth a look, but you better be okay with going old-school command-line. It’s open-source and free, which is great if you’re tech-savvy, but if staring at a bunch of text lines on a black screen makes you break out in a cold sweat, steer clear.
I saw someone suggest EaseUS, but if your files are over 2GB, their free version is gonna feel like a sad tease. Stellar’s another good contender, but heads up, it can take its sweet time and tends to lean on the expensive side if you want all the bells and whistles.
If I were you, I’d first try Disk Drill for the preview. If it finds your files, then cough up the for the license because it’s a solid investment. Oh, and for the love of all things tech, stop using the drive you’re trying to recover from! Writing new data on it significantly reduces the chance of recovery. Honestly, at this point, you need to treat that disk like it’s a glass of water on your laptop — hands off!