File loss still disrupts teams through APFS issues, external drive failures, and accidental deletion. A dependable recovery tool helps bring work files back fast and safely. If you’re not sure which data recovery Mac tool you can trust, we’ve gathered the top tools that deliver reliable results on macOS in 2025 and explained when each one works best.
Why Businesses Still Need Data Recovery Tools on MacOS
Companies rely on macOS to store project archives, shared assets, internal documents, and production files. When an APFS volume becomes unreadable, an external SSD fails to mount, or a transfer stops mid-operation, access to work materials can disappear without warning. Problems like these disrupt schedules, slow collaboration, and put business assets at risk. Built-in tools rarely restore access once the system can no longer read the device, and even basic steps like how to mount an external hard drive on a Mac often fail when the drive’s structure is too damaged.
To support this point, similar situations appear across professional communities. As an addition to what we describe here, discussions on Reddit show users reporting unmounted drives, broken APFS structures, and missing work folders. Participants often confirm that third-party tools remain the only way to recover files when macOS utilities reach their limit.
Many organisations store active work files on external SSDs, shared drives, or encrypted APFS volumes. When a device fails to appear in Finder or reports structural errors, only Mac data recovery software can read the media at a lower level and return intact items. This becomes even more important when backups are disabled or when files are ever synced to cloud storage.
The Top Mac Data Recovery Tools in 2025
To help you choose the best data recovery tool for Mac in 2025, we’ve put together a list of five standout options that demonstrate stable performance on macOS in 2025 and restore key business assets across a wide range of scenarios.
All five tools were tested on a MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon and the latest macOS release to keep output consistent across real fault conditions.
1. Disk Drill
Disk Drill suits companies that manage large volumes of work assets across internal storage and external drives. The tool retrieves data after folder removal, APFS faults, or unexpected system failure. It helps teams return work files without disruption and maintain continuity across design, media, and technical departments. Disk Drill supports Apple Silicon hardware (M1-M5), provides non-destructive data recovery, and offers safeguards that reduce the risk of permanent loss in active workflows.
Quick Scan restores recently removed items, while Deep Scan reconstructs a full directory layout after severe faults on external disks. The software includes protection tools that preserve metadata for selected folders and allow controlled data return without strain on unstable hardware. File previews help teams confirm the state of assets before final output, which supports accuracy in environments that rely on large archives.
Key features:
- Support for APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS
- Full compatibility with Apple Silicon and T2 Macs
- Quick Scan and Deep Scan
- Recovery Vault and Guaranteed Recovery
- Around 400 supported file types
- S.M.A.R.T. disk status alerts
- Non-destructive scan engine
- File preview before restoration
- Accurate reconstruction of the directory structure (when possible)
- Stable results on external SSDs, SD cards, and HDDs
Pros:
- Accurate APFS data return
- Support for encrypted storage
- Clear structure in restored folders
- High accuracy for media and design files
- Strong results on unreadable external drives
- Suitable for large project repositories
Cons:
- Full export requires a paid license
Our score:
- APFS recovery capability: ★★★★★
- External drive accuracy: ★★★★★
- Ease of use: ★★★★★
- Business value: ★★★★★
- File type coverage: ★★★★★
Final thoughts:
Disk Drill supports stable macOS data recovery workflows in companies that depend on constant access to project archives, client materials, and technical data. Its structure, accuracy, and broad file system support make it one of the most powerful options in independent evaluations of the best data recovery software for Mac.
2. Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery for Mac suits companies that require reliable access to project data on APFS, HFS+, FAT32, and exFAT volumes. The software returns documents, media files, email data, and work folders after faults on internal or external storage. It also supports encrypted APFS volumes used in environments with strict access control. This level of precision helps teams restore high-value assets without disruption to active workloads.
Stellar also assists in cases where macOS fails to load or blocks access to internal disks. A bootable recovery disk allows teams to return files after failed updates or system crashes.
Key features:
- Support for APFS, encrypted APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT
- Bootable recovery option for non-bootable systems
- Deep-level data return after severe directory faults
- File preview for photo, video, and document formats
- Accurate results on large external SSDs
- Apple Silicon hardware support
- Structured interface for rapid recovery flow
- Stable operation across recent macOS versions
- Suitability for complex corporate storage setups
- Non-destructive data return process
Pros:
- Accurate results with encrypted APFS volumes
- Strong ability to return files from damaged containers
- Useful for high-capacity external drives
- Stable value for media, design, and finance teams
- Effective for system-failure scenarios
Cons:
- Full export requires a paid license
- Deep-level restoration may require more time on large disks
Our score:
- APFS recovery capability: ★★★★☆
- External drive accuracy: ★★★★☆
- Ease of use: ★★★★☆
- Business value: ★★★★☆
- File type coverage: ★★★★★
Final thoughts:
Stellar suits companies that handle critical work assets across internal and external storage. Its ability to read encrypted APFS, return data from non-bootable systems, and deliver stable results on modern hardware allows teams to protect key materials with confidence. Stellar also appears in assessments that compare the best data recovery software for Mac, which supports its position as a dependable best data recovery tool for Mac for professional use.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
Teams that operate under strict deadlines often require a tool that returns project files without long preparation steps. EaseUS suits this type of workflow, as it handles file loss across internal storage and external media with a clear and direct interface. The software fits companies that use mixed-generation Macs with Apple Silicon hardware and maintain large volumes of documents, media exports, and technical data.
EaseUS returns access to data after accidental deletion, volume faults, failed mount attempts, or quick-erase actions. It reads APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS volumes and restores assets from external SSDs, USB devices, memory cards, and internal disks.
Key features:
- Return of damaged APFS folders with preserved layout
- Ability to restore data from lost or deleted partitions
- Support for Apple Silicon systems and T2-based Macs
- Module for non-bootable macOS setups through a bootable disk
- Filters for rapid separation of large file sets
- Recovery from RAW external volumes
- Preview module for documents, photos, and media files
- Stable performance on high-capacity external SSDs
- Return of files after rapid erase actions
- Clear control panel for case handling
Pros:
- Strong ability to return data from RAW volumes
- Useful for teams that require access to lost partitions
- Solid results with memory cards and portable USB media
- Clear preview for all major file groups
- Fast setup for non-technical staff
- Suitable for large, multi-layer project folders
Cons:
- Full output requires a paid upgrade
- Partition-level return may require more time on older disks
Our score:
- APFS recovery capability: ★★★★☆
- External drive accuracy: ★★★★☆
- Ease of use: ★★★★★
- Business value: ★★★★☆
- File type coverage: ★★★★☆
Final thoughts:
EaseUS provides stable results in cases with damaged partitions, RAW external volumes. Its clear control flow, support for recent macOS devices, and precise file return allow teams to keep active workloads on track even during unexpected storage faults. These qualities make EaseUS a dependable option for business environments that require constant access to work assets without delays.
4. Wondershare Recoverit
Some organisations depend on stable access to high-value media files, RAW footage, and large external drives. Recoverit suits this environment due to its ability to detect severe faults on SD cards, portable SSDs, and network folders. The layout suits teams that require a step-based workflow without complex preparation.
Recoverit returns files after device corruption, damaged video segments, sudden power faults, or erased volumes. The software supports APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS, and detects assets from SD cards, action-camera storage, external SSDs, and NAS folders. A dedicated module repairs broken video files from DSLR, drone, and action-camera devices, which suits media units that rely on large RAW clips. Recoverit can also return assets from volumes that macOS fails to mount after header faults or index collapse.
Key features:
- Video repair module for damaged high-resolution footage
- Access to NAS folders and network storage paths
- Support for unreadable SD cards from action cameras
- Broad support for APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS
- Return of files after severe video-frame defects
- Ability to extract assets from partially erased SSDs
- Detection of files on drone-camera storage
- Stable operation on multi-terabyte external devices
Pros:
- Strong ability to repair broken video clips
- Useful for media teams with RAW footage
- Works with NAS directories and network paths
- Accurate results with collapsed drive headers
- Suitable for drone, DSLR, and action-camera files
- Clear interface for complex cases
Cons:
- Full video-repair output requires an upgrade
- Large media sets may require more time on older Macs
Our score:
- APFS recovery capability: ★★★★☆
- External drive accuracy: ★★★★☆
- Ease of use: ★★★★☆
- Business value: ★★★★☆
- File type coverage: ★★★★★
Final thoughts:
Teams that rely on complex media workflows often require stable access to RAW clips, high-resolution footage, and large external volumes. Recoverit provides strong results in these cases due to its ability to repair damaged video files, return data from collapsed headers, and detect assets on unstable portable SSDs. Its presence in assessments of the best data recovery software for Mac supports its value for companies that manage critical content across varied storage setups.
5. PhotoRec
Complex storage faults often require a tool that operates at a deeper level than standard recovery apps. PhotoRec suits situations where disks lose structure, volumes refuse to open, or folders vanish due to severe damage. Its approach does not rely on the original file system, which allows access to data on devices that show no usable directory layout.
PhotoRec extracts data directly from raw storage blocks on internal drives, external HDDs, SD cards, and older media. It identifies hundreds of file signatures and handles damage that prevents macOS from detecting volume borders or metadata tables. This approach fits cases where advanced control and a technical workflow provide more certainty than a graphical interface.
Key features:
- Direct extraction from raw storage without file-system reliance
- Support for rare legacy formats and obscure volume types
- Signature-based search across document, media, and archive families
- Cross-platform operation across macOS, Linux, and Windows
- Broad support for unstable external HDDs and aging SD cards
- Zero dependence on macOS mount behaviour
- High tolerance for severe structural faults
Pros:
- Strong results on devices with near-total directory loss
- Unique suitability for forensic and low-level recovery cases
- Able to return data from disks that other apps skip
- Handles a wide variety of legacy formats
- Free to use without limitation
- Efficient for situations with collapsed metadata
Cons:
- Command-driven workflow may require more precision
- Carve-depth adjustments may extend case duration
- Not ideal for users who prefer guided interfaces
Our score:
- APFS recovery capability: ★★★☆☆
- External drive accuracy: ★★★★☆
- Ease of use: ★★☆☆☆
- Business value: ★★★★☆
- File type coverage: ★★★★★
Final thoughts:
PhotoRec addresses cases where macOS can’t recognise any usable structure. Its low-level extraction method, broad format support, and independence from the original file system allow access to data that would otherwise remain unreachable. This makes PhotoRec a practical option in situations where full control and direct access matter more than interface comfort.
Summary and Final Notes
At the end, we want to point out that the Mac recovery space is moving toward tools built for broader fault scenarios, unstable storage, and complex APFS conditions. Free options are not numerous, and many of them fail to cover tough cases, so attention turns to platforms that cope with severe corruption, unreadable SSD volumes, and large media sets. Because of this, the real value of a tool depends not only on features but also on its behaviour when simpler methods fail.
Certain issues remain outside typical guides: a drive may appear for one second and vanish, macOS may show a disk without access to its folders, or video footage may contain damaged frames that require a specialised module. If one tool does not return the required files, this does not close all options. Each failure scenario may require a different method, and the safest approach avoids any action that puts the device under extra stress.
Peyman Khosravani is a seasoned expert in blockchain, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on innovation in finance, business, and marketing. With a robust background in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi), Peyman has successfully guided global organizations in refining digital strategies and optimizing data-driven decision-making. His work emphasizes leveraging technology for societal impact, focusing on fairness, justice, and transparency. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of digital tools, Peyman’s expertise spans across helping startups and established businesses navigate digital landscapes, drive growth, and stay ahead of industry trends. His insights into analytics and communication empower companies to effectively connect with customers and harness data to fuel their success in an ever-evolving digital world.
