What is the free software to recover deleted files from Mac?

When it comes to recovering deleted files on a Mac, several free software options can help you retrieve lost data.

1. TestDisk

TestDisk is a powerful open-source data recovery tool that is capable of recovering lost partitions and making non-booting disks bootable again. It’s a bit technical and is typically used through the command line.

Features:

Partition Recovery: Recovers lost partitions and repairs corrupted partitions.

File Recovery: Can recover deleted files from FAT, NTFS, and ext2 filesystems.

Supports Various File Systems: Works with a variety of file systems including FAT32. NTFS, and ext2/ext3/ext4.

Pros:

Comprehensive: Handles partition recovery as well as file recovery.

Free and Open Source: No cost and regularly updated by the community.

Cross-Platform: Available on multiple operating systems including macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Cons:

Command Line Interface: Not very user-friendly for those unfamiliar with command-line tools.

Limited Mac-Specific Features: It might not handle all macOS-specific issues as effectively as other tools.

2. PhotoRec

PhotoRec is a companion tool to TestDisk, focusing on file recovery rather than partition recovery. It’s particularly good for recovering photos and other media files.

Features:

File Recovery: Recovers a wide range of file types including photos, documents, and videos.

Supports Multiple Formats: Works with FAT, NTFS, ext2/ext3/ext4. and more.

Pros:

User-Friendly: Provides a simpler interface compared to TestDisk.

Effective for Media Files: Especially good at recovering lost images and videos.

Free and Open Source: No cost and regularly maintained.

Cons:

No Graphical Interface: Operates through a command-line interface, which might be daunting for some users.

Requires External Drive: Recovery is usually done on an external drive, which might be cumbersome for large data sets.

3. Disk Drill (Free Version)

Disk Drill is a well-known data recovery tool that offers a free version for basic recovery needs. It provides a more user-friendly experience compared to command-line tools.

Features:

File Recovery: Can recover various file types including documents, photos, and videos.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive graphical user interface that is easy to navigate.

Preview Option: Allows you to preview recoverable files before restoring them.

Pros:

Ease of Use: Suitable for users with little to no technical knowledge.

Preview Functionality: Lets you see what files can be recovered.

Free Version Available: Provides basic functionality at no cost.

Cons:

Limited Free Recovery: The free version has limitations on the amount of data you can recover.

Paid Upgrades Required: For advanced features and larger data recovery, a paid version is necessary.

4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Free Version)

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is another popular data recovery tool with a free version that provides basic recovery options.

Features:

File Recovery: Can recover various file types including documents, photos, and videos.

User-Friendly Interface: Offers a graphical interface that is straightforward to use.

Preview Functionality: Allows previewing of recoverable files.

Pros:

Simple and Effective: Easy to use and effective for basic recovery needs.

Free Version Available: Provides a limited amount of free recovery.

Cons:

Limited Free Recovery: The free version only allows for a limited amount of data recovery.

Paid Upgrade Needed: To recover more data or access advanced features, a paid upgrade is necessary.

5. Minitool Power Data Recovery (Free Version)

Minitool Power Data Recovery offers a free version that is effective for recovering lost files from your Mac.

Features:

File Recovery: Recovers documents, photos, videos, and other file types.

Easy to Use: Offers a straightforward graphical user interface.

Preview Files: Allows you to preview files before recovering them.

Pros:

User-Friendly: Suitable for users who prefer a graphical interface.

Free Recovery Option: Provides a basic level of free recovery.

Cons:

Limited Free Recovery: The free version has restrictions on the amount of data you can recover.

Paid Features Needed: For more extensive recovery options, a paid version is required.

6. R-Studio (Free Demo Version)

R-Studio is a more advanced data recovery tool that provides a free demo version with limited functionality.

Features:

Advanced Recovery: Suitable for more complex recovery scenarios.

Supports Multiple File Systems: Works with various file systems including HFS+, NTFS, and FAT.

Graphical Interface: Offers a user-friendly graphical interface.

Pros:

Advanced Capabilities: Effective for complex data recovery needs.

Supports Various File Systems: Versatile in handling different file systems.

Cons:

Free Version Limitations: The demo version has limited functionality and is not fully free.

Complex for Beginners: Might be too advanced for casual users.

7. Wondershare Recoverit (Free Version)

Wondershare Recoverit is a comprehensive data recovery tool that offers a free version with basic features.

Features:

File Recovery: Recovers various types of files including documents, photos, and videos.

User-Friendly: Provides an intuitive interface for easy use.

Preview Functionality: Lets you preview files before recovery.

Pros:

Ease of Use: User-friendly interface suitable for all levels of users.

Free Version Available: Provides basic recovery options at no cost.

Cons:

Limited Free Recovery: The free version has limitations on the amount of data you can recover.

Paid Upgrades Required: For more advanced recovery features, a paid version is necessary.

Each of these free data recovery tools offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and levels of technical expertise. For those comfortable with command-line interfaces and advanced recovery, TestDisk and PhotoRec are excellent choices. For users who prefer a more graphical interface, Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Minitool Power Data Recovery, and Wondershare Recoverit provide user-friendly experiences with varying levels of free recovery capabilities. R-Studio offers advanced features but with limitations in its free demo version.