Mac Meets NTFS: The Ultimate Guide to Top NTFS Tools

Utilities • Updated on June 17, 2024

Navigating file systems on a Mac can be tricky, especially when dealing with NTFS. If you’ve ever tried to write files to an NTFS-formatted drive on your Mac, you know the frustration of hitting that invisible wall of incompatibility.

But don’t worry—there’s good news. We’ve done the heavy lifting to find the best NTFS tools for Mac, making it easier for you to manage your files across different operating systems.

TheSweetBits’ top 3 picks for NTFS on Mac

• EaseUS NTFS for Mac: for a hassle-free, straightforward NTFS solution.
• iBoysoft NTFS for Mac: for power users and those needing high-performance NTFS support.
• Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon: for a trusted and feature-rich NTFS solution.

The NTFS-Mac conundrum

Before diving into the best tools, let’s talk about why NTFS can be a headache on a Mac. NTFS, or New Technology File System, is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft, widely used in Windows environments for its robust features and performance. However, macOS provides only read-only support for NTFS out of the box. This means you can view files but can’t write or edit them, which is a significant inconvenience for users who need full access.

This happens due to compatibility and licensing issues. macOS prefers its own file systems like HFS+ and APFS, while Windows uses NTFS. The lack of write support is frustrating, especially for users switching between macOS and Windows or dealing with NTFS drives from others.

Thankfully, third-party tools can bridge this gap, enabling full NTFS write support on your Mac and making cross-platform file management seamless. Let’s explore the best options available.

Testing methodology

To identify the best NTFS tools, we conducted extensive testing in a controlled environment:

• Virtual Machine Setup: Utilized macOS Sonoma virtual machines to ensure consistency in testing conditions.
• Performance Testing: Evaluated each tool’s ability to mount NTFS drives in read-write mode and perform various file operations.
• Real-World Testing: Further validated performance on physical devices, including 2019 and 2023 MacBook Air models running macOS 12.2.1 Monterey and 14.0 Sonoma.

Top NTFS for Mac tools

We’ve handpicked and rigorously tested 11 NTFS tools to bring you the best options for your Mac. Our selection criteria also included ease of use, efficiency, reliability, and overall value. Here’s how they stack up.

EaseUS NTFS for Mac

Reasons to choose: free trial; simple and intuitive interface; reliable NTFS read/write access.

EaseUS NTFS for Mac is designed to make NTFS read and write capabilities accessible to Mac users with minimal hassle. Known for its data recovery tools, EaseUS brings the same reliability to its NTFS software, offering a straightforward solution for mounting NTFS drives with full access.

Editors’ review: EaseUS NTFS for Mac offers a user-friendly experience with a clean interface that makes mounting and accessing NTFS drives straightforward. The free trial allows users to test the software’s capabilities without upfront cost, and its performance is reliable for everyday use. While it requires a subscription for full functionality, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a valuable tool for managing NTFS drives on Mac.

iBoysoft NTFS for Mac

Reasons to choose: high performance; robust feature set; compatibility with Apple Silicon Macs.

iBoysoft NTFS for Mac excels in delivering high performance and advanced features for managing NTFS drives. It supports a wide range of NTFS functionalities, making it suitable for both casual users and professionals needing more comprehensive NTFS access.

Editors’ review: iBoysoft NTFS for Mac impresses with its robust performance and comprehensive feature set. It supports all common NTFS file operations and includes additional tools for repairing and managing NTFS drives. Its compatibility with Apple Silicon Macs and regular updates make it a reliable choice for users who require advanced NTFS management capabilities. Read our full review for more.

Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon

Reasons to choose: trusted brand; fast transfer speeds; comprehensive file management tools.

Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon combines efficiency with a rich set of features, making it a strong contender for anyone needing reliable NTFS support on macOS. Its fast transfer speeds and intuitive interface make it ideal for everyday use.

Editors’ review: Paragon’s NTFS solution stands out for its fast transfer speeds and intuitive setup process. It integrates well with macOS, providing seamless NTFS read and write capabilities. While it is a paid solution, the investment is justified by its performance and ease of use. It’s a dependable tool for anyone needing robust NTFS support on Mac.

Tuxera NTFS for Mac

Reasons to choose: high reliability; additional drive management tools; supports large files and partitions.

Tuxera NTFS for Mac offers a powerful solution for NTFS read/write access, enhanced by additional drive management tools. It’s designed for users who need reliable performance and extra utilities for managing their NTFS drives.

Editors’ review: Tuxera NTFS for Mac delivers high reliability and robust performance. Its additional management tools provide value beyond basic NTFS access, making it a strong choice for users who require comprehensive NTFS capabilities. Though priced higher, its performance and extra features justify the cost for those needing more from their NTFS tool.

Mounty for NTFS

Reasons to choose: free; lightweight; easy to use for basic NTFS access.

Mounty for NTFS provides a simple, free solution for mounting NTFS drives in read-write mode. Its straightforward interface and minimal setup make it ideal for users needing occasional NTFS access without extra features.

Editors’ review: Mounty for NTFS is an effective tool for users who need basic NTFS write access without any frills. It’s easy to install and use, though its performance may not be as robust as some paid alternatives. It’s best suited for occasional use when you need to write to NTFS drives without investing in a full-featured tool.

NTFS-3G

Reasons to choose: free; open-source; basic NTFS read/write support.

NTFS-3G is an open-source solution that provides basic NTFS read/write capabilities on macOS. It’s a good option for users looking for a free tool and are comfortable with a more technical setup.

Editors’ review: NTFS-3G offers essential NTFS support without any cost, making it a practical choice for tech-savvy users. However, its performance may lag compared to commercial options, and the setup can be more complex. It’s suitable for occasional NTFS access but may not meet the needs of those requiring high performance and user-friendly operation.

macFuse (No Longer Maintained)

Reasons to choose: historical significance; used to provide NTFS support.

macFuse was a pioneer in providing NTFS support on macOS but is no longer maintained. Users should look to current solutions for up-to-date and supported NTFS functionality.

Editors’ review: macFuse was once a useful tool for NTFS support but has since been discontinued. Modern alternatives offer better performance and ongoing support. We recommend exploring current options for reliable NTFS read/write access on macOS.

Finding the right NTFS tool for your Mac

Choosing the right NTFS tool for your Mac depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple solution like Mounty, a robust tool like EaseUS NTFS, or a free open-source option like NTFS-3G, there’s something for everyone. Evaluate based on your usage patterns, performance expectations, and budget to find the perfect fit.

NTFS FAQs

What is NTFS?

NTFS (New Technology File System) is a file system developed by Microsoft, primarily used for Windows systems.

Can I write to NTFS drives on a Mac without third-party tools?

No, macOS only supports reading NTFS drives. Third-party tools are required for write access.

Are there free NTFS solutions for Mac?

Yes, options like NTFS-3G and Mounty for NTFS offer free access but may require more setup and lack advanced features.

Do NTFS tools impact system performance?

Some tools might have a minor impact on system performance, especially if they are resource-intensive. Choose based on your performance requirements and system specifications.

Is it safe to use NTFS on Mac for critical data?

Generally, yes, but always back up critical data and ensure the NTFS tool you choose is reliable and well-supported.

Bonus: recovering lost files from NTFS drives

Navigating the use of NTFS on your Mac, whether running macOS Sonoma or an earlier system, is crucial for effective file management. However, mistakes like formatting, improper use of Terminal, or setting up a Windows partition can lead to accidental overwriting of files. To safeguard your data, having a robust recovery app ready can be invaluable.

1. Stop Using the Drive: Immediately stop any write operations on the NTFS drive to avoid further data loss.
2. Choose a Recovery Tool: Select a trusted data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Disk Drill.
3. Install and Scan: Install the recovery tool on your Mac and run a scan on the NTFS drive. Ensure the tool you choose supports NTFS recovery.
4. Preview and Recover: Use the tool to preview recoverable files and recover them to a safe location on your Mac.

For comprehensive protection, make regular backups and consider using NTFS recovery tools as part of your data management strategy. These steps can help you recover lost or overwritten files, minimizing the risk of data loss in the future.

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