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Head-to-head · Computer Forensics Software

EnCase Forensic vs Exterro FTK Central

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score EnCase Forensic #1 in Computer Forensics Software 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 5 features Visit OpenText
Exterro FTK Central #3 in Computer Forensics Software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Exterro

EnCase Forensic leads on 0 checks, Exterro FTK Central on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEnCase Forensic · 9.2/10
  • Most featuresEnCase Forensic · 4 of 5

EnCase Forensic scores higher on our rubric for computer forensics software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

EnCase Forensic is the better fit for established teams needing broad computer forensics. Exterro FTK Central is the better fit for enterprise teams investigating endpoints and SaaS.

  • EnCase Forensic fits best

    Established teams needing broad computer forensics

  • Exterro FTK Central fits best

    Enterprise teams investigating endpoints and SaaS

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Side by side

Feature EnCase Forensic 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Exterro FTK Central 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #1 in Computer Forensics Software #3 in Computer Forensics Software
Best for Established teams needing broad computer forensics Enterprise teams investigating endpoints and SaaS
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Windows Web, Windows
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features EnCase Forensic 4/5 · Exterro FTK Central 1/5
Disk imaging ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Mobile forensics ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Memory forensics Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Cloud forensics ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Timeline analysis ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Windows Not checked yet
Concurrent examiner licenses Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines forensic acquisition and disk imaging with file-system analysis.
  • Includes deleted-file examination, indexing, keyword search and timeline analysis.
  • Supports mobile and cloud evidence collection alongside court-ready reporting.
  • Collects endpoint evidence remotely, including memory acquisition.
  • Correlates evidence across systems, artifacts, users, and timelines.
  • Supports shared cases, audit records, and workflow automation.
Cons
  • Windows is the only listed platform.
  • Desktop deployment may not suit teams seeking another deployment model.
  • Pricing requires contacting sales rather than choosing a published plan.
  • Pricing requires a sales conversation.
  • Its enterprise investigation scope may exceed smaller teams' needs.
  • Mobile forensics and disk imaging are separate Exterro products.
Our verdict

EnCase Forensic is OpenText’s desktop digital-forensics product for investigators and incident-response teams. It is aimed at law-enforcement, corporate-investigation and incident-response organizations that need to acquire, examine and…

Read the review →

Exterro FTK Central brings endpoint investigation, evidence processing, analysis, collaboration, and case management into a centralized platform. It is aimed at enterprise investigation teams, forensic laboratories, government agencies,…

Read the review →
  1. EnCase ForensicComputer Forensics Software 9.2Pricing on request
  2. Exterro FTK CentralComputer Forensics Software 8.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EnCase Forensic — where it wins

    • Combines forensic acquisition and disk imaging with file-system analysis.
    • Includes deleted-file examination, indexing, keyword search and timeline analysis.
    • Supports mobile and cloud evidence collection alongside court-ready reporting.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows is the only listed platform.
    • Desktop deployment may not suit teams seeking another deployment model.
    • Pricing requires contacting sales rather than choosing a published plan.

  • Exterro FTK Central — where it wins

    • Collects endpoint evidence remotely, including memory acquisition.
    • Correlates evidence across systems, artifacts, users, and timelines.
    • Supports shared cases, audit records, and workflow automation.

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales conversation.
    • Its enterprise investigation scope may exceed smaller teams' needs.
    • Mobile forensics and disk imaging are separate Exterro products.
  • EnCase Forensic9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad desktop forensics toolkit for teams handling computer, mobile and cloud evidence.

    Visit OpenTextFull verdict →
  • Exterro FTK Central8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A collaborative investigation platform for endpoint, memory, and SaaS evidence.

    Visit ExterroFull verdict →

More comparisons

All computer forensics software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update