Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes, some Mac data recovery software can recover files for free, but the amount and conditions vary. CGSecurity’s open-source TestDisk and PhotoRec are the clearest no-cost option in the sources reviewed here. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free says it allows up to 2 GB of recovery, but excludes Mac SD-card recovery; its separate Trial edition only previews files.
Before installing anything, check Time Machine. If you use recovery software, avoid unnecessary activity on the affected storage and save recovered files somewhere else.
What “free data recovery” means
A free download, a free scan, a preview, and actually saving recovered files at no cost are different things. Check the tool’s recovery limit and conditions before relying on it. A scan or preview can show that a file is detectable without allowing you to restore it for free.
The options below reflect what their publishers state; they are not independent recovery tests. No recovery tool can guarantee that a particular file will be restored. Results depend on what happened to the files and the condition and subsequent use of the storage.
Popular on Amazon
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Which Mac recovery options are free?
| Option | What is available at no cost | Important limits and compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| TestDisk and PhotoRec | CGSecurity offers these open-source tools as a project download. | The download page lists stable version 7.2, dated February 22, 2024, and a separate 7.3-WIP beta. Its Mac download is listed for macOS 10.15 or later; the page notes that M1 Macs can run the Intel build. Use the official documentation and choose the stable release unless you specifically want to try beta software. CGSecurity downloads |
| EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free for Mac | EaseUS states that its Mac Free edition allows up to 2 GB of recovery and offers file preview and filtering. | The vendor says the free edition does not support recovery from Mac SD cards. EaseUS lists support for M1, M2, and T2 devices. Its Trial edition is different: it offers preview but does not save recovered files. Make sure you have installed Free, not Trial. The vendor listed Pro at $89.95 when its page was accessed in 2026; this is not a guaranteed checkout price, since region and promotions may affect it. EaseUS Mac product page · EaseUS Free-edition support information |
For any tool, check five things before starting: how much data it will let you restore without payment, whether it supports the device or card involved, whether “free” means preview or recovery, whether it supports your macOS version and processor, and whether you are comfortable with its interface.
Check Time Machine before installing recovery software
If you have a backup, restoring from it is often the simplest next step. Apple says macOS Recovery is built in and includes a utility to restore from a Time Machine backup. The startup procedure differs between Apple silicon and Intel Macs, so follow Apple’s instructions for your model rather than assuming the same key sequence applies to both. Apple: How to start up from macOS Recovery
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
For future backups, Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. Its default schedule keeps hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for prior months. An external storage device can serve as the backup disk. Apple: Backup disks you can use with Time Machine
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to reduce the chance of making recovery harder
- Stop unnecessary use of the affected storage. Avoid installing recovery software or saving new files to the same drive if you can use another location instead.
- Recover to a separate destination. Choose another drive or storage device, not the location you are scanning. EaseUS likewise instructs users to save recovered files to a new location. EaseUS recovery instructions
- Do not treat a preview as a recovery. Confirm that the tool and edition will actually save the files you need without a charge before spending time on a scan.
A portable external drive can be a separate destination for recovered files or a Time Machine disk; it is storage, not recovery software.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Which option should you try?
- Choose TestDisk and PhotoRec if you want the open-source route and are willing to follow project documentation. Confirm that your Mac meets the listed macOS requirement and distinguish the stable version from the work-in-progress beta.
- Consider EaseUS Free if the files are not on a Mac SD card and the stated 2 GB allowance may cover what you need. Confirm that you have the Free edition, not the preview-only Trial.
There is no evidence here that one option has a higher recovery success rate than another. Choose based on the actual free-recovery terms, device compatibility, and whether you can use the interface safely.
Quick Recap
Also popular on Amazon
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Also popular on Amazon
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
