iExplorer
iExplorer: A focused desktop tool for extracting iPhone data, not phone-to-phone migration. Ranked #38 of 44 in Phone Transfer Software by our editors (5.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for extracting and managing iPhone data on a computer.
At a glance
- Editor score5.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forExtracting and managing iPhone data on a computer
- Free planYes
- Mobile OS supportIos
- Founded2008 · Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Exports messages, media, contacts, notes, calendars, and call history
- Browses iTunes backups and can create new backups
- Supports iTunes, Apple Music, Mac, and Windows
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide verified phone-to-phone transfer
- Focused on Apple devices rather than broad mobile-platform support
- Requires iTunes or the Apple Music app for installation or device access
Our verdict on iExplorer
iExplorer is desktop software from Macroplant LLC for transferring and exporting data from iPhones, iPads, iPods, and iTunes backups. It is designed for people who need to extract Apple-device content to a Mac or Windows computer, including music, playlists, SMS and iMessage conversations, attachments, photos, videos, contacts, notes, calendars, voicemail, call history, and app data. The free demo provides access with transfer limitations, while paid licenses unlock the full feature set.
Its strongest area is the breadth of Apple data it can expose from a computer. iExplorer can browse and export media, inspect iTunes backups, create a new iTunes backup, browse app folders, transfer iOS app data, and mount compatible iOS devices as disks. It also works with iTunes and the Apple Music app, making it a practical fit for users managing legacy music libraries, backups, and device content from a desktop. The Basic plan covers one license for Mac or Windows; Universal and Family plans provide licenses for Mac and/or Windows. Published plan benefits include free iExplorer 4.x updates, a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, and 7-day-per-week support.
The main boundary is its role: iExplorer is built around phone-to-computer transfer and extraction, not verified phone-to-phone migration. Its Apple-device focus also makes it a poor match for households or teams seeking a broader cross-platform transfer workflow. Choose it when detailed access to iPhone data, iTunes backups, media, messages, or app folders matters more than direct device-to-device copying. Choose an alternative when moving content between phones is the central requirement.
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iExplorer pricing
All 3 iExplorer plans and prices →
iExplorer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Mobile OS support | Ios |
| Phone-to-phone transfer | No |
| Phone-to-computer transfer | Yes |
| App transfer | Yes |
| Computer backup | Yes |
| Devices per license | 1 devices |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: iTunes, Apple Music app |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | macroplant.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
iExplorer integrations
iExplorer lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- iTunes
- Apple Music app
Alternatives to iExplorer
- Samsung Smart SwitchA free transfer and backup utility for moving data into Samsung Galaxy devices.9.4
- vivo EasyShareA free migration tool for moving phone data across Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.9.3
- Wondershare MobileTransA paid transfer suite for phones, computers, backups, apps, and messaging data.9.2
See all iExplorer alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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