13 Best Photo Recovery Software for Mac: Pros & Cons
Now, let’s explore some of the best photo recovery software for Mac available today. This list will help you identify the tool that best suits your specific data loss scenario.
1. Disk Drill Photo Recovery Software
Best for: All-purpose data recovery and enhanced data protection.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Excellent | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: Yes | Newest Release: Version 4.6.380., 2 March 2022
Disk Drill is a powerful data recovery application that can retrieve lost or deleted photos from your Mac or external storage devices. Its intuitive, user-friendly interface makes photo recovery simple and stress-free, allowing you to recover images in just a few clicks. In addition to photos, Disk Drill can recover virtually any type of lost or deleted file from your Mac or MacBook.
Disk Drill also comes with several free extra tools that enhance its value. You can create byte-level backups, locate duplicate files, and securely shred unwanted data. Its data protection features let you mark specific files or folders for easy recovery in the future. Overall, Disk Drill is a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of data loss scenarios.
Pros:
-
Intuitive user-friendly interface
-
Simple and clickable recovery procedure
-
Extra data protection tools
-
Preview recoverable files
-
Quick and deep scanning modes
-
Supports over 400 different file types
-
Runs on M1 Macs
-
Supports recovery from virtually any disk-based storage device
Cons:
-
No phone support
-
The free version only provides previews of recoverable files
Pricing plans:
-
Free evaluation version includes data protection tools.
-
Pro Version $89.
-
Enterprise Version $499.
Free Download
2. Mac Data Recovery Guru
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Fair | Recovery capabilities: Fair | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Good | Recovery process: Good | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: N/A
Mac Data Recovery Guru is a versatile application that can recover photos and other types of lost or deleted files from your Mac and connected storage devices. It supports macOS versions 10.6 and later and uses content-based file scanning to locate files and fragments that can be restored.
The user interface is more approachable than a command-line tool but not as intuitive as other point-and-click recovery solutions. Recovered files are displayed in a window similar to macOS Finder, though filenames are not preserved. Mac Data Recovery Guru can restore files lost due to human error, malware, or accidental formatting.
Pros:
-
Supports a wide variety of storage devices
-
A straightforward photo recovery procedure
Cons:
-
The free trial version only previews recoverable data
-
Files are recovered with generic filenames making recovery more difficult
Pricing plans:
-
Free trial version previews recoverable data.
-
The full product costs $89.73.
Free Download
3. EaseUS Free Mac Photo Recovery Software
Best for: General data recovery activities.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Good | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: Version 13.2, 13 February 2022
EaseUS Mac Photo Recovery Software provides an easy-to-use solution for recovering lost images, videos, and other file types. Its three-step process allows you to select the storage device, scan for lost data, and recover files with just a few clicks.
The free version of EaseUS allows you to recover up to 2 GB of data, offering more than just previews. This lets users effectively test the tool’s functionality before committing to a paid version.
Pros:
-
The free version allows up to 2GB of data to be recovered
-
Supports the Mac T2 chip
-
Supports over 1000 file types
-
Wide support for many types of storage devices
Cons:
- No free data protection tools
Large recoveries can be slow
Pricing plans:
-
Free trial version enables 2GB of recovery.
-
Pro version costs $89.95.
Free Download
4. Remo Mac Photo Recovery Software
Best for: Recovering lost or deleted media files.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Fair | Recovery capabilities: Good | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Limited | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: May 16, 2013
Remo Mac Photo Recovery is designed specifically to help users recover photos, videos, and other media files from a Mac or connected devices. It supports over 300 file types, including all major media formats, and works with virtually any device connected to your Mac, such as digital cameras, SD cards, and external hard drives.
The application provides step-by-step prompts to guide users through the recovery process. After selecting the types of files to recover, Remo scans the storage device and displays a list of recoverable files, which can be previewed to ensure you restore exactly what you need.
Pros:
-
Wide-ranging device support
-
Over 300 media file types supported
-
24/7 customer support
Cons:
-
The free version only provides previews of recoverable files
-
Slightly more complex recovery method than other tools
Pricing plans:
-
Free evaluation version.
-
Paid version costs $69.97.
Free Download
5. Stellar Photo Recovery Mac
Best for: Recovering photos and attempting repairs on corrupt images.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Good | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: Yes | Newest Release: Version 11.2.0.0, December 2021
Stellar Photo Recovery for Mac is a versatile recovery tool that can restore lost or deleted images from your Mac or any connected disk-based storage device. With just a few clicks, you can select the disk to scan, choose the file types to recover, and begin the recovery process. Recoverable files can be previewed before final recovery to ensure accuracy.
Some paid versions of the software include additional features, such as repairing corrupted or damaged photos, editing image header files, and performing disk imaging for safe recovery from failing storage devices. These extra tools may be useful depending on your specific needs and should be considered when choosing the right version.
Pros:
-
Supports all Mac operating systems
-
Wide file type supports
-
Clickable recovery process
-
Supports all major storage devices
-
Can repair some corrupt photos
-
Disk imaging for the safe recovery of failing drives
Cons:
-
The free version only provides previews of recoverable files
-
Deep scans can be slow
Pricing plans:
-
Free trial version.
-
Paid version from $39.99 – $69.99 with varying feature sets.
Free Download
6. iBeesoft Data Recovery Software for Mac
Best for: General data recovery purposes.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Excellent | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: version 3.6, 9 March 2020
iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac supports all versions of macOS and can recover lost photos and images from a wide range of connected storage devices. It offers quick and deep scan modes to locate lost data efficiently, and a built-in wizard guides users through a stress-free recovery process.
The software supports over 1,000 file types and has been tested on more than 600 storage devices, making it a reliable tool for recovering images and videos. Files can be previewed before recovery, ensuring you don’t waste time or storage space on unwanted files.
Pros:
-
Supports many types of storage devices
-
Supports all Mac file types
-
Simple and intuitive recovery process
Cons:
-
The free version only provides previews of recoverable files
-
No free data protection tools
Pricing plans:
- Free evaluation version with paid versions ranging from $89.95 to $299.95 based on the number of users that can access the tool.
Free Download
7. Lazesoft Mac Data Recovery
Best for: Free and limited recovery of images that are not considered important.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Fair | User interface: Fair | Recovery capabilities: Fair | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Limited | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: Version 4.5.
Lazesoft is a freeware data recovery solution compatible with older versions of macOS. It can recover lost data from internal Mac drives, external devices, and even iPods. The software offers two recovery modes, allowing users to choose between file-level and full-drive recovery depending on their needs.
The interface is somewhat outdated, resembling early Windows programs. Lazesoft is suitable for small-scale recoveries where success is not critical, but it lacks the advanced features and functionality found in paid data recovery tools.
Pros:
- Freeware with no cost to the user
Cons:
-
Support may be hard to obtain with a freeware product
-
Limited filesystem support
-
Limited support for newer versions of macOS
Pricing plans:
- Freeware with no paid version available.
Free Download
8. PhotoRec
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Command-line | Recovery capabilities: Fair | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Complex | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: 7.1 July 7, 2019
PhotoRec is a free data recovery tool capable of retrieving photos from a wide variety of storage devices. It serves as a companion to TestDisk, offering individual file recovery that TestDisk cannot perform. PhotoRec runs on all major operating systems and supports nearly any type of storage device. When recovering deleted photos, it bypasses the file system and directly accesses the underlying data.
The tool uses a command-line interface, which can be challenging for average users. Its recovery process is more complex than most user-friendly tools and requires a better understanding of your drives. Recovered photos are assigned generic filenames, so you may need to preview and rename them after recovery. As a free solution, PhotoRec is a strong option for users comfortable with the command line.
Pros:
-
Freeware data recovery solution
-
Support for multiple filesystems
-
Support for many types of storage devices
-
Multiple operating system support
Cons:
-
Command-line user interface
-
No software updates in over two years
-
Complex recovery procedure
Pricing plans:
- Freeware with no cost to the user
Free Download
9. Card Rescue: Memory Card Photo Recovery Software for Mac
Best for: Recovering deleted files from SD cards.
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Limited | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Good | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Limited | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: Version 5.62, 1 October 2019
Card Rescue is specifically designed to recover lost or deleted photos and videos from SD cards and memory sticks. It can restore files accidentally deleted or lost due to formatting a card in a camera. To protect the integrity of your SD card, recovered data is only written to a folder on your Mac’s hard drive.
The software features a simple, user-friendly interface reminiscent of early Internet Explorer. Recovering data is straightforward and can be handled by anyone with basic computer skills. If your primary need is recovering photos from an SD card, Card Rescue is an effective and easy-to-use solution.
Pros:
-
Simple, three-step recovery procedure
-
Preview recoverable files
-
Less expensive than other paid solutions
-
Will not overwrite data on the affected SD card
Cons:
-
The free version only provides previews of recoverable files
-
Limited storage device support
-
Limited file type support
Pricing plans:
-
Free evaluation version.
-
The paid version is $39.95.
Free Download
10. TestDisk
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Command-line | Recovery capabilities: Fair | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Complex | Extra tools: | No Newest Release: 7.1 July 7, 2019
TestDisk is a companion tool to PhotoRec, designed to recover lost or deleted partitions rather than individual files. It can also repair damaged disks that no longer boot correctly. If you’ve lost a partition containing photos, TestDisk may be the right choice, though it has not received updates in recent years.
Using TestDisk requires a solid understanding of disk structures. Its command-line interface and complex recovery steps make it challenging for average Mac users. For those with the technical knowledge, TestDisk offers broad support for multiple operating systems, devices, and file systems, making it a versatile solution for partition recovery.
Pros:
-
Freeware data recovery solution
-
Supports multiple filesystems
-
Supports many types of storage devices
-
Multiple operating system support
Cons:
-
Command-line user interface
-
Cannot recover individual files
-
No software updates in over two years
-
Complex recovery procedure
Pricing plans:
- Freeware with no cost to the user.
Free Download
11. Recoverit by Wondershare
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Excellent | User interface: Friendly | Recovery capabilities: Good | Recovery speed: Good | File type support: Excellent | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: Version 10.0, August 19, 2021
Recoverit provides a simple and intuitive tool for recovering lost or deleted data on your Mac. It supports any storage device connected to your Mac and can recover over 1,000 file types, including all popular photo formats, with just a few clicks.
This comprehensive recovery solution handles a wide range of data loss scenarios. Recovery speed and effectiveness are strong, and no specialized technical knowledge is required to retrieve your files. The developers offer 24/7 technical support and a 7-day money-back guarantee, giving users additional confidence in the tool.
Pros:
-
95% recovery rate
-
Supports over 1000 filetypes
-
Advanced video recovery
-
The free version allows recovery of 100MB of data
Cons:
- Expensive yearly subscription plans
Pricing plans:
-
A free trial is available. All prices are for yearly subscriptions.
-
$69.99 – Essential version
-
$79.99 – Standard version
-
$99.99 – Premium version
12. Exif Untrasher
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Poor | User interface: Simple | Recovery capabilities: Poor | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Limited | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: 1.5.1, August 14, 2019
Exif Untrasher is a freeware tool that is capable of recovering photos in the JPEG file format. It is designed specifically for recovering lost and deleted photos from digital cameras, SD cards, and memory sticks. Its limited filetype support makes it inappropriate for users experiencing more extensive data loss. The tool is no longer under support.
Pros:
-
Free program
-
Recovers deleted JPEG files from a wide array of digital cameras
Cons:
-
No longer under development
-
Limited device support
-
Only recovers JPEG files
Pricing plans:
- Free with donations accepted by the developer.
Free Download
13. Disk Doctors Photo Recovery
Photo recovery: Yes | Device compatibility: Fair | User interface: Fair | Recovery capabilities: Limited | Recovery speed: Fair | File type support: Limited | Recovery process: Simple | Extra tools: No | Newest Release: N/A
Disk Doctors Photo Recovery focuses on recovering photo files from your Mac and compatible storage devices. It features a straightforward three-step recovery wizard to help users restore their valuable photos with ease. Note that the tool officially supports macOS 10.6, so you may need to confirm compatibility with newer versions.
Photos can be recovered from hard drives, SD cards, memory sticks, and other external storage devices. Scans can be saved and reloaded for more efficient recovery, and disk images can be created from failing drives to protect important photo data.
Pros:
-
Simple recovery process
-
All major image types are supported
-
Recovers from all types of removable storage devices
Cons:
-
Recovery is limited to image and photo files
-
Newer versions of the macOS may not be supported
Pricing plans:
-
A free trial version is available.
-
The full price is $69.97.
How to Choose Photo Recovery Software for Mac
With so many photo recovery software options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Consider the following factors when making your selection:
Operating system compatibility – Ensure the software runs on the macOS version you’ll be using for recovery. Compatibility is the first requirement to avoid wasting time on a tool that won’t work with your system.
Recovery capabilities – The main purpose of recovery software is to restore your lost photos. Verify that the tool can recover the type of files you need. For external devices, make sure it supports USB or SD card recovery. Many programs offer free trials that let you preview recoverable files, giving confidence that the paid version will meet your needs.
Ease-of-use – Data recovery can be stressful. Choose a tool with a simple, intuitive interface that allows you to recover files without entering complex commands.
Extra features – Some recovery tools include additional functionality, such as repairing damaged files or creating disk images. These features can be valuable and may influence your choice.
Price – While cost is always a factor, don’t let a low price compromise recovery success. Often, you only get one chance to recover lost photos, so investing in a reliable tool is worthwhile.
Important note: Mac photo recovery software cannot restore photos that have been overwritten by new data. Deleted files remain recoverable until overwritten, so stop using the affected SD card or device immediately and avoid writing new data until recovery is complete.
How Do Your Photos Get Lost?
Photos can disappear for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
Accidental deletion – Even experienced users can accidentally delete photos. A friend or family member using your device could unintentionally remove files.
Malware – Malware infections can cause data loss, including deletion of photos.
Inadvertent formatting – Formatting the wrong SD card or drive can erase all data, including precious images. Always double-check before formatting.
Faulty software update – Updates gone wrong can sometimes delete folders or files, including your photos.
Physical damage – Damage to storage media, such as SD cards or external drives, can make data inaccessible. Handle devices carefully to prevent loss.
Conclusion
All the recovery tools discussed above can restore lost or deleted photos, though some are more efficient and user-friendly than others. Free trials are a great way to test each tool before an emergency arises, allowing you to act quickly when needed.
The most important step for successful recovery is to stop using the affected device immediately after discovering data loss. By combining this precaution with a reliable recovery solution, you can maximize your chances of retrieving deleted photos. Good luck with your recovery efforts!