8 Best NTFS Software for Mac in 2024
Now that you know the key factors to consider when choosing the right NTFS software for your Mac, here are the eight best NTFS for Mac software options in 2024:
- Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software
Best for: A reliable and stable NTFS driver that provides full read/write access to any Windows NTFS drive.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: Yes | Support for older macOS versions: No | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: Yes
Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software is one of the top tools for writing, copying, deleting, or editing files on NTFS-formatted drives from your Mac. It performs these tasks quickly and provides unlimited access not only to NTFS hard drives but also to SSDs and Windows-formatted thumb drives.
Compared to free NTFS software for Mac, Paragon NTFS delivers greater stability, fewer bugs, and better support for the latest macOS versions and hardware, including Apple Silicon Macs. These advantages make it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable, well-supported NTFS solution.
Pros:
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Can read/write NTFS drives on a Mac computer
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Supports the latest macOS Monterey
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Supports both ARM-based(M1/-Pro/-Max/-Ultra/M2/M3) and Intel-based Mac machines
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Offer fast read/write speeds
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All Microsoft NTFS versions are supported (from Windows NT 3.1 to Windows 11)
Cons:
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No support for older macOS versions (only macOS Sierra and higher)
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Hard to uninstall
Pricing plans:
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Free Trial – 10 days
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Personal (single seat license) – $29.95, one-time payment
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Friendly (single seat license) – $49.95, one-time payment
Free Download
Trustpilot user reviews summary for Microsoft NTFS for Mac:
Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software has received mixed reviews. Some users praise its partitioning capabilities and effective bare metal restore features. However, many report dissatisfaction with customer support, citing unresponsive or rude interactions and instability after macOS updates. Due to these support and functionality concerns, some users recommend exploring alternative NTFS solutions.
- iBoysoft NTFS for Mac
Best for: Complete NTFS driver support and advanced disk management.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: Yes | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: Yes
iBoysoft NTFS for Mac is a widely used tool that allows your Mac to read and write data on Windows NTFS drives. It leverages an advanced algorithm to transfer files quickly and automatically mounts NTFS volumes in read-write mode.
Beyond its core functionality, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac provides advanced disk management tools. Users can open volumes, clean NTFS partitions, repair file system errors, and even reformat drives to NTFS with just a few clicks. Its intuitive interface, plug-and-play usability, and reliable technical support make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of a solid NTFS driver for Mac.
Pros:
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Fast read/write speeds
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Beginner-friendly user interface
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All Microsoft NTFS versions are supported (from Windows NT 3.1 to Windows 10)
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macOS Sequoia support
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ARM and Intel-based Mac support
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Works in both 32-bit and 64-bit Kernel modes
Cons:
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Unresponsive customer service support
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No access to BitLocker encrypted NTFS drives on Mac
Pricing plans:
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Free Trial – 15 days
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Basic Plan (one Mac only) – $19.95
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Lifetime Plan (one Mac only) – $49.95, discounted price (30% off)
Free Download
AppStore user reviews summary for iBoysoft NTFS for Mac:
The iBoysoft NTFS for Mac app on the Apple App Store has a 4.3 out of 5 rating based on 373 reviews. User experiences are mixed—some find it easy to use and convenient for working with NTFS drives. However, others criticize the app for being misleading, as it requires a subscription and additional software installation that bypasses Apple’s protections, which isn’t clearly disclosed upfront. While the app is marketed as free, full functionality is behind a paywall, causing some dissatisfaction among users.
- Tuxera NTFS for Mac
Best for: Organizations that operate using both Mac and Windows computers.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: Yes | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: Yes
Tuxera NTFS for Mac is a handy NTFS driver tool that can read and write (open, copy, edit, move, or delete) files stored in Windows NTFS-formatted USB drives. Its free version is only limited to USB drives but can support NTFS hard drives upon availing of a subscription.
While it provides core functionality for access to NTFS drives, one key point to keep in mind is the potential risk of data corruption when transferring files between Mac and Windows systems, it’s advisable to back up important files as a precaution against potential data loss.
Pros:
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Supports full read/write access on Mac computers
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Fast and secure data transfer
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Can also work as a disk manager
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ARM and Intel-based Mac support
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macOS Sequoia-compatible preview version
Cons:
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Only supports NTFS-formatted USB drives on the basic version
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The mounting feature experiences bugs
Pricing plans:
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Free Trial – 14 days
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Personal (three home computers) – $15, one-time purchase
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Business and Education licenses depend on the number of users
Free Download
MacUpdate user reviews summary for Tuxera NTFS:
Tuxera NTFS for Mac has a 4.2-star rating from 37 users on MacUpdate. The software is a commercial NTFS driver built on the open-source NTFS-3G. Some users find it stable and worth the price, while others report issues such as playback delays, slow folder loading, and in rare cases, system damage after installation. One user even reported that it erased their MacBook’s bootloader, resulting in costly repairs. Despite these concerns, Tuxera NTFS is praised for its functionality and free lifetime updates for personal use. Potential users should carefully weigh the benefits against possible system compatibility and performance risks.
- Hasleo NTFS for Mac
Best for: Users seeking a free, basic NTFS read/write solution.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: No | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: No
Hasleo NTFS for Mac is another free NTFS tool for Mac. It supports various storage devices, such as NTFS hard drives, external disk drives, USB drives, SSDs, and others. It also supports other kinds of file systems, similar to other NTFS for Mac software.
While its no-cost is appealing, Hasleo NTFS for Mac comes with some limitations. The software operates from a simple menu bar utility rather than a traditional desktop interface, which might feel less intuitive compared to NTFS software for Mac like iBoysoft or Tuxera. It also lacks advanced features such as formatting or repairing NTFS drives directly on macOS.
Pros:
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Software is completely free
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Mount and unmount NTFS drives from Mac’s status bar
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Full read/write access to NTFS drives
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Supports various storage devices
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Option to automatically launch the app after logging in to your Mac
Cons:
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Slow read and write speeds
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Supports macOS Sonoma, but not the newest macOS Sequoia
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Lack of disk features and support
Pricing plans:
- Free
Free Download
Mac.Informer review summary for Hasleo NTFS for Mac:
Hasleo NTFS for Mac is a simple, menu bar-based utility that provides read/write access to NTFS drives on macOS. It overcomes macOS’s limitations for modifying NTFS volumes, though it does not auto-mount drives. While macOS offers experimental NTFS write support, Hasleo provides a more stable solution. The tool is praised for its ease of use and system startup option, and it’s available for free.
- EaseUS NTFS for Mac
Best for: Mac users seeking a user-friendly and fast NTFS driver solution.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: Yes | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: Yes
EaseUS NTFS for Mac is featured for its fast read/write speed when scanning NTFS drives. It supports various macOS versions including older ones. You can also mount and unmount NTFS drives from the Mac status bar, which is a unique feature compared to other NTFS software for Mac.
After a simple installation, EaseUS NTFS for Mac integrates seamlessly with your system, which allows you to work with NTFS drives as if they were fully supported by macOS. This utility shines in its user-friendliness; it’s accessible even to those with little technical experience.
Pros:
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Can read/write data on NTFS drives at fast speeds
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Beginner-friendly user interface
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macOS Sequoia support
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Full support of Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3
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Supports read-write on NTFS-formatted external drives
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30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
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Inserted NTFS drives are sometimes not recognized
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Can take time to open NTFS drives with huge memory
Pricing plans:
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Free Trial – 7 days
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Monthly (one computer) – $14.95 per month
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Lifetime (one computer) – $49.95, one-time payment
Free Download
Reddit user review summary for EaseUS NTFS for Mac:
According to Reddit users, EaseUS NTFS for Mac is valued for its easy installation and user-friendly interface. It supports a variety of storage devices, including external hard drives and USB drives, and is recognized for its affordability. However, the free version comes with limited functionality. Despite this, users generally agree that EaseUS NTFS for Mac provides excellent value, especially for those who frequently share files between Mac and Windows machines, helping save time and simplify the file-sharing process.
- NTFS-3G
Best for: Advanced Mac users running macOS Sierra or earlier who need a free NTFS driver and reader.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: No | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: No | Secure file storage: Yes
NTFS-3G is an open-source freeware that’s used to read and write NTFS drives on Mac. Because it is free, it’s only compatible with macOS Sierra and earlier. It was developed by Tuxera, which also has NTFS software of its own.
NTFS-3G lacks a graphical user interface (GUI), meaning users must input commands manually to mount and write to NTFS drives. This complexity makes it less appealing to beginners or those looking for a more intuitive option. While it’s a powerful and free alternative to paid solutions, the lack of user-friendliness and the need for command-line hacks make it a more challenging option for most users.
Pros:
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Software is free
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Open-source and highly customizable
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Also available on other main platforms such as Android and Linux
Cons:
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Mediocre write speeds and slow app performance
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No support available, hardly has any updates
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Command line-based tool
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Only compatible with macOS Sierra and earlier
Pricing plans:
- Free
Free Download
MacUpdate user reviews summary for NTFS-3G:
NTFS-3G is an open-source NTFS read/write support tool for macOS, praised for its functionality and integration. User experiences are mixed—some find it works well and is a valuable tool for NTFS drives, while others report installation and compatibility issues, particularly on newer macOS versions. One user noted problems with FAT32 drives, and another experienced system issues after installation. Overall, NTFS-3G is appreciated by those comfortable with open-source software, but it may present challenges for average users.
- Mounty for Mac
Best for: Budget-conscious users seeking a minimalistic, free NTFS driver solution.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: Yes | Support for older macOS versions: No | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: No
Mounty for Mac is a simple utility software that’s used to mount Windows NTFS volumes in read/write mode. It aids in file transfer tasks and supports automatic detection of connected NTFS volumes in your Mac. It’s also one of the few NTFS software for Mac that’s free.
Unlike other NTFS software for Mac, Mounty is minimalistic, requiring no full installation, and automatically detects and mounts NTFS drives. Once installed, it operates from the menu bar with a simple drop-down interface and allows you to mount or unmount NTFS drives and access them via Finder.
Pros:
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Beginner-friendly user interface
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Supports the latest macOS Sequoia
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Fast read/write speeds
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One of the few freeware NTFS apps
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ARM and Intel-based Mac support
Cons:
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Unsafe tool for data and file transfer; prone to data loss or corruption
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Does not support older macOS versions
Pricing plans:
- Free
Free Download
MacUpdate user reviews summary for Mounty for Mac:
Mounty for Mac, an app that re-mounts NTFS volumes in read-write mode, has a 3.8-star rating from mixed reviews. Some users appreciate its ease of use and effectiveness for handling NTFS USB sticks. However, others report serious issues like data corruption and loss, with one user losing a decade’s worth of files. Users should exercise caution due to these potential risks.
- FUSE for macOS
Best for: Developers and advanced users who need extensive file system support and customization.
NTFS read/write support: Yes | ARM/M1 support: Yes | Intel-based support: Yes | Fast data transfer: No | Support for older macOS versions: Yes | Ease of use: Yes | Secure file storage: No
FUSE for macOS (formerly known as MacFUSE) is a free tool that lets you access and view various file systems, including NTFS. It receives regular updates through its official website and supports macOS 10.9 or later on both ARM and Intel-based Macs.
More than a basic driver, MacFUSE is a suite of tools, libraries, and kernel extensions that enables macOS to handle multiple file systems, including those used in programming languages like C or Objective-C. For developers, the package includes a software development kit (SDK) to extend its functionality further, and users can also access an online library to explore and experiment with different file systems.
Pros:
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Free, open-source software
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Regular updates are posted on their official website
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Supports the latest versions of macOS
Cons:
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High chance of data breach since the software is open-source
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Mediocre file transfer speeds
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Highly advanced user interface
Pricing plans:
- Free
Free Download
SourceForge user reviews summary for MacFUSE:
MacFUSE enjoys a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from users on SourceForge, reflecting high user satisfaction. The open-source project is praised for its functionality and reliability, with many users calling it a “fantastic” and indispensable tool for their systems. Despite the generally positive feedback, there are cautionary notes about kernel panics, indicating that while the tool is mostly stable, isolated issues may occur under certain conditions.
Best NTFS App for Mac Comparison Table
To help you quickly determine which tool is best suited for your needs, we’ve compiled a comparison table of the top NTFS for Mac software. This table highlights key factors such as pricing, compatibility, core features, pros, and cons.
| Software | Read/Write Support | ARM/M1 Support | Intel Support | Fast Data Transfer | Supports Older macOS | Ease of Use | Secure File Storage | Pricing Plans | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iBoysoft NTFS for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – Free Trial (15 days) – Basic Plan: $19.95 – Lifetime Plan: $49.95 (30% off) |
– Fast read/write speeds – Beginner-friendly interface – Supports all Microsoft NTFS versions – Compatible with ARM and Intel Macs – Advanced disk management tools |
– Unresponsive customer support – No access to BitLocker encrypted NTFS drives |
| Tuxera NTFS for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – Free Trial (14 days) – Personal: $15 (one-time) – Business/Education: Varies |
– Full read/write access – Fast and secure data transfer – Disk management capabilities – Compatible with ARM and Intel Macs |
– Basic version limited to USB drives – Mounting feature has bugs |
| Hasleo NTFS for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | – Free | – Completely free – Mount/unmount via status bar – Supports latest macOS Monterey – Supports various storage devices – Auto-launch option |
– Slow read/write speeds – Doesn’t support the latest macOS Sequoia – Lacks advanced disk features |
| EaseUS NTFS for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | – Free Trial (7 days) – Monthly: $14.95 – Lifetime: $49.95 (one-time) |
– Fast read/write speeds – User-friendly interface – Supports Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) – Mount/unmount via status bar – 30-day money-back guarantee |
– Sometimes fails to recognize inserted NTFS drives – Slower opening for large NTFS drives |
| NTFS-3G | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | – Free | – Free and open-source – Highly customizable – Available on Android and Linux |
– Slow write speeds – No GUI, command-line based – Only compatible with macOS Sierra and earlier – Limited support and updates |
| Mounty for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | – Free | – Beginner-friendly – Supports latest macOS Sequoia – Fast read/write speeds – Minimalistic and lightweight – Freeware |
– Prone to data loss or corruption – Doesn’t support older macOS versions |
| FUSE for macOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | – Free | – Free and open-source – Regular updates – Supports latest macOS – Extensive file system support – Includes development kit |
– High risk of data breaches – Mediocre file transfer speeds – Advanced user interface may be challenging for beginners |
| Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | – Free Trial (10 days) – Personal: $29.95 – Friendly: $49.95 |
– Fast read/write speeds – Supports all Microsoft NTFS versions – Compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs – Stable with fewer bugs – Lifetime updates for personal use |
– No support for older macOS versions – Difficult to uninstall – Mixed user reviews regarding customer support and stability post-updates |
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a fast, reliable, and feature-rich NTFS solution, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac and Paragon NTFS for Mac stand out for their seamless macOS integration and strong performance. Both are excellent choices for users who need hassle-free, long-term access to NTFS drives.
For those looking for a free solution and comfortable with basic functionality, Hasleo NTFS for Mac and Mounty NTFS for Mac offer sufficient capabilities, though they lack the advanced features of premium options. Tuxera NTFS for Mac provides a highly secure and stable solution suitable for professional use, but it comes at a higher price point.
For users who prefer open-source tools and are comfortable with command-line interfaces, NTFS-3G combined with MacFUSE is a solid free alternative.
Ultimately, the best NTFS driver for Mac is the one that aligns with your workflow, offering the right balance of features, ease of use, and budget.