8 Best Partition Recovery Tools for Mac OS X
1. Disk Drill Partition Recovery for Mac
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – 
| Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – , 400+ types | Tool bundle –
Overview:
Disk Drill Partition Recovery for Mac is an easy-to-use partition recovery tool that allows users to recover their files in a single button-click. This software can recover and reconstruct all file formats, and can be used for external storage as well including flash drives, memory cards, external hard drives, Android devices, and other Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.
Additional Features:
Disk Drill comes with a free suite of data tools for data backup and protection, disk health monitoring, Mac cleanup, and more.
Pros:
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Updated regularly and works on most recent software releases
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One-click recovery
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Additional device support
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Lifetime option
Cons:
- No phone support
Pricing plans:
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Free trial – Preview all recovery methods, backup failing disks, free data protection included
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Pro- $89 (+$29 if you want to upgrade to lifetime access) Supports 1 user up to 3 activations, unlimited data recover, all storage type and file systems
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Enterprise – $499 (+$99 if you want to upgrade to lifetime access) 10 users with unlimited activations, full-featured commercial data recovery, forensic data export (DFXML)
Free Download
2. TestDisk
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – 
| Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle –
Overview:
TestDisk is an open-source tool designed to recover lost partitions and restore non-bootable disks across a wide range of file systems. It is geared toward power users who enjoy hands-on control and technical depth. TestDisk works on Linux, SunOS, FreeBSD, Windows, macOS (pre-11 versions), and more. Note that it currently does not support macOS 11. Unlike GUI-based applications, TestDisk operates entirely through a command-line interface. Users seeking a graphical interface with menus and buttons may prefer its partner software, Disk Drill.
Additional Features:
Being open-source, TestDisk allows users to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and explore its source code. Users also benefit from an active community forum for support, discussion, and troubleshooting..
Pros:
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Free and open source
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Works on Linux
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Can find lost partitions on a massive array of file systems
Cons:
- No GUI, text only
Pricing plans:
- Free and open-source, licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License
Free Download
3. Data Rescue 6
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – | Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle –
Overview:
Data Rescue 6 is a data recovery tool for macOS 10.12 and later (Intel only) devices. It allows users to find and recover lost files, including those on reformatted and damaged hard drives.
Additional Features:
Data Rescue 6 allows users to see previous scan results, create hard drive clones, and recovery disks.
Pros:
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Updated and works on most recent software releases
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Deep scan and quick scan options
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Can be used to create clones and recovery drives
Cons:
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Requires an internet connection
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Additional hardware (secondary storage) required
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Strict “no refund” policy
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Intel only
Pricing plans:
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Free trial – Demo version allows users to run a full scan and preview recoverable files
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Standard License – Finds files for free, but users must pay for the files they want to recover (Starting at $19)
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Professional license – Unlimited file recovery and system activation for annual subscription price – Users must contact support to get a custom quote for this plan
Free Download
4. PhotoRec
Overview:
PhotoRec is a companion tool to TestDisk that supports recovery of files from digital camera memory.
Pros:
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Free and open source
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Uses read-only access
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Supports cameras from Casio, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and more
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Recognizes a wide array of file types including ZIP, PDF, HTML, and more for a total of more than 480 file extensions
Pricing plans:
- Free and open-source, licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License
Free Download
5. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – | Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle –
Overview:
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is designed to recover files lost from accidental deletion, emptied Trash, incorrect restores, unmounted drives, system crashes, damaged hard drives, partition losses, and more.
Additional Features:
This software is notable for its compatibility with Macs featuring T2 Security Chips, making it possible to scan and restore data that is encrypted by the T2 chip—a feature not commonly supported by other recovery tools.
Pros:
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Recover to cloud feature
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File filtering
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Simple and appealing user interface
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T2 Chip data recovery
Cons:
- Does not (currently) support iOS
Pricing plans:
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Free trial available
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Monthly – $89.95/mo for one license for one Mac, one month of upgrades, and free remote assistance
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Annual – $119.95/yr for one license for one Mac, one year of upgrades, and free remote assistance
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Lifetime – 169.95 for one license for one Mac, free upgrades for life, and free remote assistance
Free Download
6. File Salvage
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – | Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle –
Overview:
File Salvage lets users recover deleted files, salvage all files, or explore a drive on most storage devices that can be connected to a Mac.
Additional Features:
Customizable scans.
Pros:
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Trial available
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Wide range of storage media supported
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Works on faulty and damaged hardware
Cons:
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Does not (currently) support OS 11 (Big Sur)
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Purportedly slow scan times
Pricing plans:
- Free trial available but does not allow for file recovery, only drive exploration.
Free Download
7. MiniTool Mac Data Recovery / Stellar Data Recovery
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – | Works on OS X – , it can recover data from Catalina installations, and the software can be run on OS X 10.7 and higher | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle – , disk imaging and drive health monitoring
Overview:
MiniTool and Stellar come together to create a powerful data and partition recovery tool for Mac users that supports OS 11, can create bootable media, and can repair corrupted or distorted images and videos.
Additional Features:
MiniTool Power Data Recovery works to recover data from camera and phone memory cards.
Pros:
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Trial available
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Recovers data from corrupt and formatted partitions
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Multiple scan modes
Cons:
- Requires premium plan to repair corrupt photos and videos
Pricing plans:
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Free trial available
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Professional – $99 for lifetime license for 1 Mac
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Premium – $149 on sale from $219 for lifetime license for 1 Mac, ability to repair corrupt photos and videos
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Technician – $149 for a one-year license for 3 Macs, ability to repair corrupt photos and videos
Free Download
8. Data Recovery 6 for Mac by Cisdem
Works on Big Sur (Mac OS 11) – | Works on OS X – | iOS and Android Support – | Internal storage support – | External storage support – | File Type Reconstruction – | Tool bundle – , available for a fee
Overview:
Data Recovery 6 is a powerful recovery tool that lets users repair and recover files from formatted drives, external devices, and their emptied trash bin. It supports basic and advanced file recovery.
Additional Features:
Supports all major storage devices.
Pros:
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200+ file types supported on Mac
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Read-only scanning and recovery to prevent damage
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Free lifetime updates
Cons:
- User interface is less aesthetically appealing than others on this list, but remains functional and utilitarian
Pricing plans:
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Free trial available to ensure data is available and potentially recoverable
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1 Mac / Lifetime – $49.99
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2 Macs / Lifetime – $74.99, additional licenses available at this discounted rate
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Bundle – 1 Mac / Lifetime with Data Recovery and Duplicate Finder – $59.99
Free Download
How to Recover Deleted/Lost Partitions on Mac
With the exception of any command line-based software for partition recovery, the general process for most Mac partition recovery software is going to be largely the same.
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The first step is to STOP USING THE DRIVE. That means saving anything, installing anything, even browsing the web for solutions. This could overwrite the data you’re trying to recover.
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Next, gather your supplies including a machine equipped with one of the above tools, and, ideally, an additional storage medium onto which you can recover the files. (If possible, you will not even install the software on the same hard drive you need to recover a partition from, because you might accidentally overwrite your files.) If you don’t already have a machine equipped with one of the above Mac partition recovery tools, you will need to download and install one as well as pay any associated fees if not using a trial.
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After that, open the software and point your application to the location where your partition used to be, such as a particular hard drive. Choose your scan type, whether a quick, basic scan or a slower, more in-depth scan. After the scan is complete, you should see a list of what was deleted, corrupted, or otherwise lost on your partition, although some files may not retain their original names.
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Repair any partially damaged or overwritten files.
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Backup your recovered files to a new drive in order to avoid overwriting the files you’re trying to recover.
Summary
Deleting a partition or volume on your Mac can be stressful—or even panic-inducing—but specialized tools exist to handle these situations. Advanced partition recovery software for Mac can often recover files from reformatted drives and, in some cases, even partially overwritten partitions.
If a partition is lost due to damage, corruption, or accidental deletion, recovery software can frequently restore your data. Many tools also include additional features such as backup utilities and disk health monitoring to help prevent future data loss and reduce the need for partition recovery.