Our Evaluation Process for Disk Drill on macOS
To see if Disk Drill for macOS truly deserves its reputation as a top-tier data recovery tool, we put it through a series of tests designed to replicate real-world data loss scenarios. Our assessment focused on its performance, reliability, and versatility in recovering different types of files from the range of storage devices Mac users typically rely on.
Our testing was conducted on a high-performance Mac setup to make sure that Disk Drill operated under optimal conditions:
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Model: MacBook Pro (2023).
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Processor: Apple M2 Pro.
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RAM: 16GB.
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Storage: 1TB SSD.
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Operating System: macOS Sequoia.
This setup gave us enough power to run demanding recovery tests without any slowdowns, so the results here reflect Disk Drill 6’s true capabilities, not the limitations of our hardware.
To evaluate Disk Drill’s versatility, we used a diverse range of storage devices with different capacities and file systems:
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1TB MacBook Pro internal drive formatted with APFS.
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2TB Seagate Backup Plus external hard drive formatted to HFS+ and exFAT.
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16GB Kingston DataTraveler (initially FAT32, then reformatted to exFAT), 64GB SanDisk Ultra (initially FAT32, then reformatted to exFAT).
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32GB SanDisk Extreme (used in a digital camera with RAW images and high-definition video files), 128GB Lexar Professional (used in a DSLR camera with RAW images and 4K video files).
Disk Drill’s ability to handle a wide array of file formats is critical for thorough data recovery. We tested the following file types:
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Documents: Pages (.pages), Numbers (.numbers), PDF, DOCX.
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Compressed files: ZIP, RAR.
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Disk images: DMG, ISO.
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Media files: MOV, MP4, AVI, RAW (CR2, CR3, NEF), JPEG, PNG, TIFF.
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Design files: PSD, AI.
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Miscellaneous: SQLite databases, EPUB ebooks.
Recovery Scenarios
To thoroughly assess Disk Drill’s effectiveness, we recreated common data loss situations that Mac users often face. These scenarios reflect real-world challenges and allow us to evaluate the app’s capabilities across a wide range of conditions. We tested how well Disk Drill could recover data from different types of storage devices typically used in macOS environments.
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Accidental file deletion. We deleted a mix of documents, images, and videos from the internal and external drives to assess Disk Drill’s ability to recover recently removed items from an APFS-formatted drive.
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Partition formatting. The external HDD was formatted to both HFS+ and exFAT to test Disk Drill’s performance in restoring data from different file systems after reformatting. We also deleted a partition from the external HDD to evaluate Disk Drill’s ability to identify and restore lost partitions along with the data contained within them.
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Corrupted storage media. We added two more deliberately corrupted SD cards to the test (more on this below). This simulated real-world data loss situations involving RAW images and 4K videos on a malfunctioning storage device.
Is Disk Drill Safe to Install?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to consider the security and reliability of Disk Drill for macOS. Always download the software directly from the official CleverFiles website to ensure you receive a genuine version, free from counterfeit or malicious modifications. Avoid third-party download sites, as they may host altered versions that could compromise your Mac.
During installation, Disk Drill will request Full Disk Access. This permission is essential for scanning and recovering data across all areas of your storage devices, including hidden and system files. Full Disk Access is standard for advanced data recovery tools on macOS. Disk Drill uses this access responsibly, focusing solely on recovering lost data without interfering with your system’s normal operations.
Like most recovery tools, Disk Drill collects anonymous usage data to help improve the app over time. According to CleverFiles’ Privacy Policy, this data does not include personal or sensitive information. If you prefer not to share analytics at all, you can disable data collection in the app settings with a single click:
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Launch the Disk Drill application from your Applications folder or Launchpad.
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Click on Disk Drill in the top menu bar and select Preferences from the dropdown menu.
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In the Preferences window, go to the Privacy.
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Uncheck the box labeled Share analytics with CleverFiles.
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Close the Preferences window to save your settings.
Additionally, Disk Drill uses a non-destructive recovery process, meaning it does not alter or overwrite existing data during recovery. This approach minimizes the risk of further data loss and preserves the integrity of your remaining files. In our testing, we found it completely safe to install and run.
If you’re still unsure about its safety, there are detailed guides available that break down the process clearly.
How to Use Disk Drill on macOS
Regardless of the storage device or file type you need to recover, Disk Drill 6 keeps the process straightforward, just like version 5. It’s designed to be intuitive, so you won’t get lost navigating the interface.
Here’s an overview of our typical recovery workflow:
We opened the Disk Drill application from the Applications folder or Launchpad. The main dashboard displayed all connected storage devices, including internal drives, external HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards. This overview made it easy to identify the target drive from which we needed to recover data.
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Next, we selected the specific drive or partition where the data loss had occurred. Disk Drill supports a wide range of file systems, including APFS, HFS+, FAT32, and exFAT. While that’s not the full list, these are the most common formats you’ll run into on a Mac (and the ones most users care about).
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After we selected the target drive, we clicked the “Search for lost data” button to begin the scanning process. Disk Drill 6 now throws one extra prompt: Universal Scan or the new Advanced Camera Recovery(ACR). We tested both: ACR for our SD cards from a digital camera, and Universal for everything else. Unless you’re hunting down fragmented video, Universal is still the right call.
We noticed that Disk Drill 6 feels noticeably faster than the previous version. The developer claims recovery is now up to 25% quicker, and while we usually take those kinds of numbers with a huge grain of salt, this one seems legit. The backend improvements clearly did their job, and honestly, there’s nothing to complain about here. -
Once the scan was complete, Disk Drill presented a list of recoverable files categorized by type: Documents, Images, Videos, and so on. If you’ve used the previous version, the interface will feel familiar. But there’s more polish this time around: the sidebar has been redesigned, the icons look sharper, and the overall navigation feels cleaner. All the changes are subtle upgrades (and to be fair, the old UI was already pretty slick).
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We used the preview feature to check each file’s integrity and relevance before recovering anything. This made it easy to pick out exactly what we needed; without bringing back broken or unnecessary files. Previews remain one of Disk Drill’s strongest features. Image and video files load almost instantly, which we’ve always appreciated, especially compared to other tools where previewing is slow, glitchy, or just doesn’t work for most types. In many cases, reliable previews make all the difference.
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After reviewing the files, we selected the ones we wanted, clicked the “Recover” button, and chose a safe destination to save the recovered data. Just like in previous versions, Disk Drill 6 reminds you not to recover files to the same drive you’re restoring from – and that’s solid advice. Writing new data to the affected drive can overwrite what you’re trying to get back, which might make recovery much harder (or more like impossible).
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After the recovery finished, Disk Drill suggested opening the destination folder to review the restored files. It’s a small touch, but convenient (no need to dig through Finder to check if everything came through correctly).
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In our case, the recovered files opened without issues, and their original names and folder structure were preserved (where possible).
✎ Note: One of Disk Drill’s most valuable features is Byte-to-Byte Backup, which allows you to create a complete image of a failing or corrupted drive before attempting any recovery. To test this feature, we added two severely corrupted SD cards (both Transcend models—16GB and 32GB) to our setup. These cards provided an ideal scenario to see how Disk Drill handles fragile media without risking further damage. We created full disk images of the cards and ran recovery scans on those backups, exactly as this feature is intended to be used.
In version 6, Byte-to-Byte Backup received a significant upgrade. The next-gen implementation adds improved fault tolerance and detailed recovery progress tracking, giving clear, real-time feedback on what’s happening behind the scenes. The interface is cleaner and easier to follow, making it an essential tool for serious data loss cases involving unstable or compromised storage.
Our Findings on Disk Drill’s Performance
After testing Disk Drill 6 across a wide range of real-world data loss scenarios, the macOS version delivered consistently excellent recovery results. Its reputation as one of the top data recovery tools for Mac is well earned.
Recovery Success Rate
Disk Drill consistently achieved high recovery success rates on every tested device:
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Accidental file deletion: 100% of deleted documents, images, and videos were successfully recovered from external drives (16GB Kingston DataTraveler and 32GB SanDisk Ultra).
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Partition format recovery: On a 2TB Seagate Backup Plus formatted as HFS+ and exFAT, Disk Drill recovered over 95% of files across both file systems.
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Corrupted SD cards: Using the two damaged Transcend SD cards, Disk Drill recovered 90% of the data, including all RAW images and most 4K video files.
These results highlight Disk Drill’s robustness and reliability in a variety of data recovery scenarios.
File Integrity
Disk Drill 6 preserved filenames, folder structure, and metadata consistently. Most recovered files were fully intact and ready to use. Large videos from formatted partitions played back smoothly, with only minor artifacts in rare cases. Overall, file quality remained very high.
A standout addition in version 6 is Advanced Camera Recovery. Testing it on a fragmented Canon SD card, it successfully rebuilt complex video and image files (CR2, CR3) that many other recovery tools—including those listed in our best Mac recovery software—often fail to handle. Real users report similar successes; Disk Drill reviews on Reddit frequently note recoveries after tools like Recuva failed. The process can be further optimized by selecting the camera type (GoPro, Canon, Sony, DJI, etc.), improving accuracy even more.
If you work professionally with high-quality images or video footage, Advanced Camera Recovery alone could justify purchasing a Disk Drill license. It’s a major improvement for recovering media from action cameras, drones, and DSLRs, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals.
Recovery Speed
Disk Drill 6 also shows clear speed improvements over previous versions:
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Recently deleted files: Scans completed in about 10 minutes.
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Formatted drives or lost partitions: Recovery took 20–50 minutes, depending on drive size and file system.
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Corrupted SD cards: Each scan finished in roughly 30 minutes.
These turnaround times make Disk Drill ideal for both urgent recoveries and routine data restoration.
User Experience
Disk Drill delivers a clean and distraction-free interface without intrusive pop-ups. Its intuitive layout allows users of all skill levels to navigate the recovery process easily.
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Preview functionality: Files can be previewed and recovered even before the scan completes, speeding up the workflow.
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Detailed previews: Users can verify file integrity and relevance before recovery, a standout feature compared to similar tools.
Overall, Disk Drill remains one of the easiest and most user-friendly data recovery tools available, without compromising on functionality.
Advanced Features
Disk Drill version 6 expands on its already robust toolkit with several meaningful upgrades and new additions. Key features include:
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Data Protection. Tools that help protect your data against future loss.
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S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring. Continuously monitors the health of your drives to alert you of potential issues before they lead to data loss.
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Advanced Camera Recovery. This new feature rebuilds fragmented video files from cameras like GoPro, DJI, Canon, Sony, and many more.
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Data Shredder. Securely deletes sensitive files, making them unrecoverable.
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Find Duplicates. Identifies and removes duplicate files to free up valuable storage space.
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Clean Up. Helps optimize your system by removing unnecessary files and clutter.
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macOS Installer. Facilitates a smooth installation process tailored for macOS environments.
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BitLocker Recovery on macOS. One of the few tools that can recover data from BitLocker-encrypted volumes on a Mac.
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Byte-to-Byte Backup. Creates a complete image of a failing drive, enabling safe and effective data recovery from the backup rather than the compromised device.
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Hex View & Search. Built-in hex editor for forensic-level inspection.
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APFS Recovery on Windows. Lets you scan Apple-formatted drives directly from a PC; if you don’t have access to a Mac but still need to recover data from an APFS drive.
We were pleased to see that Disk Drill’s team continued to enhance its advanced features rather than leaving them behind. Tools like RAID recovery and SSH-based remote access have been refined, making it easier to manage complex setups across both Mac and Windows systems. Linux recovery also improved, with better support for EXT3 and EXT4 file systems, including symbolic links and overall recovery accuracy.
While most users may never encounter these scenarios, the attention to detail demonstrates the developers’ commitment to depth and reliability—going far beyond simple interface improvements.
Pricing and Licensing
Disk Drill for macOS is not entirely free, but it offers a range of pricing plans designed to suit different user needs—from casual users to professional data recovery specialists. Each plan provides varying levels of functionality and support. Here’s a closer look:
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Basic (Free) version. The Basic version of Disk Drill is available at no cost, allowing users to preview recoverable files. While this tier includes features such as file previews, Data Protection, and Byte-to-Byte Backup, unlimited data recovery requires an upgrade to a paid plan. This makes the Basic version an excellent choice for users who need to assess the software’s capabilities before deciding to invest in a full recovery solution.
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PRO Subscription ($89/year). The PRO Subscription unlocks unlimited data recovery with an annual plan. One license covers both Disk Drill for macOS and Disk Drill for Windows, supporting up to three device activations. This plan includes advanced scanning methods, priority updates, and ongoing access to new file format support. It is ideal for users who want the latest recovery capabilities and prefer to stay current with regular feature updates and improvements.
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PRO Perpetual License ($149). The PRO Perpetual License provides unlimited data recovery with a one-time payment that includes lifetime updates. Like the subscription, one license works across both macOS and Windows with up to three device activations. This option is perfect for users who prefer a single payment without recurring charges while still receiving future software updates and new features.
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Enterprise Version (Custom Pricing). Designed for businesses and professional data recovery services, the Enterprise version offers flexible licensing tailored to organizational needs. It encompasses all features available in the PRO plans, along with priority technical support and additional tools suited for large-scale data recovery operations. Contact CleverFiles for a custom quote based on your specific requirements.
✎ Note. If you purchased Disk Drill 5 on or after December 1, 2024, you’ll get a free upgrade to Disk Drill 6.
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Existing users also qualify for a 50% loyalty discount when upgrading from older versions.
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Users who already own the Lifetime Upgrades add-on automatically get access to version 6 at no extra cost.
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Disk Drill is also currently running a Windows license bonus promo, where buying the macOS version gets you the Windows version for free (great for mixed environments).
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Educational, non-profit, and government users get 20% off, and switchers from other recovery tools can score a 50% competitor discount.
Overall, Disk Drill keeps its pricing competitive and fair, especially considering the value packed into the PRO tier—enhanced even further with version 6 improvements. These flexible plans make Disk Drill accessible to a wide range of users, from individuals needing occasional data recovery to professionals and enterprises requiring a full-featured toolset.
Disk Drill’s Support
Even though Disk Drill for macOS is known for its intuitive interface and fast recovery capabilities, issues can still arise. Fortunately, CleverFiles provides strong support to help users overcome any challenges.
The software comes with an extensive library of tutorials on the official website. These guides cover a variety of topics, including recovery from different device types, platforms, and specific file formats. Whether you need to retrieve documents, photos, or videos, the tutorials provide clear, step-by-step instructions to guide users effectively through the recovery process.
Additionally, Disk Drill’s detailed Knowledge Base is packed with valuable information, such as in-depth articles and guides that delve into advanced recovery techniques and best practices. A standout feature is its encouragement for users to first utilize their operating system’s built-in utilities before opting for Disk Drill. This balanced approach empowers users with foundational recovery skills and helps them make informed decisions about when to use Disk Drill’s advanced tools.
If the tutorials and knowledge base do not resolve your issue, Disk Drill provides multiple avenues for direct support:
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For immediate assistance, users can engage with Disk Drill’s support team through live chat on their website.
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Alternatively, you can fill out a support form detailing your problem. The Disk Drill team will respond with tailored solutions to help you overcome any obstacles in your data recovery journey.
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Disk Drill maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These channels offer additional ways to seek help, share experiences, and stay updated with the latest features and updates.
Our Verdict
After a thorough evaluation, Disk Drill 6 remains one of the best data recovery solutions we’ve tested. It builds on an already strong foundation with meaningful upgrades, including Advanced Camera Recovery, faster scan speeds, expanded file‑type support (now including Nikon N‑RAW, NEV, and 100+ additional or refined signatures), broader file‑system coverage, and next‑gen Byte-to-Byte Backup.
The interface has received a subtle facelift but remains clean, intuitive, and fully compatible with the latest macOS versions. It strikes a perfect balance—easy enough for beginners while offering the advanced features professionals need. Version 6 preserves what worked in previous versions while improving performance and functionality.
Whether you’re recovering a few lost photos or tackling a corrupted external drive, Disk Drill 6 provides the tools to get the job done—faster and more reliably than ever. For macOS users, it continues to be our top recommendation.
Pros
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High recovery success rate across various scenarios.
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Maintains original filenames, folder structures, and metadata (where possible).
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Fast recovery speeds.
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Intuitive and organized interface without intrusive popups.
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Impressive arsenal of advanced features including Advanced Camera Recovery, data protection, S.M.A.R.T. monitoring, Data shredder, Find duplicates, Clean up, and next-gen Byte-to-Byte Backup.
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Excellent preview functionality.
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Excellent preview functionality, allowing file preview and recovery even before the scan is fully completed.
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Thorough support system with tutorials, and an extensive knowledge base.
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Non-destructive recovery process that does not alter or overwrite existing data on your drives.
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Dark mode.
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Session management.
Cons
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The Free version only allows file previews without enabling actual data recovery.
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No ability to create custom boot disks, which can be useful in certain recovery scenarios.