Alternatives Mac Data Recovery Software
Last updated: June 5, 2023
Recuva for Mac

Recuva for Mac: Top 3 Best Recuva Alternatives for macOS

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Are you a Mac user in need of data recovery software akin to Recuva? You’re in luck. This article explores the top three macOS alternatives to Recuva, each offering comparable, if not superior, functionality.

Understanding Recuva

Recuva, by Piriform, is a widely acclaimed data recovery application. Its reputation rests on its ease of use and versatility in recovering various file types from storage media such as USB flash drives, SD cards, and external hard drives, among others.
what is recuva
The application is available for free download. It offers quick and deep scanning modes to locate lost data, providing the freedom to select which hard drive to scan. For a higher recovery rate and virtual drive support, upgrading to the professional version is available for $19.95.

Does Recuva Have a Mac Version?

Unfortunately, Recuva does not have a version specifically designed for Mac. It was created primarily for the Windows OS. Be wary of different websites offering ‘Recuva for Mac’ as this will not be the authentic Recuva by Piriform.

Don’t be discouraged! A selection of reliable Recuva alternatives compatible with Mac is available. Read on to discover what they are.

Top 3 Recuva Alternatives for Mac Users

Here is our curated selection of robust Recuva alternatives designed specifically for macOS.

1. Disk Drill (Best overall alternative)

Taking the top spot is Disk Drill. For an in-depth exploration of Disk Drill’s recovery process, check out our previous article here.
disk drill recovery
If you’re grappling with corrupted files or data losses due to malware attacks, Disk Drill could be your lifeline. Its user-friendly interface and an array of functions make it an invaluable tool for data recovery.

Consider these compelling reasons to try Disk Drill:

  • It supports the retrieval of over 300 file formats. Should you need a file type that the software currently doesn’t support, you can make a request to Disk Drill.
  • The software offers a user-friendly, one-click process for scanning and recovering files.
  • The S.M.A.R.T. monitoring feature ensures your drive’s protection and maintenance.
  • Regular backups are facilitated through its proprietary Time Machine.
  • The ability to resume your latest unfinished scan at your convenience.

Despite the absence of a free version for Mac users, you can still scan through deleted files and preview them to see if your file can be recovered. Upon confirming the recovery of your file, you can purchase the PRO version for only $89, which includes unlimited data recovery.

Interested in experiencing Disk Drill firsthand? Click on this link to download it now.

2. PhotoRec (Best freeware alternative)

If your digital camera is bursting with photos and videos, PhotoRec could be your knight in shining armor should you experience data losses. Although it specializes in SD card recovery, PhotoRec lives up to its reputation by being able to recover more than just photos. It supports over 480 file types.
photorec for mac
PhotoRec is a free, open-source software. It utilizes a command-line user interface, meaning some basic coding is required. But fear not, it’s quite straightforward to learn, and YouTube is always on hand to guide you through the process.

Here’s a brief overview of what PhotoRec offers:

  • Free and unlimited data recovery.
  • Regular updates as it’s open-source.
  • Easy installation and reliability.

PhotoRec’s interface might seem a little rudimentary, and its lack of file preview before recovery may be off-putting. Furthermore, files are recovered with generic names, so you’ll have to review and rename them after each recovery. This could potentially be time-consuming if you’re dealing with multiple files. However, its installation and usage are relatively straightforward.

Simply download the app here, unpack the archive, and follow the prompted installation instructions. For a comprehensive review of PhotoRec, check out this article by the Pandora Recovery team.

3. Recoverit by Wondershare (Decent alternative)

Rounding out our list is Recoverit by Wondershare. Since its launch in 2003, this app has gained a loyal following, primarily due to its user-friendly interface and appealing aesthetics.
wondershare recoverit
Although Recoverit’s file recovery may take slightly longer than its counterparts, it boasts a high recovery rate of 96%. Its simplicity is reflected in its 3-step recovery process: select, scan, and recover. It’s a powerful data recovery app that gets the job done.

However, Recoverit comes with a few noteworthy features:

  • Its “Advanced Video Recovery” feature helps you recover video files, which often prove harder to restore.
  • Recoverit is capable of recovering data from crashed computers.
  • A real-time scanning progress feature keeps you updated about the recovery process.

Recoverit offers a free version, but there’s a catch – only 100MB of data can be recovered. The paid version, priced at $59.95 annually, gives you unlimited data recovery. A worthy investment, considering the utility it provides.

Should you opt for Recoverit, you can conveniently download the software via this provided link.

FAQ

Unfortunately, Recuva is not compatible with Mac—it’s exclusively designed for Windows. Beware of certain websites advertising ‘Recuva for Mac’; these aren’t the official Recuva product by Piriform.
As Recuva doesn’t support Mac, you won’t be able to use it directly. However, you can explore similar alternatives such as Disk Drill, PhotoRec, and Recoverit, all of which are compatible with Mac.
The ideal file recovery software for Mac largely depends on your specific needs and interface preferences. Disk Drill is a highly acclaimed option, known for its popularity in macOS recovery solutions. You may also want to consider Recoverit by Wondershare—it boasts a high recovery rate and offers up to 100MB of free data recovery.
Absolutely. Recuva is safe to download and use; it comes free of viruses or bundled malware when downloaded from the official site. Bear in mind, though, it’s only available for Windows users.
Disk Drill is a top-notch choice if you’re seeking data recovery software. It allows you to scan for lost files prior to purchasing the PRO version for actual file recovery. Moreover, it provides added features to safeguard your drive.
The process for downloading, installing, and using PhotoRec is somewhat extensive. As the program employs a command-line interface, you’re required to input a series of commands. For a comprehensive guide, refer to CGSecurity’s website.

Conclusion

Even though Recuva is a fantastic tool, it lacks a version for Mac. But don’t fret! This article has unveiled the top three data recovery applications available for Mac users. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, ease of use, file support, or cost, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you.
Stay tuned to our blog for more informative and tech-savvy articles!

Mako Young is a writer for all things tech. He's been writing about Macs for years and has been using Macs for more than a decade. When he isn't reading about the latest news on Apple, he's busy studying cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, cloud computing, and other IT-related sectors.
avatar approver Andrey Vasilyev
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Andrey Vasilyev is an Editorial Advisor at onMac. Andrey is a software expert with extensive experience in data recovery, computer forensics, and litigation. Andrey has over 12 years of experience in software development, database administration, and hardware repair.
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