Best NTFS Software for Mac

Introduction

For device storage, different types of file systems are essential to take note of. The latest popular type with high storage Data transfer rate is the NTFS file system launched by Microsoft. However, while the NTFS solution is very efficient for Windows users, Mac users cannot utilize its benefits due to compatibility issues.

To elaborate, the Mac software does not detect files saved in NTFS format on Mac for reading, editing, or writing. This can even lead to significant data loss and crashes. In case of that, you can use a capable data recovery software like EaseUS Mac Data Recovery.

But in the best-case scenario, choosing NTFS software for Mac is suitable. Need to know which ones they are? Let’s dive in!

How to make the selection?

As mentioned, NTFS does not automatically work on Mac computers, so you have to opt for a secondary NTFS software to install into your system. However, in that case, you still have to check that the software is compatible with the system and performs the necessary features the Windows-based NTFS file system would.

So, consider the following factors while making your choice:

• Ease of use- Check that the best NTFS for Mac that you are using has a high-quality interface that is simple to work with. A user-friendly, swiftly navigable file system assures a smooth learning curve and user experience for Mac users.
  
• Accessibility and read/write speed– A significant benefit of the NTFS file system for Windows users is that they can easily access it and modify/create/copy/delete files. This is the main issue Mac users face with NTFS compatibility on their system. Thus, check that you will get this primary benefit from the NTFS for Mac you plan to use as a first priority.
  
• Adaptability- Apple releases new versions of the macOS system versions consistently. So, check that the software will adapt well to different levels of OS upgrades. Therefore, you will not face any compatibility issues later and will use the NTFS software for the long term.
  
• Cost– Many of the options for Mac-centric NTFS solutions have higher price points. So, consider their features to see which provides high value for money without a budget. However, it would be best if you considered hiking your budget to buy a highly feature-rich and top-performing option instead of choosing a substandard one to save costs.

The Top 9 NTFS for Mac Devices

We went through many selections based on the abovementioned considerations and performance-related expectations compared to Window-based NTFS. Here is a refreshed listing of the top 9 options we found among them that fulfill one or more top-grade NTFS-based requirements of users.

1. EaseUS NTFS For Mac

Regarding the top-grade NTFS software for Mac, one notable name to consider is the Easeus NTFS for Mac. This is a tool from the brand that allows various NTFS accessibility benefits to users from Mac devices.

While using this software, you can avoid manually mounting the NTFS drives and partitions. Instead, activate it from the status bar. Additionally, users can read and write on the External hard drives and NTFS partitions through this software on compatible Mac computers, laptops, etc.

Compatibility: macOS 10.12- 12

Data transfer rate: Fast

Cost: Free, Monthly- USD 14.95, Lifetime- USD 49.95

Pros:

• High-quality read/write access for macOS users to the NTFS drives.
• Access the status bar, and mount/unmount NTFS volumes.
• Works with storage devices like USB drives, SSDs, External Hard disks, SD cards, Thunderbolt Drive, and more.

Cons:

• Each license you purchase will only allow this software access on one computer device.
• Advanced features require payment upgrades.

2. Microsoft NTFS For Mac by Paragon Software

One of the best solutions available for NTFS system reading and writing on Mac devices is the Microsoft NTFS for Mac software from Paragon Software. It supports different Mac devices with Intel processors, ARM/M1 support, and more.

While this software is not the most helpful solution for older macOS devices, it is a relatively suitable solution for total beginners to try out. The interface is simple to use and assures high-quality volume management and BootCamp support.

Compatibility: macOS Sierra-Ventura.

Data transfer rate: Fast, speed same as the native HFS+ storage systems

Cost: Starts at USD 19.95

Pros:

• Works with Intel-based and ARM-based Mac systems.
• It can effectively create/copy/read/modify/delete data on NTFS.
• Free version for 10 days before payment is necessary.

Cons:

• Data deduplication has yet to be available for Mac users.
• Does not work well on older macOS versions.

3. iBoysoft NTFS for Mac

Users in need of a capable NTFS for Mac can work with this solution from iBoysoft. The solution works similarly to the native HFS+ and APFS systems available for Apple macOS devices and has a similar speed as well.

As for its ability to display NTFS- based data, the iBoysoft NTFS for Mac software allows the automounting feature to allow read/write accessibility to users from startup. It works with a BootCamp partition that users can access and operate for direction writing/reading access. The software can also open, verify, and format the non-NTFS volumes besides the Microsoft NTFS drives.

Compatibility: macOS 10.13- 13

Data transfer rate: Fast

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Works on various macOS versions.
• Supports Mac devices running with ARM or Intel processors.
• High-quality UI is suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• Needs a complete system restart the first time, so you can lose files if you do not save them beforehand.
• Customer support requires an upgrade.

4. FUSE for macOS

As a Mac user, the FUSE for Mac software is a suitable NTFS software for Mac to try out. The solution is an open-source app for users to expand the file management system on their computers successfully. It has the universal capability and works well on different types of Mac devices.

With this, macOS users can expect an excellent compatibility improvement when dealing with Windows NTFS-based data since they can access files easily. Plus, it is relatively simple to use for most users.

Compatibility: macOS 10.9- 12

Data transfer rate: Strong

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Works on different macOS versions.
• Supports varying languages.
• Works with systems running on Apple Silicon M1 Mac.

Cons:

• Not the simplest to use.
• Auto-mounting is hard to handle with NTFS partitions.

5. Mounty for Mac

If you are on the lookout for a top-grade NTFS for Mac, the Mounty for Mac software is a strong contender to consider. It works on the macOS 14 Ventura devices and assures a substantial compatibility range for the upcoming versions and upgrades. So, this solution is an excellent choice for long-term usage.

Applying this software makes it very simple for users to access and utilize the read/write mode on NTFS-based content through Mac. Moreover, it is available for free and assures a simple and steady process.

Compatibility: macOS X- macOS 11

Data transfer rate: Medium

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Compatible with Mac devices running on Apple Silicon M1 Mac.
• Suitable reading and writing functions are supported with NTFS.
• No additional installation is necessary.

Cons:

• Hard to showcase volumes, primarily via Finder.
• Security protocols in place cannot safeguard against all issues.

6. Tuxera NTFS for Mac

Speaking of capable NTFS alternatives for Mac users, the Tuxera NTFS for Mac works as a capable substitute. It supports all types of Windows NTFS versions on different devices, including Mac. In addition, it works on systems with 32-bit/64-bit kernel modes and does other actions like creating NTFS disk images and partitions.

Using this software, it is possible to verify the NTFS volumes on a Mac device and repair the defective ones. In addition, the software supports automatic file name translations and simplistic file-handling functionality.

Compatibility: macOS 10.4- 13

Data transfer rate: Fast, speed same as the native HFS+ storage systems

Cost: Personal- USD 15, Business and Education- Starts with USD 15 per user for different packages

Pros:

• Expect seamless data transfers during dual booting processes for macOS and Windows systems.
• Support native type of extended attributes.
• Easily read/write on NTFS.

Cons:

• Free trial for a minimal amount of time.
• The basic plan version works with USB drives that are formatted for NTFS.

7. SL-NTFS

SL-NTFS or Snow Leopard NFFS is suitable for specific Mac devices and is a type of Preference Pane. The solution allows macOS device users to acquire the Windows 7/Vista/XP-based NTFS formatted disks.

Snow Leopard macOS systems allow NTFS-based writing, but since Apple does not fully support this, the function is not enabled from the beginning. With this solution, you can handle the read-and-write mode for NTFS-based files better.

Compatibility: macOS X 10.16

Data transfer rate:

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Free to use.
• Allows users to write on volume for NTFS compatibility.
• Lightweight software with a simplified installation process.

Cons:

• Not usable for all macOS device types.
• Users can notice writing process failure in the external HDDs when working with this NTFS software.

8. Hasleo NTFS for Mac

One of the best NTFS for Mac options is the Hasleo NTFS for Mac. This works well on correctly updated Mac computers with ARM/M1 chips and even older Mac devices. In addition, the software interface from software to activation is straightforward, which beginner-level users find very useful.

With this, you can read and write on NTFS-formatted drives on different storage devices through the Mac system without errors.

Compatibility: macOS 10.13- 13

Data transfer rate: Slow

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Supports Mac devices running on Intel/Apple M1/Apple M2 chipset.
• Compatible with different types of storage devices.
• Simplified UI.

Cons:

• Disk support needs an upgrade.
• Limited security functions are available.

9. UUByte NTFS Geeker

UUByte NTFS for Mac is a high-quality software for Mac users to detect and allow read/write functionality for NTFS drives on Mac. It is simple to access the files available on NTFS drives when you have enabled this software and copy files.

After installing this software, users find it easy to write on NTFS drives through their Mac device, which is a significant advantage.

Compatibility: macOS 10.11- 12.1

Data transfer rate: Medium

Cost: Free

Pros:

• Strong security support.
• Fast customer support is provided for users.
• Easily read/write activation mode.

Cons:

• The speed of reading and writing could use an upgrade.
• Not supported on all macOS versions.

Conclusion

To sum up, the NTFS file system is conventional and suitable for Windows devices, but there are software options to try for Mac-centric usage. Around 10 options are presented in this listicle, with their uses, specifications, and other details. Consider all of their primary functions and performance quality before finalizing the software that best works for you.