Best 8 NTFS For Mac Software in 2024

Mac users cannot comfortably work with NTFS drives because macOS only allows limited read access to this Windows-based file system. This creates a barrier for anyone who needs to work with NTFS-formatted drives. To solve this issue, multiple third-party software options provide full read/write access to NTFS-formatted drives. We’ll show you the best NTFS for Mac software in 2024, carefully selected based on performance, compatibility, and user experience.

Why Is There a Need for an NTFS Reader on Mac?

It’s not that Apple lacks the technical ability to work with NTFS; rather, NTFS, or New Technology File System, is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft, and its full specifications aren’t publicly documented or formally licensed. As a result, third-party providers of NTFS driver solutions rely on reverse engineering to enable write access on non-Windows systems. Since NTFS is subject to change without warning, any attempt to write data to an NTFS drive on macOS carries the risk of data corruption or loss.

While macOS can read NTFS drives as a courtesy, it does not natively support writing to them in order to avoid these potential risks. To mitigate this, Apple allows third-party developers to offer NTFS write support for those who need it. These third-party NTFS tools offer a convenient solution while shouldering the risk Apple chooses to avoid.

How to Choose NTFS For Mac Software?

The ideal NTFS solution will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the macOS version you’re using. Some may need speed of access, while others might look for ease of use or budget-friendly options. You’ll need to consider these factors:

• Read/write speed and access to files – It must have access to various files and have the ability to modify, delete, copy, or create new files at a fast rate.
• Adaptability – With the release of macOS Sequoia on September 16, 2024, it’s important to choose NTFS software that remains compatible with the latest macOS versions. The best NTFS app for Mac will support ongoing updates to avoid any issues.
• Ease of use – It must have a user-friendly interface to help newbie users utilize the software effectively.
• Pricing – Some of the NTFS for Mac software are more expensive than others. You’ll need to invest in effective software that will do all NTFS software tasks and more. Many paid NTFS software for Macs offer free trials, which are great for testing the product before committing to a purchase.
• User reviews – Another important factor to consider is feedback from users who have tried the software. User reviews offer real-world information about the performance, reliability, and ease of use of NTFS software.

8 Best NTFS Software for Mac

Now that you know the factors to look out for when picking the right NTFS software for your Mac computer, here are the eight best NTFS for Mac software in 2024:

1. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software

💡 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 best tools to help you write, copy, delete, or edit files on NTFS-formatted drives using your Mac. It also does these tasks at a fast rate and provides unlimited access not only to NTFS hard drives, but also to SSDs and thumb drives that are Windows-formatted.

Unlike free NTFS software for Mac options, Paragon NTFS offers greater stability, fewer bugs, and better support for the latest macOS versions and hardware, including Apple Silicon Macs. These advantages make it a great choice for users seeking a reliable and well-supported NTFS solution.

Trustpilot user reviews summary for Microsoft NTFS For Mac: Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software has garnered mixed reviews. Some users commend its partitioning capabilities and effective bare metal restore function. However, the majority report significant dissatisfaction, particularly with customer support, citing non-existent help, rude interactions, and instability post-iOS updates. Many advise seeking alternatives due to these support and functionality issues.

2. iBoysoft NTFS for Mac

💡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 popular tool that you can use on your Mac to read/write data from Windows NTFS drives. It uses an advanced algorithm to transfer files at a fast rate and mounts Windows NTFS volumes automatically in read-write mode.

In addition to its core functionality, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac also offers advanced disk management tools. Users can open volumes, clean NTFS partitions, repair file system errors, and even reformat drives to the NTFS file system—all with just a few clicks. The interface, plug-and-play usability, and technical support make it a good choice for anyone needing an NTFS driver for Mac.

AppStore user reviews summary for iBoysoft NTFS for Mac: iBoysoft NTFS for Mac app on the Apple Store has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 373 ratings. Reviews are mixed, with some users finding it easy to use and handy for NTFS formats. However, another user criticizes it for being misleading and suspicious, noting that the app requires a subscription and additional software installation that bypasses Apple’s protections, which is not clearly stated upfront. The app is marketed as free, but its full functionality is behind a paywall, which has led to some dissatisfaction among users.

3. Tuxera NTFS for Mac

💡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.

MacUpdate user reviews summary for Tuxera NTFS: Tuxera NTFS for Mac, with a 4.2-star rating from 37 users, offers a commercial NTFS driver developed from the open-source NTFS-3G. While some users find it stable and worth the price, others have faced issues like playback delays, slow folder loading, and even system damage after installation. One user reported the software erased their MacBook’s bootloader, leading to costly repairs. Despite these concerns, the app is praised for its functionality and free lifetime updates for personal use. Potential users should weigh the benefits against the risks of system compatibility and performance issues.

4. Hasleo NTFS for Mac

💡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.

Mac.Informer review summary for Hasleo NTFS for Mac: Hasleo NTFS for Mac is a straightforward, menu bar-based utility that enables read-write access to NTFS drives on macOS. It bypasses macOS’s limitations on modifying NTFS volumes, though it doesn’t auto-mount drives. While macOS has experimental write support for NTFS, Hasleo offers a more stable solution. The tool is praised for its ease of use and system startup option, and it’s available for free.

5. EaseUS NTFS for Mac

💡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.

Reddit user review summary for EaseUS NTFS for Mac: According to reddit users EaseUS NTFS for Mac is valued for its ease of installation and use. It supports various storage devices, including external hard drives and USB drives, and is recognized for its affordability. However, there are some limitations to consider: the free version has limited functionality. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that EaseUS NTFS for Mac offers excellent value, particularly for those who frequently need to share files between Mac and Windows machines. It’s highlighted for its ability to save time and simplify file sharing processes

6. NTFS-3G

💡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.

MacUpdate user reviews summary for NTFS-3G: The software is an open-source NTFS read/write support project for macOS, praised for its functionality and integration. However, users report mixed experiences. Some commend it for working well and being a useful tool for NTFS drives, while others have faced challenges with installation and compatibility, especially on newer macOS versions. One user noted it caused issues with FAT32 drives, and another experienced system problems after installation. Overall, NTFS-3G is appreciated by those who can navigate its open-source nature but may present hurdles for average users.

7. Mounty for Mac

💡 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.

MacUpdate user reviews summary for Mounty for Mac: Mounty for Mac, an app for re-mounting NTFS volumes in read-write mode, has a 3.8-star rating from mixed reviews. Some users praise its ease of use and effectiveness for handling NTFS USB sticks. However, others report severe issues like data corruption and loss, with one user losing a decade’s worth of files. Caution is advised due to these potential risks.

8. FUSE for macOS

💡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

Primarily known as MacFUSE, FUSE for macOS is a free software that you can use to view various file systems including NTFS. It has regular updates via its official website, which includes support for macOS 10.9 or later for both ARM and Intel-based Macs.

MacFUSE is more than a basic driver—it’s a collection of tools, libraries, and kernel extensions that allow macOS to handle various file systems, even those designed for programming languages such as C or Objective-C. For developers, the package includes a software development kit to extend its capabilities further, and users can also access an online library to download and experiment with different file systems.

SourceForge user reviews summary for MacFUSE: Software enjoys a favorable 4.4 out of 5-star rating from users on SourceForge, reflecting a high level of user satisfaction. The open-source project garners praise for its functionality and reliability, with several users describing it as a “fantastic” and indispensable tool for their systems. Despite the positive feedback, there are cautionary notes regarding kernel panics, suggesting that while the tool is generally stable, there may be isolated issues under certain conditions.

Best NTFS App for Mac Comparison Table

To help you quickly decide which tool is better suited for your needs, we’ve compiled a comparison of the best NTFS for Mac software solutions. This table highlights key factors such as pricing, compatibility, key features, pros, and cons.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and feature-rich solution, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac and Paragon NTFS for Mac stand out for their seamless integration with macOS and performance. Both are ideal for users who need hassle-free, long-term access to NTFS drives.

For those who prefer a free solution and are comfortable with basic features, Hasleo NTFS for Mac and Mounty NTFS for Mac provide sufficient functionality, though they lack the advanced capabilities of premium options. Meanwhile, Tuxera NTFS for Mac offers a highly secure and stable option for professional use but comes at a higher price.

For users who prefer open-source tools and don’t mind working with command-line interfaces, NTFS-3G with MacFUSE is a great free alternative.

Ultimately, the best NTFS driver for Mac is the one that aligns with your workflow and provides the balance between features, ease of use, and your budget.