Did you accidentally delete photos from your latest trip on your memory card? This is a common issue of data loss. Well, that's okay; you need not panic about anything. If you're using macOS, there are tools specifically designed to help you find those files. From free to premium options, we've reviewed Mac's 12 best SD card recovery programs here. We hope they can help you.
Before entering the list, you can review the criteria we used to evaluate these tools. Here is a checklist to cross-check:
💳 Cards used for testing
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I 64GB, Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II 32GB, Sony SF-G Series TOUGH UHS-II 32GB, PNY Elite-X SDXC 128GB, Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 64GB, Kingston microSDXC Canvas Go Plus 128GB, ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 64GB, Angelbird AV Pro MK2 SDXC UHS-II 128GB, Samsung PRO Plus SDXC 64GB, Nextbase U3 Micro Card 128GB, Amazon Basics Microsdxc 512GB
💻 Computers and OS used
MacBook Pro 14-in. (M4, Sequoia 15.0.1), MacBook Air 13-in.(M3, Sonoma 14.6.1), MacBook Air (Intel, High Sierra 10.13.2), Mac mini (M1, Ventura 13.6.7), iMac 27-in. (Intel, Monterey 12.5.1)
📋 File Loss Scenarios
Accidentally deleted, format issue, memory card is corrupted (file system error, unreadable, locked, etc.)
🗃️ Data Types
Pictures, videos, Music, Word, PPT, Excel, and Archive files (e.g., .zip, .rar).
Top 6 Free Best SD Card Recovery Tools for Mac
The common misconception is that OS X SD card data recovery is complicated and affects their pockets. However, there is no truth in it. There are some free solutions:
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best options that users can find. Why? It not only works perfectly with all tested memory cards and systems but also provides more practical functions than paid software. In addition, iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac also optimizes the scanning algorithm for the storage methods of different digital devices so that you can achieve a high recovery success rate.
Pros & Cons
Efficiently works with all kinds of data and can fix corrupt media files.
It provides up to 22 languages and can help you back up important data.
After paying, you can switch to the Windows version for free
It only supports standard file-type previews.
Average scanning speed for formatted microSD cards
Limit
The standalone video repair option requires an upgrade to use.
The free version has a single recoverable file size limit of 25 MB.
If you have lost some digital pictures, you can use PhotoRec. It is free and open-source utility tool that focuses on recovering data from SD cards and other removable devices.
Pros & Cons
Complete for free
Ignore the file system to scan the underlying data, which is helpful for severely damaged SD cards
It can also run on Windows and Linux.
No file preview is available.
There is a lengthy procedure for the initial setup.
No customer support
The recovery of videos that are more significant than 50MB is prone to failure.
Limit
It is only applicable to processors with Intel and below M1.
It works by the command line. If you are not a tech pro, using PhotoRec can be tricky.
The maximum size for a single file in a FAT32 filesystem is 4294967295 bytes.
Exif Untransfer is a free program for Mac that primarily focuses on finding JPEG files by leveraging the EXIF data embedded in these images. This tool might be all you need if your memory card is mainly used for photography.
Pros & Cons
Friendly interface
Free to Use
It is helpful for users who accidentally delete.
The speed is plodding.
It hasn't been updated for a long time
It does not support the latest macOS.
Limit
Only JPEG Recovery from SD card.
The size limit for Exif metadata in JPEG images is 64 kB.
This simple and reliable tool works in many situations, such as accidental deletion, formatting, etc. Although the free version has functional limitations, it is still great for casual Mac users needing to restore photos and videos deleted on a memory card.
This is a well-known brand in data recovery. It provides powerful support for extracting files from microSD cards and can usually handle data loss issues.
Pros & Cons
Minimal and user-friendly design.
Recover fragmented MOV and MP4 videos from memory cards.
Supports encrypted cards
This version does not support repairing damaged or distorted photos and videos.
Only basic file filtering is available.
Scanning will consume a lot of resources.
Limit
As free SD recovery software for Mac, Stellar can only help users save 1GB of data.
It combines file recovery with drive editor tools that reconstruct the directory structure and retrieve lost data even after certain damages. DMDE is very suitable for advanced users who need detailed control over OS X SD card recovery.
Pros & Cons
You can clone the memory card.
Provide log and file verification reports.
You can use it without installation.
When scanning SD cards with the ExFAT file system, errors may occur.
The recovery process is very slow.
Corrupt data cannot be repaired during the loss process.
Limit
The free version can restore files only from the selected directory, which can be restored in batches of 4000 or less.
Top 6 Paid Programs for Mac SD Memory Card Recovery
Suppose you are looking for options that offer more advanced features and support. In that case, you can choose the professional version of iBeesoft or any of the following programs:
#1. Disk Drill for Mac
Disk Drill is an all-in-one data recovery and management solution, which should be the best performer in this section. Its flexible interface and powerful features make it perfect for every user.
Pros & Cons
Provide additional features such as disk health detection, cleaning, duplicate finder, data protection, etc.
Beginner-friendly with a clear UI.
Deep scan mode is available.
It's a slightly expensive price.
Requires time-consuming installation.
Paid Upgrades
Customer Support
Forms, Emails, and knowledge bases.
Pricing
Lifetime subscription. $89 for Pro and $499 for Enterprise
It can be used as a professional-grade SD card data recovery program for Mac. You can set multiple parameters to control the entire process completely. The best part is that it works effectively even for heavily damaged file systems.
Pros & Cons
Supports network recovery and forensics mode.
Professional hexadecimal editor.
Estimation of data recovery probability.
Advanced file search.
Complex interface
Run slowly
Customer Support
User manuals, forms, and phone. Response time is less than 4 hours.
Pricing
$79.99 for Personal, $899 for Technician, $80 for T80+, and $179.99 for Corporate.
It was designed by Wondershare, which claims to have 35+ data recovery patents. In our actual testing, it was not as perfect as officially claimed. But its enhanced photo and video recovery is indeed helpful for memory cards.
Pros & Cons
Easy to use
Several recovery modes, including BitLocker safety
Repairs corrupted videos
Limited support for 4K and 8K videos
The names of lost files may not be displayed correctly
Cannot record scan results
Customer Support
Live chat, knowledge base, and dedicated support system, but requires login.
Pricing
$79.99 for 1 Month, $89.99 for 1 Year, and $139.99 for Perpetual
As an SD card data recovery software Mac, EaseUS performs on par with Recoverit. It is commendable that its filtering system is easier to use, and you can switch languages anytime without restarting.
Pros & Cons
Independent SD card scanning option
Provides free remote assistance
Support key combinations
When a storage device has a bad sector, it may not respond.
The names of lost files may not be displayed correctly
There may be errors in identifying the storage card of digital devices.
It supports almost all data loss situations for your card. Whether you are a professional tech person or just a beginner, it is an excellent option to recover deleted files on a Mac.
Pros & Cons
Quick and Deep Scans
Provides secure erase tool
A single license covers both Mac and Windows.
The brand follows a strict no-return policy.
Cannot reassemble damaged items
Limited Preview
Customer Support
Live chat and email. You can also connect with an executive by visiting Seagate Government Solutions.
Pricing
$79 for Standard (30 days) and $399 for Professional (1 year)
As the last option for the best SD card recovery software for Mac, Leawo's performance is average, with neither highlights nor obvious shortcomings. You can find your lost files in just a few steps.
Pros & Cons
Multiple file types supported
Very little usage of system resources
Lack of advanced recovery capabilities
Basic file filtering
For users who have lost their videos, it may be not work well.
Generally, you can get a good result using the tools in this list. Here are some tips that can maximize their effectiveness.
⛔ When your photos, videos, or other items are lost, please immediately stop using this device to prevent them from being overwritten.
⚠️ If data is lost due to microSD corruption, please use repair tools or terminal commands cautiously, as this may cause them to disappear forever.
📈 Do not try too many programs to scan your card, as it may cause metadata confusion.
💾 Do not select this card when saving recoverable files.
Conclusion
No matter what data you have lost from your storage card and how it disappeared, you can get it back with just a few clicks using the correct app. If you are still determining which SD card recovery tool Mac should choose, start with the free options and upgrade only when necessary. However, before selecting these options, you should be careful. Ensure that you check the software's compatibility and adaptability with your purpose.
FAQs
Whether its type is SDHC, SDXC, microSD, or miniSD, storage capacity is 8GB or more than 1TB. Most tools can do it. However, the chances of recovery may vary. The reliable ones are iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac, PhotoRec, Stellar, R-Studio, and Disk Drill.
Except for PhotoRec and R-Studio, their interfaces are friendly, and you can use them easily.
iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac can handle most cases of logical corruption, such as inaccessibility, formatting errors, locking, etc. For physical damage, you can still use professional data recovery services.
You can try iBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac, which has conducted an in-depth analysis of how SanDisk stores data and improves its algorithm.