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Microsoft established the NTFS file system, which is a default file system on Windows. However, macOS does not fully support it. A file on an NTFS disc cannot be directly detected (read, written to, or edited) by the Mac operating system. It can be made available with an NTFS for Mac software application. Below are some helpful free NTFS for Mac tools.
The 8 best NTFS drivers for Mac that can provide you complete read and write access to NTFS devices on a Mac are introduced, reviewed, and compared in this article.
How We Tested and Picked Out the Best Microsoft NTFS for Mac Tools
We built a virtual machine with macOS 10.15. Catalina and the other 6 clones to ensure that all apps were installed and run in the same system environment before testing and comparing the top 8 free NTFS for Mac software.
The drive was then successfully mounted in read-write mode after we attached an NTFS drive and transferred 500+ files containing various file types into the NTFS drive. Then, to see if the NTFS write and read features were supported, we repeated a few of the same actions to the NTFS drive.
Out of the test process, we picked the 8 best free NTFS for Mac software.
Among them, 4 NTFS for Mac software are totally free:
- Mounty for Mac
- FUSE for macOS
- SL-NTFS
- NTFS-3G macOS
On the other hand, there are 4 NTFS drives for Mac with free trials available:
- SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac
- Paragon NTFS for Mac
- Tuxera NTFS for Mac
- iBoysoft NTFS for Mac
Comparison Chart of the Top 8 Free NTFS for Mac Software
In this article, both free and free-trial Microsoft NTFS for Mac software is compared. You can read NTFS drives on Mac and enable Mac NTFS writing functionality with a third-party NTFS driver, which will fix the read-only issue with your Mac external hard drive.
You may choose your ideal NTFS for Mac software with the help of the comparison table.
Supported macOS |
Auto-mount |
Write Speed |
Price |
Easy to Use |
Modern Interface |
Other Highlights |
|
| Mounty for Mac | macOS 12 - OS X 10.9 | No | Slow | Free | No | Yes | N/A |
| FUSE for macOS | macOS 12 - OS X 10.6 | Yes | Slow | Free | No | No | N/A |
| SL-NTFS | macOS 10.12 - OS X 10.6 | No | Slow | Free | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| NTFS-3G macOS | macOS 11 - OS X 10.6 | No | Slow | Free | No | No | N/A |
| SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac | macOS Monterey 12 - macOS Sierra 10.12 | Yes | Fast | 10-day free trial period (the upgrading price is $34.95) | Yes | Yes | 1. Support M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max Mac 2. Check NTFS Format to NTFS |
| Paragon NTFS for Mac | macOS 12 - 10.12 | Yes | Fast | 10-day free trial period (the upgrading price is $20) | Yes | Yes | 1. Support M1 Mac 2. Format to NTFS |
| Tuxera NTFS for Mac | macOS 12 - OS X 10.4 | Yes | Relatively slow | 15-day free trial period (the upgrading price is $15) | No | Yes | 1. Support M1 Mac 2. Check NTFS |
| iBoysoft NTFS for Mac | macOS 13 Ventura beta - macOS 10.13 | Yes | Fast | 3-day free trial period (the upgrading price is under $20) | Yes | Yes | 1. Support M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max Mac 2. Clean NTFS 3. Format to NTFS |
Round-up Review for the 8 Best Free NTFS for Mac Software
1. Mounty for Mac
You may download Mounty for NTFS free using Homebrew or the DMG installer. The program was created to transfer data across the Windows and macOS operating systems. Additionally, Mounty for NTFS uses the macOS system and doesn't install any external drivers on your disk.
Despite being free and easy to use, Mounty for NTFS carries the risk of data loss, disk failure, and poor transfer rates. In any case, it provides enough free software.
Pros
Quick and cost-free full version download
Operates on Mac Apple Silicon M1 devices
Decent speed
The newest version supports Maverick to Monterey
Cons
Write speed is slow
Data risks and instability
No technical assistance
Don't display volumes on Finder
Unsecure software
How to use Mounty NTFS for Mac:
Step 1. Download and run Mounty for Mac.
Step 2. After downloading the software, you can manage the contents of the associated drive using the Finder windows.
Ratings and User Reviews
The Mounty NTFS for Mac software was reviewed and received positive and bad feedback from various users.
Users/Media |
Remarks |
| mlazzle | “Did exactly what I needed for trying to copy files from Mac OS to Bootcamp Windows 10. Why this had to be such a chew in the first place, who knows! This was super quick and easy. Cheers Mounty-dev!” |
| Editor's Review of MacUpdate | “It uses the build-in capability of OS X and will not install any additional drivers. This makes Mounty a small and handy utility for your daily file sharing workflow.” |
2. FUSE for macOS
A third-party universal file system enables you to expand Mac's file management capabilities. Installing this free Mac NTFS driver software adds a compatibility layer to macOS, enabling users to access NTFS files using any fully functional file system built on top of it. Mounting NTFS partitions in read-write mode may be a little more difficult. However, FUSE for macOS is a wonderful choice if you are familiar with the command line and require a completely free solution.
Pros
Free NTFS for Mac software
Support from OS X 10.9 to macOS 12 Monterey
Completely functional with Apple Silicon M1 Mac
Obtainable in a variety of languages
Cons
NTFS partitions cannot be auto-mounted
Not trustworthy
No technical assistance
No recent update
Difficult to use
How To Use FUSE for macOS:
Step 1. Download the most recent version of FUSE, open the.dmg file, and run the installation by clicking on the FUSE for macOS.pkg file.
Step 2. Restart your computer after the program has been installed, then connect the Windows NTFS drive to the Mac for read-write access.
Ratings and User Reviews
Many comments indicate some compatibility problems with this free NTFS for Mac software. In addition, command line experience in technology is necessary. It is advised for developers who are well aware of the hazards and advantages. However, few put positive comments.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| OmgItsTheSmartGuy | “If you're like me, the only reason you would install OSXFuse is to enable support for NTFS-3G in Lion and Mountain Lion. In which case, you've come to the right app. OSXFuse works great for that.” |
| Gu | “FUSE, along with ext2fuse and ext4fuse, is the only alternative to Paragon's extFS for Mac. Unless Tuxera comes out with something.” |
3. SL-NTFS
A free (Snow Leopard) SL-NTFS for Mac software is used on Apple Mac computers to facilitate writing. It is a very simple Microsoft NTFS for Mac software that merely allows mounting and unmounting of NTFS disks and enables write access.
Pros
Free NTFS for Mac software
NTFS volume writable access
Small download size and easy installation
Cons
Its compatibility with more recent versions of macOS is not clearly stated
Lacking support for huge files and volumes
Failure while writing to external HDDs with NTFS
Competing NTFS for Mac utilities
No update since 2010
No technical assistance
How To Use SL-NTFS:
Step 1. When the preference is opened, the window will appear.
Step 2: Click the option to Activate or Disable writing on a volume. If you haven't already, you'll be prompted for your password.
Step 3: If the button is still unchecked after that, writing to this disk using the Apple driver is not allowed. The disk will then vanish and reappear in the table. When a disk is mounted but writing isn't enabled on it, you can enable a daemon (a background program) that will prompt you for permission to enable writing on the disk.
Ratings and User Reviews
The few users suggested that the SL-NTFS has unreliable performance and poor compatibility. You could give it a try for one time only.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| Editor's Review of Techviewer | This is basically an interface that allows you to configure Apple's NTFS driver. The app is free of charge and the installation is super easy. |
4. NTFS-3G macOS
To read and write NTFS volumes on macOS, Linux, Android, FreeBSD, and other operating systems, Tuxera offers NTFS-3G, a free NTFS for Mac software.
NTFS-3G is a cross-platform and open-source implementation of the Windows NTFS disks. As it uses the FUSE file system interface, You can use the application without modification on several operating systems, including macOS. Additionally, NTFS-3G supports all Mac writing procedures for NTFS files. Transparent compression and system-level encryption are also supported.
Pros
100% free software
Support for macOS Big Sur 10.12
Compatible with OS X, Yosemite, and Snow Leopard
Includes Linux and Android support
Cons
Has not received an upgrade to accommodate macOS Big Sur
Not compatible with the Apple Silicon M1 Mac and macOS 12
Difficult to install and utilize
Depending on a command line
Slow writing speed
No technical assistance
How To Use NTFS-3G macOS:
Step 1. Open Synaptic Package Manager and enter the root password to install NTFS-3G
Step 2. In the search field, type "NTFS" and then click Mark for Installation. Accept the dependencies for NTFS config, then press Apply to begin the installation.
Step 3. You can now read-write NTFS drives on your Mac after the installation has been completed.
Ratings and User Reviews
Disregarding its benefit of being free, NTFS-3G is noted for its poor usability and performance. Unlike the others, the installation process of NTFS-3G is complex because it is a code source and requires a substantial understanding of command lines. Here are some more user reviews.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| justvlade | I think the reviews for the product are really underrated…the good side is that is eventually works. And it is free to use. Of course in USB3 era the speed is not so fast as you expect,... |
| jerrymess | “Free tool, but with very slow transfer speed, will purchase Paragon NTFS for Mac, it is faster and more reliable, I can afford myself to spend 20 bucks on it.” |
5. SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac
The SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac software is an easy-to-use program that automatically recognizes NFTS formatted volumes and re-mounts write-protected NTFS volumes under macOS in read-write mode. It successfully bridges the gap between Windows and Mac caused by their different file systems. This software enables infinite read/write functionality for all external hard drive types, including SSD drives, and features an easy-to-use user interface.
Pros
All NTFS versions are supported
GUI-based and straightforward to use
It supports both Macs with Intel processors and Macs with M1 chipsets
It is compatible with Monterey to macOS Sierra versions
No information is damaged or lost during the transfer
Cons
A free version is available, but it has a short trial duration
How To Use SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac:
Step 1. Install the NTFS for Mac tool after downloading it. If using an M1 Mac, you must grant the application Full Disk Access after installing the NTFS for Mac tool.
Step 2. Place your NTFS drive into your Mac.
Step 3. When your Mac detects the NTFS drive, right-click on the Drive icon and select Mount as writable. Then it switches to read-write mode, allowing you to drop files randomly.
Ratings and User Reviews
Here are the reviews of different users.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| Kenneth Zeise | Superb Windows To Go Creator Tool |
| Richard Spellman | Highly recommended! |
| Thomas Smetham | It works as promised |
6. Paragon NTFS for Mac
The Paragon NTFS for Mac enables macOS to write on hard disks, SSDs, USB thumb drives, and other devices with Windows NTFS formatting. It gives Mac users complete read-and-write access to Microsoft NTFS. The software is built on a unique UFSD technology that offers NTFS partitions as fast as native macOS.
Pros
It has a 10-day free trial period
It has a helpful user interface
Compatible with Apple Silicone M1 Mac
Support macOS from High Sierra to Monterey
Correct NTFS file system issues
Has a quick read/write access
Cons
Cost for each upgrade
Promotional updates
Notifications about advertisements
Extremely challenging to remove
Users' login credentials are being lost
How To Use Paragon NTFS for Mac:
Step 1. Install Paragon NTFS for Mac after downloading it.
Step 2. Double-click on the dmg after finding the file.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions after installing NTFS for Mac.
Step 4. Start editing your NTFS drives after restarting your Mac.
Ratings and User Reviews
Users can write to, edit, copy, move, and delete files on Microsoft NTFS from their Mac using Paragon's Microsoft NTFS for Mac software. However, if you're just testing out a free product, it's not advisable to use it. After a 10-day trial, you almost can't uninstall it from your Mac. Here are also some reviews from other users.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| James G. Gibson | I have had this product installed for about one month. The use I had intended is fairly straight forward… |
| rusty child | So, I purchased "Paragon NTFS for Mac OS X 6.0" to share video files…it's too bad I never got beyond the installation process with this program… |
7. Tuxera NTFS for Mac
Built on the foundation of NTFS-3G, Tuxera NTFS for Mac is a commercial Microsoft NTFS implementation for macOS. The program offers advanced caching technology to provide quick file transfers between Mac and Windows NTFS. The program also provides a maintenance option that allows users to inspect and fix issues on the attached disk.
Pros
It provides a 15-day free trial period
Compatible from MacOSX 10.4 to macOS 11 and to the Apple Silicon M1 Mac
Cons
Can damage user’s data
Windows NTFS add-on driver for business
Slow rate of data transfer
Poor transmission of data
How To Use Tuxera NTFS for Mac:
Step 1. Visit the official website to access the online installer for Tuxera NTFS for Mac.
Step 2. After downloading the installation file, click twice on the Install Tuxera NTFS link.
Step 3. To install the Tuxera NTFS software on your Mac, click on the Open button.
Step 4. When the Tuxera package is prepared to operate, click Continue and choose the trial version.
Step 5. You can now make changes by simply restarting your Mac, connecting your NTFS driver, and opening the NTFS drive in Finder.
Ratings and User Reviews
Tuxera NTFS for Mac offers a generous 15-day trial period that is partially free before you must pay for a lifetime license key. To be safe, you should always make a backup of your files. Here are other reviews from various users.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| James G. Gibson | I have had this product installed for about one month. The use I had intended is fairly straight forward… |
| Lynn A. Ellsworth | I can't figure it out. |
8. iBoysoft NTFS for Mac
The best way to mount Microsoft NTFS drives on your Mac is with iBoysoft NTFS for Mac. You can now use it with macOS 13 Ventura (Beta). This little menu bar tool has an easy-to-use design and displays a list of discovered NTFS volumes and disk management utilities. iBoysoft NTFS for Mac makes writing to NTFS drives on a Mac quick, easy, and efficient.
Pros
Mac OS X High Sierra to Ventura compatible (Beta)
Entirely suitable for Mac M1 Max, M1 Pro, and Apple M1 devices
Correct NTFS file system issues
It removes the NTFS volume or data cleanup
Drive to NTFS format
Cons
No phone support
How To Use iBoysoft NTFS for Mac:
Step 1. Download, install, and activate NTFS for Mac for free.
Step 2. Connect your Mac's read-only Microsoft NTFS drive.
Step 3. All NTFS partitions will be automatically mounted in read-write mode by iBoysoft NTFS for Mac.
Ratings and User Reviews
Almost users said that the best NTFS driver for Mac is iBoysoft NTFS. It is due to its user-friendly design, plug-and-play functionality, free trial version, and technical assistance. Here are other reviews from other users.
User/Media |
Remarks |
| Leonardo C. | "iBoysoft is an effective and reliable program for data recovery in NTFS formats" |
| Ivan G. | "iBoysoft Data Recovery is a great application to recover and protect data" |
Summary
Using NTFS for Mac software is essential if you continue using both PCs and Mac devices. Some of the free NTFS for Mac software have apparent defects or limitations like slow write speed, poor compatibility, and no technical support. If you don't bother about the dangers, Mounty for NTFS or FUSE for macOS is an excellent free NTFS for Mac apps.
If you have a small budget, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac is a better option than the free NTFS for Mac utilities. It can do several Mac NTFS features that the free NTFS for Mac app can't, such as formatting and fixing Microsoft NTFS.
I hope we have helped you choose the best NTFS software for your Mac devices. Additionally, with the aid of Recoverit data recovery, you may effectively recover deleted or lost data from NTFS drives on both Windows and Mac computer. Visit our website for more information!
For Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
For macOS X 10.10 or later