Top 5 Tools for SD Card Data Recovery on Mac in 2025

Losing important data from an SD card can be an extremely annoying experience especially when it happens abruptly or without warning. Regardless of whether you've deleted the files by accident, have inadvertently formatted the SD card, or are facing a corrupted card that is now unreadable, it's easy to think that the information is gone forever.  However, because of modern recovery tools, there is a good chance that you can get those lost files back especially if you act quickly and use the right software.

If you are using a Mac and want to get data back from an SD card, you are in luck because there are several trusted tools available designed specifically for SD card data recovery on Mac. These tools, along with data recovery services, can scan your SD card, find lost or deleted files and help recover them to your computer. To help you out, we have highlighted the 5 best SD card recovery tools to use in 2025 based on a combination of performance, ease of use, and value.

Why You Might Need SD Card Recovery Software

There are various scenarios of why files can go missing from an SD Card, and usually these scenarios happen very suddenly without any real warning. You might accidentally delete a folder with vacation pictures,  format the card while trying to fix a different issue, or you might remove the card from your camera or computer while it’s still writing data. In some cases, the SD card itself becomes unreadable. Bad file systems, physical damage, or corrupted sectors can make your SD card unreadable. Whatever the situation is, there are usually specialized recovery tools available that may be able to restore the files you thought were lost.

One of the key benefits of using SD card recovery software on a Mac is that these tools are designed to work with macOS file systems and interfaces. They often include features like file previews, scanning filters, and step-by-step recovery processes that make it easier for non-technical users to recover their files without needing advanced knowledge.

1. Disk Drill for Mac 

Disk Drill has long been one of the most trusted tools for data recovery on Mac, and it continues to impress in 2025 with its user-friendly design and powerful scanning features. This software is ideal for recovering files from SD cards, whether they were accidentally deleted, lost due to formatting, or hidden because of file corruption.

Disk Drill stands out because it combines an intuitive interface with a deep, thorough scanning process that can locate almost any type of file. It supports all major SD card formats and file types, including documents, videos, photos, and audio files. One of the most helpful features is the ability to preview files before recovering them, so you can see what’s actually recoverable before committing to the process.

If you're looking for a solid, reliable tool that works well for beginners and tech-savvy users alike, Disk Drill is a great choice for sd card data recovery mac.

2. PhotoRec 

If you’re looking for a completely free tool and don’t mind a slightly old-school experience, PhotoRec is worth considering. As an open-source program, PhotoRec doesn’t limit the amount of data you can recover, which makes it perfect for users who need to retrieve large amounts of files without spending any money.

Originally designed for photo recovery, PhotoRec actually supports a wide range of file types and works well with SD cards, USB drives, and even hard disks. However, the main thing to keep in mind is that PhotoRec uses a command-line interface, which means you’ll need to be comfortable typing in commands instead of clicking buttons in a visual interface. For some users, this might feel overwhelming at first, but if you’re willing to follow some simple instructions, you can still recover files effectively without needing to pay for software.

While it doesn’t have the sleek design or file preview features of other tools, PhotoRec is still a powerful and completely free solution for SD card data recovery on Mac.

3. R-Studio for Mac 

R-Studio is a more advanced data recovery tool that was originally created for professionals in the IT field. While it’s not quite as beginner-friendly as some of the other options on this list, it offers an impressive level of control and customization for users who know what they’re doing.

The software supports all common Mac file systems and works well with SD cards that have been formatted, corrupted, or damaged in some way. R-Studio includes detailed file recovery logs, smart scan features, and an interface that’s modeled after the classic Windows file explorer layout. It also provides recovery support across local and network drives, making it especially useful for business and enterprise users.

If you’re comfortable with more technical software and want a powerful solution with professional-level tools, R-Studio is one of the best options available for Mac SD card recovery.

4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac

EaseUS has built a strong reputation over the years for providing recovery tools that are both powerful and easy to use. Its Mac version, known as the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, lives up to that standard by offering a clean interface and a straightforward recovery process that anyone can follow.

This tool is especially good for people who are new to data recovery. It guides you through a three-step process: first you choose the SD card, then you scan it, and finally you preview and recover your files. The software can perform both quick scans and deep scans, depending on how badly the files were damaged or deleted.

The free version of EaseUS lets you recover up to 2 GB of data, which is usually enough for recovering a handful of important files like photos or documents. If you need to recover more than that, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version. Overall, EaseUS is a solid pick for users looking for easy SD card data recovery on Mac without a steep learning curve.

5. Wondershare Recoverit for Mac 

If you’re mainly trying to recover media files like photos, music, or videos then Wondershare Recoverit is definitely worth a look. This software supports over 1,000 file types and does a particularly good job of piecing together files from SD cards that are partially damaged or corrupted.

Recoverit features a modern interface that’s easy to navigate, along with helpful tools like search and filter options to help you find the exact files you need. You can preview images and video files before recovery, and the program also includes a video repair feature for fixing corrupted footage. It works with all types of SD cards, including microSD and SDHC.

If your main concern is recovering lost media from your SD card and you’re using a Mac, Recoverit is one of the most effective tools available in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve lost family vacation photos, important documents for work, or irreplaceable videos, losing data from an SD card can be upsetting. But the good news is that with the right tool, you have a strong chance of getting those files back, especially when combined with professional data recovery services in critical cases. All five of the tools we’ve discussed above like Disk Drill, PhotoRec, R-Studio, EaseUS, and Wondershare Recoverit are excellent choices for SD card data recovery on Mac, depending on your specific needs.

If you want a modern, user-friendly tool that balances ease of use with powerful features, Disk Drill is a great starting point. If you’re on a budget and not afraid to get technical, PhotoRec offers full recovery at no cost. For users who want total control and detailed options, R-Studio is the way to go. If simplicity and speed are your priorities, EaseUS is perfect for beginners. And for recovering a lot of media files, Wondershare Recoverit is a great pick with advanced media scanning features.

Whichever tool you choose, the most important thing is to stop using the SD card as soon as you notice something is wrong. This gives you the best chance of recovering your lost data successfully.

If you want expert-recommended tools and guidance, Call Louder offers helpful resources and support for Mac users facing SD card data loss.