PARAGON NTFS 15
Paragon NTFS for Mac is a powerful software solution designed to enable read and write access to NTFS-formatted drives on macOS. NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default file system used by Windows, but macOS traditionally offers read-only support for NTFS drives, meaning macOS users couldn’t easily modify or transfer files to or from NTFS-formatted drives without additional software.
Paragon NTFS for Mac fills this gap by offering full read and write support for NTFS drives, making it an essential tool for those who regularly share files between macOS and Windows systems. This review explores the features, performance, pros, cons, and pricing of Paragon NTFS for Mac to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.
INSTALLATION of PARAGON NTFS 15 M1, M2 for MAC
The installation of Paragon NTFS 15 Mac (ARM-based Mac devices (Apple Silicon M1) is easy and straightforward, but needs a reboot to finalise installation. It also needs to load an extra file in order to make the menu bar add-on. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software is built for the latest Apple ARM technologies and is fully compatible with M1-based Mac devices.
This latest release offers full backwards compatibility for Intel based Mac computers, which also will be indicated if you want to install an older version on an iMac late 2020, as a popup appears telling you the version is not supported anymore for the newest Mac’s. You are required to buy this new build 15.8.243.
Mounting is entirely under your control with advanced options
Mount in Read-Only: select this option if you need to access sensitive data without modifying any files.
Do not mount automatically: select this option if you want to manually control access to a volume.
WHY USE NTFS for MAC
Can’t write, copy, edit or delete files on Microsoft NTFS-formatted drives from your Mac? It’s because macOS has limited support for Windows volumes — that is, you can only read data, but can’t write or delete anything. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software provides blazing fast, unlimited read/write access to Microsoft NTFS hard drives, SSDs or thumb drives formatted for Windows computers! Paragon NTFS 15 Mac also supports Apple’s latest APFS file system (see image below).
Paragon NTFS 15 makes your external storage usable on any computer system Windows or Mac. So your data remains interchangeable and is fully adapted for macOS Big Sur (11.5).
PREFERENCES
Beside the menu bar add-on, Paragon’s NTFS for Mac also has some preferences to set. Here you may choose to activate the new Big Sur dark look which looks great. Even if you have never used the Disk Utility you will find it very easy to learn the simple interface.
PERFORMANCE
Microsoft NTFS is one of the primary file systems of Windows. If you work on a Mac computer and need to read or write files from HDD, SSD or a flash drive formatted under Windows, you need Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software. Write, edit, copy, move and delete files on Microsoft NTFS volumes from your Mac! Fast, seamless, easy to use. Mount, unmount, verify, format or set any of your Microsoft NTFS volumes as a startup drive.
Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software is the fastest file system driver on the market: 6x times faster than competing solutions. Check these speedtest pdf files where Paragon scores over the competition.(scans).
ERASE & VERIFY
Volumes can be created, erased and formatted just like one would do using Apple’s Disk Utility application. The difference is that the Paragon allows you to do these activities on NTFS drives. You can manage your volumes easily from one place.
The verification of a volume will take some time depending on the size of the volume. If you use ‘verify’ on your basic partition, your – system – freezes (becomes unusable) for a few minutes, until finished.
KEY FEATURES OF PARAGON NTFS
- Full Read/Write Access for NTFS Drives
- Paragon NTFS for Mac allows you to read and write to NTFS-formatted drives on your Mac. This is the primary feature of the software, and it allows for seamless file management between Mac and Windows systems. You can copy, move, and delete files from NTFS drives directly within macOS Finder, just as you would with drives formatted in macOS-native formats like HFS+ or APFS.
- Native macOS Integration
- The software is fully integrated into the macOS Finder, which means it behaves like a native part of the system. You don’t need to launch a separate app to access or modify NTFS drives. Once installed, the NTFS-formatted drives will appear in Finder with full read/write functionality, just like any other drive formatted for macOS.
- You can access NTFS drives directly from the Finder sidebar, making it easy to transfer files and folders without any complicated setup.
- Fast File Transfer Speeds
- Paragon NTFS for Mac offers fast data transfer speeds, making it highly efficient when moving large files or batches of files between macOS and NTFS-formatted drives. It supports both USB and Thunderbolt connections, and file transfers are generally smooth without noticeable lag.
- The software uses a high-performance driver that ensures file operations are fast and reliable, even with large files, ensuring that it doesn’t slow down your system or disrupt workflows.
- Support for All macOS Versions
- Paragon NTFS for Mac supports a wide range of macOS versions, including macOS Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura, ensuring compatibility with both newer and older macOS systems.
- This is important for users who may be working across different macOS environments, as it guarantees that NTFS drives will function correctly across these systems.
- Easy Setup and Configuration
- Installation of Paragon NTFS for Mac is quick and straightforward. After purchasing and downloading the software, you simply run the installer, and it automatically installs the necessary components. Once installed, NTFS drives are immediately recognized and accessible in Finder.
- The software also integrates well with System Preferences and provides options for configuring automatic mounting of NTFS drives when connected to your Mac.
- Automatic Mounting and Ejecting of NTFS Drives
- Paragon NTFS for Mac offers automatic mounting of NTFS drives when they are connected, so you don’t have to manually mount them each time. The software also ensures safe ejection of NTFS drives, preventing data corruption.
- This feature makes it convenient for users who frequently plug in and unplug NTFS drives from their Macs, as they can rest assured that drives are properly mounted and ejected without any risk of data loss.
- Seamless Integration with Time Machine (macOS Backup)
- Although Time Machine does not support NTFS-formatted drives for backup, Paragon NTFS for Mac enables full integration with Time Machine, allowing you to use NTFS drives as external backups for macOS. This is particularly useful for users who want to maintain a single backup device that works with both macOS and Windows machines.
- Security and Reliability
- The software uses a secure kernel-level driver, which ensures that NTFS drives are safely accessed and written to without any risk of corruption. The software operates in the background without interfering with system performance, ensuring that file transfers and modifications are handled without issue.
- It is also regularly updated to maintain compatibility with the latest macOS updates and security protocols, ensuring long-term reliability.
PERFORMANCE AND USABILITY
- Ease of Use
- Paragon NTFS for Mac is incredibly user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with macOS, so you don’t need to adjust any complicated settings or configurations. Once installed, you can simply plug in an NTFS-formatted drive and access it just like any other drive.
- The Finder integration ensures that the experience is intuitive for Mac users, even those who are not very tech-savvy. You can simply drag and drop files, rename them, and move files between directories with ease.
- Reliability
- One of the standout features of Paragon NTFS for Mac is its reliability. Unlike some other NTFS solutions, Paragon’s software is known for being stable and free from bugs or crashes. File operations such as reading, writing, moving, and deleting files work smoothly and without interruption, making it a trustworthy tool for both personal and professional use.
- Speed and Efficiency
- When it comes to file transfers, Paragon NTFS for Mac performs exceptionally well. It supports fast transfer speeds, which is crucial when working with large files or moving data between macOS and Windows systems. This high level of performance ensures that the tool won’t hinder your workflow.
- No Need for Reformatting
- One of the biggest advantages of Paragon NTFS for Mac is that you don’t need to reformat your NTFS drives to use them with macOS. This is a huge time-saver for users who have large amounts of data stored on NTFS drives that need to be accessible across different operating systems.
- Full Read/Write Access
- The primary advantage of Paragon NTFS for Mac is its ability to provide full read/write access to NTFS drives on macOS. This enables users to seamlessly transfer and modify files between macOS and Windows systems without encountering limitations.
- Native macOS Integration
- The software integrates seamlessly with macOS Finder, making it easy to interact with NTFS drives just as you would with any other drive. It doesn’t require a separate app or complex setup, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience.
- High-Speed Performance
- Paragon NTFS for Mac is optimized for high-speed file transfers, ensuring that large files and folders can be transferred quickly and reliably without slowing down your system.
- Compatibility with Latest macOS Versions
- Paragon NTFS for Mac is fully compatible with the latest versions of macOS, including macOS Ventura, Monterey, and Big Sur, ensuring users can keep their NTFS drives fully functional after system updates.
- Automatic Mounting and Ejection
- The software features automatic mounting and safe ejection of NTFS drives, which makes it hassle-free when connecting or disconnecting drives.
- Time Machine Support
- Paragon NTFS for Mac allows you to use NTFS drives as backup drives for macOS Time Machine, enabling users to keep a single external drive for both macOS and Windows backups.
- Price
- The cost of Paragon NTFS for Mac can be a downside for some users. The software is priced at $19.95 for a one-year license and $39.95 for a lifetime license. While the one-time purchase is reasonable, the subscription model for regular updates might feel unnecessary for users who only need occasional NTFS access.
- No Free Trial
- Paragon NTFS for Mac does not offer a free trial, which could be a dealbreaker for users who want to test the software before committing to the full purchase. However, there are demo versions available that allow you to test out basic functionality.
- No Support for macOS File Systems
- While the software excels at handling NTFS drives, it does not support other macOS-native file systems like APFS or HFS+ for reading and writing to external drives. Users needing a broader range of file system compatibility may require other software solutions in addition to Paragon.
PRICING
- 1-Year License: $19.95/year
- Lifetime License: $39.95 (one-time purchase)
- Both options come with updates and support, but the lifetime license offers better long-term value.
VERDICT
Paragon NTFS for Mac is a reliable, fast, and seamless solution for macOS users who need full read/write access to NTFS-formatted drives. Its native Finder integration, high-speed file transfers, and easy setup make it an ideal tool for users who regularly need to work with NTFS drives on their Mac. Additionally, the software’s support for Time Machine and automatic mounting of NTFS drives add significant convenience.
The only major drawbacks are the price (especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option) and the lack of a free trial, but for users who need consistent and reliable NTFS access, Paragon NTFS for Mac is one of the best solutions available.
Pros:
- Full read/write support for NTFS drives
- Native Finder integration for seamless use
- Fast data transfer speeds and reliable performance
- Works with Time Machine and supports automatic mounting
- Compatible with the latest macOS versions
Cons:
- Relatively high price for a single license
- No free trial available
- Does not support macOS-native file systems like APFS or HFS+
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