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Last updated: Nov 04, 2024

Best RAID Software for Mac

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology has become a critical tool for macOS users seeking to optimize storage solutions. By combining multiple drives into a single array, RAID enhances performance, provides data redundancy, and enables recovery options that are essential for both professional and personal use. Whether you’re managing extensive media libraries, safeguarding critical business data, or simply aiming for better read and write speeds, a RAID setup offers a tailored solution. With the growing demand for robust data management on macOS, it’s important to know which RAID software options are the best fit. In this guide, we’ll explore the top free and paid RAID tools for macOS in 2024, helping you choose the software that aligns with your performance and reliability needs.

Key Factors When Choosing RAID Software for Mac

When selecting RAID software for Mac, there are several essential factors to consider to ensure it meets your performance and storage needs:

Performance and Reliability: The primary purpose of RAID is to boost speed and data protection, so it’s crucial to choose software that performs well under load and provides reliable data redundancy. Look for software that efficiently handles data distribution and recovery, particularly if you're working with large or critical files.
User Interface and Ease of Setup: An intuitive interface can make a significant difference, especially for users who are new to RAID configurations. Opt for software that offers a straightforward setup process and clear management tools to make configuring and monitoring RAID arrays on macOS hassle-free.
Compatibility with macOS Versions: Not all RAID software is compatible with every macOS version, so it’s important to ensure that the software supports the specific macOS version you’re using, especially with recent updates.
Types of RAID Configurations Supported: Different RAID levels (such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10) cater to various needs—whether for performance, redundancy, or both. Confirm that the software supports the RAID types you plan to use, as some may have limited options.
Pricing: Paid vs. Free Software Options: RAID software ranges from premium paid solutions with advanced features to reliable free options that cover the basics. Depending on your budget and requirements, consider which pricing model offers the best value without compromising on quality and performance.

Top RAID Software Options for macOS

When selecting RAID software for macOS, it's essential to consider factors such as performance, reliability, supported RAID levels, ease of use, and cost. Below is an overview of top RAID software options available for macOS:

1. SoftRAID

SoftRAID RAID management solution designed for macOS and Windows users.

Features and Benefits: SoftRAID offers disk health monitoring, failure analysis, and email notifications for disk errors.
Supported RAID Levels: SoftRAID supports RAID 0 (striped), RAID 1 (mirrored), RAID 4, RAID 5, RAID 1+0 (10), and RAID 6+.
Integration with macOS Disk Utility: SoftRAID operates independently of macOS Disk Utility.
Pricing and User Feedback: SoftRAID Standard is available as a free download, while SoftRAID Premium can be purchased for $149.99 for the first year and $79.99/year thereafter.

2. Apple Disk Utility

Disk Utility is the built-in disk management tool in macOS that includes basic RAID support.

Built-in RAID Support in macOS: Disk Utility allows users to create and manage RAID arrays without additional software.
RAID Levels Supported: It supports RAID 0 (striped), RAID 1 (mirrored), and concatenated disk sets (JBOD).
Ease of Use and Basic Setup Guide: Disk Utility provides a user-friendly interface with a RAID Assistant to guide users through the setup process.

Pros and Cons Compared to Third-Party Tools:

Pros: No additional cost, seamless integration with macOS, suitable for basic RAID configurations.
Cons: Limited to basic RAID levels, lacks advanced monitoring and predictive failure analysis found in third-party tools like SoftRAID.

3. DiskInternals RAID Recovery™

DiskInternals RAID Recovery™ is a professional-grade software solution specifically designed for comprehensive RAID data recovery. Unlike many general data recovery tools, it imposes no limitations on the type of RAID configurations it can handle, making it ideal for both personal and enterprise-level RAID recovery needs.

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Specialized in Professional RAID Recovery: As a dedicated tool, DiskInternals RAID Recovery™ is built to recover data from virtually any RAID setup, including complex configurations and non-standard RAID arrays. Its professional focus ensures that it can address intricate data loss scenarios without compromising on recovery scope or quality.
Full Support for Various RAID Configurations: The software supports an extensive range of RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 4, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and JBOD, and works seamlessly with both hardware and software RAID setups. This flexibility ensures that users, regardless of the RAID configuration, have access to powerful, unrestricted recovery options.
Reliable Recovery for Failed RAID Arrays: DiskInternals RAID Recovery™ offers advanced reconstruction capabilities, enabling it to detect and replicate the original RAID structure without the need for the original RAID controller. This feature is particularly beneficial for RAID arrays with failed or inaccessible disks, as it provides direct access to recoverable data.
Cost and User Testimonials: DiskInternals RAID Recovery™ offers a free trial version that allows users to preview recoverable files. The full version is available for purchase starting at $249.

4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for RAID Recovery

EaseUS data recovery tool that includes features for RAID recovery on macOS.

Features Focusing on RAID Recovery for macOS: Enables recovery of lost data from basic RAID configurations, including RAID 0 and RAID 5.
Comparison with DiskInternals RAID Recovery: While both tools offer RAID recovery capabilities, EaseUS provides a more general data recovery solution with a user-friendly interface, whereas DiskInternals focuses specifically on RAID reconstruction and recovery.

Free RAID Software for Mac

1. Apple Disk Utility

Apple Disk Utility is macOS’s built-in disk management tool that provides basic RAID support at no additional cost.

Built-in RAID Management Features: Disk Utility includes RAID management capabilities, supporting basic configurations like RAID 0 (striped) and RAID 1 (mirrored). It allows macOS users to create and manage these RAID arrays without requiring additional software, making it a convenient option for straightforward RAID setups.
When to Use It for Basic RAID Setups: Disk Utility is best suited for users who need simple RAID configurations and aren’t looking for advanced performance or extensive fault tolerance options. For example, users who want to create a mirrored RAID setup (RAID 1) for redundancy or a striped array (RAID 0) to improve read/write speeds can use Disk Utility as a quick and easy solution.
Comparison with Paid Alternatives: While Disk Utility is convenient and cost-free, it lacks the advanced monitoring, predictive failure analysis, and broader RAID level support (such as RAID 5 or 6) found in professional RAID software like SoftRAID or DiskInternals RAID Recovery. For users with higher data protection needs, more complex RAID configurations, or a desire for enhanced performance tracking, third-party paid options offer a more comprehensive feature set.

2. RAID Recovery Freeware from DiskInternals

DiskInternals offers a free version of its RAID recovery tool, providing limited features tailored for users needing basic data recovery from RAID arrays.

Limited Recovery Features in the Free Version: The freeware version of DiskInternals RAID Recovery offers limited access to its full suite of RAID recovery capabilities. Users can scan and preview recoverable files, which allows them to assess whether the software can retrieve the data they need before committing to the paid version. This free option is helpful for straightforward recovery cases but does not include the more advanced features available in the full version.
Situations Where Free Software is Sufficient: The free version is suitable for users dealing with simple data loss scenarios, such as recovering accidentally deleted files from a RAID array that has not experienced significant failure. For more severe cases involving complex RAID levels or multiple disk failures, users will likely benefit from upgrading to the full version of DiskInternals RAID Recovery, which provides unrestricted access to advanced recovery options and extensive RAID configurations.

Setting Up RAID on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

RAID setups on macOS can significantly enhance storage performance, data redundancy, and recovery capabilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to configure RAID using Apple Disk Utility and SoftRAID, along with tips on troubleshooting common issues and choosing the right RAID software for your needs.

Step-by-Step Process Using Apple Disk Utility

1. Open Disk Utility: Launch Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder on your Mac.
2. Select RAID Assistant: In the menu bar, go to File > RAID Assistant. RAID Assistant will guide you through the RAID setup process.
3. Choose Your RAID Type: Select the RAID level you want to set up. Options include:

RAID 0 (Striped) for higher performance by distributing data across multiple drives.
RAID 1 (Mirrored) for data redundancy, where identical data is stored on two drives.

4. Select Drives: Choose the drives you wish to include in the RAID array. Ensure these drives have no important data, as setting up RAID will erase them.
5. Configure and Name the Array: Name your RAID array and specify any additional configuration details (such as stripe size for RAID 0).
6. Create the Array: Once all settings are confirmed, click Create to set up the RAID. Disk Utility will initialize the array, and it should now be accessible as a single volume in Finder.
7. Verify RAID Status: Check the array’s health and status periodically in Disk Utility to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During RAID Configuration

RAID Array Not Recognized: Ensure all drives are connected properly and formatted correctly. Recheck RAID configuration settings if the array isn’t showing up in Finder.
Degraded RAID Performance: If the array experiences lag, it could be due to a failing drive or an incorrect configuration. Use Disk Utility or SoftRAID’s health monitoring tools to diagnose and address the issue.
Failed Array Rebuild: For RAID 1 or 5 arrays, rebuilds may fail if a drive is severely damaged. In such cases, consider professional recovery software like DiskInternals RAID Recovery™ to restore data.

Ready to get your data back?

To start RAID recovery for MAC from your RAID 0, RAID 1, 0+1, 1+0, 1E, RAID 4, RAID 5, 50, 5EE, 5R, RAID 6, RAID 60, RAIDZ, RAIDZ2, and JBOD, press the FREE DOWNLOAD button to get the latest version of DiskInternals RAID Recovery® and begin the step-by-step recovery process. You can preview all recovered files absolutely for free. To check the current prices, please press the Get Prices button. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact Technical Support. The team is here to help you to recover from RAID!