To ensure uniform testing, I deleted the same files on both machines two weeks prior to testing. The MacBook Pro features a 120GB solid-state drive (SSD), whereas the Mac Mini uses a 500GB hard disk drive (HDD). Both systems run the same version of macOS Sierra. I tested Stellar Phoenix alongside four other recovery utilities using two Macs: an early-2015 MacBook Pro and a late-2014 Mac Mini. As Disk Drill, Data Rescue, and DiskWarrior demonstrate, it doesn't need to be this complicated. You must export the license from the first desktop and import the license onto the second using lengthy registration ID and license keys. The single-user license is only accessible on one desktop at a time, meaning that if, like me, you want to install the utility on a second desktop, you will need to use the license transfer feature.

While Stellar Phoenix hits the sweet spot in terms of pricing, its approach to licensing leaves much to be desired.

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. By default, licenses are single-user affairs, with open-license Technician versions tallying $350 on the Mac and $299 on the PC. Windows users can choose from Data Recovery Professional ($99) or Data Recovery Professional Bundle ($199). I tested Data Recovery, though some users might find enough value in Platinum's volume optimization features to warrant the added cost. On the Mac side, there are two versions of the software, Data Recovery and the Platinum Edition. While it doesn't provide the most sophisticated tools for filtering recovery results, the $99 Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery offers an easy on-ramp to Mac data recovery. With a host of scans and extensive file signature support, this data recovery utility scans disks, recovers lost partitions, and recoups documents, photos, and music. Whether you've lost data from an internal or external hard drive, a Windows Boot Camp partition, or an Apple Time Capsule, Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery will help recover it.

Ineffective for recovering files on solid-state hard drives.

Repairing volumes requires the utility's Platinum edition.

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