Paragon Software review: what it is, pricing and who it's for
Disk, backup and file system tools, like NTFS for Mac and Hard Disk Manager, for home and business.
In short: Disk, backup and file system tools, like NTFS for Mac and Hard Disk Manager, for home and business. Starting price: Hard Disk Manager Advanced from $19.95 first year. Free plan / trial: Free Partition Manager CE; 10-day NTFS for Mac trial. Best for: Mac/Windows users moving data between drives.
What is Paragon Software?
Paragon Software makes tools for managing disks and file systems. Its best-known product, Microsoft NTFS for Mac, lets a Mac read and write Windows-formatted drives. Other tools let Windows open Mac (APFS, HFS+) and Linux drives.
For Windows, Hard Disk Manager handles partitions, backup, recovery and disk wiping. There are free tools, like Partition Manager Community Edition, and separate products for business, backup and forensics.
Key features
- Microsoft NTFS for Mac: full read/write access to Windows drives on a Mac.
- Supports Apple Silicon and current macOS versions, including macOS 27.
- APFS, HFS+ and Linux file system drivers for Windows.
- Hard Disk Manager: partitioning, backup, recovery and secure wipe.
- Recovery media builder for when Windows won't start.
- Free Partition Manager Community Edition.
- Mac ToolBox bundle with NTFS for Mac and three other tools.
- Business, backup, embedded and forensic product lines.
Plans and pricing
| Plan | Price / limit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Partition Manager CE | Free | Basic partition management for Windows |
| Hard Disk Manager Advanced (1 year) | $19.95 first year, then $24.95/yr | 1 computer, subscription |
| Hard Disk Manager Advanced (3PC) | $79.95 one-time | Perpetual license, 3 computers |
| Mac ToolBox | $54.99 | NTFS for Mac plus three other Mac tools |
| Microsoft NTFS for Mac | See official site | 10-day free trial |
Prices are in USD from the official product pages; the yearly Hard Disk Manager license is $19.95 for the first year then $24.95, and NTFS for Mac's own price wasn't shown on its page (checked 14 Nov 2026).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Solves the common Mac-can't-write-to-NTFS problem
- Wide range of disk tools for Windows and Mac
- Free trial and free basic tools
- Choice of perpetual or yearly licenses for some products
Cons
- Yearly licenses renew at a higher price
- Many separate products can be confusing to choose between
- License re-activations on NTFS for Mac are limited without contacting support
- Hard Disk Manager home licenses don't cover Windows Server or VMs
Who it's for
Paragon suits people who move drives between Mac and Windows, and Windows users who want partition and backup tools in one place. If you only need occasional read access, macOS can already read NTFS drives without extra software.
Frequently asked questions
What is Paragon Software?
Paragon Software makes tools for managing disks and file systems. Its best-known product, Microsoft NTFS for Mac, lets a Mac read and write Windows-formatted drives. Other tools let Windows open Mac (APFS, HFS+) and Linux drives.
How much does Paragon Software cost?
Paragon Software starts at Hard Disk Manager Advanced from $19.95 first year. Prices are in USD from the official product pages; the yearly Hard Disk Manager license is $19.95 for the first year then $24.95, and NTFS for Mac's own price wasn't shown on its page (checked 14 Nov 2026).
Does Paragon Software have a free plan or free trial?
Free Partition Manager CE; 10-day NTFS for Mac trial.
Who is Paragon Software best for?
Paragon suits people who move drives between Mac and Windows, and Windows users who want partition and backup tools in one place. If you only need occasional read access, macOS can already read NTFS drives without extra software.
What are the downsides of Paragon Software?
Main drawbacks: Yearly licenses renew at a higher price. Many separate products can be confusing to choose between. License re-activations on NTFS for Mac are limited without contacting support. Hard Disk Manager home licenses don't cover Windows Server or VMs.
What are some alternatives to Paragon Software?
Other pc & phone utilities options we cover include Aiseesoft, AOMEI, Tenorshare, Apowersoft and Bandicam.
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This summary is based on Paragon Software's official website, pricing page and public documentation as of November 14, 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm the details on the official site. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.