HFSExplorer alternative for APFS: Diskferry vs HFSExplorer
HFSExplorer is the classic free answer for Mac drives on Windows, and for an HFS+ drive it is still a fair choice. Its limit today is APFS, the format Macs have used since macOS 10.13. Facts are from the HFSExplorer GitHub repository, its releases and troubleshooting page, checked 30 October 2026.
| Diskferry | HFSExplorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to find, browse and preview; copying US$14.99 once | Free, open source, "License: GPLv3+" |
| APFS | Yes, read only, including password-encrypted volumes | No: "An application for accessing HFS/HFS+/HFSX file systems" |
| HFS+ | Yes, read only, including case-sensitive | Yes, HFS, HFS+ and HFSX, read only |
| Built with | Native Windows app from the Microsoft Store | Java (GitHub lists the language as Java) |
| Reading a connected drive | One Windows permission prompt; a helper opens only Mac disks | "cannot currently read from attached hard drives without administrator rights" |
| Latest release | Current Store version | 2026.4.9, April 2026 (previous 2021.10.9) |
| Copy verification | Yes, every copy compared by SHA-256, with a report | Not stated |
Choose HFSExplorer if
- The drive is Mac OS Extended (HFS+), and free and open source matters most to you.
- You are comfortable running a Java application as administrator.
Choose Diskferry if
- The drive is APFS, or you do not know: Diskferry reads both and tells you which.
- The drive is encrypted APFS and you have the password.
- You want each copy checked against the original, with a report.
Not sure what format the drive is? Diskferry's free browsing shows each volume's format before you copy anything. HFS+ on Windows, APFS on Windows
Facts about other products were checked on 30 October 2026 on the pages linked above. Products change; check their current pages before buying. Names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to compare.
Questions
Why does HFSExplorer not see my drive?
If the drive is APFS, HFSExplorer cannot read it; it reads HFS, HFS+ and HFSX. Its troubleshooting page also notes it needs administrator rights to read attached hard drives.
Is there a free APFS equivalent of HFSExplorer?
DiskInternals Linux Reader reads APFS for free, and 7-Zip opens APFS image files. See free ways to read APFS and Linux Reader.
Last updated 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell support.
Other comparisons
- MacDrive alternative: Diskferry vs MacDrive 12Read-write driver at $59.99 vs a read-only copy-out app
- Paragon APFS and HFS+ for Windows alternativeTwo read-write drivers ($24.95 and $19.95) vs one read-only app for both formats
- TransMac alternative: Diskferry vs TransMacBoth open Mac drives in their own window; $59.00 with a 15-day trial vs free browsing
- UFS Explorer alternative for Mac drives on WindowsA many-file-system read-only tool vs one made for Mac drives
- DiskInternals Linux Reader vs Diskferry for APFSA free multi-format reader; encrypted APFS is preview only unless you buy Pro
- Free ways to read APFS on Windows: 7-Zip and Linux7-Zip, a Linux USB stick with apfs-fuse, and what can go wrong
- GuidesHow to open, unlock and copy from Mac drives on Windows