Diskferry

DiskInternals Linux Reader vs Diskferry for APFS

Linux Reader from DiskInternals is a free Windows app that reads Linux file systems and, despite the name, Mac ones too. For an unencrypted Mac drive its free version may be all you need. Facts are from diskinternals.com/linux-reader, checked 30 October 2026.

DiskferryLinux Reader
PriceFree to find, browse and preview; copying US$14.99 onceFree; Pro "From $29.95"
APFSYes, read only, including password-encrypted volumes"Read and save files" in the free version
HFS+Yes, read only, including case-sensitive"Read and save files" in the free version
Encrypted APFSCopy with the one-time unlock"Preview only" free; "Read and save files" in Pro
Writes to the driveNo, never writes to the driveNo, "Read-only access to files"
Drive letterNo, files are browsed and copied in the appPro only: "Map disks onto a new drive letter (Pro)"
Copy verificationYes, every copy compared by SHA-256, with a reportNot stated

Choose Linux Reader if

  • The Mac drive is not encrypted and you want a free tool.
  • You also need Ext, Btrfs, ZFS or other Linux file systems.

Choose Diskferry if

  • The drive is encrypted APFS: Diskferry's one-time US$14.99 unlock is less than Linux Reader Pro's starting price.
  • You want each copy compared with the original and a report of anything that failed.
  • You prefer an app made for Mac drives, from the Microsoft Store.
DiskferryMicrosoft Store

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

Can Linux Reader open APFS for free?

Its comparison table lists APFS as "Read and save files" in both the free and Pro versions, and encrypted APFS as "Preview only" in the free version (checked 30 October 2026).

Last updated 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell support.

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