Top 5 NTFS for Mac Tools for M5 Chip Mac | 2026

Quick Navigation:

• Why You Need NTFS for Mac on M5 Chip?
• Key Features to Look for in An NTFS for Mac Tool
• Top 5 NTFS for Mac Tools for M5 Chip Macs
• Security & Data Safety Considerations
• How to Install and Use NTFS for Mac Tool on M5 Chip Mac?
• FAQs about NTFS for Mac Tools for M5 Chip
• Conclusion

Apple's M-series chips have transformed the Mac ecosystem with impressive performance, efficiency, and security. The latest M5 chip continues this trend, delivering faster speeds, better AI acceleration, and improved system stability. However, one long-standing limitation remains: macOS still provides only read-only access to NTFS drives by default.

NTFS (New Technology File System) is Microsoft's primary file system for Windows. Many external hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and even SD cards are formatted in NTFS because of its reliability and support for large files. When you connect such a drive to your Mac, you can read files but cannot copy, edit, or delete them without third-party software.

For M5 chip Mac users, choosing the right NTFS for Mac tool is essential. Not all tools are fully optimized for Apple Silicon, and poor compatibility can lead to performance issues or even data loss. This article explores the top 5 NTFS for Mac tools for M5 chip Macs, comparing their features, performance, security, and pricing to help you make the best choice.

Why You Need NTFS for Mac on M5 Chip

macOS NTFS Limitations

macOS can natively read NTFS drives, but write support is disabled. This means:

• You can open files
• You can copy files from the NTFS drive
• You cannot copy files to the NTFS drive
• You cannot edit or delete files

This is a major inconvenience for users who regularly switch between macOS and Windows.

Common Use Cases

• Sharing files between Mac and Windows systems
• Using NTFS-formatted external SSDs for video editing
• Accessing NTFS backup drives
• Working with NTFS USB drives at school or work

Why M5 Chip Compatibility Matters

The M5 chip uses Apple Silicon architecture, which differs significantly from Intel Macs. NTFS tools must be optimized for:

• ARM-based processors
• Apple's security model (System Extensions)
• macOS Sequoia and future versions

Poorly optimized tools may cause slow speeds, system crashes, or permission issues.

Key Features to Look for in an NTFS for Mac Tool

Before choosing a tool, consider the following:

1. Full Read/Write Support: The tool should allow seamless file creation, editing, and deletion on NTFS drives.

2. Apple Silicon (M5) Compatibility: Native support for M1–M5 chips ensures better performance and stability.

3. Speed & Performance: High read/write speeds are crucial for large files like videos and backups.

4. Ease of Use: A clean interface and automatic mounting make daily use simpler.

5. Security: The tool should comply with Apple's System Extension requirements and avoid risky kernel extensions.

6. Pricing: Look for fair licensing, free trials, and long-term value.

Top 5 NTFS for Mac Tools for M5 Chip Macs

Top 1. DoYourData NTFS for Mac

DoYourData NTFS for Mac is one of the most established NTFS solutions. It has been around for years and is known for its high performance and enterprise-level reliability.

DoYourData offers full Apple Silicon support, including optimized drivers for M1 through M5 chips.

Key Features:

• Full read/write NTFS access
• Automatic drive mounting
• Disk utility integration
• High-speed data transfer
• macOS Tahoe support

Pros:

Cons:

Best For:

Power users, professionals, and anyone working with large NTFS drives daily.

Top 2. Tuxera NTFS for Mac

Tuxera NTFS is another long-standing NTFS driver widely used in enterprise environments, including embedded systems and network storage.

Tuxera provides optimized drivers for M-series Macs, ensuring smooth performance on M5 systems.

Key Features:

• Full NTFS read/write support
• Advanced caching for faster speeds
• NTFS disk repair tools
• Command-line support

Pros:

Cons:

Best For:

Advanced users, IT professionals, and developers who want more control.

Top 3. Donemax NTFS for Mac

Donemax NTFS for Mac is another simple and reliable tool to enable NTFS writable access on Mac. The software can do the job without installing additional system extensions (kext) and you don't need to change the system security level in recovery mode.

Works well with Apple silicon Macs, including the latest M5 chip Macs. It's easy to use and very friendly for users.

Key Features:

• NTFS read/write access
• Easy to use.
• Apple Silicon support

Pros:

Cons:

Best For:

Users who already use Donemax tools for backup or data recovery.

Top 4. iBoysoft NTFS for Mac

iBoysoft focuses on simplicity and user-friendly design, making NTFS access easy for everyday users.

The interface is clean, modern, and simple to use, even for beginners.

Key Features:

• One-click NTFS mounting
• Read/write support
• Disk management tools
• Apple Silicon compatibility

Pros:

Cons:

Best For:

Beginners and casual users who want hassle-free NTFS access.

Top 5. Mounty for NTFS (Free Option)

Mounty is a lightweight, free NTFS solution that enables write access using macOS's hidden NTFS support.

While Mounty works on Apple Silicon, it relies on macOS's experimental NTFS write capability, which is not officially supported by Apple.

Key Features:

• Free
• Simple interface
• Lightweight

Pros:

Cons:

Best For:

Casual users who only occasionally need NTFS write access.

Performance Comparison on M5 Chip Macs

Tool	Speed	Stability	CPU Usage	Best Use Case
DoYourData	Excellent	Very High	Low	Professional work
Tuxera	Very Good	High	Moderate	Technical users
Donemax	Very Good	High	Low	For Beginners
iBoysoft	Good	High	Moderate	Everyday use
Mounty	Fair	Medium	Low	Occasional use

 

DoYourData and Tuxera consistently deliver the best performance on M5 Macs, especially for large file transfers.

Final Verdict: Which IS the Best NTFS for Mac Software for M5 Chip?

Best Overall

DoYourData NTFS for Mac: Fast, stable, and professional-grade.

Best for Advanced Users

Tuxera NTFS for Mac: Great performance with technical features.

Best for Beginners

Donemax NTFS for Mac: Easy to handle and friendly for beginners.

Best for Recovery Users

iBoysoft NTFS for Mac: Simple, clean, and easy to use.

Best Free Option

Mounty for NTFS: Good for basic, non-critical use.

Security & Data Safety Considerations

System Extensions vs Kernel Extensions

Modern NTFS tools use System Extensions, which are safer and more compatible with Apple Silicon. Older kernel extensions (kexts) can cause system instability.

Apple Silicon Security

M5 Macs enforce strict security policies. A good NTFS tool should:

• Work with System Integrity Protection (SIP)
• Use Apple-approved drivers
• Avoid risky permissions

Data Corruption Risks

Free or unsupported tools may cause:

• File system errors
• Corrupted files
• Drive mounting failures

For critical data, always choose a trusted NTFS solution.

How to Install and Use NTFS for Mac Tool on M5 Chip Mac?

General Installation Steps

1. Download the NTFS for Mac tool from the official website and Install the app on Your M5 chip Mac.
2. Grant system permissions as instructed. Restart your Mac if required
3. Connect your NTFS drive to the Mac and make sure it's recognized normally.

Permissions Needed

• Full Disk Access
• System Extension approval
• Security confirmation in macOS Settings

Enable writable access for NTFS

1. Launch the NTFS for Mac software.
2. Select the NTFS drive in the interface.
3. Click the Enable Writable button.
4. Then the NTFS drive is full read-and-write on the M5 chip Mac.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Reboot after installation
• Check System Settings > Privacy & Security
• Reconnect the NTFS drive
• Update to the latest version

Conclusion:

As Apple continues to refine its M-series chips, the M5 Mac delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. However, NTFS write support remains absent from macOS, making third-party tools essential for users who rely on Windows-formatted drives.

Among the available options, DoYourData NTFS for Mac stands out as the most reliable and high-performance solution. Tuxera offers strong technical capabilities, iBoysoft provides a clean and easy-to-use experience, Donemax offers a beginner-friendly solution, and Mounty remains a decent free alternative for light use.

Choosing the right NTFS tool ensures smooth file transfers, data safety, and full compatibility with your M5 chip Mac — helping you work efficiently across platforms.