5 Best iPhone Backup Extractor Apps to Discover

Looking for a backup extractor? You probably noticed that there are tons of software on the market. How can you choose the best option? Before you dive in, we want to highlight an AltTunes app that you can download for free and make a backup in two clicks. Besides, it has many features. For instance, you can easily set up a new iPhone in a matter of a click.

1. AltTunes by Softorino

AltTunes emerges as a comprehensive file transfer tool that facilitates seamless connections between iOS and PC devices. It provides multiple options for file manipulation that go beyond what Finder offers. The app's Backup Manager allows you to schedule instant and wireless iPhone backups to a destination of your choice, eliminating the need for any manual effort!

Step 1. Install AltTunes to your PC

AltTunes is a desktop companion app for your iPhone, becoming your essential device manager for backup purposes. In addition to facilitating backups, it offers versatile file transfer capabilities for various data types, including images, music, videos, contacts, text messages, and more.

The app is available for free download and usage during the free trial period. Feel free to give it a try!

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Step 2. Plugin your external hard drive & iPhone

Tap ‘Trust this computer’ on your device if your iPhone isn’t synced with your machine.

Step 3. Launch AltTunes & notice your device 

Upon initial connection to AltTunes, you will be prompted to back up your device. The best part is choosing your external hard drive as the preferred backup location!

Step 4. Choose your external drive as the destination path

After completing the backup process, your files will be readily available on your external drive, circumventing the need for storage on your PC. If you've been pondering how to back up your iPhone to an external hard drive directly, AltTunes is the ideal tool.

AltTunes offers a range of functionalities beyond backup

• Export text messages & contacts
• Add music & movies to your iPhone bullet-speed and no quality loss
• Easily set up a new iPhone in a matter of a click
• Transfer apps, documents, eBooks, pictures back and forth from your device
• You no longer need to be tied to single iTunes library. Sync as many devices as you wish

2. iBackup Viewer from iMacTools

iBackUp Viewer, as the name suggests, allows you to browse through your backup and extract essential data. It supports various data types, including contacts, call history, text messages, calendar events, voice memos, etc. It even extracts internet visit history and bookmarks. iBackUp Viewer reads iTunes backups seamlessly, but it's important to note that you need the password for encrypted ones.

On the downside, iBackUp Viewer doesn't provide the capability to back up your device. It functions primarily as a browser and does not handle movies or music. Additionally, it lacks the feature to export text messages to PDF files. The user interface may seem outdated for 2019, but when compared to other solutions on the market, it maintains a satisfactory level of performance.

Pros:

• Allows browsing through backups and extracting essential data.
• Supports various data types, including contacts, call history, text messages, calendar events, voice memos, etc.
• Extracts internet visit history and bookmarks.
• Read iTunes backups seamlessly.
• Provides a satisfactory level of performance when compared to other solutions on the market.

Cons:

• Lacks the capability to back up your device.
• Primarily functions as a browser and does not handle movies or music.
• Does not export text messages to PDF files.
• Requires the password for encrypted iTunes backups.
• User interface feels outdated.

Platforms: Mac & Windows

3. Wondershare Dr. Fone for iOS

Pros:

• Dual functionality: The app acts as both a backup viewer and a data recovery tool, providing a comprehensive data management solution.
• Data recovery capability: It can retrieve deleted messages, contacts, photos, notes, and voice memos, even for data lost before the backup.
• Compatibility: Works with both iTunes and iCloud backups, ensuring flexibility for users with different devices and backup preferences.
• Comprehensive solution: Offers a holistic approach by combining backup viewing and recovery features.
• Responsive interface: User-friendly interface enhances the overall experience.
• Free trial period: Users can test the app's functionality with a free trial before committing to the full version.

Cons:

• Limited information: The provided description lacks details on potential drawbacks or limitations, making it challenging to identify cons definitively.

4. Copytrans Backup Extractor

CopyTrans Backup Extractor is a conventional backup tool designed to help you extract files from your iPhone backup. It supports various data types, including photos, videos, messages, contacts, notes, and calendars. The app can export 5GB of photos in under 5 minutes, focusing on efficient extraction.

However, it's essential to note that CopyTrans Backup Extractor is a specialized tool with a singular function – extracting files from iOS backups. Similar functionality can be achieved using iTunes for free, albeit with a potentially confusing user interface. It exclusively supports iTunes backups, and iCloud is not a supported platform.

For users seeking additional features and enhanced functionality, the same company offers the CopyTrans app, an enhanced version providing more comprehensive iPhone management tools. This includes separate backup and file management tools, allowing users to tailor their experience based on specific needs.

Pros:

• Specialized extraction: Efficiently extracts various data types from iPhone backups.
• Fast export: Claims to export 5GB of photos in under 5 minutes, highlighting quick extraction.
• Clear purpose: Designed for users needing a straightforward iOS backup file extraction tool.
• Alternative to iTunes: Offers a user-friendly alternative to iTunes for extraction.
• Enhanced version: CopyTrans app provides comprehensive iPhone management tools.
• Tailored experience: The CopyTrans app allows customization with separate backup and file management tools.

Cons:

• Limited Functionality: Specialized tool; users may prefer free alternatives like iTunes.

5. iPhone Backup Extractor from Reincubate

We must admit every other app seems to be overly focused on keywords, likely for SEO purposes. While this is understandable, it can be confusing for users. For instance, a name like 'iPhone Backup Extractor' might be challenging to remember.

Reincubate's iPhone Backup Extractor is a straightforward application designed for recovering lost iPhone data, including calendar events, photos, videos, notes, location info, app data, contacts, and messages, from backups. It also provides one year of expert support. The free version allows the recovery of four iTunes files and four files from encrypted backups and previewing the iCloud devices list.

Pros:

• Data recovery: The app is designed to recover various lost iPhone data, including calendar events, photos, videos, notes, location info, app data, contacts, and messages from backups.
• Expert support: Reincubate provides one year of expert support, offering users assistance and guidance.
• Free version features: The free version allows users to recover four iTunes files and four files from encrypted backups and preview the iCloud devices list, providing valuable functionality without a cost.

Cons:

• Complicated design: It’s much harder to navigate there because of its not user-friendly design

Bottom Line

These iBackup extractors stand out as top-notch options in the market. Technically, they are powerful software solutions (thus, there are no free alternatives). Each excels at extracting files from iTunes backups, although not all support iCloud backups. 

It's advisable to thoroughly test each app before making a purchase, and fortunately, they all offer free trial periods to help you make an informed decision.

FAQ

How does AltTunes simplify the iPhone backup process?

AltTunes offers a seamless connection between iOS and PC devices, allowing users to schedule instant and wireless backups effortlessly. The Backup Manager feature eliminates the need for manual effort, making it a user-friendly option for efficient iPhone backup.

What distinguishes iBackup Viewer from other browsing and extraction tools?

iBackup Viewer stands out by providing a browsing and extraction solution for various data types, including contacts, call history, text messages, and more. However, it primarily functions as a browser and lacks the capability to back up devices, making it suitable for specific data extraction needs.

How does Wondershare Dr. Fone for iOS cater to diverse data management needs?

Wondershare Dr. Fone for iOS offers dual functionality as both a backup viewer and a data recovery tool. It ensures a comprehensive data management solution by retrieving deleted messages, contacts, photos, notes, and voice memos. The user-friendly interface and compatibility with both iTunes and iCloud backups enhance the overall user experience.