3 Top Split PST Software: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Summary

Split PST software helps Outlook users to split large PST files into smaller manageable files. Handling large PST files is tough and may impact Outlook performance, backup and data management. By 2026, there are several dedicated PST splitter tools that offer the possibility to separate outlook data by size, year, folder, etc. In this article we will compare GainTools Split PST , Softaken Split PST Pro and DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert. Each solution provides multiple capabilities to manage huge Outlook archives while supporting ANSI and Unicode PST formats. Based on usability, splitting choices, Outlook dependence, compatibility, practical advantages and limits, this comparison is to assist users choose an appropriate PST splitting solution.

1. GainTools Split PST Tool

GainTools Split PST is a Windows based tool to split huge Outlook PST file into little sections. The tool supports ANSI and Unicode PST files and gives three main options for splitting: by size, folder and year. It supports PSTs created with several versions of Outlook and has a simple wizard style procedure. The users can choose the appropriate PST file, preview its contents, choose the splitting technique and store the resultant files locally. GainTools also offers a free trial for evaluation. If you are seeking for a simple and focused application to divide PST, GainTools is a fantastic alternative for handling huge Outlook files.

Feature

1. Split PST file by size
2. Split PST by folder
3. Divide PST by year
4. Supports ANSI and Unicode PST files
5. Supports several versions of Outlook
6. Easy wizard interface
7. Save locally
8. Free trial available
9. Compatible with Windows

Pros

• Simple user interface
• Multiple PST splitting choices
• Supports ANSI and Unicode formats
• Good for huge PST files
• Lightweight Windows App
• Free trial offered

Cons

• Trial version is restricted

2. Softaken Split PST Professional

Softaken Split PST Pro is an advanced program to split PST files of MS Outlook. It is an advanced tool to separate large and healthy PST files into smaller ordered files. It provides several split options including size, folder, year, sender, attachment size, category, tags, item kind, etc. Folders can be selected by the users instead of the whole mailbox. The app supports ANSI and Unicode PST files and works without Outlook installation. Softaken also provides preflight validation, session logs and SplitReport.json reporting that can help with IT and regulatory operations. The customizable filtering and granular splitting options make this a good option for customers who work with sophisticated Outlook archives.

Features

• Split PST By Size, Folder And Year
• Sender or domain split
• Split by File Size
• Split by tags and category
• By item type
• Choose specific directories or subfolders
• Support for ANSI and Unicode PST files
• It doesn't need Outlook installed
• Validation before flight
• Reporting SplitReport.json
• Session log monitoring
• Compatible with Outlook 2026 and previous versions of Outlook

Pros

• Lots of splitting options
• No installation of Outlook necessary
• Supports selective split of folder
• Useful features for logging and reporting
• Support for ANSI and Unicode PST files
• Ideal for business and IT users
• Trial version available.

Cons

• Licensed version needed for full operation

3. DataVare Outlook PST Splitter Expert

DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert is a Windows software that splits huge PST files into little files according to user needs. It offers splitting by size, year and folder and supports both ANSI and Unicode PST formats. This program is autonomous and does not need Microsoft Outlook to perform the task. Users can save the resultant PST files in their own local location. It handles data from many Outlook versions and offers an easy workflow for customers that need to shrink the size of huge PST archives. DataVare is particularly beneficial if you’re looking for a simple desktop tool to manage huge Outlook PST files.

Features

• Split PST by size
• PST Split By Year
• Folder split by PST
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PST
• Works with a lot of Outlook versions
• No need for Outlook installation
• Save result to local storage
• Compatibility with Windows
• Easy Interface

Pros

• Easy PST Split Procedure
• Supports PST files of various sizes.
• Split methods, multiple
• No reliance on Outlook
• Supports ANSI and Unicode formats.
• Managing the local output

Cons:

• Requires desktop installation

Conclusion:

All three apps offer useful methods for splitting huge Outlook PST files but their merits vary. GainTools Split PST is a wonderful alternative for those who need a basic and straightforward solution with splitting by size, folder and year. Unlike other software, Softaken Split PST Pro offers more number of dividing rules such as sender, size of attachments, category, tags, item type and date based options. Its validation, logging and reporting features make it appropriate for more complex procedures. DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert is another useful choice for users for basic size, year and folder based PST splitting. In general, GainTools, Softaken and DataVare are suggested solutions, with Softaken giving the most range of splitting features.

FAQ’s
1. What is PST Split Software?

PST splitting program splits a huge Outlook PST file into smaller PST files based on size, folder or date.

2. Reasons to Divide a Large PST File:

Breaking up a huge PST can assist you in better managing, archiving, backing up, and organizing your Outlook data.

3. What is the finest Split PST software?

Softaken Split PST Pro is a good pick if you want more options for splitting as it offers size-based, folder-based, year-based, sender-based, attachment-based, category-based, tag-based, and item type-based splitting.

4. Do these utilities divide ANSI and Unicode PST files?

Yes. GainTools, Softaken, and DataVare claim to support ANSI and Unicode PST files.