Top 4 Split PST Software in 2026: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Summary

Large Outlook PST files are difficult to handle, large data files can slow down Outlook performance and make mailbox management difficult. PST Split Tool is used to split large PST into smaller manageable files on size, date, folder, year or other basis. In this comparison, we review four popular solutions Kernel for PST Split, DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert, SysTools PST Splitter, and Softaken Split PST Pro. "Each app has different splitting methods and features for Outlook users. Kernel and DataVare are good options for users who want flexible PST splitting, while Softaken offers a user-friendly solution with various modern splitting options. We also discuss the pros, cons, and main differences between these tools.

1. Kernel PST Split Best for Flexible PST Splitting

Kernel for PST Split is an advanced application to split large Outlook PST files into small PST files. The software provides multiple splitting criteria like date, email ID, size etc. It can also create separate PST files for individual folders. It supports mailbox folders like emails, Contacts, Calendar, and Journals.

Main Features

• Split Large PST Files to Small PST Files
• Split PST by date, email ID and size.
• Export each folder to a separate PST file.
• Supports mailbox folders like Inbox, Contacts, Calendar and Journal.
• Designed to better handle oversized PST files.
• It supports Password Protected PST Splitting as per Kernel’s latest Outlook Suite information.

Pros

• Several criteria to split PST.
• Supports splitting by folders.
• Useful for handling large Outlook data.
• Able to preserve mailbox metadata during the split.
• PST split solution dedicated.

Cons

Some of the advanced features may require a paid license.
Users may need to be aware of the different splitting criteria before processing large mailboxes.
The tool is targeted to PST management rather than general Outlook administration.

2. SysTools PST Splitter – Feature Rich But Not The Right Choice

SysTools PST Splitter provides a plethora of options to split large Outlook PST files. It provides the option to split PST files by date, size, year, folder, email ID, category, subject and sender. It supports both healthy and corrupted PST files. It is available for Windows and Mac.

Main Features

• Split PST by date and size .
• Sorted by year and folder.
• Split by email ID.
• By category, by topic, by sender.
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PST files.
• Multiple PST files and folders support.
• Can skip deleted items and Junk folders.
• Works with Windows and Mac.
• Can split PST files which are password protected.

Advantages

• There are many ways to split.
• Works on Windows and Mac.
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PSTs.
• Support for splitting by folder and email.
• Provides free demo.
• Can process password protected PST files.
• Cons
• Export limitation in demo version.
• The large feature set may be more than needed for basic PST splitting.
• Users may take some time to learn all the options available to them.
• This isn’t our first choice in this comparison.

3. Softaken Split PST Pro – Best for Advanced Features

Softaken Split PST Pro 7.0 is a specialized PST splitting tool to split large Outlook PST files into smaller, well organized files. There are several methods for splitting in the current version: by size, folder, year, date range, sender/recipient, category/tag, attachments, item type and search filters. Also performs preflight validation and SplitReport.json reporting.

Key Features

• Split PST by Size
• Year and folder split.
• Split by custom date range .
• Sorted by sender or recipient.
• Split by category/tag.
• Separate emails by attachment size.
• Split the selected Outlook item type.
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PST’s.
• Does preflight validation.

Produces SplitReport.json upon processing:

• Supports major versions released by the vendor up to October 2023 (Outlook 2026).
• Works without Outlook install.

Benefits

• Many flexible splitting techniques.
• New style folder path selection.
• Custom size limits from 5 MB to 10 GB supported.
• Preflight validation checks the output path, disk space, and the health of the
• source files
• Creates a detailed split report.
• It lets you select which folders and subfolders to process.
• Easy to use.
• Works with Windows 7 to Windows 11.
  
  

Cons

Designed for healthy PST files, corrupted files should be repaired before splitting.
Works with one PST file at a time as per vendor's FAQ.
System specifications are Windows-based and may not appeal to Mac users.
Some advanced features are available only in the licensed version.

4. DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert – Best for Basic PST Splitting

DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert is a tool which splits large Outlook PST files into smaller files. It supports ANSI and Unicode PST formats and splitting by size, year and folder. The vendor says the software does not require Microsoft Outlook to be installed.

Features

• Split PST files by size
• Divide PST by year
• Split Outlook folders by choice.
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PST files .
• Enables users to save resultant PST files on local drive.
• Does not require installation of MS Outlook.
• Supports all versions of Outlook PST.

Pros

• Simple PST Splitting Process
• Supports size-based split.
• Yearly breakdown.
• Can split by folder.
• Supports ANSI and Unicode PST formats.
• No installation of Outlook required.

Cons

• The vendor says that they do not support corrupted PST files.
• The number of split criteria is less than that of some new PST split applications.
• Mac users may find the Windows system requirements unsuitable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PST Split Tool depends on the mailbox size, splitting criteria and technical requirements of the user. If you are looking for flexible PST splitting with multiple criteria then Kernel for PST Split is a good choice. If you are looking for straightforward splitting by size, year and folder then DataVare Outlook PST Split Expert is for you.

SysTools PST Splitter has a wide range of splitting options and cross-platform support, but the many features might be too much for a user who wants a more streamlined workflow.

Softaken Split PST Pro is a great option for those looking for a modern PST splitting solution with multiple filters, selective folder paths, preflight validation, reporting, and Outlook 2026 support. The new 7.0 release adds several advanced splitting and management features that make it especially useful for IT administrators, businesses and professional Outlook users.

Common questions
1. What is PST Splitting Tool?

A PST Split Tool splits a large Outlook PST file into multiple smaller PST files to facilitate the organization and management of mailbox data.

2. What is the need of dividing a huge PST file?

Breaking up a large PST can make mailbox data easier to manage, and may help avoid problems associated with very large Outlook data files.

3. What is the best PST Split Tool?

Kernel for PST Split is a good option for flexible split. DataVare works best for simple size, year and folder based splitting, whereas Softaken Split PST Pro is the best option for users who need advanced filters, selective splitting, validation and reporting.

4. Is it possible to split PST files by size?

Yes. Kernel, DataVare, SysTools and Softaken all have the ability to split PSTs based on size.

5. Is there any way to split PST file by date or year?

Yes. Kernel provides date-based splitting; DataVare, SysTools, and Softaken provide year/date-related splitting.

6. Do I need Microsoft Outlook to be able to use Softaken Split PST Pro?

No. As per the official Softaken product information, Split PST Pro does not require Outlook installation.