Best 24 Data recovery software - Nov, 2024

Data recovery is a procedure of retrieving information from a storage device when it cannot be read in the usual way. Restoring content of hard drives, external devices, and memory cards can be expensive. However, it's entirely possible to try a free program (or a paid one) to recover essential data in many cases. One of the most critical factors of this process is the amount of time passed since data loss and the number of overwritten files (the more there are, the more difficult to recover the lost ones). In the most tough cases data expert companies can still help you. Among the programs listed below, you can find a suitable product for Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as for mobile devices with Android and iOS operating systems. Choose the best program for your needs by checking prices, features, and tools.

Best 24 Data recovery software - Nov, 2024

  • Created at:
  • Updated at:
  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $70 Pro
    • $100 Pro + WinPE

    Available on

    Key features

    • Data recovery
    • Scan
    • Session history

    Key features

    • Data recovery
    • Scan
    • Session history

    One of the most effective programs on the list. Quickly recovers recently deleted files and does an excellent job of finding lost data. The program applies an advanced scan that uses all possible data recovery options and covers more than 1000 different file formats for both cases. All information found is divided into 3 categories: deleted, lost & existing files. The developers create a clickable path bar for users' convenience, which can be used for moving through the found folders. A well-built filter allows you to search for needed files easily. It includes 9 different file types with additional advanced settings such as data status, type, size, the initial letter of a name, and period modified. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard free version provides 2 GB of space for recovery, and it's quite enough to check the utility effectiveness. If a bootable media option is essential for you, the Pro version is indispensable.

    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pros

    • Effective recovery
    • Fast and powerful scanning
    • Clickable path bar

    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Cons

    • Deep scan performs automatically
    • Can’t specify file types for scan
  • FixGo for Mac

    2. FixGo for Mac

    1 review
    FixGo for Mac image

    Pricing

    • $50 Lifetime Plan
    • $30 1-Month Plan
    • $40 1 Year Plan

    Available on

    Key features

    • Fix iOS issues
    • Data restore
    • OS downgrade

    Key features

    • Fix iOS issues
    • Data restore
    • OS downgrade

    With iToolab FixGo, you will be able to easily fix any iOS system problem at home without needing to pay for a technical specialist. FixGo comes in especially handy in instances when the iOS device freezes with a black or white screen, in the restart loop, or won’t start at all. You can also use FixGo to fix Apple TV problems, such as Apple TV stuck on Apple logo, restarting loops, black screen, not turning on, and many more common issues easily. FixGo can be also helpful to fix over 200 iTunes errors including error 3196, error 9, error 4013 and more. What’s more, FixGo allows you to downgrade your iOS without losing data and avoid any complex operations.

    FixGo for Mac Pros

    • Fixes over 200 iTunes errors
    • Makes iOS 14 update work
    • 2 repair modes (standard and advanced)

    FixGo for Mac Cons

    • Just for iOS and Mac
    • Costly Business plan
  • Disk Drill image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $89 Pro
    • $499 Enterprise

    Available on

    Key features

    • Data protection
    • Driver backup
    • Files filtering

    Key features

    • Data protection
    • Driver backup
    • Files filtering

    Disk Drill is a reasonably good quality product acceptable for many scenarios, such as wrong external drive formatting, accidental deletion of files, emptying your recycling bin, or appearing device file system as a RAW. This program allows you to restore 399+ unique file types with multiple recovery methods. In addition to the basic recovery functionality, you also get access to protecting options for your data, as well as the ability to create drive backups, which can later be used to restore lost files. The Pro version also provides bootable media features, usually used for data recovering from crashed operating systems. Disk Drill performs duplicates scanning, system cleanup, and monitoring as well. With such an extended functionality, it has really low system requirements and perfectly suitable for data restoration from Android and iOS devices.

    Disk Drill Pros

    • Saves scanning sessions
    • Advanced scan modes
    • Separate tabs for each file type

    Disk Drill Cons

    • Deep scan is time-consuming
    • Bootable media only in Pro
    • Reduced scan algorithms (free)
  • EasyRecovery image

    Pricing

    • $79 Home
    • $109 Pro
    • $149 Premium

    Available on

    Key features

    • Safe mode preview
    • Advanced settings
    • Extra file formats

    Key features

    • Safe mode preview
    • Advanced settings
    • Extra file formats

    Pretty typical data recovery software with a modern set of tools that includes improved scanning settings. You are able to mark each needed file format: video, audio and pictures - 3GP, MP4, MP3, OGG, JPEG, PNG, PSD, etc. Different documents types - PDF, Office, MDB. A lot of archives, text and applications formats as well. The program also allows adding new file types. Due to 5-phase deep scanning, EasyRecovery provides advantageous file restoration, but for the same reason, the process takes a lot of time, so it’s a double-edged sword. Each scanning process can be saved and used to save your time and avoid the need for re-scanning. This utility performs both a full system scan with each drive included or any specified folder you need.

    EasyRecovery Pros

    • Productive quick scanning mode
    • Detects hidden system files
    • Provides thumbnails while scanning

    EasyRecovery Cons

    • Resource-intensive deep scan
    • Scan crashes periodically
    • Interface identical to StellarSoft
  • GetDataBack image

    Pricing

    • $79 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Image creator
    • File system settings
    • Duplicates auto detect

    Key features

    • Image creator
    • File system settings
    • Duplicates auto detect

    GetDataBack Pro Recovery Data is suitable for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems and smoothly works with most Windows, Mac, and Linux file systems. The scan process can be performed in 4 levels: from fast to detailed. It might be applied to hard drives, SSD, flashcards, USB sticks, etc. Unfortunately, the disadvantages are present as well. Too bright buttons make using the program not very pleasant, and it doesn't include bootable media feature, however the developers provide instructions on how to use additional software to cope with this task.

    GetDataBack Pros

    • Supports IMG, IMC, VIM images
    • 4 Levels of scanning
    • 9-format viewer

    GetDataBack Cons

    • Problematic product download
    • Weird interface
    • Free version can’t recover data
  • Glary Undelete image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Target scanning
    • Improved filtering
    • Encrypted files recovery

    Key features

    • Target scanning
    • Improved filtering
    • Encrypted files recovery

    This is one of the instruments developed by Glarysoft company and used by a universal program called Glary Utilities. It can help you to restore fragmented, compressed, or even encrypted files on NTFS. A fast and productive scanning process can be performed as on internal as on removable media for sure. The advanced filter allows you to narrow the range of files to the ones you need by size, date, type, and recoverable status. The program can work in portable mode, but you need to copy the root folder to a USB flash drive or another device. Glary Undelete supports over 60+ languages ​​making it more flexible to use by different customers worldwide. The program doesn’t have the ability to provide a deep scan, and it negatively affects the recovery of long-lost files.

    Glary Undelete Pros

    • Shows the state of found data
    • Advanced file types structure
    • Effective fast scan

    Glary Undelete Cons

    • Installs software without permission
    • Narrow file system coverage
    • Can’t restore data from crashed OS
  • Hasleo Data Recovery image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $49 Professional
    • $199 Ultimate

    Available on

    Key features

    • BitLocker data recovery
    • Scan results export
    • Backups

    Key features

    • BitLocker data recovery
    • Scan results export
    • Backups

    All-in-one recovery solution created by Hasleo Software company, which specializes mostly in developing data instruments. Hasleo Data Recovery is designed for coping with different recovery tasks and is available in free and paid forms. The free version allows users to recover up to 2 GB by default, but there is also a specific promotion on the official site, giving you unlimited recovery access. All found data are divided into 3 categories: Existing partition, Lost partition (NTFS or FAT), and RAW recovery files (RAW). Unlike other programs, this one includes an additional “BitLocker Data Recovery” mode, which can help you restore files from encrypted hard drives. Scan results filter acts like 7 separate file type tabs and available only after the process directly. If you are looking for a free program with built-in bootable media features, this is not your choice, as it is provided only in paid versions.

    Hasleo Data Recovery Pros

    • 2 types of data display
    • Friendly interface
    • Technician version trial

    Hasleo Data Recovery Cons

    • Bootable media only in Pro
    • Scan settings
    • No advance filter
  • Iobit Undelete image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Evaluates files status
    • Portable
    • Multiple scan types

    Key features

    • Evaluates files status
    • Portable
    • Multiple scan types

    Iobit Undelete is one of the most simple and fast free data recovery software. Generally, it’s suitable only for common recovery tasks. This utility allows you to restore such media as audio, photo, video, and other files from internal or external storage. One of the main advantages is the recoverability status of files, in 3 types - excellent, good, poor. Obviously, the better the file recovering level, the more chances it has to be restored. Disadvantages are also present, as Iobit Undelete has a bad list structure not showing file types, preview working wrong. Keep in mind that scanning and recovery results depend on storage type.

    Iobit Undelete Pros

    • Different data types support
    • Fast and simple
    • Full free features access

    Iobit Undelete Cons

    • Weak filtering
    • Impractical fast scan
    • Broken files preview
  • iolo Search & Recover

    9. iolo Search & Recover

    Visit website
    Trial 30 days
    iolo Search & Recover image

    Pricing

    • $32 Home

    Available on

    Key features

    • Preview settings
    • Email restoration
    • Recovery prognosis

    Key features

    • Preview settings
    • Email restoration
    • Recovery prognosis

    Iolo Technologies is famous for its high-quality products, for free versions of which the company sets strict limits. In this case, Search & Recover is no exception. Users get full access to the program's functionality, 2 scanning modes (Smart and Strong), working filter, preview, and many other useful options. It works with many devices, supports a vast number of file formats, and is suitable not only for recovering tasks but also for secure deletion of data traces. Files recoverability marks are present as well. The utility has many advantages, but there are drawbacks, though. Firstly, you must search for a trial version download link manually. Secondly, it's possible to recover lost data only 3 times and not more than 3 files during the trial period. If you mistakenly switch between features tabs, your scan result may be lost, and you will have to spend time to rescan.

    iolo Search & Recover Pros

    • Offline installer
    • Cross-mode scan
    • Filtering by file types

    iolo Search & Recover Cons

    • Complicated trial download
    • Impractical preview feature
    • Slow scanning process
  • Lazesoft Recovery Suite

    10. Lazesoft Recovery Suite

    Lazesoft Recovery Suite image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • HEX Reader
    • File state indication
    • Advanced filter

    Key features

    • HEX Reader
    • File state indication
    • Advanced filter

    Lazesoft Recovery Suite is a pack of utilities for emergency recovery on PC. Besides the data recovery service, the package includes tools for fixing system boot errors, creating disk backups and recovering admin passwords in Windows. It also can be used for creating Boot CD / USB with all these utilities on board. Data recovery module can restore data after simple deletion, accidentally formatted or damaged (partition) media. It can be used for recovering data from digital cameras, iPod / iPhone, USB other removable drives. Lazesoft Recovery Suite contains search patterns for 160+ file types, including videos, emails, archives and documents. In the Pro version, extended disk support (RAID, SATA, IDE, SSD, SCSI) and the creation of a boot disk based on WinPE 5 are available.

    Lazesoft Recovery Suite Pros

    • Sector-by-sector recovery
    • Boot CD/DVD
    • Additional system recovery tools

    Lazesoft Recovery Suite Cons

    • Periodical crashes during scanning
    • Only English interface
    • Errors in Settings window
  • PhotoRec image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Open-source
    • Cross-platform
    • Fully portable

    Key features

    • Open-source
    • Cross-platform
    • Fully portable

    It’s not a trivial task to launch PhotoRec if you are an inexperienced user. To start using this program, you need to unpack the archive (portable version only) and manually run the executable file photorec_win.exe inside it. It is completely console software, so it doesn't have a familiar visual interface. All navigation in the menu is available only by using the keyboard and selecting actions from the proposed ones. The search for files which can be recovered is carried out by analyzing the starting blocks remaining on the drive. To speed up scanning, users can exclude unused file extensions from scanning in the settings. To work with damaged or non-bootable drives, PhotoRec is distributed with a free utility from the same vendor - TestDisk. PhotoRec is one of the most cross-platform software, it has versions for Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Linux, DOS, FreeBSD and others. Accordingly, it supports FAT, NTDS, exFAT, HFS + and EXT file systems.

    PhotoRec Pros

    • Supports 180+ files extensions
    • Disks geometry selection
    • HFS+, ReiserFS file systems

    PhotoRec Cons

    • Console-based software
    • Shortcut must be created manually
    • No boot USB feature
  • Puran File Recovery image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Editing search
    • Deep scan
    • 4 modes

    Key features

    • Editing search
    • Deep scan
    • 4 modes

    Puran File Recovery looks outdated, but under the hood it is still a powerful utility for recovering files from various types of drives. One can install it or download the portable version. A special algorithm recognizes traces of files on hard drives, memory cards, flash-based drives and even CD / DVD disks. There are Simple Scan and Deep Scan modes which analyze data byte-to-byte against patterns of known files extensions. For files with partially damaged structure, there is a Find Lost Files mode. In this mode, Puran File Recovery includes report file fragments which don’t comply with known patterns.

    Puran File Recovery Pros

    • Special scan modes
    • х86/х64 portable versions
    • Light-weight

    Puran File Recovery Cons

    • Outdated interface
    • No customization options
  • Recover My Files image

    Pricing

    • Free Evaluation
    • $70 Standard
    • $100 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Supports RAID
    • File validation
    • Conditions in filtering

    Key features

    • Supports RAID
    • File validation
    • Conditions in filtering

    The Recover My Files vendor is a certified Microsoft Intel partner which means high compatibility with PCs with Windows. The first release of this software was in 2002, so it’s one of the oldest recovery software on market. It supports traditional full drive scan and by pattern. To set the pattern conditions, a list of 400+ supported file formats is available, which are divided into categories for convenience. It supports all subtypes of FAT, NTFS and HFS media. For files the code preview in HEX or text form is available. For documents (PDF and Word) and pictures, there is preview without recovery. It's worth noting that this software has successfully passed the CFTT test by the US Homeland Security department, which means it's certified for compliance to use even by law enforcement.

    Recover My Files Pros

    • Perfect results in tests
    • Search by specific file type
    • One license for 2 devices

    Recover My Files Cons

    • Slow recovery in Free version
    • Filters with 1 condition only
  • Recuva image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $22 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Scan subfolders
    • Restore emails
    • Special scan modes

    Key features

    • Scan subfolders
    • Restore emails
    • Special scan modes

    Recuva is a product by a well-known vendor - Piriform. It can recover accidentally deleted pictures, videos, documents and audio files. As in other recovery software, here you need to select the drive before starting the scan. But one of the Recuva’s advantages is that it can search in a specific part of drive, for example, in one of the subdirectories, which can significantly speed up the search process. Scanning is available in two modes: Simple (fast) and Deep (long but more efficient). The free version can handle 5 types of drives, including shadow copies and removable drives. Data recovery from virtual drives, which are often used in virtual machines, is available only in the Pro version.

    Recuva Pros

    • Fully-functional Free version
    • Supports 5 types of drives
    • Detects corrupted files

    Recuva Cons

    • Outdated design
    • No Save scan results feature
  • Remo Recover image

    Pricing

    • $40 Dasic
    • $80 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Image preview
    • Scan external drives
    • Disk imaging

    Key features

    • Image preview
    • Scan external drives
    • Disk imaging

    This product definitely occupies a niche of applications for recovering missing files on your media due to deletion, formatting, or a failed file system. Using Remo Recover, one gets the impression of a working application with all the basic set of functions for deep recovery. Still, the potential is not revealed and there are practically no functions associated with recovery, and the UX, despite its simplicity, is not always clear. Using the settings button, you will be presented with a window to select the file format that you need to find when scanning. For some users, these features and the interface can be advantageous because it is straightforward to understand such a set of functions, and the recovery really works. Also, on the manufacturer Remo Recover website, users can download Repair Tools to recover files in case of damage.

    Remo Recover Pros

    • Ease of use
    • Free scan
    • 24/7 tech support

    Remo Recover Cons

    • Dated design
    • Preview images only
  • Created at:
  • Updated at:
  1. Work with different formats

This type of software should work with all possible file formats since its demand depends on it. If the program you have chosen doesn’t work with the format you need, then the necessity of using it automatically disappears.

  1. Data recovery from different devices

Each high-quality program must include specific data recovering instruments from the computer’s built-in hard drives and additional media storage such as players, USB memory cards, CD/DVD or Blu Ray discs, etc. In both cases, utilities use the same instruments.

  1. Empty Recycle bin

When users delete a file and then empty the recycle bin, they might mistakenly think that the data is gone forever. The operating system designates the space on the hard disk taken by the deleted files as available for use, but the file is not overwritten until that space is required. This information will not be displayed on your computer, but the file contents still physically exist on the hard drive. Data recovery software can scan a disc for searching these files, extract and save them at all.

  1. File system support

Even if programs include functionality for external storage recovering data, support of FAT, HFS + and NTFS file system formats is essential. It’s impossible to start the recovering process if a utility doesn’t support your device’s file system. You can also face exFat, NTFS5, ext2/ext3, or ReFS systems, but more rarely.

  1. Advanced recovery filter

The presence of an advanced filter for configuring the scanning process greatly simplifies the work with the program, and also reduces the amount of time spent directly on the process itself. Usually, this instrument includes a number of settings to narrow the search by the parameters you need, such as - file size, type, modification time, status, etc.

  1. Bootable media

Quite an important tool that helps to restore your lost data from an unbootable PC. The installed program creates a specific copy which can be ran without a working operating system by using BIOS boot settings.

Step 1: Choose one of the programs listed above, download and install it.

Step 2: Open the utility and mark needed file types in the scanning filter.

Step 3: Select the disc (internal or external storage) and begin the scanning process.

Step 4: Search for necessary data in the provided list, mark it, and use the recovery option.

Warning! Don’t restore your files and install recovery software to the same disc where the data were located before deletion. Such usage of instruments is incorrect since the files are overwritten continuously, which ultimately leads to the impossibility of further data recovery.

Method 1: Digital recovery.

It is data recovery without physical intervention in the storage device as well as the firmware's functioning and the structure of service information modules. This method is used when the drive itself is still working, but there is no access to the data stored on it for such reasons as deletion, storage formatting or file system crash, etc. There is a high chance to restore 90% of lost information. Still, there are cases when the recovery of missing files is impossible, especially on an overwriting occasion.

All digital recovery actions divided into 5 categories:

  1. File system structure recovering - uses file table interpretation if it possible
  2. Deleted data recovering - works with physical storage traces and file system entries
  3. Recovering by signature - applies in case of file system reconstruction impossibility
  4. Combined restore - uses all methods at the same time to maximize the recovery result
  5. Backups - the cheapest and most efficient recovering method, work with backups obviously


Method 2: Specific computer appliance - used by professionals, applies in case of physical damaged storage at all. The recovery result is usually influenced by the storage type: floppy disc, hard and flash drive, or CD/DVD.







Files detected after deletion

Files detected after formatting

Deep scan time (mm:ss)

Restore efficiency, %

Any DR

126

100

02:03

90

Auslogics

124

119

13:31

96

Disk Drill

126

117

05:11

96

EaseUS

126

95

01:06

88

EasyRecovery

126

0

01:22

50

GetDataBack

126

0

n/a

50

Glary Undelete

126

107

00:25

92

Hasleo DR

126

101

00:28

90

iBeeSoft

117

0

n/a

46

IObit Undelete

115

95

02:59

83

iolo S&R

126

0

n/a

50

Lazesoft

126

107

00:37

92

MiniTool

126

97

01:33

88

PhotoRec

122

123

01:05

97

Puran

126

107

00:20

92

Recover My Files

126

120

54:12

98

Recuva

126

107

00:54

92

Remo

126

126

03:32

100

R-Studio

126

113

00:40

95

Systweak

126

106

02:37

92

Stellar DR

126

100

21:52

90

Tenorshare

126

99

01:32

89

Transcend

0

89

00:25

92

Wise DR

126

106

07:37

92

Wondershare

126

113

01:46

95

What is data recovery software?

Roughly speaking, this is a specific program designed for recovering lost data. Such software's uniqueness lies in access to the central storage system, due to which it successfully and without any problems extracts information from deleted folders and files, or even from distorted hardware.

Is data recovery software free?

There is both paid and free recovery software in the public domain. For example, you can use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva for nothing.

What’s the difference between free and paid software?

Paid programs usually include a broader features spectrum, as well as unlimited usage. In turn, free software is designed for simple actions, and it has several limitations which in most cases affect the amount of recoverable data.

Is it possible to recover data from an unbootable PC?

Yes it is, and there are 2 ways to do it: 1. Create a bootable media via data recovery soft and connect it to your crashed PC. 2. Remove the hard drive from dead PC and connect it to the working computer as a secondary drive to start the recovering process.

Can I rescue the data from external storage?

Most modern software supports data recovery from both internal storage and external one.

How to retrieve lost data from RAW storage?

Locate and scan a problematic drive, check the founded data and then recover the needed files. The procedure is identical for formatted storage as well.

What is RAW storage?

This is a storage with a file system format which can’t be read or opened by any operating system. Usually, such hard drives are displayed as unallocated or uninitialized media.

How to restore files from an empty recycle bin?

To provide a restoration process, you should mark and scan the recycle bin folder by using one of the listed above programs. Search for data you need in the provided list and recover it.

Which factors influence the recovery possibility?

Passed time and number of overwritten files play the main role in recovering data possibility. The higher the rate of these factors, the lower the chance of restoration.

What’s the difference between quick and deep scan?

A quick scan usually covers only recently deleted files, and the scanning process doesn’t take much time. A deep scan is based on a signature search of the chosen drive and is often used for data recovery from formatted or RAW storage.

What is a file system?

Generally, this is a method of data storing and retrieving. One of the most popular formats of such systems are FAT, NTFS, and HFS +.

What is storage formatting?

This is the process of preparing a drive for initial use, which is divided into 2 phases. The first phase performs necessary preparation in the low-level formatting form. The second one is making the data storage device visible to an operating system.

What’s the difference between fast and full formatting?

Fast formatting marks the disk space as unused without actually deleting the data on it. In turn, the second one provides a complete cleaning, fix and keep problematic storage sectors, but the process takes a lot of time.

What is HEX editor?

This feature allows to edit fragments of files which are available only in source code.

How can I prevent data loss?

Anything wears out, and hard drives are no exception. The best insurance in this case are backups.

How long does the data recovery process take?

It’s impossible to answer this question specifically, as factors such as the system power and the amount of recoverable data play an important role. Obviously, the more powerful your PC the faster process will be performed.

Why can't I open the recovered file?

If the storage was overwritten many times, programs can restore the file structure but not the content. This is one of the most common issues.

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