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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
