12 Best Data Recovery Software of 2024: A Ranking Validated by REAL Testing

Value

Disk Drill is available for Windows and macOS, with both versions offering unlimited preview capabilities (the Windows version even lets its users recover up to 500 MB of data for free). When you purchase a Disk Drill license, you unlock both Disk Drill for Windows and Disk Drill for Mac for a single one-time payment. Optional lifetime upgrades are also available, and they're worth the added cost because major Disk Drill updates are released fairly regularly. Included with Disk Drill are extra data protection tools that address core causes of data loss. Recovery Vault, for example, remembers file metadata to significantly increase recovery chances without taking up valuable storage space, while Guaranteed Recovery creates full copies of files stored in specified folders to guarantee their recovery (Mac only).

Performance

In our tests, Disk Drill for Windows and Mac successfully recovered almost all test files (95%-97% success rate across three categories) by their signatures. As for recovery based on file system records, it's no coincidence that the Windows version emerged as a capable solution for recovering data from Windows file systems (FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS). The macOS version of Disk Drill can also confidently recover HFS+ and APFS partitions, and, just like the Windows version, it also works great with EXT4 partitions. The application earned extra points for its BitLocker support, partition recovery capabilities, support for disk images, and other useful data recovery capabilities. Moving back to file signatures, while Disk Drill can confidently recover hundreds of file formats, its raw photo recovery performance deserves the most praise. CR2/3, CRW, DNG, NEF, RW2, X3F, and many other raw formats used by popular digital cameras are supported flawlessly. The latest version of the data recovery software can reconstruct and recover damaged RAID arrays, and it does so quickly and with unique non-intrusive read-only algorithms.

Usability

For first-time users, working, downloading, and installing Disk Drill is a walk in the park. Testers and laypersons alike assert that Disk Drill is an easy-to-install, user-friendly, and intuitive software that makes it easy to achieve impressive data recovery results. It takes just one click to initiate the data recovery process. From there, Disk Drill displays a convenient summary of data recovery results, which is updated in real time to show exactly how many files have been found and how long it will take to complete the recovery. Users can either patiently wait for the recovery process to finish, or they can move it to the background and jump straight to analyzing found files.

Value

This freemium data recovery software offers a good value for money. You can download a free demo version of R-Studio, which allows you to recover files less than 256KB in size and preview all data that the tool can restore. Multiple paid licenses are available to those who want to enjoy unlimited recovery capabilities, and they start at $49.99 (FAT only).

Performance

R-Studio is one of the most capable data recovery applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Because the software is designed to run on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it supports all commonly used file systems. As for recovery by file system records, R-Studio performs best when recovering data from HFS+, APFS, NTFS, and EXT4 partitions, but its FAT32 and exFAT performance is nothing to be ashamed of either. After all, the software found all 200,000 test files during our review. However, when it comes to signature-based recovery, software struggles with modern RAW photo and video file formats. We also want to highlight that R-Studio boasts impressive RAID recovery capabilities thanks to its ability to automatically reconstruct broken RAID arrays.

Usability

A quick glance at its busy and decisively functional user interface should be enough to tell you that not much effort has been put into making the application accessible to regular home users, with many usability features requiring a lot of effort to locate. Indeed, R-Studio is aimed primarily at advanced users and data recovery professionals, who generally prefer applications that prioritize function over form. Home users are encouraged to purchase R-Undelete, which is a simplified version of R-Studio from the same developers.

Value

The free version of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can recover up to 2 GB of data (500MB by default and an additional 1.5 GB if you share it on social media), which is significantly more than what most other freemium products offer. Unfortunately, EaseUS isn't actually as generous as it may seem because the app is riddled with pop-up ads that greatly compromise the overall user experience. We also don't like that the free version limits the number of files you can preview, but that's something you don't need to worry about if you intend to purchase a license. Before you do, make sure to look for promotional deals and coupon codes because they tend to be readily available, allowing you to save a substantial amount of money.

Performance

EaseUS claims that its data recovery software supports over 1,000 file formats, making it one of the most versatile data recovery solutions on the market today. In real testing, however, its signature-based recovery performance is only marginally better than average data recovery software. As for recovery by file system records, the Windows version of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard performs consistently well when recovering lost data from NTFS partitions, but it doesn't support modern Mac and Linux partitions. The Mac version of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard also doesn't support EXT4 Linux partitions, but at least it can recover HFS+ and APFS partitions well.

Usability

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard makes data recovery simple with its signature guided recovery process, which consists of just three simple steps: device selection, scanning, and file recovery. The application does have a well-designed user interface with support for dark mode, but it lacks some essential quality-of-life features, such as the ability to auto-resume scans of failing drives.

Value

DiskGenius is a pretty easy sale because this data recovery program doubles as a disk manager, giving its users pretty much everything they need to troubleshoot disk issues, clone storage devices, detect bad sectors, check for partition errors, and more. A free version is available, but it can recover only files that are 64 KB or smaller, making it pretty much useless. A full license starts at $69.90.

Performance

DiskGenius is one of only a few data recovery applications on this list that can boot into a modified version of WinPE, a lightweight version of Windows used for troubleshooting purposes. Unfortunately, the software is far less exceptional as a data recovery solution in most other ways, and its data recovery performance is close to average. DiskGenius's ability to recover data based on file system records has limitations. It cannot recover data from HFS+ and APFS partitions at all. Additionally, for EXT4 partitions, it can only recover data that was simply deleted, not formatted data. However, the software does support a decent number of file types (signatures).

Usability

There's a good reason why DiskGenius has such a complicated and unappealing user interface: the application combines data recovery and disk management capabilities into a single package. If you have use for them, then the steeper learning curve is worth overcoming because the application has a lot of tricks up its sleeve.

Value

The value of Wondershare Recoverit stems largely from its dependable, easy-to-use nature. It also helps that the free version of Wondershare Recoverit can be used to restore up to 100 MB of data. Once you exceed the free data recovery limit, it's time to choose a paid subscription plan or a lifetime license, and prices start at $59.99 and go all the way up to $449.96.

Performance

Wondershare Recoverit has excellent video repair capabilities that can make all the difference when trying to recover a partially damaged video file. However, when it comes to its overall recovery results by file signatures, Wondershare Recoverit is decent but not particularly praiseworthy. It would be nice to see more RAW photo and video file formats supported because even fairly popular formats like JP2, R3D, and RWL are hard to recover. The good news is that you can still recover any file type using file system records as long as they haven't been damaged or overwritten. However, Wondershare Recoverit shows mixed results in this area. The Mac version delivered decent results with a Quick Scan of HFS+, APFS, and NTFS partitions. However, its Deep Scan was only good for NTFS partitions, while delivering poor results for HFS+/APFS. This is somewhat surprising for a macOS program. Wondershare Recoverit for Windows exhibited similar mediocre results for both Quick and Deep Scans across FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS partitions.

Usability

The application is remarkably easy to use and intuitive. The latest version sports a beautiful user interface that's a pleasure to look at and interact with. Just be careful if your storage device is BitLocker-encrypted because the application doesn't make it easy to work with devices that use encryption technology.

Value

You don't need to spend any money to recover an unlimited amount of data for free because PhotoRec exists. This open-source data recovery application is completely free and can be used without any limitations. That's why we can even overlook the fact that it doesn't come with any extras.

Performance

In our review, PhotoRec received an average score because it relies entirely on signature scanning. This reliance on signature-based scanning offers a key advantage: the software functions regardless of the file system's presence, type, or condition. However, a trade-off exists. While other programs often combine scanning methods, signature scanning alone cannot recover metadata. This means recovered data will lack its original file names and folder structure. The good news is that its signature scanning performance can rival even expensive commercial applications. The bad news is that virtually all extra recovery features supported by competing applications, such as bad sector management, the ability to easily work with RAID arrays or recovery chance predictions, are missing. You won't be able to preview recoverable files and choose what to recover individually. Instead, you'll have to wait for the entire recovery process to finish to see what the tool was able to locate and recover in bulk.

Usability

PhotoRec's biggest downside is the lack of a graphical user interface. Yes, an optional GUI is available, called QPhotoRec, but it's as basic as it can be. What's more, the optional GUI runs only on Windows, so Mac and Linux users have to run PhotoRec in their terminal emulator of choice. The official step-by-step recovery guide published on PhotoRec's website helps a lot, but it doesn't replace the convenience of clicking a button.

Value

Our full review of Stellar Data Recovery for Windows revealed that the data recovery application is average in virtually every regard, from its data recovery performance to usability to overall value. Its free version can recover up to 1 GB of data, but, strangely, only up to 100 MB of data can be previewed. The Mac version of the software has the same limitations.

Performance

The only area in which Stellar Data Recovery outshines its competitors is the 'recovery' of lost photos and videos. Because the application can repair partially damaged JPEGs, AVI files, and other photo and video file formats, it can save even partially corrupted content that would otherwise be impossible to open. Well, at least in theory it can. In practice, both the Mac and Windows versions of Stellar Data Recovery repeatedly crashed on us, preventing the completion of the recovery process on any tested file system. The signature scanner showed mediocre results, successfully recovering around half of the file types we tested. However, it's important to note that many software solutions struggle to handle even that many file types.

Usability

The user interface of Stellar Data Recovery is perfectly usable but lacks that extra layer of polish that would make it stand out. The Windows version lacks dark mode support, while the Mac app operates exclusively in dark mode. Previewing recoverable items is cumbersome and requires extra steps. Additionally, scan results are limited to a single view mode.

Value

With multiple subscription and lifetime licenses available, a trial version that allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data for free, and a reputable company behind it, MiniTool Power Data Recovery seems like a high-value data recovery software application. Sadly, its data recovery performance betrays it, and its usability also leaves a lot to be desired.

Performance

When we tested MiniTool Power Data Recovery, the software failed to recover some or all data from HFS+, APFS, and EXT4 partitions. Its NTFS and FAT32/exFAT performance was much better. While the signature scanner delivers mediocre results, which is fairly typical for the industry, Minitool did achieve success with several raw image formats. It also demonstrated decent recovery capabilities for document files. However, many professional video file formats are not supported by its signature scanning.

Usability

MiniTool Power Data Recovery has all the building blocks of a great data recovery tool, including a clean user interface, the ability to create bootable recovery disks, support for RAID arrays and RAW partitions, as well as the ability to scan in the background while you analyze recoverable files. Despite this, and the fact that it has been around for a long time, the tool feels as if it were in the early stages of development. For example, it doesn't support high-density displays, which is baffling considering how prevalent they've become.

Value

DMDE offers excellent value for money because a single Standard license costs only $48.00, and you can keep using it for as long as you want (no recurring subscription to strain your monthly budget). Before making a commitment to purchase, you can also take advantage of DMDE's free trial to get a feel for the software's capabilities and interface. This allows you to evaluate whether the tool meets your specific data recovery needs without any financial risk. The free trial allows you to recover up to 4,000 files per operation, which is enough to complete most data recovery jobs.

Performance

The data recovery performance of DMDE is slightly above average, scoring a 58% based on a 122-point rating criteria. When it comes to recovery based on file system records, the software performs well with commonly used file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, APFS, and HFS+. However, it delivers unimpressive results with EXT4 partitions. Additionally, the software falls short in supporting a wide array of file signatures. Advanced users can mitigate some of these limitations by manually adding file signatures, a step that some may find cumbersome compared to competing solutions. These drawbacks are somewhat alleviated by the inclusion of additional features, such as byte-to-byte device backups and bootable recovery drive creation.

Usability

DMDE is clearly designed for pros. It's not that it doesn't care about user experience; it's just that it expects you to keep up. If you're new to the data recovery game, prepare for a bit of a learning curve. For example, the scan results automatically include individual partitions, instead of just physical drives, which can easily confuse those who don't know that storage devices can be divided into multiple partitions. The good news is that DMDE's creator has provided an in-depth official manual (DMDE Manual) to guide users through its features.

Value

Recuva is free data recovery software for Windows computers that can recover an unlimited number of music files, photos, documents, emails, and any other types of lost files. This alone makes downloading it worth it, especially if your goal is to recover your data while paying as little money as possible. A paid version of Recuva is technically available, but there's really no reason to buy it because the perks that come with it are easy to live without.

Performance

Unfortunately, the last major update was released a while ago, and it’s clear that its original developers no longer care much about this data recovery software application. That's a shame because its performance could certainly be improved a lot. Only around 25% of our RAW photo and video data set was successfully recovered by Recuva's signature-based recovery. This is a disappointingly low number, especially for such crucial file types. The software performed considerably better with document file formats, but the results were still nothing to write home about. Another shortcoming is the software's poor performance when scanning partitions with intact file systems, specifically NTFS and exFAT. Even worse, the software's ability to restore data after file system reformatting or loss showed decent results only for FAT32 partitions.

Usability

Despite not being modern, the user interface of Recuva is straightforward, so even less experienced users shouldn’t have much trouble figuring it out. We appreciate the ability to preview deleted files before recovery and display detailed information about them, including file headers.

Value

AnyRecover Data Recovery is available as a freemium product, with a trial version that allows users to scan and preview lost data. The full version, purchasable as a subscription or a one-time payment, ranges from $59.99 for a month's access to $499.99 for a business plan. All AnyRecover Data Recovery plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the software’s performance without risking anything. Unfortunately, AnyRecover Data Recovery lacks significant extra features beyond its file repair module, which must be downloaded separately as an add-on.

Performance

AnyRecover's performance is mixed. While it demonstrates adequate results when performing a quick scan to recover files based on intact file system information, it struggles in situations where this file system information isn’t readily available, such as after formatting or loss of the file system. This is especially true when it comes to exFAT and HFS+ storage devices. Also inconsistent is the software’s file system support. It does well with documents and certain image formats, but video file recovery is limited, and the claimed support for 1000+ file types is a significant overstatement. It’s also worth noting that the software boasts full BitLocker support but lacks the ability to scan disk images or lost partitions.

Usability

AnyRecover Data Recovery's strength lies in its user-friendly interface, which makes the data recovery process simple and intuitive. The software automatically employs multiple scan types so that you don’t have to worry about cryptic settings. Instead, you can click the Recover button and rest assured, knowing AnyRecover Data Recovery will figure out the rest. However, the absence of features like auto-resume for interrupted scans and a hex view for detailed file analysis may limit its appeal to more technical users. We also don’t like that you need to download an additional module just to preview files. A feature of this importance should be included by default.

Value

Tenorshare 4DDiG offers a free trial version for scanning and previewing files, but recovery requires a paid plan. Subscriptions start at $45.95/month, with lifetime options also available. A money-back guarantee provides some peace of mind. However, there are many competitors that offer limited free data recovery, giving them a significant edge in value. The inclusion of unique features like bootable disk creation and video/photo repair tools adds to its overall value proposition, but those are also more or less the only extra features available to Tenorshare 4DDiG users, with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring, hex preview, and byte-to-byte backups being the most noteworthy absentees.

Performance

Tenorshare 4DDiG performs adequately when doing quick scans on Windows file systems (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) for recently deleted data. However, deeper scans yield no results at all with the exFAT file system, whose popularity has increased significantly in recent years in response to memory cards and other portable storage devices offering much higher storage capacities than before. Signature-based recovery results (seeking files based on unique patterns rather than file system records) depend on the type of file you’re trying to recover, with photos and videos, being supported about half the time (RAW file formats like CRW and R3D are not supported at all) and document file formats behind recognized only by about 20% more frequently. 

Usability

Tenorshare 4DDiG excels here. Its modern interface and the inclusion of a built-in tutorial significantly lower the barrier to entry for users new to data recovery. The software additionally boasts multilingual support and the ability to save and resume scan sessions, which greatly enhances user convenience. Overall, the software's approachability and streamlined process make it a solid choice for general use.