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Data Science AnalyticsTop 10 Best Data Recovering Software of 2026
Compare data recovering software options for common file loss scenarios, including TestDisk and other tools, with tradeoffs for shortlist decisions.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
AI search agents find sources, extract figures with provenance, and aggregate written reviews. They also transcribe video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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TestDisk is the best pick for a forensic-style, repair-first recovery where partitions or boot sectors are damaged because its guided reconstruction uses on-disk structure scanning instead of relying on directory listings, while Wondershare Recoverit suits small teams and Windows/macOS users needing guided deletion or formatting recovery with preview validation before restoring.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
TestDisk
Partition table and boot sector reconstruction guided by on-disk structure scanning, not just file listing.
Best for: Fits when a forensic-style, repair-first workflow is needed for partition loss or boot-sector damage.
Wondershare Recoverit
Editor pickByte-level signature scanning for reconstructing file content when directory entries and metadata are missing.
Best for: Fits when individuals or small IT teams need guided deletion or formatting recovery with preview validation.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
Editor pickPartition and boot repair utilities are bundled into the same recovery workflow instead of requiring separate tools.
Best for: Fits when storage still mounts partially and users need repeatable guided recovery without forensic tooling.
Comparison Table
TestDisk
specialistOpen-source utility for recovering lost partitions and repairing boot sectors.
Partition table and boot sector reconstruction guided by on-disk structure scanning, not just file listing.
TestDisk focuses on repair-first workflows that combine boot sector and partition table reconstruction with on-disk structure inspection. It can perform deleted partition recovery, rebuild missing partition entries, and assist with boot sector repair without requiring file system installation.
The tool operates around low-level disk interaction, so success depends on accurate geometry and careful handling of a read-only copy. It supports deeper triage steps like byte-level signature scanning and raw recovery when file system metadata cannot be trusted.
- +Partition table reconstruction and boot sector repair from a single workflow
- +Byte-level signature scanning when directory metadata cannot be trusted
- +Supports disk imaging style workflows to reduce risk during analysis
- +Works across multiple file system types with targeted repair operations
- –Text UI requires precise choices during partition and sector edits
- –Raw recovery output needs manual validation and file header checks
- –Limited automation and no REST API surface for scripted pipelines
- –Operational success is sensitive to drive geometry and media condition
Software RAID specialists
Inspect partitions in software RAID
Additional recovery workflow option
Windows file recovery users
Undelete folders after accidental deletion
Restored directory structure
Show 2 more scenarios
Incident responders
Analyze an offline disk image first
Investigation without extra risk
Perform boot sector and partition table triage using an image to avoid touching the source.
Repair technicians
Repair non-booting volume structures
Boot structure restoration
Inspect and repair boot sector and partition structures when startup is blocked by logical damage.
Best for: Fits when a forensic-style, repair-first workflow is needed for partition loss or boot-sector damage.
Wondershare Recoverit
SMBMulti-format data recovery software for Windows and macOS covering video repair and crashed system recovery.
Byte-level signature scanning for reconstructing file content when directory entries and metadata are missing.
Wondershare Recoverit performs file recovery from deleted, formatted, and inaccessible storage by combining quick scans with deeper content-based recovery. It includes RAW-style file recovery workflows that rely on byte-level signature scanning to rebuild files when file system metadata is missing.
The software guides users through drive selection, scan depth choice, and recovered-file preview so recovery can be validated before export. For common failure modes like accidental deletion and drive formatting, it targets practical retrieval rather than read-only forensic imaging.
- +Quick scan plus deep scan workflow reduces time for typical deletions
- +Recovered files show preview to help confirm content before restoring
- +Works across common Windows drive scenarios like formatted recovery
- +Byte-level signature scanning supports reconstructing files without metadata
- –Recovery operates on the live target instead of enforcing write-blocker behavior
- –Advanced file system repair steps like partition table reconstruction are limited
- –RAID parity reconstruction support is not a primary focus
- –Recovery results depend heavily on storage health and scan depth choice
Small businesses
Recover files after system crash
Restored after failure
Windows users
Restore emptied Recycle Bin items
Specific file restores
Show 2 more scenarios
Photographers
Recover photos from SD cards
Previewable image recovery
Recover JPEG, PNG, RAW, and other picture types from camera cards and external drives.
IT administrators
Recover files from NTFS damage
Files retrieved with context
Recover deleted NTFS entries and files from partially mounted or corrupted partitions.
Best for: Fits when individuals or small IT teams need guided deletion or formatting recovery with preview validation.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
SMBFile recovery tool supporting Windows and macOS with deep scan and preview capabilities.
Partition and boot repair utilities are bundled into the same recovery workflow instead of requiring separate tools.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is designed around a step-by-step flow that first enumerates available disks and volumes, then previews candidate files before writing recovered copies to a different destination drive. Quick scan mode focuses on faster discovery, while deep scan mode performs more exhaustive searching when file listings are missing or inconsistent. Partition and boot repair options help when media still reads but the file system structures needed to mount volumes are degraded.
A key tradeoff is that the guided process can feel rigid for users who need write-blocker enforced forensic acquisition or fully transparent sector-level control. EaseUS is a strong fit for cases like after accidental deletion on an NTFS volume or after a drive becomes unmountable but still detects in the OS.
- +Wizard flow with preview-first triage reduces wasted recover attempts
- +Quick and deep scan modes support escalating recovery depth
- +Includes partition and boot repair steps for metadata-damaged volumes
- +Writes recovered results to a user-chosen destination to avoid overwrites
- –Limited workflow transparency for forensic-grade sector-level acquisition
- –Deep scans can take long on large disks with heavy fragmentation
- –Recovery outcomes depend heavily on intact file headers
- –Preview accuracy drops when metadata structures are severely corrupted
Small IT teams
Recover deleted files after a mistake
Faster restores to production workstations
Helpdesk technicians
Unmountable NTFS volume recovery
Recovered documents without reimaging
Show 2 more scenarios
Freelance media editors
Recover project files from an external drive
Project assets restored for deadlines
Quick mode finds obvious recoverables, then deep scan searches remaining signatures.
Students and learners
Practice recovery after formatting
Repeatable outcomes across trials
The wizard flow supports multiple recovery attempts with different scan depths.
Best for: Fits when storage still mounts partially and users need repeatable guided recovery without forensic tooling.
Disk Drill
SMBCross-platform data recovery application with recovery vault and byte-level backup features.
Preview-first recovery list accelerates selection after deep scan findings.
Disk Drill is well suited for common recovery paths like formatted drive recovery and lost-partition detection, since it can identify logical volumes and reconstruct enough metadata to present a usable file list. The app also includes deep scan mode for scenarios where a logical structure is damaged, while quick scan mode can be used to speed up triage. For teams that need repeatable results, Disk Drill’s workflow keeps scan scope and output targets straightforward compared with lower-level forensic tools.
- +Guided scan workflow with preview-driven recovery lists
- +Quick scan and deep scan modes for faster triage
- +Good coverage for formatted-drive and lost-partition scenarios
- +File-type focused results that reduce manual carving work
- –Not designed as a write-blocked forensic acquisition tool
- –Deep scans can be slow on large or failing drives
- –Limited governance controls for multi-admin environments
- –Less suitable when recovery requires custom signature carving
Home users
Recover deleted photos after formatting
Fewer wrong-file restores
IT helpdesk teams
Recover user documents after partition loss
Faster user data restores
Show 2 more scenarios
Small-business analysts
Recover spreadsheets after accidental deletion
Recoverable files found
Deep scan helps when normal directory structure is damaged.
Forensics-adjacent responders
Triage before deeper forensic work
Time saved on triage
Preview-driven listings support quick scoping before manual sector workflows.
Best for: Fits when individuals need guided recovery from formatted or deleted drives on Windows.
DMDE
specialistDisk editor and data recovery tool with low-level access and partition recovery.
Integrated hex viewer with candidate file inspection supports byte-level validation before exporting recovered data.
DMDE can scan whole drives, specific partitions, or selected regions, then present results through directory trees that reflect reconstructed metadata when available. For damaged Windows NTFS or similar filesystems, the program can rebuild structures like MFT-related entries when recovery conditions permit, and it also supports RAW filesystem recovery when metadata is too corrupted. For missing allocations, it can fall back to file carving using byte signatures and supports validation-style review by inspecting candidate files and metadata.
- +Supports deep scan recovery with structure reconstruction and carving fallback
- +Hex viewer enables byte-level header and metadata inspection for candidates
- +Handles lost partition detection with partition table reconstruction workflows
- +Iterative scan results help narrow exports without repeated full rescans
- –Deep scans can be slow on large storage with many sectors to analyze
- –Manual selection and review steps add friction for fully unattended recovery
- –Recovery outcome depends heavily on filesystem integrity and available metadata
Digital forensics analysts
Read-only imaging then targeted recovery
Higher confidence exports
IT incident responders
Lost partitions after drive formatting
Restored access to data
Show 1 more scenario
Small studios and creatives
Accidental deletion from NTFS volumes
Recovered project assets
Metadata reconstruction attempts plus carving fallback recover media files without full OS repair.
Best for: Fits when recovery needs both metadata-aware reconstruction and byte-signature carving review.
iBoysoft Data Recovery
SMBFile recovery tool for Windows and macOS with support for BitLocker-encrypted drives.
Preview-driven recovery that updates results across scan modes reduces rework during raw recovery attempts.
iBoysoft Data Recovery targets Windows and macOS with a guided workflow for recovering deleted, formatted, and otherwise inaccessible files. It focuses on raw recovery workflows using byte-level scanning, plus file system aware reconstruction that can attempt partition and metadata recovery.
- +Quick versus deep scan modes support faster triage on large drives
- +Byte-level signature scanning helps recover files after formatting and deletion
- +Imaging and cautious acquisition paths reduce write risk during analysis
- +Preview-first recovery workflow reduces wasted exports
- –Advanced forensic checks and write-blocker enforcement are not built as strict controls
- –Some complex RAID or volume scenarios may require more manual interpretation
Accidental format victims
Recover files after mistaken formatting
Selective recoverable exports
IT technicians
Recover from external drive metadata loss
Potentially recoverable files
Show 2 more scenarios
Windows and Mac users
Recover from supported encrypted volumes
Scans locate usable files
Use supported recovery paths for BitLocker-encrypted volumes and APFS-formatted storage.
Triage specialists
Investigate RAW or inconsistent file systems
Files found beyond browsing
Switch to deeper scanning when file-system structures look inconsistent to find hidden files.
Best for: Fits when desktop users need a guided workflow for deleted or formatted files.
Stellar Data Recovery
enterpriseEnterprise-grade data recovery suite for files, partitions, and optical media across multiple platforms.
Disk imaging plus recovery previews ties acquisition discipline to controlled write-back during deleted and formatted file recovery.
Stellar Data Recovery focuses on file and partition recovery workflows for Windows and macOS, with guided steps for identifying recoverable content on damaged or formatted drives. It supports disk imaging and read-first recovery patterns, then applies deep file scanning to find recoverable items by signature and metadata.
- +Disk imaging supports read-first recovery to reduce risk during acquisition
- +Deep scanning improves recovery on formatted drives and heavily damaged media
- +File previews help triage before writing recovered data back
- +Targeted handling for NTFS and HFS+ metadata structures improves results
- –Scan time increases sharply in deep modes on large drives
- –Advanced outcomes depend on correct recovery mode selection and target drive targeting
- –RAID reconstruction tooling is limited for complex parity layouts
- –Less visibility into low-level carving decisions compared with forensic tools
Repair shops
Preview damaged-drive recovery options
Less unnecessary restoration
Desktop repair teams
Extract data when disk will not boot
Accessible files extracted
Show 2 more scenarios
Data recovery engineers
Recover from failing drives via imaging workflows
Recovery via safer imaging
Use imaging-oriented workflows and preview-based selection to limit unnecessary reads and writes.
IT administrators
Recover files from missing partitions
Files available for restoration
Analyze disks with missing or damaged partition structures, then proceed into file-level recovery.
Best for: Fits when IT teams need guided recovery with imaging, deep scans, and file previews for common file systems.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
SMBWindows-based file recovery tool with modules for deleted files, lost partitions, and media devices.
Imaging-oriented workflow guidance to reduce repeated reads during recovery sessions.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery targets Windows drives that lost files after deletion, formatting, or drive corruption. It provides a mix of quick scanning and deeper raw recovery workflows with file preview and reconstructed directory outputs.
- +Quick scan and deep scan modes help narrow results before heavier processing
- +Preview of common file types reduces guesswork before exporting recovered items
- +Guided workflow for selecting the correct source drive or partition
- +Supports imaging-style operation to reduce repeated reads of the source
- –Recovery outcomes drop when partition metadata and filesystem structures are heavily damaged
- –Large scans can take significant time without granular tuning beyond scan mode
- –No exposed automation surface for batch recovery planning or audit trails
- –Limited controls for forensic workflows that require strict write-blocker enforcement
IT data recovery operators
Preserve USB card contents with previews
Reduced source-device modification
SMB IT teams
Recover files from RAW-appearing drives
Recoverable files identified
Show 2 more scenarios
Consumers
Restore after accidental reformatting
Files restored after formatting
Run formatted-drive recovery on Windows disks and external media to identify recoverable files.
Office users
Triage PDFs and mixed media results
Relevant files triaged
Filter scan results for PDFs, images, videos, audio, and documents before selective copying.
Best for: Fits when Windows users need guided recovery with previews for deleted or formatted-file loss on SATA or NVMe disks.
UFS Explorer
specialistProfessional recovery suite supporting NAS, RAID, and encrypted file systems.
Read only forensic acquisition and reconstruction focused workflow for repeatable recovery on disk images.
UFS Explorer focuses on disk image based recovery and file system reconstruction for situations where the OS can no longer mount a drive. Its workflow centers on reading metadata structures, validating file headers, and rebuilding directory entries for common file systems like NTFS and ext variants.
- +Disk image first workflow reduces the risk of changing source media
- +Reconstructs file system metadata paths for damaged directory and allocation data
- +Byte level signature scanning supports recovery when file headers are intact
- +Hex viewer inspection helps triage questionable recovered items
- –Recovery outcomes depend heavily on correct volume and partition selection
- –Advanced scan modes increase analysis time on large drives
- –Automation and API access are limited compared with enterprise data recovery tooling
- –Some RAW carving results require manual filtering and verification
Enterprise storage administrators
Reconstruct data when RAID is unavailable
Reconstructed data available
IT technicians
Image failing drives and rebuild metadata
Safer structured recovery
Show 2 more scenarios
Forensic teams
Mount and revisit disk images repeatedly
Controlled repeatable analysis
Mount images for repeatable scans, previews, reconstruction, and controlled extraction.
Video recovery specialists
Restore damaged video files from DVR media
Playback-ready video artifacts
Reconstruct video containers and streams from failing drives and removable DVR storage.
Best for: Fits when forensic style recovery must run against sector by sector images and metadata reconstruction is the priority.
GetDataBack
specialistNTFS and FAT file-system recovery tool designed for technically advanced users.
Directory and filename reconstruction from damaged filesystem metadata, presented as a navigable recovered tree for extraction decisions.
GetDataBack uses a recovery workflow centered on reconstructing file-system metadata and rebuilding directory structures from on-disk remnants. It supports raw recovery-style scanning and file carving for cases where normal pointers are missing, then validates results by matching recognizable filesystem structures.
- +Browsable recovered tree after reconstruction, which speeds selective extraction.
- +Raw scanning plus metadata reconstruction improves results when links are broken.
- +Iterative scan depth supports moving from quick discovery to deeper recovery.
- +Low-touch workflow for building file listings without custom scripts.
- –Deeper scans increase runtime on large disks and RAID volumes.
- –Correct recovery depends on selecting the right source drive and target.
IT support teams
Recover after risky repartitioning
Selected files exported
Data recovery technicians
Analyze a captured disk image
Fewer risky repeated reads
Show 2 more scenarios
Windows users
Restore deleted user folders and files
Names and paths preserved
Reconstruct deleted folders and files when enough filesystem records remain readable.
IT administrators
Rebuild lost partitions for extraction
Partitions become accessible
Scan for missing volume candidates and rebuild recoverable partition contents for file access.
Best for: Fits when investigators need file-list reconstruction and selective extraction after metadata loss.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 data recovering software, TestDisk stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Recovering Software
Which tool handles both metadata-aware reconstruction and byte-signature carving in one workflow?
How does Disk Drill’s preview-driven recovery affect the recovery process compared with manual hex validation workflows?
When is TestDisk the better starting point than a file recovery utility?
What breaks if recovery writes back onto the original drive during a failed recovery attempt?
Which tool is best aligned to read-only forensic acquisition using disk images?
How should a workflow differ when the drive was formatted versus when files were deleted?
Which tool is strongest for reconstructing a browsable file tree from damaged filesystem metadata?
What tradeoff comes with using quick versus deep scan modes for recovery accuracy?
Which tool is most suitable for repeated recovery attempts when storage still partially mounts?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
How to Choose the Right Data Recovering Software
What separates data recovering software is how reliably it restores your actual files and what it needs from the drive. We look closely at Recovery quality, supported media types, scan depth controls, and recovery artifact handling so you can match the tool to the failure you’re seeing.
Recovery quality for real file types
Why it matters
Recovery quality matters because most tools claim success, but only some preserve names, formats, and usable contents for common documents, photos, and archives. If quality drops, you’ll spend time rebuilding work instead of restoring it.
How to check
In a demo, choose a test set that includes different file types (documents, images, videos) and confirm the output opens normally. Ask the tool to recover from a drive state similar to yours and compare file sizes and readability, not just presence.
Supported media and storage modes
Why it matters
Supported media and storage modes matter because recovery behavior changes across SSDs vs HDDs, external enclosures, and common formatting states. If the tool can’t handle your layout, results become partial or noisy.
How to check
Ask what it supports for your source (HDD, SSD, USB enclosure, memory card) and what file systems it explicitly targets. Then run a short recovery attempt on a sample image/partition scenario and verify it detects the source correctly.
Scan depth and control options
Why it matters
Scan depth controls matter because deeper scanning increases thoroughness, but it also raises noise and time. The right control lets you trade speed for detail without losing key files.
How to check
Look for options that let you switch scan intensity and choose which areas to search. Start with a lighter pass, note found items, then rerun with the next depth and confirm the additional items are usable.
Recovery results preview and filtering
Why it matters
Recovery results management matters because you need confidence before you restore. Good previewing and filtering reduce wasted restores when output includes similar or corrupted candidates.
How to check
Use the preview list to open several recovered items in-place and check whether the tool shows metadata like original name and size. Try filtering by type and confirm it still returns the right set when you expand folders.
Non-destructive workflow support
Why it matters
Non-destructive workflow support matters because recovery often risks further damage if the tool writes or scans in a risky way. You want a path that minimizes changes to the source while still producing usable evidence.
How to check
Ask whether it can work from a disk image and whether it offers read-only acquisition behavior. On a demo, request a workflow that preserves the original and confirm the tool produces recoverable output from that captured input.
Red flags
- Restored files open but look truncated or corrupted after a quick save
- The tool claims detection, yet preview lists show mostly unnamed or duplicate candidates
- Scan controls exist but don’t change results in a measurable way
Fit by situation
- If you need usable office and media files from a damaged drive, prioritize Recovery quality for real file types.
- If your source is an external enclosure or SSD, prioritize Supported media and storage modes.
- If time is tight but you still need confidence, prioritize Scan depth and control options.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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