Quick Overview
- 1#1: Disk Drill - Intuitive data recovery software that scans and previews files from any storage device before recovery.
- 2#2: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard - Comprehensive file recovery tool with deep scan for deleted, formatted, and lost data on Windows and Mac.
- 3#3: Wondershare Recoverit - High-success-rate recovery software for videos, photos, and documents from crashed drives and devices.
- 4#4: Stellar Data Recovery - Professional tool to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or inaccessible storage media.
- 5#5: Recuva - Free and easy-to-use file recovery utility for quickly restoring deleted files on Windows.
- 6#6: MiniTool Power Data Recovery - Versatile recovery software supporting bootable media for system crashes and hard drive failures.
- 7#7: R-Studio - Advanced data recovery suite with RAID reconstruction and support for multiple file systems.
- 8#8: TestDisk and PhotoRec - Free open-source tools for partition recovery and carving files from damaged disks.
- 9#9: Wise Data Recovery - Lightweight free tool for fast scanning and recovering recently deleted files.
- 10#10: DMDE - Powerful disk editor and recovery software for manual file system repairs and extractions.
Tools were chosen based on recovery success rates, feature depth (including deep scanning and preview capabilities), usability for varied skill levels, and overall value, balancing both free and premium solutions.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines leading file recovery software tools, such as Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Wondershare Recoverit, Stellar Data Recovery, Recuva, and others, to assist users in identifying the most suitable option for their data recovery needs. Here, readers will discover key features, recovery effectiveness, usability, and performance metrics to make informed choices when data loss occurs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disk Drill Intuitive data recovery software that scans and previews files from any storage device before recovery. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Comprehensive file recovery tool with deep scan for deleted, formatted, and lost data on Windows and Mac. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Wondershare Recoverit High-success-rate recovery software for videos, photos, and documents from crashed drives and devices. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or inaccessible storage media. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Recuva Free and easy-to-use file recovery utility for quickly restoring deleted files on Windows. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | MiniTool Power Data Recovery Versatile recovery software supporting bootable media for system crashes and hard drive failures. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | R-Studio Advanced data recovery suite with RAID reconstruction and support for multiple file systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | TestDisk and PhotoRec Free open-source tools for partition recovery and carving files from damaged disks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 3.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 9 | Wise Data Recovery Lightweight free tool for fast scanning and recovering recently deleted files. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | DMDE Powerful disk editor and recovery software for manual file system repairs and extractions. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 5.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
Intuitive data recovery software that scans and previews files from any storage device before recovery.
Comprehensive file recovery tool with deep scan for deleted, formatted, and lost data on Windows and Mac.
High-success-rate recovery software for videos, photos, and documents from crashed drives and devices.
Professional tool to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or inaccessible storage media.
Free and easy-to-use file recovery utility for quickly restoring deleted files on Windows.
Versatile recovery software supporting bootable media for system crashes and hard drive failures.
Advanced data recovery suite with RAID reconstruction and support for multiple file systems.
Free open-source tools for partition recovery and carving files from damaged disks.
Lightweight free tool for fast scanning and recovering recently deleted files.
Powerful disk editor and recovery software for manual file system repairs and extractions.
Disk Drill
specializedIntuitive data recovery software that scans and previews files from any storage device before recovery.
Recovery Vault: Stores file metadata for permanent deletions, enabling faster, vault-protected recoveries impossible with standard tools.
Disk Drill is a leading file recovery software for Mac and Windows that scans and restores deleted, lost, formatted, or corrupted files from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and more. It supports over 400 file types across major file systems like NTFS, APFS, HFS+, FAT/exFAT, and offers Quick Scan for fast results and Deep Scan for thorough recovery. Beyond recovery, it includes preventive features like Recovery Vault and byte-level backups to safeguard data proactively.
Pros
- Intuitive, wizard-based interface suitable for beginners
- Powerful Deep Scan recovers files from formatted or damaged drives
- File preview before recovery ensures accuracy
Cons
- Free version limited to 500MB recovery on Windows (preview-only on Mac)
- Deep scans can take hours on large drives
- Full features require one-time Pro purchase
Best For
Home users, photographers, and IT professionals needing reliable, user-friendly file recovery from any storage device without deep technical knowledge.
Pricing
Free version with 500MB limit; Pro from $89 one-time (1 Mac/Windows), $119 for Pro Advanced (2 devices), bundles up to $499.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
specializedComprehensive file recovery tool with deep scan for deleted, formatted, and lost data on Windows and Mac.
Advanced Deep Scan technology that thoroughly recovers data even from heavily damaged or formatted storage devices
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a robust file recovery software designed to retrieve deleted, lost, formatted, or corrupted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage devices. It offers quick and deep scan modes to locate data efficiently across various file systems like NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and more. The tool supports Windows and Mac, with preview capabilities to verify files before recovery, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Pros
- User-friendly wizard interface simplifies the recovery process
- High success rate for recovering from formatted drives and lost partitions
- File preview feature allows selective recovery to save time and space
Cons
- Free version limited to 2GB recovery per month
- Deep scans can be time-consuming on large drives
- Full features require paid upgrade with occasional upsell prompts
Best For
Home users and small businesses seeking an intuitive tool for recovering accidentally deleted or lost files from various devices without deep technical knowledge.
Pricing
Free (up to 2GB/month); Pro: $69.95/year (1 PC), $119.95 lifetime (1 PC); Multi-device and technician plans from $149.95.
Wondershare Recoverit
specializedHigh-success-rate recovery software for videos, photos, and documents from crashed drives and devices.
Enhanced deep scan mode that recovers data even from formatted or severely corrupted drives
Wondershare Recoverit is a versatile data recovery software designed to retrieve lost, deleted, formatted, or corrupted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and other storage devices. It supports over 1,000 file types across Windows and Mac platforms, featuring deep scan technology and a preview option to verify recoverable data before restoration. With modes for different recovery scenarios like accidental deletion, formatting, and system crashes, it caters to both beginners and advanced users seeking reliable file recovery.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-based interface ideal for beginners
- Supports recovery from a wide range of devices and 1000+ file types
- Reliable preview feature to check files before recovery
Cons
- Free version limited to scanning only, full recovery requires purchase
- Subscription pricing can be costly for casual users
- Scanning large drives can be time-consuming and resource-heavy
Best For
Non-technical users needing an easy-to-use tool for recovering accidentally deleted or formatted files from various devices.
Pricing
Free trial for scanning; paid plans include Essential ($79.99/year), Premium ($99.99/year), Ultimate ($149.99/year), with lifetime licenses available.
Stellar Data Recovery
specializedProfessional tool to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or inaccessible storage media.
Built-in repair toolkit for fixing corrupted photos, videos, emails, and Office files post-recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is a robust file recovery software that scans and retrieves lost, deleted, or corrupted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and RAID arrays. It supports Windows and Mac platforms, handling various data loss scenarios like accidental deletion, formatting, partition corruption, virus attacks, and system crashes across NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, and APFS file systems. The tool includes preview functionality to verify files before recovery and specialized repair modules for damaged photos, videos, emails, and Office documents.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-driven interface suitable for beginners
- Comprehensive support for 1000+ file types and multiple recovery scenarios
- Accurate file preview and create image/byte-to-byte backup options
Cons
- Full recovery locked behind paid license after free scan
- Deep scans can be time-consuming on large or failing drives
- Premium pricing without a perpetual license in base plans
Best For
Non-technical users and small businesses needing reliable recovery for common data loss on Windows or Mac without advanced forensic tools.
Pricing
Free scan and preview; paid tiers start at $79.99/year (Standard), $99 lifetime (Professional), up to $299 for Technician suite with bootable media.
Recuva
specializedFree and easy-to-use file recovery utility for quickly restoring deleted files on Windows.
Deep Scan mode that recovers files from formatted drives and performs thorough sector-by-sector searches
Recuva, developed by Piriform (makers of CCleaner), is a free data recovery tool that restores accidentally deleted files from hard drives, external USB drives, memory cards, and recycle bin. It offers a user-friendly wizard for quick scans of recently deleted files and a deep scan mode for more comprehensive recovery, even from formatted drives. The software supports a wide range of file types including photos, documents, videos, and emails, with preview capabilities before recovery.
Pros
- Completely free version with no limitations on recovery amount
- Intuitive wizard interface ideal for beginners
- Portable edition runs without installation
Cons
- Windows-only, no Mac or Linux support
- Dated user interface feels outdated
- Deep scans can take a very long time on large drives
Best For
Budget-conscious Windows users seeking simple recovery of recently deleted files from local drives or USBs.
Pricing
Free forever; Professional version $19.95/year for priority support, virtual HDD recovery, and updates.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
specializedVersatile recovery software supporting bootable media for system crashes and hard drive failures.
Bootable WinPE disk creator for data recovery from non-booting or damaged systems
MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a robust Windows-based file recovery tool designed to retrieve deleted, lost, formatted, or corrupted files from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and RAID arrays. It offers quick scan and advanced deep scan modes, file preview capabilities, and support for major file systems like NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. The software also includes a bootable WinPE environment for recovering data from unbootable systems, making it suitable for both novices and IT professionals.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-based interface ideal for beginners
- Strong recovery success on deleted/formatted drives and partitions
- Bootable media support for system crashes
Cons
- Free version capped at 1GB recovery limit
- Deep scans can be slow on large drives
- Windows-only, no native Mac support
Best For
Windows users seeking an easy-to-use tool for recovering files from local storage or crashed systems without deep technical expertise.
Pricing
Free (1GB limit); Personal Monthly $59/year, Yearly $69, Lifetime $79; higher tiers for Business/Enterprise.
R-Studio
enterpriseAdvanced data recovery suite with RAID reconstruction and support for multiple file systems.
Advanced virtual RAID assembly and reconstruction for damaged arrays
R-Studio is a professional-grade data recovery software from R-Tools Technology that excels at retrieving lost, deleted, or corrupted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB devices, and RAID arrays. It supports a broad array of file systems including NTFS, FAT/exFAT, HFS+, APFS, and ReFS, with advanced scanning methods for deeply damaged partitions. Key capabilities include RAW file recovery, network-based recovery, and disk imaging, making it suitable for both simple and complex recovery scenarios.
Pros
- Exceptional RAID reconstruction and virtual RAID support
- Broad file system compatibility and RAW recovery
- Bootable WinPE environment for hardware failures
Cons
- Dated and cluttered user interface
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Relatively high cost for casual users
Best For
IT professionals and data recovery specialists handling complex RAID failures or enterprise storage issues.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $79.99 for standard edition, scaling to $899+ for technician/corporate versions; free demo with limitations.
TestDisk and PhotoRec
specializedFree open-source tools for partition recovery and carving files from damaged disks.
Signature-based file carving in PhotoRec that recovers files without relying on filesystem metadata
TestDisk and PhotoRec are free, open-source tools from cgsecurity.org designed for data recovery. TestDisk focuses on recovering lost partitions, repairing partition tables, fixing boot sectors, and undeleting files from supported filesystems like FAT, NTFS, and ext2/ext3/ext4. PhotoRec complements it by performing signature-based file carving to recover thousands of file types from damaged, formatted, or overwritten storage media, ignoring the filesystem structure entirely.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limitations
- Exceptional partition recovery and file carving capabilities across many filesystems and media types
- Portable, cross-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS) without installation
Cons
- Command-line or text-based interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- No native GUI, previews, or easy selective recovery
- Recovered files often lack original names, metadata, and directory structure
Best For
Advanced users, IT professionals, and digital forensics experts needing powerful, no-cost recovery for partitions and carved files from damaged drives.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source)
Wise Data Recovery
specializedLightweight free tool for fast scanning and recovering recently deleted files.
Built-in file preview that lets users inspect and select specific recoverable items before committing to recovery
Wise Data Recovery is a free, lightweight tool from WiseCleaner that scans and recovers deleted files from hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and other storage devices supporting NTFS, FAT, and exFAT file systems. It offers quick scan for recent deletions and deep scan for more thorough recovery, with a user-friendly wizard interface that simplifies the process. A standout preview feature allows users to verify files before recovery, making it suitable for everyday data loss scenarios.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs for basic use
- Simple, intuitive wizard-based interface ideal for beginners
- File preview function to check recoverability before saving
Cons
- Limited advanced features like RAID or encrypted drive support
- Windows-only compatibility
- Deep scans can be time-consuming on large drives
Best For
Beginners and home users seeking a straightforward, cost-free tool for recovering recently deleted files from healthy drives.
Pricing
Free version fully functional for basic recovery; Pro upgrade available for $19.95 with enhanced deep scan and support.
DMDE
enterprisePowerful disk editor and recovery software for manual file system repairs and extractions.
Integrated hex editor and RAID constructor for precise manual disk surgery and array rebuilding
DMDE (DM Disk Editor and Data Recovery Software) is a technical tool designed for advanced data recovery, disk editing, and partition management. It excels at recovering files from damaged or formatted drives, supporting a wide array of file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, EXT, APFS, and HFS+, as well as RAID arrays and raw partitions. Users can perform hex editing, sector-by-sector scanning, and custom file carving, making it ideal for low-level disk operations.
Pros
- Exceptional support for complex recoveries including RAID and damaged partitions
- Lightweight and portable with no installation required
- Broad file system compatibility and low-level editing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a dated, technical interface
- Limited user-friendly wizards or automation
- Primarily Windows-focused with minimal macOS/Linux GUI support
Best For
Advanced users, IT professionals, and forensics experts handling intricate disk failures and custom recoveries.
Pricing
Free Express edition with basic features; Professional license $20 (personal), $48 (business), or $95 (technician with support).
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals Disk Drill as the clear winner, excelling with intuitive scanning and preview features that streamline recovery. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard follows closely, offering comprehensive support across Windows and Mac, while Wondershare Recoverit impresses with high success rates for videos, photos, and documents—each addressing unique user needs. Together, the top three ensure reliable solutions for diverse data loss scenarios.
Don’t let lost data disrupt your workflow—try Disk Drill first for its user-friendly design and proven recovery power to get your files back quickly and easily.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison