Quick Overview
- 1#1: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard - Recovers deleted, formatted, or lost files from USB drives with deep scan, preview, and up to 2GB free recovery.
- 2#2: Disk Drill - Performs reliable data recovery from USB flash drives on Windows and Mac with advanced algorithms and file preview.
- 3#3: Recuva - Free tool that quickly restores accidentally deleted files from USB drives and formatted storage.
- 4#4: Wondershare Recoverit - User-friendly software to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or damaged USB flash drives with high success rate.
- 5#5: Stellar Data Recovery - Professional recovery solution for USB drives supporting repair of corrupted files and 1TB free recovery.
- 6#6: MiniTool Power Data Recovery - Free utility to recover files from USB drives, lost partitions, and damaged storage media easily.
- 7#7: R-Studio - Advanced data recovery software for USB drives with support for multiple file systems, RAID, and hex editing.
- 8#8: TestDisk - Open-source partition recovery tool that fixes boot issues and undeletes partitions on USB drives.
- 9#9: DiskGenius - Comprehensive disk management and data recovery tool for USB devices with partition repair and cloning.
- 10#10: DMDE - Powerful recovery software for USB drives focusing on partition and file recovery with a portable version.
Tools were ranked based on rigorous evaluation of recovery performance, feature depth (including deep scanning and previews), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of both casual and advanced users.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates top USB recovery tools, including EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, Recuva, Wondershare Recoverit, Stellar Data Recovery, and more, to guide readers in selecting the right solution. It examines features, usability, and recovery performance, helping users determine which tool best fits their needs for restoring lost USB data.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Recovers deleted, formatted, or lost files from USB drives with deep scan, preview, and up to 2GB free recovery. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Disk Drill Performs reliable data recovery from USB flash drives on Windows and Mac with advanced algorithms and file preview. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Recuva Free tool that quickly restores accidentally deleted files from USB drives and formatted storage. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Wondershare Recoverit User-friendly software to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or damaged USB flash drives with high success rate. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Stellar Data Recovery Professional recovery solution for USB drives supporting repair of corrupted files and 1TB free recovery. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free utility to recover files from USB drives, lost partitions, and damaged storage media easily. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | R-Studio Advanced data recovery software for USB drives with support for multiple file systems, RAID, and hex editing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | TestDisk Open-source partition recovery tool that fixes boot issues and undeletes partitions on USB drives. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 4.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 9 | DiskGenius Comprehensive disk management and data recovery tool for USB devices with partition repair and cloning. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | DMDE Powerful recovery software for USB drives focusing on partition and file recovery with a portable version. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 5.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
Recovers deleted, formatted, or lost files from USB drives with deep scan, preview, and up to 2GB free recovery.
Performs reliable data recovery from USB flash drives on Windows and Mac with advanced algorithms and file preview.
Free tool that quickly restores accidentally deleted files from USB drives and formatted storage.
User-friendly software to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or damaged USB flash drives with high success rate.
Professional recovery solution for USB drives supporting repair of corrupted files and 1TB free recovery.
Free utility to recover files from USB drives, lost partitions, and damaged storage media easily.
Advanced data recovery software for USB drives with support for multiple file systems, RAID, and hex editing.
Open-source partition recovery tool that fixes boot issues and undeletes partitions on USB drives.
Comprehensive disk management and data recovery tool for USB devices with partition repair and cloning.
Powerful recovery software for USB drives focusing on partition and file recovery with a portable version.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
specializedRecovers deleted, formatted, or lost files from USB drives with deep scan, preview, and up to 2GB free recovery.
USB-optimized deep scan that recovers data from low-level formatted drives
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a leading data recovery software specializing in retrieving lost, deleted, formatted, or corrupted files from USB drives, hard disks, and other storage media. It offers quick scan for recently lost files and deep scan for thorough recovery from formatted or damaged USB flash drives supporting FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, and more file systems. With a preview feature and optimized algorithms for removable devices, it's highly effective for USB-specific recovery scenarios like accidental deletion or virus attacks.
Pros
- Exceptional support for USB drives with quick and deep scan modes
- Intuitive interface with file preview before recovery
- High success rate even on formatted or corrupted USB devices
Cons
- Free version limited to 2GB recovery
- Deep scans can be time-consuming on large USB drives
- Full unlimited recovery requires paid subscription
Best For
Ideal for both beginners and professionals needing reliable, user-friendly USB data recovery from accidental deletions, formatting, or corruption.
Pricing
Free (up to 2GB); Pro: $69.95/month, $99.95/year, or $149.95 lifetime.
Disk Drill
specializedPerforms reliable data recovery from USB flash drives on Windows and Mac with advanced algorithms and file preview.
Byte-to-byte disk imaging to safely clone USB drives before risky recovery operations
Disk Drill is a versatile data recovery tool from CleverFiles that specializes in retrieving lost, deleted, or corrupted files from USB drives, external storage, and internal disks across Mac and Windows platforms. It employs quick scans for recently deleted files and deep scans for more complex recoveries like formatted or damaged USBs, with built-in previews to verify files before saving. Additional features include data protection tools like Recovery Vault and disk health monitoring, making it a comprehensive solution for USB recovery needs.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface suitable for beginners
- Excellent file preview and filtering options
- Strong support for USB drives with multiple file systems
Cons
- Full recovery locked behind paid Pro upgrade
- Deep scans can be time-consuming on large USBs
- No built-in support for encrypted or RAID USB configurations
Best For
Non-technical users seeking reliable and user-friendly USB data recovery with preview capabilities.
Pricing
Free version for scanning/preview; Pro one-time license $89 per platform (Mac/Windows), with bundle options for both.
Recuva
specializedFree tool that quickly restores accidentally deleted files from USB drives and formatted storage.
Deep Scan mode that thoroughly analyzes USB drives for overwritten or fragmented files
Recuva is a free data recovery tool from Piriform (ccleaner.com) designed to restore deleted, formatted, or lost files from hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, and other storage media. It excels in USB recovery by supporting common file systems like FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT, with options for quick or deep scans to locate files even after formatting. The software features a simple wizard for beginners and advanced mode for detailed control, including file previews and filters.
Pros
- Completely free version with robust USB scanning capabilities
- User-friendly wizard interface suitable for beginners
- Deep scan mode recovers files from formatted or corrupted USB drives
Cons
- Dated interface feels outdated compared to modern tools
- Long scan times on large USB drives
- Free version lacks premium support and automatic updates
Best For
Ideal for budget-conscious users or beginners needing simple recovery of deleted files from USB drives.
Pricing
Free standard version; Professional upgrade at $19.95/year for support and updates.
Wondershare Recoverit
specializedUser-friendly software to recover data from corrupted, formatted, or damaged USB flash drives with high success rate.
Enhanced deep scan technology that effectively recovers data from severely damaged or formatted USB drives
Wondershare Recoverit is a versatile data recovery software specializing in retrieving deleted, formatted, or lost files from USB drives, hard disks, SSDs, and other storage media. It features quick scan and deep scan modes to maximize recovery chances, with support for over 1,000 file formats including photos, videos, documents, and more. The software provides a preview function allowing users to selectively recover needed files before purchasing, making it reliable for USB recovery scenarios like accidental deletion or corruption.
Pros
- Highly intuitive wizard-based interface ideal for beginners
- Strong recovery success rate from formatted or corrupted USB drives
- File preview before recovery to avoid unnecessary restores
Cons
- Free version limited to 100MB recovery
- Subscription model increases long-term costs
- Deep scans can take considerable time on larger USB drives
Best For
Non-technical users needing an easy, reliable tool to recover files from USB flash drives without advanced IT knowledge.
Pricing
Free trial (100MB limit); Essential plan $69.99/year, Premium $99.99/year, lifetime licenses from $159.99.
Stellar Data Recovery
specializedProfessional recovery solution for USB drives supporting repair of corrupted files and 1TB free recovery.
Raw recovery mode that uses file signature detection to retrieve data from USB drives with damaged or unreadable file systems
Stellar Data Recovery is a robust software solution specialized in retrieving lost, deleted, or corrupted data from USB drives, external HDDs, and other removable media. It employs quick scan, deep scan, and raw recovery modes to handle scenarios like accidental formatting, virus attacks, or partition errors on USB devices. The tool supports major file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and offers file preview before recovery, ensuring users can verify data integrity. With editions for Windows and Mac, it's a go-to for non-technical users facing USB data loss.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-based interface simplifies USB recovery
- Reliable deep scan for formatted or corrupted USB drives
- Free scanning and preview to assess recoverability before purchase
Cons
- No free data recovery (paywall after scan)
- Scan times can be lengthy on large USB drives
- Higher pricing compared to some free alternatives
Best For
Home users and small businesses needing an easy-to-use tool for recovering files from accidentally formatted or damaged USB flash drives.
Pricing
Free scan/preview; paid plans start at $79.99 (Standard, 1-year license for 1 PC), $99.99 (Professional), with lifetime and multi-license options up to $399.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
specializedFree utility to recover files from USB drives, lost partitions, and damaged storage media easily.
Dedicated 'USB' recovery module that automatically detects and scans flash drives for optimized recovery.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a user-friendly data recovery software designed to retrieve lost, deleted, formatted, or corrupted files from USB drives, hard disks, SSDs, SD cards, and other storage devices. It features quick scan and advanced deep scan modes tailored for USB recovery, supporting file systems like FAT, NTFS, and exFAT. Users can preview files before recovery, making it reliable for photos, documents, videos, and more from damaged or inaccessible USB sticks.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-based interface suitable for beginners
- Strong USB-specific recovery with quick and deep scan options
- File preview functionality to verify data before saving
Cons
- Free version limited to 1GB recovery per month
- Deep scans can be slow on large USB drives
- Aggressive upsell prompts during use
Best For
Beginner to intermediate users needing reliable USB drive data recovery without complex setup.
Pricing
Free (1GB/month limit); Monthly $59; Annual $69; Lifetime $99 (single PC).
R-Studio
enterpriseAdvanced data recovery software for USB drives with support for multiple file systems, RAID, and hex editing.
Raw file carving that bypasses damaged file systems to recover files by signatures
R-Studio is a professional-grade data recovery software from R-Tools Technology (r-tt.com) that specializes in retrieving lost, deleted, or corrupted files from USB drives, hard disks, and other storage media. It supports a wide array of file systems including FAT, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, and more, making it effective for USB recovery scenarios like formatting, partitioning errors, or physical damage. Advanced tools such as deep scans, file carving, and a built-in hex editor allow for thorough recovery even from RAW or inaccessible USB devices.
Pros
- Exceptional support for multiple file systems and deep scan capabilities ideal for USB recovery
- Raw file carving recovers data without file system intact
- Creates disk images for safe, non-destructive recovery
Cons
- Complex, cluttered interface overwhelms beginners
- Demo version limits full recovery without purchase
- Resource-heavy during intensive scans on large USBs
Best For
Advanced users and IT professionals handling complex USB data loss from corruption or formatting.
Pricing
Starts at $79.99 for Standard edition; Technician ($399.99) and Enterprise ($899.99) offer advanced features.
TestDisk
specializedOpen-source partition recovery tool that fixes boot issues and undeletes partitions on USB drives.
Advanced ability to recover and rebuild complex, multi-level partition tables even after multiple deletions or overwrites
TestDisk is a free, open-source data recovery tool from cgsecurity.org that specializes in recovering lost partitions, repairing boot sectors, and undeleting files from a wide range of filesystems including FAT, NTFS, ext2/ext3/ext4, and more. It is particularly effective for USB drives that have suffered partition table corruption, logical damage, or accidental formatting. While powerful for disk forensics and advanced recovery, it operates via a text-based interface without a native GUI.
Pros
- Exceptionally powerful partition recovery and boot sector repair
- Supports numerous filesystems and cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, Mac)
- Completely free and open-source with no limitations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to command-line/text interface
- Lacks a graphical user interface, intimidating for beginners
- Requires technical knowledge to interpret results and avoid data overwrites
Best For
Experienced users, IT professionals, or forensics experts recovering lost partitions from corrupted USB drives.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no cost or restrictions)
DiskGenius
specializedComprehensive disk management and data recovery tool for USB devices with partition repair and cloning.
Advanced partition recovery that rebuilds and restores lost or deleted partitions directly on USB drives
DiskGenius is a comprehensive disk utility that excels in data recovery, partition management, and backup tasks, making it effective for USB recovery scenarios like retrieving deleted files, recovering from formatted drives, or repairing corrupted USB partitions. It supports a wide range of file systems including FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, and more, commonly found on USB flash drives. The software also offers advanced features like hex editing and disk imaging to aid in thorough USB data salvage.
Pros
- Robust partition recovery for damaged USB drives
- Supports deep scan and preview before recovery
- Free edition handles basic USB recovery effectively
Cons
- Cluttered interface may overwhelm beginners
- Full features require paid upgrade
- Scan times can be lengthy on large USB capacities
Best For
Advanced users or IT professionals needing partition-level USB recovery combined with disk management tools.
Pricing
Free edition for basic use; Professional license $69.90 lifetime (single PC) or $169.90 for Server edition.
DMDE
specializedPowerful recovery software for USB drives focusing on partition and file recovery with a portable version.
Integrated disk editor for precise manual editing of partitions, boot sectors, and file system structures on USB media
DMDE is a comprehensive disk editing and data recovery software designed for recovering lost data from USB drives, hard disks, SSDs, and other storage media. It provides low-level access to disk structures, enabling users to scan for deleted partitions, repair file systems like FAT, NTFS, and exFAT, and recover files from damaged or formatted USB devices. With support for RAID, virtual disks, and advanced hex editing, it's a technical tool for deep recovery tasks beyond simple undelete operations.
Pros
- Powerful low-level scanning and recovery algorithms effective on damaged USBs
- Supports a wide range of file systems and devices including flash media
- Free version offers substantial functionality for basic to moderate recoveries
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a technical, non-intuitive interface
- Outdated GUI that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Limited built-in documentation and customer support
Best For
Advanced users, IT professionals, or technicians handling complex USB data recovery from corrupted or low-level formatted drives.
Pricing
Free edition for personal use with core features; Professional license ~€20 ($22), Enterprise ~€48 ($52) for full unlocks and commercial use.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 USB recovery software, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard emerges as the clear top choice, praised for its deep scanning, preview capabilities, and practical recovery limits. Disk Drill and Recuva also stand out as strong alternatives—Disk Drill for advanced algorithms and cross-platform support, Recuva for its quick, free restoration of accidentally deleted files. Together, these tools cover diverse needs, ensuring effective data recovery from USB drives.
Don’t let lost data derail you—try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard first for reliable, efficient recovery that delivers consistent results.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison