TLDR
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers the best overall balance of features, ease of use, and platform support for most users seeking to recover deleted files.
Choose based on your device: Mac users should consider DiskDrill, Windows users have strong options with AOMEI or MiniTool, and those on a budget should try PhotoRec or WISE Data Recovery.
File recovery software helps you restore deleted or lost files from hard drives, SSDs, external storage, and memory cards. Whether you accidentally deleted important documents, formatted a drive, or experienced data loss from corruption, the right recovery tool can retrieve your files before they're permanently overwritten.
In 2026, file recovery tools range from free open-source options to professional-grade software with advanced scanning capabilities. This guide compares the top 10 recovery solutions to help you find the best fit for your situation, budget, and device type.
We've evaluated each tool on ease of use, platform support, recovery success rates, and pricing to identify the most reliable options for home users and professionals alike.
best file recovery software Tools compared
Filter by what you care about. Every tool stays on the page.
| Tool | Price | Operating System Support | Cost | Recovery Types | File Format Support | Technical Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | See site | Windows, Mac, Linux | Freemium model | Deletion, formatting, partition loss | All file types | Beginner-friendly |
| DiskDrill | See site | Mac, iOS, Android | Freemium model | Deletion, lost files from storage media | All file types | Beginner-friendly |
| AOMEI Data Recovery | See site | Windows, iOS | Paid license | File deletion, formatting | Multiple formats | Intermediate |
| MiniTool Power Data Recovery | See site | Windows | Freemium model | Deletion, formatting | Multiple formats | Beginner-friendly |
| PhotoRec | See site | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | File carving from various media | Multiple formats | Advanced |
| Stellar Data Recovery | See site | Windows, Mac | Paid license | Deletion, system recovery | Multiple formats | Beginner-friendly |
| WISE Data Recovery | See site | Windows | Paid or freemium model | Deletion, formatting | Multiple formats | Beginner-friendly |
| GetDataBack | See site | Windows | Freemium model | Formatting, damaged file systems, RAID | Multiple formats | Advanced |
| IObit Advanced SystemCare Ultimate | See site | Windows | Paid license | File deletion, system recovery | Multiple formats | Beginner-friendly |
| Disk Utility | See site | Mac | Free, included with macOS | Basic deletion recovery, drive repair | Mac-native formats | Beginner-friendly |
Highlighted rows are featured placements. Competitor details are set by each platform, so confirm on their site before buying.
The 10 best best file recovery software tools
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
See siteEaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a comprehensive recovery solution that works across multiple platforms and storage device types. The software uses deep scanning to locate deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and external storage devices. It supports recovery from various data loss scenarios including accidental deletion, formatting, and partition loss.
Pros
- Recovers files from multiple device types including SSDs and external storage
- Multi-platform support for different operating systems
- Free trial version available for testing before purchase
Cons
- Full version requires paid license
- May require technical knowledge for advanced recovery scenarios
Best for: Users who need reliable recovery from multiple storage device types and want an established, trusted solution.
DiskDrill
See siteDisk Drill is optimized for macOS users and provides recovery capabilities for Mac computers, iOS devices, and Android phones. The software performs free scanning to identify recoverable files before requiring payment. It works with hard drives, memory cards, and removable storage media across multiple platforms.
Pros
- Specifically optimized for macOS with native performance
- Free scanning feature to preview recoverable files before purchase
- Cross-platform support including iOS and Android devices
Cons
- Primary focus on Mac limits Windows functionality
- Requires separate tools or consideration for non-Apple devices
Best for: Mac users and those with iOS or Android devices who want a specialized recovery solution.
AOMEI Data Recovery
See siteAOMEI Data Recovery specializes in recovering files from various storage devices including internal hard drives and external media. The software integrates into AOMEI's broader ecosystem of backup and partition management tools, making it useful for users already familiar with their other products. It handles recovery from different storage configurations and device types.
Pros
- Recovers from both internal and external storage devices
- Integrates with AOMEI's backup and partition management tools
- Suitable for various storage scenarios
Cons
- Less specialized than competitors focused solely on recovery
- Primary positioning as part of larger suite rather than standalone product
Best for: Users already working with AOMEI tools or those seeking integrated backup and recovery solutions.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
See siteMiniTool Power Data Recovery restores deleted or lost files from hard drives and storage media for Windows systems. The software is part of MiniTool's suite of data care and partition management tools. It provides scanning and recovery capabilities for various data loss scenarios.
Pros
- Focused Windows recovery tool with direct approach
- Part of comprehensive MiniTool data management suite
- Handles deleted files and formatting recovery
Cons
- Windows-only platform limits cross-platform use
- Requires paid license for full functionality
Best for: Windows users seeking straightforward file recovery without unnecessary features.
PhotoRec
See sitePhotoRec is a free, open-source data recovery tool designed to recover lost files from hard drives and memory cards. Unlike commercial alternatives, PhotoRec is maintained as a community project and does not charge for use. The software is part of the CGSecurity suite alongside TestDisk partition recovery tool.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- No advertisements or trials, fully functional from the start
- Works across multiple platforms and storage types
Cons
- Command-line interface requires comfort with technical tools
- Less polished than commercial alternatives
- Minimal customer support structure
Best for: Technical users and budget-conscious users who prefer open-source solutions and don't mind a command-line interface.
Stellar Data Recovery
See siteStellar Data Recovery retrieves deleted files from Windows and Mac systems and has been trusted by customers worldwide since 1993. The company also offers professional in-lab data recovery services for severe data loss scenarios. The software serves both individual users and businesses.
Pros
- Established company with long history of reliability and trust
- Combines software recovery with professional in-lab services for severe cases
- Multi-platform support for Windows and Mac
Cons
- Primarily software-focused; in-lab services add significant cost
- Full version requires paid purchase
Best for: Users who want an established, trusted brand and may need professional recovery services as a fallback.
WISE Data Recovery
See siteWISE Data Recovery is a Windows utility that scans drives to find and recover deleted files and recovery from formatting losses. The tool is part of the WiseCleaner suite focused on Windows optimization and system maintenance. It provides straightforward recovery capabilities for Windows users.
Pros
- Integrates with WiseCleaner system optimization tools
- Handles recovery from deleted files and formatting scenarios
- Windows-focused efficiency
Cons
- Windows-only limitation
- Part of optimization suite rather than specialized recovery tool
- Limited information on advanced recovery features
Best for: Windows users already using WiseCleaner who need integrated file recovery capabilities.
GetDataBack
See siteGetDataBack specializes in professional data recovery from formatted drives and damaged file systems. The software is designed to handle complex scenarios including RAID systems and NAS devices where standard recovery tools may fail. Runtime Software provides a free trial for testing before purchase.
Pros
- Specialized in formatted drives and damaged file systems
- RAID and NAS recovery capabilities for complex scenarios
- Professional-grade tool for serious data loss situations
Cons
- More technical than general-purpose recovery tools
- Pricing and complexity may exceed needs of casual users
Best for: Users facing formatted drives, RAID failures, or other complex data loss scenarios requiring professional-grade recovery.
IObit Advanced SystemCare Ultimate
See siteIObit Advanced SystemCare Ultimate combines system optimization with file recovery functionality. The software focuses on Windows PC performance enhancement, registry cleaning, and malware protection, with file recovery included as a secondary feature. It serves users who want a comprehensive Windows maintenance tool.
Pros
- Combines file recovery with system optimization in one tool
- Includes security and performance features alongside recovery
- Full Windows system maintenance solution
Cons
- File recovery is secondary feature, not primary focus
- Bloated with features if recovery alone is needed
Best for: Windows users seeking comprehensive PC maintenance and optimization with file recovery as an additional benefit.
Disk Utility
See siteDisk Utility is a built-in Mac tool that includes drive repair and recovery capabilities for macOS users. As an integrated system utility, it requires no separate purchase or installation. The tool handles drive management and includes deleted file recovery functionality for Mac systems.
Pros
- Built into macOS with no additional cost or installation
- Seamless integration with Mac system and security features
- No need to learn external software interface
Cons
- More limited than specialized recovery tools
- Fewer features and options than commercial alternatives
- Does not handle complex data loss scenarios as well
Best for: Mac users experiencing simple file recovery needs who prefer built-in tools.
How we chose
We evaluated only file recovery software from verified vendor websites, documenting actual features, supported platforms, and recovery types without inventing specifications.
Selection prioritized tools that address different user needs: budget options, platform-specific solutions, and professional-grade recovery for complex scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
How does file recovery software work?
File recovery software scans storage devices at a low level to locate file remnants that haven't been completely overwritten. When you delete a file, the operating system often marks the space as available rather than permanently erasing it. Recovery tools search for file headers and data structures to reconstruct recoverable files.
What is the difference between deleted file recovery and formatting recovery?
Deleted file recovery targets files removed through normal deletion operations where the file data remains intact but marked as deleted. Formatting recovery attempts to reconstruct files after a storage device has been formatted, which is more complex because the file system structure has been reset.
Why is faster action important after data loss?
After data loss, every write operation to the storage device risks overwriting the recoverable file data. Using your device normally for new work, installing programs, or saving files can reduce recovery success rates. Stopping device use and running recovery software quickly maximizes the chance of retrieving lost files.
Do I need to pay for file recovery software or are free options sufficient?
Free options like PhotoRec provide legitimate recovery capabilities for users comfortable with technical tools. Paid commercial software typically offers easier interfaces, faster scanning, and better support for specific scenarios. Your choice depends on your technical comfort level and the complexity of your data loss situation.
Which file recovery software works best for SSDs versus traditional hard drives?
SSDs present unique recovery challenges because they actively manage data at the controller level through TRIM operations. Some software like EaseUS specifically addresses SSD recovery, while traditional hard drive recovery may be simpler with other tools. Check software specifications for SSD support if that's your primary storage type.
Can file recovery software recover files after a virus or ransomware attack?
File recovery software can retrieve deleted files after a virus removes them, but cannot decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. For ransomware situations, your best option is restoring from backups made before the infection. Prevention through regular backups and security practices is more effective than recovery after ransomware.
The bottom line
Most file recovery software works similarly by scanning for file remnants, so your choice should prioritize your operating system, budget, and comfort with technical tools. Free trials are available for testing before purchase.