If you’ve ever lost files due to a computer crash, accidental deletion, or virus attack, then you know how frustrating and devastating it can be. But don’t panic – data recovery software can help you salvage your files and get you back up and running.
Data recovery software can be a lifesaver when it comes to recovering lost files. There are several different data recovery software options available, so the best one for you will depend on the type of data loss you’ve experienced and the severity of the damage. Let’s get into the details and explore some of the top data recovery software options.
What Is Data Recovery Software and When Can It Help?
Data recovery software is a type of software that can help you recover files that have been deleted or lost due to accidental or malicious damage and corruption. People often turn to this type of software after files are lost, but it can also be good to have it on hand in case of an emergency.
krisanapong detraphiphat/GettySince 140,000 hard drives fail every week in the U.S. alone, data recovery software is something many people need at one time or another.1 There are several data recovery software programs to consider. If you’ve accidentally deleted files, for example, a basic file recovery tool may be all you need. But if your hard drive has been corrupted, you may need a more advanced data recovery solution.
Depending on your situation, a free program might meet your recovery needs. However, paid programs may be more suitable at times. Here are some top free and premium options to check out.
Stellar Data Recovery
When it comes to data recovery software, Stellar Data Recovery has a lot of experience handling data disasters. The company has been providing data recovery solutions for nearly 30 years, after all. It performs more than 40,000 jobs annually, so it’s helped many people over the years.2
Stellar offers a variety of data recovery software options, including a free version, subscription plans, and a long-term license for 10 years. The software is designed to be easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. And it’s backed by a team of experts to help you recover your lost files.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
EaseUS is another popular data recovery software option — and it’s easy to see why. The company takes the “Wizard” part of its name seriously, so it takes users through the recovery process in a straightforward fashion that doesn’t require tech know-how.
EaseUS can recover files from a variety of sources, including your computer’s hard drive, an external hard drive, a USB drive, and even a digital camera. It has multiple plans at different price points, starting from free. As a result, it’s a flexible program that can fit different needs.
Recuva
While Recuva isn’t one of the most advanced options on the market, it has a lot going for it. Its free version could be a great fit for simpler data recovery needs. And its more comprehensive paid versions are also worth considering for bigger challenges.
Recuva can quickly scan your hard drive for deleted files and restore them to their original location. If you’ve suffered a more serious data loss, then Recuva’s deep scan mode may be able to locate files that have been hidden or lost due to corruption or damage.
Disk Drill
If you use Mac products, then Disk Drill is another option to have on your radar. That’s because it charges the same price for Mac data recovery as it does for Windows data recovery. Since some companies charge more for Macs, that’s noteworthy.3
Disk Drill is capable of recovering a wide variety of file types, including images, videos, and documents. Additionally, Disk Drill offers free and premium versions of its software to meet a variety of needs and situations.
CrashPlan
If you’re looking for a data recovery solution that also provides ongoing data backup, CrashPlan could be a good fit. It’s a comprehensive alternative to traditional data recovery software options. In addition to backing up everything in the Cloud, it even keeps backups of deleted files.
Since it can recover and restore deleted and corrupted files, CrashPlan is an interesting choice to consider, even though it may be thought of more as a data backup solution than a data recovery program.4 It has plans for smaller businesses and larger companies.
The Best Data Recovery Software Depends on Your Needs
When it comes to data recovery software, there are a lot of great options out there. The best one for you will depend on the type of data loss you’ve experienced and the severity of the damage. In some cases, a free version might be all you need. But other times, you may need something more advanced.
Each data recovery program we explored has its own strengths and weaknesses, so do some research before making a decision. Whether you lost data through accidental deletion or virus attacks, there are several possible solutions.