Losing important files can feel like a disaster.

One wrong click, one formatted drive, one corrupted SD card, one failed external hard drive, one deleted folder, one emptied Recycle Bin, or one damaged partition can put years of work at risk.

For personal users, it may mean losing family photos, videos, documents, school files, or creative projects. For businesses, it may mean losing client files, invoices, contracts, reports, financial records, product images, design files, website backups, or project data.

That is why data recovery software is still one of the most useful tools for Windows and Mac users.

The best data recovery software can help recover deleted files, lost partitions, formatted drives, corrupted storage, emptied trash, damaged memory cards, USB drives, external hard drives, SSDs, photos, videos, office documents, emails, archives, and more.

But there is one important rule:

Stop using the affected drive immediately.

When a file is deleted, the data may still exist on the drive until new data overwrites it. The more you use the drive, the higher the chance that deleted files become permanently unrecoverable.

This guide compares the best data recovery software for Windows and Mac, explains how recovery works, what features matter, and how to choose the right tool for deleted files, formatted drives, SD cards, USB drives, external hard drives, photo recovery, video recovery, and business data recovery.

Important Disclaimer

This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. Data recovery is not guaranteed. Recovery success depends on drive condition, file system, deletion type, overwrite status, physical damage, encryption, SSD TRIM behavior, and how quickly you stop using the device. If the drive is physically damaged, clicking, not spinning, overheating, water-damaged, burned, or making unusual noises, stop using it and contact a professional data recovery lab.

What Is Data Recovery Software?

Data recovery software is a tool that scans storage devices and tries to recover lost, deleted, formatted, or inaccessible files.

It may recover data from:

• Windows PCs
• Mac computers
• Internal hard drives
• External hard drives
• SSDs
• USB flash drives
• SD cards
• MicroSD cards
• Digital camera cards
• Formatted partitions
• Deleted partitions
• Corrupted file systems
• Recycle Bin
• Mac Trash
• Lost folders
• Photo/video storage
• Some RAID systems, depending on software
• NAS drives, depending on software

Data recovery software usually works by scanning the file system and raw storage sectors to identify recoverable files. Some tools can recover original folder structure, while others recover files by signature, such as JPEG, PNG, MP4, DOCX, PDF, ZIP, MOV, PSD, XLSX, and more.

When Can Data Recovery Software Help?

Data recovery software can often help in cases like:

• Deleted files
• Emptied Recycle Bin
• Emptied Mac Trash
• Accidentally formatted drive
• Lost partition
• Corrupted partition
• Unreadable USB drive
• SD card not showing files
• External drive asking to format
• Deleted photos or videos
• Lost office documents
• File system damage
• Some malware-related deletion
• Some accidental overwrite situations

However, it cannot guarantee recovery in every case.

When Data Recovery Software May Not Work

Data recovery software may fail if:

• The data has been overwritten
• The drive has serious physical damage
• The SSD used TRIM and erased deleted blocks
• The drive is encrypted and keys are unavailable
• The file system is badly destroyed
• The device is not detected by the computer
• The memory card is physically damaged
• The storage chip has failed
• Ransomware encrypted the files and no clean backup exists
• You installed recovery software on the same drive and overwrote files

For physically damaged drives, professional recovery is safer than software scanning.

Data Recovery Safety Rules Before You Start

Before using any recovery tool, follow these rules.

1. Stop Using the Drive

Do not save, download, install, copy, or move files on the affected drive.

2. Do Not Install Recovery Software on the Same Drive

Install the recovery tool on another drive or computer.

3. Recover Files to a Different Drive

Never restore recovered files back to the same damaged or deleted-file drive.

4. Create a Disk Image First

If the drive is unstable, create a byte-by-byte image and scan the image instead of the original drive.

5. Do Not Run CHKDSK First

On Windows, running repair commands before recovery can sometimes make recovery harder.

6. For Physical Damage, Stop Immediately

Clicking, grinding, burning smell, water damage, or repeated disconnects mean you should stop and use a professional recovery service.

Best Data Recovery Software for Windows and Mac

Below are some of the best data recovery software options to compare in 2026.

1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Best for: General users who want an easy Windows and Mac recovery tool
Good for: Deleted files, formatted drives, photos, videos, documents, partitions
Main strength: User-friendly interface and broad recovery support

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is one of the most popular data recovery tools for Windows and Mac. It is designed for users who want a simple interface and guided recovery process.

TechRadar’s 2026 data recovery guide selected EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard as an Editor’s Choice and highlighted its user-friendly design, high recovery rate claim, and free recovery limit of 2GB.

Key Features

• Windows and Mac support
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted drive recovery
• Partition recovery
• Photo recovery
• Video recovery
• Document recovery
• Email recovery
• External drive recovery
• USB recovery
• SD card recovery
• Preview before recovery
• Quick scan and deep scan
• Free recovery limit available

Why EaseUS Is Good

EaseUS is good for normal users because it makes recovery less technical. If someone deleted files, formatted a USB drive, or lost photos from an SD card, EaseUS provides a simple step-by-step process.

It is also useful for business users who need quick recovery without learning advanced disk structures.

Best Fit

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is best for users who want an easy, beginner-friendly data recovery tool for Windows and Mac.

Possible Downsides

EaseUS can be more expensive than some alternatives, and advanced users may prefer R-Studio, DMDE, or TestDisk/PhotoRec for complex recovery cases.

2. Disk Drill

Best for: Mac users, creative professionals, and easy visual recovery
Good for: Photos, videos, external drives, SD cards, USB drives, macOS recovery
Main strength: Modern interface and strong Mac recovery experience

Disk Drill is a popular data recovery tool for both Windows and Mac. It is especially well-known among Mac users and creative professionals.

TechRadar’s 2026 Disk Drill review says it supports macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, includes support for many file systems and 400+ file signatures, and offers tools such as byte-by-byte backup, SMART monitoring, disk cleanup, and a recovery chance calculator.

CleverFiles also describes Disk Drill for Windows as able to recover deleted photos, videos, Office documents, archives, and more from PCs, external drives, memory cards, USB sticks, and other storage devices, including files emptied from the Recycle Bin or lost after formatting.

Key Features

• Windows and Mac support
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted drive recovery
• External drive recovery
• SD card recovery
• USB recovery
• Photo and video recovery
• Byte-by-byte backup
• SMART monitoring
• Recovery chance indicator
• Partition recovery
• Preview feature
• Modern interface
• Broad file signature support

Why Disk Drill Is Good

Disk Drill is strong because it combines a clean user interface with advanced recovery features. The byte-by-byte backup feature is especially useful when working with unstable drives, because scanning a disk image is safer than repeatedly scanning the original device.

It is also useful for photographers, videographers, designers, and content creators who often recover files from SD cards, camera cards, external SSDs, and portable drives.

Best Fit

Disk Drill is best for Mac users, creative professionals, and users who want a polished recovery experience with useful extra disk tools.

Possible Downsides

Disk Drill can be relatively expensive. TechRadar noted pricing at the higher end and also mentioned slower scanning on some external drives.

3. Stellar Data Recovery

Best for: Advanced recovery, broad device support, and photo/document recovery
Good for: Windows, Mac, deleted files, formatted drives, photos, videos, email recovery
Main strength: Strong file recovery options and professional editions

Stellar Data Recovery is another well-known recovery platform for Windows and Mac. It offers different editions for personal, professional, premium, and technician use depending on recovery needs.

TechRadar’s 2026 data recovery guide describes Stellar Data Recovery as a good option for advanced users, with customizable file type recovery and broad device support, though scans may be slower.

Stellar’s Mac recovery page says its free Mac data recovery software can recover lost files from Mac drives, SSDs, USB drives, and more, with up to 1GB free recovery.

Key Features

• Windows and Mac support
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted drive recovery
• Lost partition recovery
• Photo recovery
• Video recovery
• Document recovery
• Email recovery
• USB and SD card recovery
• Preview before recovery
• Custom file type recovery
• Professional and technician editions
• Free recovery limit available

Why Stellar Is Good

Stellar is useful for users who want a balance between beginner-friendly recovery and more advanced options. It is especially strong for people recovering specific file types such as photos, videos, documents, and emails.

Its different editions also make it useful for individuals, small businesses, and technicians.

Best Fit

Stellar Data Recovery is best for users who want a trusted recovery tool with broad file type support and professional upgrade options.

Possible Downsides

Deep scans may take time, especially on large drives. Users should also confirm which features are included in each edition before purchasing.

4. R-Studio

Best for: Advanced users, technicians, RAID recovery, and complex recovery cases
Good for: IT professionals, data recovery technicians, damaged partitions, advanced file systems
Main strength: Powerful technical recovery features

R-Studio is a professional-grade data recovery tool. It is not as simple as beginner-focused tools, but it is powerful for advanced recovery situations.

It is often used by IT professionals, technicians, and experienced users who need more control.

Key Features

• Windows, Mac, and Linux support
• Advanced file system recovery
• Partition recovery
• RAID recovery features
• Network recovery
• Disk imaging
• Hex editor
• Raw file recovery
• Damaged disk recovery
• Professional technician workflows
• Advanced scan settings

Why R-Studio Is Good

R-Studio is strong when recovery is more complicated than simple deleted files. It can help with lost partitions, damaged file systems, RAID reconstruction, and technical recovery workflows.

For businesses with IT staff, R-Studio can be a powerful tool.

Best Fit

R-Studio is best for advanced users, IT technicians, and businesses needing technical recovery features.

Possible Downsides

R-Studio is not ideal for beginners. The interface and options can feel complex if you only need to recover a deleted folder.

5. Wondershare Recoverit

Best for: Photo and video recovery with user-friendly design
Good for: Creators, camera files, video recovery, Windows and Mac users
Main strength: Strong media recovery and corrupted video repair features

Wondershare Recoverit is a modern data recovery tool for Windows and Mac. It is especially popular for photo and video recovery.

TechRadar’s 2026 Recoverit review says Recoverit supports recovery from Windows, Mac, NAS, and Linux systems, can retrieve 1,000+ file formats, and includes Enhanced Recovery for corrupted videos. It also noted that plans start at $59.99/month, with annual and lifetime options available.

Key Features

• Windows and Mac support
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted drive recovery
• Photo recovery
• Video recovery
• Corrupted video repair
• NAS recovery support
• Linux recovery support
• 1,000+ file format support
• Preview feature
• Deep scan
• External drive recovery
• SD card recovery

Why Recoverit Is Good

Recoverit is especially useful for people recovering videos, camera files, and media projects. The Enhanced Recovery feature can help with fragmented or corrupted video files, which is valuable for creators.

It also has a modern interface that is easier for non-technical users.

Best Fit

Wondershare Recoverit is best for photographers, videographers, creators, and users recovering media files.

Possible Downsides

TechRadar noted that the free version is limited to 500MB and mentioned upsell prompts and missing photo preview features as drawbacks.

6. Ontrack EasyRecovery

Best for: Professional recovery and RAID-related needs
Good for: Businesses, IT teams, advanced recovery, RAID recovery
Main strength: Professional recovery brand and business-grade options

Ontrack EasyRecovery is a data recovery software from a well-known professional data recovery company. It is often used by businesses and advanced users.

TechRadar’s 2026 data recovery guide named Ontrack EasyRecovery as a top pick for RAID recovery with enterprise functionality.

Key Features

• Windows and Mac support
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted drive recovery
• RAID recovery options
• External drive recovery
• SSD/HDD recovery
• Email recovery
• Photo and video recovery
• Professional editions
• Business recovery options
• Preview feature

Why Ontrack EasyRecovery Is Good

Ontrack is useful for businesses that want software from a company also known for professional lab recovery services. This can matter when data loss is serious and software recovery may not be enough.

It is also useful for RAID and business storage recovery cases.

Best Fit

Ontrack EasyRecovery is best for businesses, IT teams, and users with advanced or RAID-related recovery needs.

Possible Downsides

It may be more than a normal home user needs. Beginners may prefer EaseUS, Disk Drill, Stellar, or Recoverit.

7. Recuva

Best for: Free or simple Windows file recovery
Good for: Deleted files, Recycle Bin recovery, USB recovery, basic recovery
Main strength: Lightweight and free-friendly Windows recovery

Recuva is a simple Windows recovery tool from Piriform. It is often used for basic deleted file recovery.

TechRadar’s 2026 data recovery guide listed Recuva among notable free recovery options, describing it as basic but versatile.

Key Features

• Windows support
• Deleted file recovery
• Recycle Bin recovery
• USB recovery
• Memory card recovery
• Quick scan
• Deep scan
• Lightweight software
• Free-friendly option

Why Recuva Is Good

Recuva is good for users who need a simple free Windows recovery tool for deleted files. It is lightweight and easy to try.

It can be useful when you accidentally deleted a file recently and have not overwritten the drive.

Best Fit

Recuva is best for Windows users who need simple deleted file recovery without paying immediately.

Possible Downsides

Recuva is not as powerful as modern commercial recovery tools for complex cases, formatted drives, corrupted partitions, or advanced Mac recovery.

8. DMDE

Best for: Advanced low-cost recovery and technical users
Good for: Partitions, file systems, raw recovery, advanced manual recovery
Main strength: Powerful recovery features at low cost

DMDE is a powerful data recovery and disk editing tool. It is more technical than beginner tools, but it is respected among advanced users.

TechRadar’s 2026 guide listed DMDE among top free recovery options, describing it as generous but complex.

Key Features

• Windows, Mac, Linux, and DOS versions
• Partition recovery
• File recovery
• Disk editing
• Raw recovery
• Advanced scan options
• File system reconstruction
• Low-cost licensing
• Technical recovery workflow

Why DMDE Is Good

DMDE is useful when you want powerful recovery without paying premium prices. It can handle complex partition and file system situations, but it requires patience and technical understanding.

Best Fit

DMDE is best for advanced users who are comfortable with technical recovery tools.

Possible Downsides

DMDE is not beginner-friendly. Non-technical users may prefer EaseUS, Disk Drill, Stellar, or Recoverit.

9. TestDisk and PhotoRec

Best for: Free open-source partition and file recovery
Good for: Technical users, lost partitions, photo recovery, raw file recovery
Main strength: Free, open-source, powerful recovery tools

TestDisk and PhotoRec are free, open-source recovery tools. TestDisk is focused on lost partition recovery and boot repair, while PhotoRec recovers files by signature.

TechRadar’s 2026 recovery guide listed TestDisk and PhotoRec as noteworthy tools for partition and file recovery.

Key Features

• Free and open source
• Windows, Mac, and Linux support
• Lost partition recovery
• File recovery by signature
• Photo recovery
• Memory card recovery
• USB recovery
• Raw recovery
• Command-line interface
• Works with many file systems

Why TestDisk and PhotoRec Are Good

These tools are powerful and free. TestDisk can help recover lost partitions, while PhotoRec can recover many file types even when file system structure is damaged.

They are especially useful for technical users and recovery labs.

Best Fit

TestDisk and PhotoRec are best for users who want free open-source recovery and are comfortable with command-line tools.

Possible Downsides

The interface is not beginner-friendly. PhotoRec may recover files without original names or folder structure because it often works by file signatures.

10. DiskGenius

Best for: Windows partition recovery, disk management, and file recovery
Good for: Partition repair, formatted drive recovery, disk cloning, Windows users
Main strength: Recovery plus partition management tools

DiskGenius is a Windows-focused disk utility with data recovery, partition recovery, partition management, cloning, backup, and disk repair features.

Key Features

• Windows data recovery
• Deleted file recovery
• Formatted partition recovery
• Lost partition recovery
• Disk cloning
• Partition management
• Bad sector checking
• File preview
• Backup and restore tools
• Virtual disk support
• Disk utilities

Why DiskGenius Is Good

DiskGenius is useful for users who need both recovery and disk management features. It can help with lost partitions, formatted drives, and disk cloning tasks.

It is especially useful for technical Windows users.

Best Fit

DiskGenius is best for Windows users who need data recovery plus partition and disk management tools.

Possible Downsides

Mac users should choose another tool. Beginners may find the interface more technical than EaseUS or Disk Drill.

Quick Comparison Table

Best Data Recovery Software by Use Case

Best Overall for Most Users

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Good for users who want a simple and guided recovery process for Windows and Mac.

Best for Mac Users

Disk Drill

Strong for macOS recovery, media recovery, and creative professionals. TechRadar highlighted Disk Drill’s modern interface, broad file system support, and 400+ file signatures.

Best for Advanced Users

R-Studio

Best for complex partition, file system, and RAID recovery.

Best for Photo and Video Recovery

Wondershare Recoverit and Disk Drill

Recoverit is especially useful for media recovery and corrupted video repair.

Best Free Windows Recovery Tool

Recuva

Good for simple deleted file recovery on Windows.

Best Free Open-Source Recovery

TestDisk and PhotoRec

Best for technical users who want free partition and file recovery.

Best for Businesses

Ontrack EasyRecovery, Stellar, R-Studio, EaseUS

Businesses should choose based on recovery complexity, support needs, and whether professional recovery help may be required.

Best for SD Cards and Camera Files

Disk Drill, Stellar, Recoverit, PhotoRec

These tools are useful for recovering photos and videos from camera cards.

Best for Lost Partition Recovery

R-Studio, TestDisk, DMDE, DiskGenius

These are better for technical partition recovery cases.

How to Choose the Best Data Recovery Software

1. Check Your Operating System

Choose software that supports your system:

• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• macOS
• Apple Silicon Mac
• Intel Mac
• Linux, if needed

2. Identify the Storage Device

Different tools support different devices:

• HDD
• SSD
• USB drive
• SD card
• External hard drive
• NAS
• RAID
• Camera card
• Smartphone storage

3. Understand the Data Loss Type

Was the file:

• Deleted?
• Formatted?
• Lost after partition deletion?
• Lost after corruption?
• Lost from SD card?
• Lost from external drive?
• Lost from Mac Trash?
• Lost from Windows Recycle Bin?

4. Check Preview Feature

A preview feature helps confirm whether files are recoverable before paying.

5. Check Free Recovery Limits

Some tools scan for free but require payment to recover files. Others allow limited free recovery.

6. Avoid Overwriting Data

Never install the tool or recover files to the same drive.

7. Consider Professional Recovery

If the drive is physically damaged, software may make things worse.

Data Recovery Software Pricing: What to Expect

Data recovery pricing varies by software, platform, license type, recovery limit, and advanced features.

Common pricing models include:

• Free version with limited recovery
• Monthly license
• Annual license
• Lifetime license
• Technician license
• Business license
• Per-device license
• Multi-device license

Examples from current reviews and product pages:

• TechRadar’s 2026 guide says EaseUS offers a free recovery limit of 2GB.
• Stellar’s Mac free recovery page says it allows up to 1GB free recovery.
• TechRadar’s Disk Drill review listed pricing at $89/year or $149 lifetime and noted installation on up to three devices.
• TechRadar’s Recoverit review listed plans starting at $59.99/month, with annual and lifetime options.

Always verify current pricing directly before purchase because software pricing changes often.

SSD Data Recovery: Important Warning

Recovering deleted files from SSDs can be harder than recovering from traditional hard drives.

Why?

Because SSDs often use TRIM.

TRIM helps SSDs manage storage efficiently by clearing deleted blocks. This improves performance, but it can make deleted file recovery difficult or impossible after the operating system tells the SSD that blocks are no longer needed.

If you delete files from an SSD:

• Stop using the computer immediately
• Shut down if possible
• Avoid installing anything
• Use another computer for recovery if possible
• Consider professional help if files are critical

Data recovery software may still help in some cases, especially with formatted partitions, corrupted file systems, external SSDs, or cases where TRIM did not run, but success is not guaranteed.

HDD vs SSD Recovery

SD Card and USB Recovery Tips

If you lost files from an SD card, microSD card, USB drive, or camera card:

• Stop using it immediately
• Do not take more photos or videos
• Remove the card safely
• Use a card reader instead of the camera if possible
• Create an image of the card first
• Scan the image or card with recovery software
• Recover files to your computer, not the card

For photographers and videographers, Disk Drill, Recoverit, Stellar, PhotoRec, and R-Studio are good tools to compare.

Data Recovery Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Stop Using the Device

This reduces overwrite risk.

Step 2: Connect the Drive Safely

Use a reliable cable, card reader, or external enclosure.

Step 3: Install Recovery Software on Another Drive

Do not install software on the drive you want to recover from.

Step 4: Scan the Affected Drive

Start with a quick scan, then use deep scan if needed.

Step 5: Preview Files

Check file names, file size, preview, and recovery chance where available.

Step 6: Select Files

Recover only what you need first, especially if the drive is unstable.

Step 7: Save to a Different Drive

Never save recovered files to the same drive.

Step 8: Verify Recovered Files

Open documents, photos, videos, and archives to confirm they work.

Step 9: Create a Backup

After recovery, create a proper backup system.

Common Data Recovery Mistakes

Mistake 1: Continuing to Use the Drive

This can overwrite deleted files.

Mistake 2: Installing Recovery Software on the Same Drive

This may destroy the data you want to recover.

Mistake 3: Recovering Files to the Same Drive

This can overwrite other recoverable files.

Mistake 4: Running Repair Tools Too Early

Repair tools may modify file system structures before recovery.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Physical Damage

Clicking or failing drives need professional help.

Mistake 6: Buying Before Previewing

Use preview and scan results before paying where possible.

Mistake 7: Expecting 100% Recovery

No tool can guarantee full recovery.

Mistake 8: Not Checking File Integrity

Recovered files may be corrupted or incomplete.

Mistake 9: No Backup After Recovery

Recovery should be a lesson to set up backups.

Mistake 10: Using Cracked Recovery Software

Cracked tools can contain malware and may damage your data further.

Data Recovery for Businesses

Businesses should treat data recovery differently from home users.

If the lost data includes customer records, financial documents, legal files, employee data, medical data, payment data, or confidential business documents, the company should consider:

• Data privacy rules
• Chain of custody
• Professional recovery service
• Encryption status
• Legal obligations
• Cybersecurity risk
• Backup failures
• Incident documentation
• Compliance requirements

For business-critical drives, do not let untrained employees repeatedly scan or repair the drive. Create a disk image or contact a professional.

How to Prevent Future Data Loss

Data recovery is useful, but backup is better.

Use this prevention checklist:

• Use automatic cloud backup
• Keep external backup copies
• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule
• Back up Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace if needed
• Use version history
• Use ransomware-resistant backup
• Test restores regularly
• Use UPS for desktops and servers
• Replace failing drives early
• Monitor SMART warnings
• Use quality SD cards and USB drives
• Avoid removing drives during transfers
• Keep operating systems updated
• Use endpoint security software
• Train employees on phishing and ransomware

The best data recovery plan is not needing recovery in the first place.

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Data Recovery Software for Windows and Mac?

The best data recovery software depends on your operating system, storage device, file type, and recovery situation.

For most users:

• Best overall for beginners: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
• Best for Mac users: Disk Drill
• Best professional-style recovery: Stellar Data Recovery
• Best for advanced technicians: R-Studio
• Best for photo and video recovery: Wondershare Recoverit
• Best for business and RAID recovery: Ontrack EasyRecovery
• Best free Windows option: Recuva
• Best low-cost technical option: DMDE
• Best free open-source option: TestDisk and PhotoRec
• Best Windows disk utility plus recovery: DiskGenius

If your files were recently deleted and the drive is healthy, start with a beginner-friendly tool like EaseUS, Disk Drill, Stellar, or Recoverit. If the case is complex, use R-Studio, DMDE, TestDisk, or Ontrack. If the drive is physically damaged, stop immediately and contact a professional recovery lab.

Most importantly, after recovery, set up a proper backup system. Data recovery software is useful in emergencies, but reliable backup is what protects your files long-term.

FAQs About Data Recovery Software

What is the best data recovery software?

The best option depends on your needs. EaseUS is strong for beginners, Disk Drill is strong for Mac and media recovery, Stellar is strong for professional-style recovery, R-Studio is strong for advanced users, and Recoverit is strong for photo and video recovery.

Can data recovery software recover permanently deleted files?

Sometimes yes, if the files have not been overwritten and the storage device is still readable. Recovery is not guaranteed, especially on SSDs with TRIM.

Can I recover files after emptying Recycle Bin?

Yes, recovery may be possible if the deleted files have not been overwritten. Stop using the drive and scan it with recovery software.

Can Mac Trash files be recovered?

Sometimes yes. Mac data recovery tools such as Disk Drill, Stellar, EaseUS, and Recoverit may recover deleted files if they have not been overwritten.

Is Disk Drill good for Mac?

Yes. TechRadar’s 2026 review describes Disk Drill as a capable and user-friendly tool for macOS and Windows, with broad file system support and 400+ file signatures.

Is EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard good?

Yes. TechRadar’s 2026 data recovery guide selected EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard as Editor’s Choice and highlighted its user-friendly design and free 2GB recovery limit.

Is Stellar Data Recovery good?

Yes. Stellar is a strong recovery tool for Windows and Mac, especially for users who want broad file type support and professional editions. TechRadar describes it as useful for advanced users with customizable recovery.

Can data recovery software recover from a formatted drive?

Often yes, especially if the drive was quick-formatted and not overwritten. Deep scan can help find lost files.

Can data recovery software repair a physically damaged hard drive?

No. If the drive is physically damaged, making clicking noises, not spinning, overheating, or repeatedly disconnecting, use a professional data recovery lab.

Is free data recovery software enough?

Free tools can help with simple recovery. Recuva, TestDisk, PhotoRec, DMDE, Stellar Free, and limited free versions of commercial tools may help. Complex cases often require paid tools or professional recovery.