What is data recovery?

Data recovery is a set of activities or processes that a human professional or automated software package performs on data storage devices to restore data that has been corrupted or deleted. The recovery is considered completed when the file or part of the file containing the data is restored to its original condition prior to the loss or corruption. Partial data recovery, enough to gain access to needed information, also qualifies as data recovery.

How does data get lost?

Data is lost when the storage media that contains the data is subjected to some kind of damaging event. For example, an electromechanical hard disk drive, which is somewhat akin to a phonograph player, can experience a "head crash" where the electronic "needle" that reads the state of magnetic particles touches the disk it's reading and scratches it. Solid state drives (SSDs), including "flash drives", don't have the same problem, but can be corrupted by static electricity, excessive heat, or other physical stresses. And, of course, data can be corrupted by viruses, hackers, faulty software, and human error.

How does data recovery work?

Data recovery is a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle under certain conditions. The storage media cannot be too damaged physically. Metadata or information about where the files were located still needs to exist somewhere on the media. And, the deleted or corrupted file cannot have been overwritten by new data. If those conditions exist, most data recovery engineers and software tools can read individual "bits" of data and reassemble them in the correct order that represents the original file they came from. In most cases of accidental deletion or logical file corruption, photo, video, and document file types can be quickly restored to their original state.

What are the most common reasons data storage devices can fail?

Physical damage to the storage device or media often causes failure. Hard disks can experience electronics failures due to excessive g-forces (being dropped or bumped), water damage, extreme temperatures, age, and electrical surges that damage sensitive components. SSD and USB drives can be crushed, damaged by moisture, overheated, or exposed to magnetic or electrical disturbances. Optical media can be scratched or cracked. In addition to physical damage, there is logical damage that sometimes occurs. With logical damage, the files are erased or fragmented when impacted by viruses, trojan horse programs, poorly-written software, or operating system bugs that corrupt data or cause it to be written incorrectly. Hackers can steal data and users can accidentally delete files. In worst case scenarios, the metadata required to reconstruct the files is permanently erased or damaged to a degree that data is unrecoverable.

How do I prevent losing data?

The first thing to always do to prevent data loss is to keep at least two regular backups in several secure locations on different media. Be sure to keep all your passwords secure and security software updated to avoid hackers gaining access to your devices. Put your storage devices in places where they cannot be dropped or bumped, be subjected to temperature extremes, or be subject to theft or tampering by unauthorized individuals. Properly eject and power down electromechanical disks (hard disks) before removing or moving them. When copying, moving, renaming, or deleting files, always check what you're doing twice so that you're working with the correct files in the right or intended ways.

Can data recovery be done remotely instead of shipping storage media?

In many cases, a software recovery engineer and even some automated software tools for data recovery can operate on your storage device from a remote location. Several "cloud" services exist that can log into your computer, find the device, and attempt to restore data and files. This can be done with or without assistance from a technical support person. Be sure that you have adequate bandwidth, a stable connection, and that devices with batteries are plugged into power sources during the recovery process.

How much does data recovery cost?

Prices for data recovery vary widely for three main reasons. Every recovery job is different. Making remote determinations about data recovery is not always accurate. And, companies don't like to provide recovery quotes that are too high or too low to avoid damaging their reputations. Software to recover data is complicated, so it's more expensive to program, publish, and maintain. That said, data recovery prices range from free to several thousand dollars depending on the job type and any technical complications involved. Job types range from accidental deletion (low cost) to logical failure (medium cost) to physical failure (high cost). Other things that add to the price are parts, labor time, facilities, and specialized equipment. If data is stolen by a hacker in a "ransomware" attack, the ransom the hacker will demand can be very high. And paying a ransom won't guarantee recovery of the data or that the hacker will delete their copy and not sell it.

What if the data recovery doesn't work? Can I get a refund?

Policies vary by provider. Some offer a 30-day free trial and 100% satisfaction guarantee, while others may not give you your money back under any circumstances. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any data recovery service you're considering, so that there are no surprises.

Best Data Recovery Products for January 2026

Item: The Best Data Recovery Products - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, January 20th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Data Recovery Product Reviews

Where Can You Get the Best Data Recovery Service? Data recovery sounds like a techie IT concern that most people (hopefully) never have to worry about. Since it's not part of daily computer ownership, data recovery often slips our minds until it's too late. But if you suffer a hardware crash or data access failure, you'll realize in an instant just how important it is.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Ontrack

Pricing for average customers: $59 to $109.99/year
Pricing for IT pros: $79 to $999/year
Supports Mac, Windows, and mobile OS

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Ontrack website

Ontrack, established in 1985, excels in data recovery with tools for Windows, Mac, and iPhone users. With options for both average users and IT professionals, their EasyRecovery suite addresses various needs. Although lacking lifetime licenses and clear refund policies, Ontrack receives widespread praise for speed, user-friendly interfaces, and effective customer service, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating. It stands out as our top pick for reliability and usability in the data recovery software landscape.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Salvage Data

Pricing for DIY: Free
Pricing for pro help: $300 to $1,900
Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Salvage Data website

Salvage Data offers comprehensive data recovery software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The best feature, though? Salvage Data allows you to use its free do-it-yourself program or professional assistance. The software supports various technologies and operating systems and is ISO 9001 certified, promising high-quality data recovery. While the DIY version is free, professional services range from $300 to $1,900, as a one-time payment with a 14-day refund policy. Salvage Data earns an excellent rating for its user-friendly approach, transparent terms, and positive reputation, making it a standout choice for data recovery.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Stellar

Pricing for average customers: $59.99 to $199
Pricing for IT pros: $149 to $699
Supports Mac, Windows, and iPhone OS

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Stellar website

Stellar, based in India, provides modern data recovery solutions for Windows, Mac, and iPhone users. Offering free versions, the software caters to individuals and businesses. While Stellar's BBB rating dropped, user reviews still praise its customer service, and with affordable software, it earns a solid rating, making it a cost-effective one-stop shop for data recovery.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

EaseUS

Membership pricing (1 PC): $0 to $99.99/year
Business pricing (Multiple PCs): $299 to $399/year
Lifetime license prices: $149.95 or $799.99

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

3.9

On the EaseUS website

EaseUS is a data recovery service compatible with all the major operating systems. It offers user-friendly tools for data transfer, recovery, and repair, catering to both average users and IT-savvy customers. While lacking a BBB presence, EaseUS has a solid reputation with a 4.7-star rating elsewhere. With competitive pricing, including a lifetime license option, and positive customer feedback, it earns a high rating in our review.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

CleverFiles Disk Drill

Prices for average customers (1 PC): $79.99/year or $98 for lifetime
Business pricing: $499 or $598 for constant upgrades
Supports Mac, Windows, and mobile OS

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the CleverFiles Disk Drill website

Disk Drill offers data recovery solutions for both MacOS and Windows users, claiming versatility in retrieving data from various devices. With a free trial limited to 500 MB, the PRO version, priced at $79.99 for a 1-year subscription or $98 for a lifetime, provides unlimited recovery for home users. However, CleverFiles has a mid-tier reputation from the Better Business Bureau, and the absence of a refund policy and less customer-centric support raise some red flags.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Remo Software

Pricing for average customers: $39.94 to $69.94/year
Pricing for IT pros: $99.94 to $197.94
Supports Mac, Windows, and mobile OS

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Remo Software website

Remo Recover software provides data recovery across various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. With tools like Quick Scan and File Signature Search, Remo aids in recovering deleted files. Despite positive reviews, Remo's limited online presence, challenging support language, and restrictive refund policy contribute to its lower rating, suggesting a need for improvement and refinement.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

O&O Software

Lifetime license prices: $149.95 or $799.99
Supports Windows
Tools for transfer and recovery

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the O&O Software website

O&O Software, specializing in data recovery for Windows, may be too complex for beginners and lacks MacOS or mobile support. With three perpetual licenses to choose from and no free trial, it offers features like quick file scans and over 80 file-type recoveries. However, customer reviews describe activation errors and user frustration. This leads to a lower rating for O&O Software, in part because it's much less user-friendly compared to other options.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

Wise Data Recovery

Pricing for Windows: $39.99 to $49.99
Pricing for Mac: $59.99 to $399
Supports Windows

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

1.9

On the Wise Data Recovery website

Wise Data Recovery, owned by WiseCleaner, offers budget-friendly data recovery for Windows and claims MacOS support through an outsourced partnership with Stellar (another company on our list). The software provides free trials, a portable version, and a 30-day refund policy for Windows. However, negative customer reviews earn Wise Data Recovery a lower rating, making it not recommended for substantial data restoration.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

ProSoft Data Rescue

Pricing for average customers: $79/month
Pricing for IT pros: $99/year
Supports Mac, Windows, and mobile OS

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the ProSoft Data Rescue website

ProSoft Data Rescue caters to non-tech-savvy users with a user-friendly interface for both Mac and Windows. Notable features include advanced search and filters, making it suitable for various data recovery needs. With a free trial and a Standard License at $79, the program offers options for average users and pros. However, the company lacks a refund policy and has extremely limited reviews. These red flags knock ProSoft Data Rescue down near the bottom of the pack.

1.4

WEAK

Weak

Wondershare

Pricing for average customers: $69.99 to $159.99
Pricing for pros: $119.99 to $449.96
Yearly and lifetime licenses

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.4

On the Wondershare website

Wondershare Recoverit provides a data recovery solution for Mac and PC users, offering various features and subscription-based plans. Despite some positive reviews, its free trial has limitations, and the pricing, while competitive, comes with a small 7-day refund window. Wondershare's "F" rating from the BBB raises concerns, placing it at the bottom of the pack in our review.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Get the Best Data Recovery Service?

Data recovery sounds like a techie IT concern that most people (hopefully) never have to worry about. Since it's not part of daily computer ownership, data recovery often slips our minds until it's too late. But if you suffer a hardware crash or data access failure, you'll realize in an instant just how important it is.

Picture this: you're diligently working on a crucial document, and in a moment of distraction, your toddler spills juice all over it. Suddenly your computer refuses to power up. It's only after a catastrophe like this that you realize that not picking out backup services or data recovery software was a horrifying mistake.

It doesn't matter if you've got a brand new 2 terabyte solid state drive or an older Windows computer that you just don't want to give up. Every now and then, a computer simply refuses to kick into gear due to technical glitches or software updates gone awry. The absence of a backup or recovery plan can leave you feeling helpless.

Whether it's a major catastrophe or something as minor as deleting the wrong files, being able to recover your data is essential. But you don't have to be worried. For most people, there's plenty of time to get ahead of worries like data loss. With the right data recovery service, you can prepare for any eventuality. In some cases, data recovery software can help you get your data back even if you didn't prepare ahead of time.

With software versions that include document, file, and photo recovery, you can recover almost anything you're missing if the worst happens. With options that serve a variety of operating systems including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, as well as mobile phone systems, there's a service out there somewhere that can help you recover your data.

Whether you're a techie or just a worried computer owner, you can find a service that fits your needs. Some offer fully DIY software that you run yourself (sometimes totally for free). Other companies offer guidance for their software with on-the-phone or chat-style tech support that will help you run your data recovery without a glitch - like your own personal Geek Squad.

Now, as you start digging through data recovery services, remember that they're not all created equal. Here are some helpful factors to weigh before you pick out your best option:

Features. Take a closer look at each software's features and tools. Can you recover the file types that you need? Does that program service your operating system?
Usability. Is the data recovery software user-friendly for individuals with no prior tech experience? Can you walk through the program yourself, or do you need tech support?
Price. How much does the software cost compared to other companies you've looked at? Are you getting a good deal for the features they offer?
Reputation. Take a look at the company's reputation before you start downloading things to your computer. Keep in mind that some companies promise great things or free programs only to gatekeep some of the features or become too difficult to use on your own. Keeping an eye on reviews and BBB scores can help you weed out the good from the bad.

To make your computer safe and secure, and to get back your data no matter the situation, Top Consumer Reviews has conducted a thorough review and ranking of the top options on the market today. We hope this helps you find the ideal data recovery software to restore your precious files the next time you face a data catastrophe (and hopefully that's never, but it pays to be prepared). When it comes to safeguarding your digital world, getting on top of it before an emergency will keep your wide world of tech running smoothly!