Losing important files can feel like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Whether it’s an accidental deletion, a system crash, or a corrupted drive, the right data recovery software can help you retrieve those lost files and get back on track. Explore the best data and file recovery tools available, and choose the one that’s perfect for your needs.
What is data recovery?
Data recovery involves retrieving lost, damaged, deleted, or inaccessible information from various storage media, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards. It can happen due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, software corruption, or other unforeseen events. The goal is to restore the data to its original state so you can access and use it again.
Data recovery methods can range from simple software tools that restore deleted files to more complex procedures that involve repairing or reconstructing damaged storage media. It’s an essential process, especially when important files are lost and no cloud backup is available.
Why should MSPs offer data recovery to customers?
Managed service providers (MSPs) should offer data recovery services to customers for several key reasons. For instance, offering data recovery expands an MSP’s service portfolio, making it a one-stop shop for IT needs. This not only attracts more clients but also increases the value of existing contracts. Here are some other reasons:
- Customer trust and loyalty: By providing reliable data recovery services, you can build trust and strengthen client relationships. Knowing that their data is recoverable in case of an incident provides customers with peace of mind, which fosters long-term loyalty.
- Business continuity for clients: When clients experience data loss, quick recovery is vital to resuming operations. MSPs that quickly recover data help clients prevent expensive disruptions.
- Revenue generation: As businesses increasingly rely on digital data, the demand for recovery services grows. Offering data recovery services allows you to capitalize on that demand.
- Competitive advantage: Not all MSPs offer data recovery, so including it in your service portfolio can set your business apart from competitors. It demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive IT management, which can be a deciding factor for potential clients.
Also, in many industries, data retention and recovery are tied to compliance with regulations. By learning how to start an MSP backup and recovery service (and offering it), you can help clients meet these requirements and avoid legal penalties.
Top data recovery software comparison
- Disk Drill: Best overall recovery tool
- EaseUs: Best core features
- Stellar Data Recovery: Best ease-of-use data recovery tool
- Wondershare Recoverit: Best video data recovery tool
- Ontrack EasyRecovery: Best data recovery tool for RAID scenarios
- AnyRecover: Best data recovery tool for small businesses
Quick comparison
| Feature/Tool | Disk Drill | EaseUs | Stellar Data Recovery | Wondershare Recoverit | Ontrack EasyRecovery | AnyRecover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac version of the app | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Starts at $108 | Starts at $69.95 | Starts at $59.95 | Starts at $59.99 | Custom/variable | Starts at $49.95 |
| Recovery speed | Fast | Fast | Moderate | Fast | Moderate | Fast |
| Ease of use | High | High | Very High | High | Moderate | High |
| Customer support | 24/7 email support | 24/7 support | 24/7 support | 24/7 support | Phone and email support | 24/7 email support |
| Deep scans | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preview during scan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
1. Disk Drill
Overall rating: 4.59/5
- Cost: 3.9/5
- Core features: 5/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 4.5/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
Disk Drill is a powerful data recovery tool designed to help you recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices. Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive recovery capabilities, Disk Drill caters to both casual users and seasoned professionals with its range of features and pricing options.
Features
- Wide range of file types: Recovers documents, images, videos, and more.
- Multiple file systems: Supports FAT, NTFS, EXT, and HFS+.
- Recovery options: Offers both quick and deep scan modes, along with partition recovery.
- Data protection: Includes Recovery Vault and S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring to safeguard against future data loss.
- Easy-to-use interface: Features a design that streamlines the recovery process for ease of use.
Cost
- Basic: Free
- Pro: $108 with an extra $19 for lifetime upgrades
- Enterprise: $499 with an extra $99 for lifetime upgrades
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive recovery options | Free version is limited to 500 MB |
| User-friendly interface | Full features require a paid upgrade |
| Includes data protection tools | Slower recovery speeds with larger or complex volumes |
Disk Drill is ideal for individuals needing reliable and straightforward recovery. Small businesses with basic recovery needs and smaller data volumes can use it, too. That said, the cost of Pro and Enterprise versions may be prohibitive for those seeking a lower-cost option — AnyRecover is a good low-cost alternative.
2. EaseUs
Overall rating: 4.51/5
- Cost: 3.9/5
- Core features: 5/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 3.75/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers a strong and reliable solution for recovering lost or deleted files across a broad spectrum of storage media. Known for its ease of use and effective recovery capabilities, EaseUS is another popular choice for both home users and businesses looking to recover important data.
Features
- Versatile recovery: Recovers various file types including documents, photos, videos, and more.
- File system support: Works with FAT, NTFS, EXT, and HFS+ file systems.
- Scan options: Offers quick and deep scan modes to address different recovery scenarios.
- Partition recovery: Capable of retrieving lost or damaged partitions.
- Preview functionality: Enables users to view files before recovery to confirm they are the correct ones.
Cost
- One month (no renewal fees): $69.95
- One year (no renewal fees): $99.95
- Lifetime upgrade: $149.95
EaseUS also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ease of use with an intuitive interface | Free version has limited recovery capabilities |
| Effective at recovering various file types | Deep scans can be time-consuming for larger drives |
| Preview functionality before recovery |
EaseUs is perfect for individuals needing a reliable and user-friendly recovery solution. It’s also suitable for businesses with moderate data recovery needs and straightforward requirements. This tool is not ideal for those requiring extensive data recovery capabilities or high-speed performance. Wondershare Recoverit offers a higher recovery speed than EaseUS.
3. Stellar Data Recovery
Overall rating: 4.48/5
- Cost: 3.65/5
- Core features: 4.8/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 4.5/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
Stellar Data Recovery is an adaptable and powerful solution for recovering data in diverse data loss scenarios. It is known for its powerful recovery capabilities and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Features
- Extensive file type support: Recovers documents, photos, videos, emails, and more.
- File system compatibility: Supports FAT, NTFS, EXT, and HFS+ file systems.
- Scan modes: Offers quick and deep scan options to address different levels of data loss.
- Partition recovery: Recovers lost or damaged partitions.
- Preview option: Allows users to preview files before final recovery.
Cost
- Standard: $59.99
- Professional: $89.99
- Premium: $209.99
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive file type support | Full features require a paid upgrade |
| Effective recovery with quick and deep scans | Free version has limited functionality |
| Preview option for accuracy | Can be slow during deep scans on large volumes |
Stellar Data Recovery is suitable for businesses with diverse data recovery needs and moderate volumes. The full range of features requires a paid version, which might be a drawback for those seeking a free solution. Disk Drill has a Basic plan that is free of charge.
4. Wondershare Recoverit
Overall rating: 4.46/5
- Cost: 3.9/5
- Core features: 4.55/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 4.5/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
Wondershare Recoverit is a comprehensive data recovery tool known for its wide range of supported file formats and high recovery success rate. Like most other tools on this list, it helps you retrieve lost, deleted, or inaccessible data from various storage devices with ease.
Features
- Extensive file type support: Recovers over 1,000 file types, including documents, photos, videos, and emails.
- Advanced video recovery: Specializes in recovering fragmented and severely damaged video files.
- All-around recovery: Capable of retrieving data from hard drives, USBs, SD cards, and even crashed computers.
- Preview functionality: Allows users to preview files before recovering them.
- Simplified interface: Guides users through data recovery with straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions.
Cost
- 1-month license: $59.99
- 1-year license: $69.99
- Perpetual license (one-time payment): $129.99
- For teams: $159.99/year
- For businesses and educators: Custom
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High recovery success rate | The full version can be expensive |
| Excellent for video recovery | Deep scan process can be slow for large drives |
| Supports 1,000+ file formats | Free version has limited data recovery |
| Recovers from a wide range of devices |
Wondershare Recoverit is particularly beneficial for those who need to recover large, fragmented video files. Users with simple recovery needs may find the advanced features unnecessary for basic data recovery tasks. Stellar Data Recovery offers higher ease of use.
5. Ontrack EasyRecovery
Overall rating: 4.33/5
- Cost: 3.9/5
- Core features: 4.15/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 4.5/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
Ontrack EasyRecovery stands out as an effective data recovery tool trusted by industry experts and organizations. It is known for its versatility and ability to recover data from a wide array of storage devices, making it a go-to choice for handling complex data loss scenarios.
Features
- Comprehensive data recovery: Recovers lost or deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, RAID systems, USB drives, and optical media.
- Customizable scans: Users can tailor scans to focus on specific file types, saving time and resources.
- RAID recovery: Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and custom configurations, making it ideal for enterprise use.
- Data protection: Includes tools to clone failing drives and secure erasure options to permanently delete files.
- Ease of use: Features a simple design that makes the recovery process easy for users of all technical levels.
Cost
Variable: Ontrack’s data recovery service ranges from $880 to $1,760, depending on your device type, size, and the complexity of the recovery process.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a wide range of devices | More expensive than some other options |
| RAID recovery capabilities | Free version has limited recovery options |
| Customizable scans | Some users may find the interface outdated |
| Includes data protection features |
Ontrack EasyRecovery is ideal for those who require advanced recovery features, especially for RAID systems. It’s also suitable for those dealing with multiple types of storage devices and data loss scenarios. EaseUS is another good option that helps recover a wide range of file types.
6. AnyRecover
Overall rating: 4.31/5
- Cost: 3.25/5
- Core features: 4.5/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of use: 5/5
- Navigation: 4.5/5
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: 4.4/5
AnyRecover is designed to retrieve lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards. It supports 1000+ file formats and offers a high recovery success rate, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Features
- Wide compatibility: Supports recovery from multiple devices, including Windows and macOS systems.
- Preview option: Allows you to preview files before recovery to ensure you retrieve the correct data.
- Deep scan mode: Performs a thorough scan to recover files that might be harder to detect.
- User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive interface that doesn’t require advanced technical skills.
Cost
- Standard license: $49.95/month and $59.95/year
- Pro license: $79.95 (single PC lifetime), $99.95 (2-5 PCs lifetime), and $159.95 (6-10 PCs lifetime)
- Business license: $399.95 (unlimited PCs lifetime) and $399.95 (lifetime for unlimited PCs)
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use, with a straightforward interface | The deep scan can be time-consuming |
| Can recover data from a wide range of devices | The free version has limited recovery capability |
| High success rate for file recovery | Subscription plans can be expensive |
AnyRecover suits personal and business users alike, particularly small businesses that need reliable data recovery for important files. It’s not the best fit for large enterprises with extensive data recovery requirements — Ontrack EasyRecovery is a better option for that.
How to use data recovery tools
Using data recovery tools involves several steps to ensure you retrieve as much lost or corrupted data as possible. Here’s a general idea of how to use data recovery tools:
- Choose a tool like Recuva or EaseUS based on your data loss situation.
- Install it on another drive to ensure that your lost data remains intact and isn’t overwritten.
- Select the affected drive, run a quick or deep scan, and wait for results.
- Review the recoverable files, preview them, and choose what to recover.
- Save the recovered files to a different location.
- Ensure you back up the recovered files to avoid future data loss.
How we evaluated the best data recovery tools
We evaluated 10 tools to get the six best data recovery software, using a comprehensive methodology based on six key criteria:
- Cost: We looked at the availability of free trials or demos, flexibility in pricing, transparency in pricing models, and any additional costs.
- Core features: We assessed the support for various file types, the ability to handle different data loss scenarios, scanning modes, recovery previews, support for recovery from various storage devices, and the overall recovery rate.
- Customer support: We evaluated the availability of support, the channels through which support can be accessed, response times, the quality of support provided, and the documentation and resources available.
- Ease of use: We focused on the user interface design, the learning curve, the setup process, and the level of user assistance offered.
- Navigation: We examined the layout of menus, search functionality, customization options, and the overall efficiency of navigation within the tool.
- Compatibility and additional capabilities: We looked at the operating system support, file system support, device compatibility, and any additional features the tool offers.
It was a close call and there were multiple winners for each category. For some categories, some tools stole the show but didn’t make the cut since they lagged on other fronts.
Bottomline: Data recovery tools are necessary for all businesses
In short, MSPs should offer data recovery tools and services because all organizations need some form of protection from accidental, natural, and malicious attacks on their files. The tools we chose to highlight in this piece are just the starting point on offering business continuity planning as a service offering.
MSPs can boost their expertise and increase trust with clients by completing various certifications produced by third-party organizations and leading tech vendors.
Data recovery tools FAQs
Can I recover data for free?
Yes, some data recovery tools offer free versions or trials with limited functionality, allowing you to recover a small amount of data or preview recoverable files. However, for more extensive recovery or access to advanced features, you’ll need a paid version.
What software is used for data recovery?
There are several software options for data recovery, including popular tools like Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Stellar Data Recovery, Wondershare Recoverit, Ontrack EasyRecovery, and AnyRecover. Each tool has its own set of features, strengths, and pricing structures.
Are data recovery apps safe?
Reputable data recovery apps are generally safe to use. They are designed to retrieve lost data without causing harm to your system. Make sure to download them from official sources to avoid malicious software and ensure the safety of your data.
Is Windows data recovery free?
While Windows does offer some built-in tools like File History and Backup and Restore that can help recover deleted files, these features are not comprehensive data recovery solutions. You can also use Windows File Recovery — a free command-line tool provided by Microsoft to help users recover lost files from local storage devices, such as hard drives and USB drives.