Last updated on December 28th, 2022 at 03:43 pm
When we delete files from our computer, we are not necessarily deleting the actual blocks of information that make up the file. Instead, we are deleting the path to these blocks, which makes it seem as if the file has been deleted.
However, in most cases, the blocks of information still exist on the computer and can potentially be recovered until they are overwritten by new data. To permanently delete the blocks of information, it is often necessary to use specialized software or procedures to securely erase the data.
What is data recovery software
All the files found on our computer, whatever their type, are made up of storage units in turn made up of blocks of information (1s and 0s) and a path to access that information.
Our computer, or any device with data storage, can read and modify those files and interpret the information it stores to also know what software it can be opened with.
What a data recovery software essentially does is create that path to those blocks of information so that they can be accessed again. Some of these software are focused on the recovery of a specific type of file or the total recovery, even when we believe that we have definitely lost them.
Basic features of data recovery software
Although the most recommended when you want to do a complete and satisfactory data recovery is to go to a professional, if you choose to use a data recovery software, you should look for one that meets the following characteristics:
- Availability on several platforms, which will allow all data to be recovered on various devices and with different operating systems.
- Different data recovery options to make searches faster or deeper depending on the type of files you want to recover.
- Technical support and updates so that the software can be useful for a long time even with new technological advances.
- Security options to protect your data from viruses, but also to make it easier to recover if it is deleted.
- An interface and easy to use, regardless of the type of data recovery software it is, so that any user without previous experience can get the results they need.
In any case, you should always opt for software that has demonstrable experience in the market, regardless of its type, whether it is free or paid.
How does data recovery software work?
Data recovery software scans the storage device for recoverable files and presents them to you in a list. You can then select the files you want to recover and save them to a new location.
Top 10 data recovery software
Below we have compiled some of the most reliable and popular data recovery software on the market, both for home and professional use, and with free and paid options.
1. DiskDrill Pro
This program is focused on recovering deleted data from hard drives. It is the most advanced and professional data recovery software on the market and is also compatible with a wide variety of file systems.
“DiskDrill Pro can read mechanical hard drives, USB sticks, SD cards, SSD drives and any other type of data storage device.”
If there is any trace of the deleted file inside your storage device, this software will find it without any problem. In addition, we can also stop and resume searches to change some parameters whenever we need it. DiskDrill Pro is compatible with both Mac and Windows, with a free version limited to 500 MB very suitable for individual users and several very interesting payment options for companies.
DiskDrill Pro official website
2. Stellar Data Recovery
Compatible with both PC and Mac, Stellar Data Recovery is one of the best data recovery solutions that we can find today. In addition, it has a characteristic that differentiates it from the rest of software of this type, since we can send another data storage device to a physical laboratory if it is physically damaged so that a team of experts can personally recover the data, guaranteeing the possibilities of success.
“We can recover up to 1 GB of data completely free of charge, but if we need to expand this capacity we can opt for one of their payment plans.”
It has an active and friendly interface to be used by various users of any level, even those who have never used data recovery software before.
Stellar Data Recovery official website
3. Recuva
Recuva is a data recovery software that can find permanently deleted files and also does not take up space within the operating system as it is portable. It is free software developed by Piriform and that only works with Windows, as well as with external storage devices, such as hard drives, USBs, memory cards or MP3 players.
“Although it is completely free software and we need some advanced options, we can purchase a paid commercial license.”
Recuva is a great option both for casual users and for companies or businesses that require these services on an ongoing basis, in addition to being an application with an installable version, but another portable version, so we won’t have to overwrite our computer’s hard drive.
4. Disk Digger
The only drawback of this data recovery software is that, although it is free, it has quite a few limitations and every time we open the program, a pop-up message appears that can be a bit annoying.
“DiskDigger has a paid license of $14.99 per person with a main functionality to recover photos, videos, documents and other types of files and storage systems of all kinds, even if they have been formatted.”
Although DiskDigger cannot operate on systems like Android or iOS, we can find a specific application for Android to recover data from the micro SD card or internal memory of the smartphone.
5. Undelete 360
Undelete 360 is one of the best recovery software for both accidentally and intentionally deleted data. It has an efficient and fast algorithm with which we can filter the search and find a list of matches for files deleted by other software, by a virus, by ourselves or by a computer failure.
“Undelete 360 can also recover deleted files from USB external hard drives and memory cards as well as different devices. “
In addition to computers, this data recovery software is also compatible with digital cameras, mobile phones and other systems with a preview function to identify the file before recovering it. It is important to note that its scanning function is a bit slow when we use it on large capacity storage.
Undelete 360 official website
6. Active File Recovery
Although this data recovery software is very similar to others analyzed in this list, what it mainly stands out for is that it is a cheaper option that instead of working with a paid subscription, has a one-time license.
“Before installing it on our computer, we can consult the system requirements to be able to use this software, as well as a user guide to be able to get the most out of it.”
Another of the strong points of Active File Recovery is that it has a double search engine, Quickscan and Superscan, which allows the person who uses it to limit the search based on the time available and their objectives, but both are so effective that they work even when Windows doesn’t start. Like other data recovery software, it supports a large number of file types and storage systems.
Official website of Active File Recovery
7. Pandora Recovery
One of the reasons why this data recovery software is so popular is because it is a portable program so it does not take up storage space on your computer’s hard drive.
“Although Pandora Recovery is still operational, from its own website we are warned that DisckDrill is going to inherit its functionalities and definitively take its place in the data recovery market.”
Another of Pandora Data Recovery’s outstanding features is that it has a very simple and visual interface, as well as a file preview function before recovering them and an encrypted file recovery option.
Pandora Recovery official website
8. Restoration
This little piece of software earns a spot on this list for its simplicity in both installation and getting started. It has a single window from which we have all the tools available to recover the data, so it’s very easy to learn how to use and it’s also free.
“Restoration is perfect for recovering files from both internal and external hard drives, but also from other storage devices like memory cards.”
It is important to bear in mind that it is software in English and exclusively for Windows XP version onwards, although some bugs have been detected in Windows 8. Its scanning system is very simple as well as effective.
9. Ease US
EaseUS uses three simple steps for data recovery: we set the type of data we want to recover, we select the location, we preview among the different files that have appeared in a list and recover exactly the one we need.
“This data recovery software is the result of the experience of 12 years of experience of the company, where if the user needs additional recovery capacity, the developer himself offers an upgrade to the full version.”
This software is compatible with Windows and Mac, in addition to having an interface that is very similar to the Windows explorer that many users are used to and that makes it much easier to use.
10. Any Data Recovery
Compatible with all major file systems (FAT, NTFS, HFS and APFS), Any Data Recovery is the favorite choice of many users. In addition to having a very clean and easy-to-use interface, it supports the search for more than 1,000 types of files, in addition to having a function to preview a list of all the files found and recover exactly the one we were looking for.
“Unlike other data recovery software, it does not have a free version, but it does have different paid licenses of between 35 and 45 dollars that are compatible with different devices and operating systems.”
One of the strengths of Any Data Recovery is that it is compatible with Mac and Windows, but also for Android and iOS. In addition to recovering data from computers and also from external storage devices.
Any Data Recovery official website
How to choose the best data recovery software ?
Given the wide range of tools of this type that we can find on the market, one of the main recommendations is to try all the free versions that you find most interesting for your data recovery needs. In addition to this, when choosing a data recovery software you should take into account the following aspects.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a data recovery software:
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your operating system and the type of storage device you are using.
- Supported file types: Check if the software can recover the specific type of files you need to recover.
- Ease of use: Look for software with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.
- Recovery capabilities: Consider the software’s recovery rate and whether it can recover data from damaged or formatted storage devices.
- Cost: Compare the price and features of different software options to find the best value for your needs.
- Reputation: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted sources to find reliable software.
It is advisable, before selecting various data recovery software to try, to carefully consider our needs or those of our company.
FAQs About Data Recovery Software
Here are some common questions and answers about data recovery software:
Can data recovery software recover all types of files?
Data recovery software can often recover a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, and music. However, the success rate for recovering specific file types may vary depending on the software and the condition of the storage device.
Is data recovery software reliable?
The reliability of data recovery software can vary. Some software may have a higher success rate for recovering files, while others may not be as effective. It is important to research and compare different software options before purchasing.
Is data recovery software safe to use?
Generally, data recovery software is safe to use. However, you should always be cautious when downloading and installing any software, and make sure to only download from reputable sources.
How much does data recovery software cost?
Data recovery software can range in price from free to several hundred dollars. The cost may depend on the features and capabilities of the software, as well as the level of technical support offered.
Can data recovery software recover permanently deleted files?
In some cases, data recovery software may be able to recover permanently deleted files, depending on the state of the storage device and the amount of time that has passed since the deletion. However, there is no guarantee that all permanently deleted files can be recovered.
Can data recovery software recover files from a damaged or formatted storage device?
Data recovery software may be able to recover some or all of the files from a damaged or formatted storage device, depending on the extent of the damage and the capabilities of the software. However, the success rate for recovery may be lower compared to undamaged devices.
Do I need to be a technical expert to use data recovery software?
In most cases, data recovery software is designed to be user-friendly and does not require technical expertise to use. However, some software may require a higher level of technical knowledge or skills to operate effectively.
Is it better to use data recovery software or send the storage device to a professional data recovery service?
It depends on the severity of the data loss and the condition of the storage device. If the device is physically damaged or you are unable to access the files through software, it may be necessary to send the device to a professional data recovery service. However, if the device is in good condition and the data loss is not severe, data recovery software may be a more cost-effective solution.
