We've all been there. We're carrying out some digital de-cluttering and suddenly we realize we've lost a folder full of important documents or data. And, worse still, we have emptied the trashcan and can't get the file back.
In this instance, panic sets in. Yet it needn't, you just need to use data recovery software to get the files back. But which one should you use?
Here's our list of the best data recovery software available in 2021.
What is Data Recovery Software?
Data recovery software allows you to retrieve data that you previously thought you had lost for good. It allows for the recovery of deleted, corrupted, or damaged files from your storage media.
The software will scan your storage media for files, which it will then identify and extract from the storage device. The data recovery software will then create a copy of the files which you can review.
If the software finds your file within the storage media's formatted sectors, it will present the file to you, so you can save it again. Hey presto; you have your file back!
Let's take a look at some of the best data recovery software you can get.
1. Stellar Data Recovery Software
Stellar Data Recovery Software offers several methods for you to get your lost, corrupted, or deleted files, and the best thing is you can recover up to 1 GB of data absolutely free of charge. That's right, you don't need to part with a dime if your lost files or data comes in at 1GB or under.
Stellar's data recovery can restore hundreds of different file types, recover lost photos, videos, and documents, and it can even locate and retrieve files based on file name and file format.
It is also perfect for use with a wide range of storage media. So, if you have a corrupted internal HD or SSD, Stellar has your back and can locate and restore files from those. Likewise, USB storage media and SD cards are easy to scan and reinstate with Stellar Data Recovery Software.
Recovering your files is as easy as completing three simple steps. First you select the type of data you'd like to recover, then you select where to recover it from, and then the app will scan for relevant file formats and you can recover them. Simple!
Aside from the free tier, you can also access five other paid tiers. These are Standard, Professional, Premium, Technician, and Toolkit. Aside from file recovery, these tiers include unique features such as optical media recovery and RAID recovery; both of which set Stellar apart from its competition.
If you have physically damaged storage media, then Stellar has laboratories, so you can send your storage device and Stellar's technicians can recover your data for you.
Download: Stellar Data Recovery for Windows | Mac (Free, paid packages also available)
2. Disk Drill
Disk Drill is a data recovery software available for both Windows and Mac. It claims to allow you to recover literally any file format on your device, including Microsoft Office documents, messages, and even media files.
You can use Disk Drill to recover files from a wide range of devices; you're not limited to just recovering files you had stored on your internal hard drive or SSD.
Disk Drill works with a PC or Mac, HDD or SSD (external and internal), USB drives and pen drives, SD and CF cards, digital cameras, and even iPhone and Android smartphones (although at the time of writing only iPhone was available in the list of recoverable devices).
As with Stellar, there are multiple paid tiers available to you, including a free tier. The free tier only covers you for 500 MB, half that of Stellar's free tier and it also lacks Stellar's extensive feature set. There is a Pro version and an enterprise version (the latter is for companies and offers a discount on the overall price for up to ten users).
Download: Disk Drill Pro for Windows | Mac (Free, paid packages also available)
3. Recuva
Recuva is a data recovery software that comes from the makers of CCleaner. If you have accidentally deleted one of your important documents or files, or otherwise lost your data, then Recuva can help you get it back.
You should note that Recuva doesn't have as rich a feature set as Stellar Data Recovery or Disk Drill. This is a slightly lighter app and has a clunky user interface that can overwhelm inexperienced users, unlike Stellar's intuitive UI.
Recuva, despite being a data recovery app, comes with one tool that the above options lack; a file obliterator. So, if there is some data or a document or file you do want to lose, then Recuva can deal with that for you by wiping it from existence.
Aside from this, you can expect to recover a wide range of file formats and from a wide range of devices.
As with CCleaner, you can download Recuva for Android devices too, meaning that if you've deleted a file from your phone, Recuva can help you get it back. This is great if you've accidentally deleted important photos or videos, or lost Notes containing important information you had jotted down.
As mentioned, there is a free version available, while the Pro version of Recuva will set you back $19.95. You should note that you can buy bundles with CCleaner and other apps that will enable you to recover your lost data.
Download: Recuva for Windows (Free, paid packages also available)
Now You Can Recover Your Lost Files
So, if you have lost your data or important documents, irrespective of those document's file formats, you should be able to retrieve them using one of the software applications above.
Given that Stellar allows you to recover up to 1 GB completely free, we recommend using this software if you have several larger files to get back. Then there is the opportunity to send it to Stellar's recovery labs, if you have a physically damaged storage device.
Whichever data recovery tool you decide to use, at least you can rest assured knowing that you can retrieve any files you thought lost.
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