I accidentally deleted important files and emptied the recycle bin before realizing it. Can anyone recommend a reliable data recovery software that works for both Windows and Mac computers? I need to recover these files urgently.
Top Data Recovery Software for Mac & Windows (Free & Paid)
Data loss is an all-too-common headache—whether caused by accidental deletion, software corruption, system crashes, or formatting errors. Fear not, though! Here’s a lineup of exceptional tools engineered to rescue your files and restore order to your digital space.
1. Disk Drill (Works on Mac & Windows)
Why You’ll Love It (Pros):
- User-Friendly: Intuitive interface makes it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Supports recovery for more than 400 file types.
- Extra Protection: Comes with tools like Recovery Vault for safeguarding future data.
- Free Tier: Windows version allows 500MB recovery without cost.
Where It Falls Short (Cons):
- Mac Limitations: Free version on macOS only offers file previews.
- Patience Required: Deep scans take considerable time.
- Cost Factor: Full recovery capabilities demand a paid license.
Final Word:
Disk Drill is the go-to software for a blend of simplicity and power. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned user, it provides reliable results.
Discover more here: Disk Drill Homepage
Explore reviews: Disk Drill Reddit Review | Discount Codes
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Compatible with Mac & Windows)
What’s Awesome (Pros):
- Simplicity First: Recovery follows an easy, three-step process.
- Smart Recovery: AI-enhanced scanning finds even deeply buried files.
- Free Option: Recovers up to 2GB without charge.
- Special Capabilities: Handles RAW and lost partition recovery adeptly.
Considerations (Cons):
- Limited Free Tier: Might not suffice for recovering larger files.
- Scan Duration: Deep scanning can be time-heavy.
- Unlock via Paywall: Full recovery needs a premium plan.
Final Word:
EaseUS blends ease of use with dependability, offering a stellar choice for everyday data recovery tasks.
Dive deeper: EaseUS Data Recovery Review on Reddit
3. Recuva (Windows-Exclusive)
Strengths (Pros):
- Completely Free: No file recovery caps.
- Efficiency: Lightweight and speedy.
- Portable Use: No installation required for its portable version.
Weaknesses (Cons):
- Lacking Compatibility: Does not work on Macs.
- Simplistic: Advanced recovery tools are absent.
- Durability Issues: May struggle with severely damaged files.
Final Word:
For uncomplicated recovery on Windows, Recuva is an unbeatable, 100% free choice.
Helpful insight: Recuva Review on Reddit
4. Stellar Data Recovery (Available for Mac & Windows)
Top Features (Pros):
- Comprehensive Recovery: Excels at retrieving photos, videos, documents, and emails.
- Versatility: Works with a wide variety of storage devices.
- Free but Effective: Restores up to 1GB of data at no cost.
- High Success Rate: Known for impressive results.
Pain Points (Cons):
- Recovery Cap: 1GB limit for free-tier users.
- Slow: Scanning tends to take longer.
- Premium Perks Cost More: Top-tier features require expensive licenses.
Final Word:
Stellar Data Recovery stands out with a powerful toolkit, catering to both casual and professional users.
5. TestDisk & PhotoRec (Open-Source Tools for Mac & Windows)
Unique Advantages (Pros):
- Free Forever: Fully open-source software.
- Strong Recovery Focus: TestDisk handles partitions and boot records, while PhotoRec excels at extensive file recovery.
- Cross-Platform: Works effortlessly across operating systems.
Limitations (Cons):
- Unfriendly to Beginners: Lacks a graphical user interface—entirely command-line-based.
- Challenging to Navigate: Requires technical know-how.
Final Word:
A fantastic resource for tech-savvy users who require robust recovery functionality.
6. R-Studio (Professional Tool for Mac & Windows)
Benefits (Pros):
- Powerful Engine: Among the most advanced recovery software available.
- Specialized: Supports recovery from RAID systems and networks.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with multiple operating systems and uncommon file systems.
Drawbacks (Cons):
- Steep Learning Curve: Not an ideal choice for first-time users.
- No Free Option: Paid-only utility.
Final Word:
Tailored for IT professionals and complex recovery scenarios.
7. Wondershare Recoverit (Available for Mac & Windows)
Why Choose It (Pros):
- Easy User Experience: Built for simplicity and usability.
- Extensive File Support: Compatible with over 1,000 file types.
- Specialized Features: Offers specific tools for video recovery and repair.
Points to Note (Cons):
- Modest Free Tier: Recovers up to 500MB for free.
- Scanning Time: Deep lakes of data may need deeper dives in time.
Final Word:
Recoverit excels at multimedia recovery and is a delightful choice for beginners.
8. Ontrack EasyRecovery (Mac & Windows)
Perks (Pros):
- Professional Choice: Trusted by industry experts.
- No Cost to Start: Retrieves 1GB of data for free.
- Exclusive Features: Higher plans include RAID and email recovery.
Downsides (Cons):
- File Size Restrictions: Free tier only covers files up to 25MB each.
- Costly: Advanced tiers come with steep pricing.
Final Word:
Choose this tool when you need enterprise-grade recovery safeguards.
9. Prosoft Data Rescue (Mac & Windows)
What Works Well (Pros):
- Premium Quality: Handles drive cloning and complex recoveries effectively.
- Optimized for Mac: Particularly useful for macOS users tackling major data damage.
Drawbacks (Cons):
- Confusing Costs: Pay-per-recovery pricing model can be unintuitive.
- No Lifetime License: Long-term users may find it cost-prohibitive.
Final Word:
Highly recommended for Mac users with advanced recovery requirements.
10. MiniTool Power Data Recovery (Windows-Only Option)
Winning Features (Pros):
- Straightforward Use: Ideal for quick, no-fuss recoveries.
- Free Forever: Allows 1GB recovery without cost.
Shortcomings (Cons):
- Limited to Windows: No macOS support.
- Basic Offering: Not designed for specialized or deep recovery.
Final Word:
An excellent starting point for simple recovery tasks on Windows.
Summary: Tailor Your Tool to Your Need
- Ideal for Beginners: Disk Drill, EaseUS, Wondershare Recoverit
- Budget-Friendly: Recuva (Windows) & TestDisk (Mac & Windows)
- Professional Use: R-Studio, Ontrack, Prosoft Data Rescue
- Best for Multimodal Recovery: Wondershare Recoverit
When starting small, try a free solution and gauge its outcomes. For extensive or critical recovery, investing in a premium tool ensures better precision and success.
2 Likes
Oh no, emptying the recycle bin after deleting important files is such a headache! I’ve been there, and trust me, panic sets in faster than your brain can even process what just happened. First, stop what you’re doing on the computer RIGHT NOW. The more you use your system, the higher the chances the data could get overwritten.
Now, let’s talk recovery software. Honestly, there are tons of options out there, but I’ll cut to the chase – go for Disk Drill. It’s like the MVP of data recovery tools. It works on both Mac and Windows, can fish out files from over 400 types, and has this Recovery Vault feature that might save your skin in the future. The UI is super intuitive, so you won’t need a 30-page guide to figure it out. The free version on Windows even lets you recover up to 500MB, though Mac users only get file previews for free…ugh, I feel your pain.
Mike’s made some solid recommendations in his rundown, but I’d steer clear of TestDisk unless you’re feeling particularly tech-savvy. It’s command-line based, aka “not for the average human.” Also, while Recuva is great, unfortunately, it’s an old-timey Windows-only deal.
Want my brutally honest opinion? Just grab a premium plan for Disk Drill if the free portion doesn’t cut it. It’s worth the investment if those files are mission-critical—no one wants to gamble with data by cheaping out. But hey, if budget’s an issue, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard gives you up to 2GB for free (Windows and Mac-compatible), so that could be a good fallback.
Please, don’t DIY the recovery beyond these tools unless you hate your remaining data. Good luck clicking those files back into existence! 
I’ve been down this road before, and trust me, the sheer panic of emptying the recycle bin is too real. But don’t worry, there are solid recovery tools out there to save your files. Honestly, most answers here, like the ones from @mikeappsreviewer and @sterrenkijker, have covered the bases. Disk Drill is undoubtedly a top contender, especially for its ease of use and support for both Mac and Windows. If you’re looking to get started without breaking the bank, you could try its free version. For more details, check out how it can retrieve data on both platforms effortlessly.
That being said, I’d urge you to take the software’s performance with a pinch of salt. Deep recovery scans (whether it’s Disk Drill, EaseUS, or Stellar) can be excruciatingly slow. Like waiting-for-your-pizza delivery slow. Sometimes they pick up weird ghost files that never existed, other times, they get back half a corrupted image. But they still do an excellent job overall. Disk Drill, in particular, stands out for its Recovery Vault feature—kinda like a sentry for future accidental deletions. That’s a game changer if you’re prone to mishaps like, uh, yours truly.
Although EaseUS offers up to 2GB free recovery, let’s be honest—if your deleted files are large (like high-res videos), you’re going to hit that paywall super-fast. I’d skip Recuva because it isn’t even in the Mac game, and as much as I respect open-source projects like TestDisk, it’s not beginner-friendly unless you enjoy scrolling through forums to figure out commands.
Final verdict? Go with Disk Drill for its balance of user-friendliness and solid recovery options. If those files are priceless, it’s worth the investment in the premium version. Otherwise, cross your fingers with the free options from Disk Drill or EaseUS and pray your data gods are feeling generous today.
If you’re in that awful ‘oops, I deleted my files’ moment, Disk Drill deserves a spotlight, especially since it works on both Mac and Windows. It’s super beginner-friendly with a clean interface and supports over 400 file formats, which is insane. Plus, the Recovery Vault feature (a backup-but-not-really system) can prevent your future self from having nightmares about accidental deletions again. That said, one downside is the free version on macOS—only previews files unless you upgrade. Also, deep scans can take forever, so grab a coffee while waiting. Still, it’s a solid choice if you’re willing to pay for its premium features.
For competitors, you’ve got EaseUS, which offers 2GB free recovery. It’s simple to use, but the free limit ends fast, especially with larger files. Stellar Data Recovery is another highlight, great for recovering various file types, though its 1GB free cap might leave you wanting more. Recuva? Only for Windows users and less powerful for deeply damaged files. Oh, and TestDisk—phenomenal if you know command-line stuff, terrible if you don’t.
Bottom line: Try Disk Drill first, especially if you value user experience and need support for both platforms. EaseUS and Stellar are worth testing if budget constraints are an issue. Choose wisely!