Free and open first

Best File recovery tools in 2026

These tools are designed to locate missing or deleted files on computers and mobile devices. The entries span Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and self-hosted software.

12 apps
Research read 23 Oct 2026
How the order is worked out

1

DMDE
by DMDE
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose DMDE if you need recovery across its listed media and want functions such as RAID recovery, bootable recovery, or file preview.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
2

Disk Drill
by Disk Drill
Free plan MacWindows

Disk Drill offers a free scan-and-preview option, a defined Windows recovery limit and paid recovery licenses.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $89/yr Visit site
3

PhotoRec
by PhotoRec
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

PhotoRec supports recovery from a broad range of media and file systems, including after serious file-system damage or reformatting.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
4

MiniTool Power Data Recovery
by MiniTool Power Data Recovery
Free plan MacWindows

MiniTool Power Data Recovery covers a wide range of storage sources and data-loss cases. Check the 1 GB free limit and subscription renewal terms before choosing a plan.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $69/mo Visit site
5

Recoverit
by Recoverit
Free plan MacWindows

Recoverit lists recovery options for a broad range of storage sources, along with bootable recovery and file previews.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $99.95 Visit site
6

Recuva

Free plan Windows

Recuva covers recovery from computers and a range of removable or external storage, with file preview and a free plan.

6.7 Free plan · paid from ₹990 Visit site
7

AnyRecover
by AnyRecover
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+1

AnyRecover covers many storage sources and loss scenarios, with scanning, previews, repair, and local recovery.

6.6 Visit site
8

Raise Data Recovery
by Raise Data Recovery
Free trial LinuxMacWindows

Raise Data Recovery supports several storage types and operating systems, with a trial and lifetime-use licenses.

6.0 From $34.95 Visit site
9

Renee Undeleter
by Rene.E Laboratory
Free plan

5.6 Visit site
10

GetDataBack Pro
by GetDataBack Pro
Paid Windows

GetDataBack Pro covers a broad set of Windows storage and file systems, with preview, read-only recovery, and bootable options.

5.4 From $79 Visit site
11

R-Studio
by R-Studio
Paid LinuxMacWindows

Choose R-Studio if you need disk recovery on Windows, macOS, or Linux, or need features such as RAID recovery, bootable recovery, or network recovery.

5.2 From $49.99 Visit site
12

UFS Explorer
by UFS Explorer
Paid LinuxMacWindows

Choose UFS Explorer if you need recovery across a broad range of storage types and want an edition matched to personal, commercial or corporate use.

5.2 From $69.95 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

When comparing options, verify the supported platform, available free plan or trial, and price of paid access. If source-code inspection or edits matter, review the software's open-source licence.

Questions

Are free plans available for file recovery tools?

Free plans are offered by items in this category. Check the terms for the specific tool before relying on free access.

Are free trials available?

Free trials are offered by items in this category. Confirm the trial length and limits on the product page.

Which platforms are covered?

The entries support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android or self-hosted setups.

What pricing models are listed?

The list includes paid and freemium tools, plus tools with free plans. Recuva starts paid access at ₹990, and Renee Undeleter lists a $39.95 one-time Windows Version.

Can I read or change the source code?

Review the selected tool's licence. Code access and modification rights depend on those terms.

Questions

More in Cloud, Backup & PC