11 Best Recover Deleted Photos Tools (2024) [FREE]

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Recover Deleted Photos Tool

In today’s digital age, photos are more than mere images; they are precious memories and vital records that chronicle key moments in our lives. With the proliferation of digital cameras, smartphones, and other photo-capturing devices, we generate countless images. Unfortunately, accidental deletions, system failures, and other unforeseen incidents can lead to the loss of these invaluable photographs. Consequently, having a reliable tool for recovering deleted photos is not just a convenience, but a necessity. These recovery tools are designed to retrieve lost or deleted images from various storage devices, ensuring that those captured memories are not lost forever.

1.2 Objectives of this Comparison

This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the leading photo recovery tools available in the market. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, we seek to offer a detailed overview that will help users make an informed decision when selecting a photo recovery solution. The primary objectives of this comparison are:

• To identify key features and capabilities of each photo recovery tool.
• To evaluate the performance, ease of use, and effectiveness of these tools.
• To highlight the pros and cons of each tool, providing a balanced perspective.
• To present a consolidated comparison table for quick reference.
• To recommend the best photo recovery tool based on various user needs and scenarios.

By the end of this comparison, readers will have a clear understanding of the available options and be better equipped to choose a tool that best meets their specific requirements for recovering deleted photos.

2. DataNumen Data Recovery

DataNumen Data Recovery is a powerful tool designed to recover lost and deleted files from various storage media. Developed by DataNumen, Inc., the software boasts advanced data recovery algorithms capable of restoring images from formatted, corrupted, or damaged disks. It supports a wide range of file systems and storage devices, offering a reliable solution for both novice and experienced users seeking to recover deleted photos and other file types.

2.1 Pros

• Wide compatibility: Supports various file systems including FAT, NTFS, and exFAT, making it versatile for different storage devices.
• Advanced algorithms: Utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure a high success rate in recovering deleted or lost files.
• Support for various media: Capable of recovering data from multiple types of storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards.
• Preview feature: Allows users to preview recoverable files before restoration, ensuring accuracy and convenience.
• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

2.2 Cons

• Cost: The software is relatively expensive compared to some other recovery tools on the market.
• Recovery speed: While effective, the data recovery process can be slower than some competing products, particularly when dealing with large volumes of data.
• Limited free version: The trial version has restricted capabilities, requiring users to purchase the full version for complete access to all features.

Free download

3. DiskDigger Photo Recovery

DiskDigger Photo Recovery is a specialized application designed to restore deleted photos from mobile devices, primarily Android smartphones and tablets. Developed by Defiant Technologies, LLC, this app offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users. DiskDigger is particularly useful for users who need to recover deleted photos directly from their mobile devices without the need for a computer.

3.1 Pros

• Mobile convenience: Allows users to recover deleted photos directly from their Android devices without the need for a computer.
• Easy to use: Features an intuitive interface that simplifies the recovery process, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
• No rooting required: Can recover photos from non-rooted devices, though rooting may enhance the range of recoverable files.
• Preview feature: Provides a preview of recoverable photos, enabling users to selectively recover files they truly need.
• Cloud upload: Supports saving recovered files directly to cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive for added convenience.

3.2 Cons

• Limited to photos: Primarily focused on photo recovery, lacking comprehensive support for other file types.
• Effectiveness on non-rooted devices: While it works on non-rooted devices, the recovery capabilities may be limited compared to rooted devices.
• Ads in free version: The free version includes ads, which can be intrusive and may impact the user experience.
• No iOS support: The app is only available for Android devices, with no version available for iOS users.

4. PhotoRec

PhotoRec is a free and open-source file recovery software developed by CGSecurity. It is designed to recover lost files, including photos, videos, and documents, from a variety of storage media such as hard drives, CD-ROMs, and memory cards. PhotoRec can work with numerous operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile tool for users across different platforms. Despite its powerful capabilities, PhotoRec is known for its text-based interface, which may appear daunting to novice users.

4.1 Pros

• Open-source and free: Available at no cost, providing a comprehensive recovery solution without requiring a paid license.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering versatility to users.
• Wide file format support: Capable of recovering a broad range of file types, not limited to photos, making it a multifunctional recovery tool.
• Effective recovery algorithms: Utilizes advanced recovery techniques to maximize the chances of successfully restoring lost files.
• Extensive documentation: Provides detailed documentation and community support, which can help users navigate the recovery process.

4.2 Cons

• Text-based interface: The command-line interface can be intimidating and less user-friendly, particularly for those without technical experience.
• No preview feature: Lacks the ability to preview files before recovery, which may lead to unnecessary recovery of unwanted files.
• Manual navigation: Requires manual navigation through directories and selection of recovery options, which can be cumbersome for some users.
• Time-consuming: The recovery process can be lengthy, especially when scanning large storage devices or recovering a substantial amount of data.

5. Disk Drill Photo Recovery

Disk Drill Photo Recovery is a highly regarded data recovery software developed by CleverFiles. It is specifically designed to recover deleted or lost photos from a range of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more. The software is available for both Windows and macOS users, providing a user-friendly interface and robust recovery algorithms to maximize the chances of successful photo recovery. Disk Drill also offers a free version with limited features, allowing users to try out the software before committing to a purchase.

5.1 Pros

• User-friendly interface: Boasts an intuitive and visually pleasing interface, making the recovery process straightforward and accessible for all users.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Supports both Windows and macOS, ensuring a broad user base can take advantage of its features.
• Comprehensive file support: Capable of recovering a wide range of file types in addition to photos, adding versatility to its functionality.
• Advanced recovery algorithms: Employs sophisticated techniques to enhance the likelihood of recovering lost or deleted photos effectively.
• Additional utility tools: Includes additional disk management tools such as disk health monitoring and data protection features.

5.2 Cons

• Limited free version: The free version of Disk Drill has restricted features and can recover only up to a certain amount of data, necessitating a purchase for full functionality.
• Price: The full version can be relatively expensive compared to some other photo recovery tools available in the market.
• Scanned results: While effective, the software can sometimes produce a large number of recoverable files, requiring manual filtering to find the desired photos.

6. Wise Data Recovery

Wise Data Recovery is a data recovery tool developed by WiseCleaner. The software is designed to efficiently and effectively recover deleted photos, documents, emails, and other files from various storage devices such as hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. Notable for its simplicity, Wise Data Recovery offers a quick and straightforward recovery process, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a hassle-free solution. Available for Windows users, the software provides both a free and a paid version, catering to different user needs and requirements.

6.1 Pros

• Simple interface: Features a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing users of all technical skill levels to perform recovery tasks without difficulty.
• Fast scan speed: Utilizes efficient algorithms to provide quick scanning and recovery times, minimizing the wait for users.
• Detailed file information: Offers detailed information about found files, including file names and paths, helping users easily identify the files they need to recover.
• Portable version: Includes a portable version that can be run directly from a USB stick without installation, making it convenient for on-the-go recovery tasks.
• Multi-language support: Supports multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for non-English speaking users.

6.2 Cons

• Limited features in the free version: The free version has restricted capabilities and may not recover all file types or sizes, encouraging users to upgrade to the paid version for full functionality.
• Windows-only: The software is only available for Windows users, thereby excluding those using other operating systems like macOS and Linux.
• Advanced recovery limitations: While effective for basic recovery tasks, it may lack advanced features and deep-scan capabilities offered by some competitors.
• No preview feature: Does not offer the ability to preview recoverable files before restoration, which can make it difficult to ensure the accurate recovery of desired photos.

7. Remo Recover

Remo Recover is a versatile data recovery software developed by Remo Software. It is designed to recover deleted, lost, or formatted photos, videos, and a variety of other file types from numerous storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. Available for both Windows and macOS platforms, Remo Recover offers a suite of powerful features and advanced recovery algorithms to tackle a wide range of data loss scenarios. Users can choose from different editions—Basic, Media, and Pro—depending on their specific recovery needs.

7.1 Pros

• Comprehensive recovery: Capable of recovering a wide array of file types, making it a versatile tool for different data loss scenarios.
• Advanced scanning options: Offers both quick and deep scan modes, allowing users to choose the most suitable method for their recovery task.
• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive and well-organized interface that simplifies the recovery process for users of all experience levels.
• Cross-platform support: Available for both Windows and macOS users, ensuring a broad user base can access its powerful recovery capabilities.
• File preview: Provides the ability to preview recoverable files before initiating the restoration process, helping users accurately select the files they need.

7.2 Cons

• Price: The cost of the software can be relatively high, especially for the Pro edition that offers the most comprehensive feature set.
• Limited free version: The free trial version has restricted functionality, requiring users to purchase a license to access the full range of features.
• Scan speed: Deep scans can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with larger storage devices or a significant amount of data.
• Occasional stability issues: Some users have experienced occasional software crashes or stability issues during intensive recovery operations.

8. MiniTool Photo Recovery

MiniTool Photo Recovery is a dedicated tool developed by MiniTool for recovering lost or deleted photos, videos, and audio files from various storage devices, including hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives. Available for Windows users, the software is designed with simplicity in mind, providing an easy-to-use interface suitable for both novice and experienced users. MiniTool Photo Recovery aims to offer an efficient and effective solution for retrieving lost multimedia files, leveraging advanced recovery algorithms to maximize success rates.

8.1 Pros

• Specialized recovery: Focuses on recovering multimedia files such as photos, videos, and audio, ensuring targeted and efficient recovery for these file types.
• Simple interface: Features a user-friendly and straightforward interface, making the recovery process accessible to all users regardless of technical expertise.
• File preview: Allows users to preview recoverable files before initiating restoration, helping ensure the accurate recovery of desired files.
• Support for various storage devices: Capable of recovering data from a wide range of storage media including hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives.
• Advanced recovery algorithms: Utilizes sophisticated techniques to enhance recovery efficiency and success rates.

8.2 Cons

• Limited file type support: Primarily focused on multimedia files, lacking comprehensive support for other types of files such as documents or emails.
• Windows-only: The software is available only for Windows users, excluding those who use macOS or other operating systems.
• Free version restrictions: The free version has limited functionality, requiring a paid license to access the full range of features and recover larger amounts of data.
• Scan speed: Scanning larger storage devices or a significant number of files can be time-consuming, requiring patience from users.
• No additional tools: Lacks additional disk management or data protection features that are offered by some competing recovery tools.

9. Photos Recovery

Photos Recovery is a dedicated recovery tool developed by Systweak Software, specifically designed to restore deleted and lost photos from various storage devices. The software aims to provide a straightforward and efficient solution for photo recovery needs, supporting a wide range of storage media including hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and more. With a user-friendly interface and advanced recovery algorithms, Photos Recovery is suitable for both casual users and professionals looking to retrieve their lost visual memories on Windows-powered systems.

9.1 Pros

• Specialized focus: Dedicated to recovering lost and deleted photos, ensuring targeted and effective recovery results.
• Easy-to-use interface: Boasts a simple and intuitive interface, making the recovery process accessible to users regardless of their technical proficiency.
• Comprehensive storage support: Able to recover photos from a variety of storage devices including hard drives, USB sticks, and memory cards.
• Preview function: Offers a preview feature that allows users to view recoverable photos before proceeding with the recovery, ensuring they retrieve the correct files.
• Regular updates: Frequently updated to improve functionality and compatibility with new devices and file systems.

9.2 Cons

• Limited to photos: Primarily focuses on photo recovery, lacking extensive support for other file types such as documents or videos.
• Windows-only: Available exclusively for Windows users, leaving macOS and Linux users without access to this tool.
• Free version limitations: The free version offers limited functionality, with restricted features and data recovery capacity, necessitating a paid upgrade for full use.
• Speed: Recovery process can be slow, particularly when dealing with large storage devices or deep scans.
• No additional features: Does not include extra tools for disk management or data protection, unlike some comprehensive recovery software packages.

10. Recoverit Photo Recovery

Recoverit Photo Recovery, developed by Wondershare, is a specialized feature within the broader Recoverit data recovery software suite. This tool is designed to recover lost, deleted, or formatted photos from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, and more. Recoverit is known for its high recovery success rate, user-friendly interface, and support for both Windows and macOS platforms. The software aims to provide an efficient and effective solution for users looking to retrieve their lost photographic memories.

10.1 Pros

• High recovery rate: Employs advanced algorithms that significantly enhance the chances of successful photo recovery.
• Cross-platform support: Available for both Windows and macOS users, ensuring wide accessibility.
• Comprehensive storage device support: Can recover photos from a variety of storage media, including hard drives, memory cards, USB drives, and more.
• User-friendly interface: Features a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies the recovery process, making it easy to navigate for users of all skill levels.
• Preview feature: Allows users to preview recoverable photos before initiating the restoration process, ensuring they recover the correct files.

10.2 Cons

• Cost: The full version can be relatively expensive, and necessary for accessing all advanced features and functionality.
• Free version limitations: The free version offers limited functionality and only allows the recovery of a small amount of data, encouraging users to purchase the full version for complete access.
• Scan speed: Deep scans can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with large storage devices or a significant quantity of data.
• Resource usage: The software can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down other operations on older or less powerful computers.

11. EaseUS Data Recovery

EaseUS Data Recovery is a well-established software solution designed to help users recover lost, deleted, or formatted files, including photos, documents, videos, and more. Developed by EaseUS, this tool is highly regarded for its ease of use and powerful recovery capabilities. It supports a wide range of storage devices, such as hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and other digital storage media. Available for both Windows and macOS, EaseUS Data Recovery provides a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, with both free and paid versions to accommodate different user needs.

11.1 Pros

• High recovery success rate: Uses advanced scanning algorithms to maximize the chances of successful file recovery, including photos.
• Cross-platform support: Compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring a broad user base can access its features.
• Comprehensive device support: Capable of recovering data from a variety of storage media, including hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and more.
• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive and well-organized interface, making it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
• File preview: Offers a preview function that allows users to view recoverable files before performing the recovery, ensuring they retrieve the correct data.

11.2 Cons

• Costly full version: The full version of the software can be relatively expensive, necessary to unlock all advanced features and full recovery capabilities.
• Limited free version: The free version has restricted functionality and allows recovery of only up to 2GB of data, pushing users towards purchasing the paid version for complete access.
• Scan time: Deep scans can be time-intensive, particularly when scanning larger storage devices or attempting to recover a significant amount of data.
• Resource usage: The software can be resource-heavy, potentially impacting system performance during the recovery process, especially on older machines.

12. STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY

STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY, developed by Stellar Information Technology, is a specialized software tool designed to recover lost or deleted photos, videos, and audio files from various storage media. The software supports a wide range of file formats and works with multiple storage devices including hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives. STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY is available for both Windows and macOS users, offering a user-friendly interface and powerful recovery capabilities. Designed to cater to both amateur and professional photographers, this tool aims to provide an efficient and reliable solution for photo recovery needs.

12.1 Pros

• Wide file format support: Supports a broad range of photo, video, and audio file formats, making it versatile for different recovery needs.
• User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, simplifying the recovery process for users of all experience levels.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Available for both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
• Preview feature: Allows users to preview recoverable files before proceeding with the recovery, helping ensure accurate restoration of desired files.
• Advanced recovery algorithms: Utilizes sophisticated techniques to maximize the chances of successfully recovering lost or deleted multimedia files.

12.2 Cons

• High cost: The full version of the software can be relatively expensive, particularly for users seeking advanced features and capabilities.
• Limited free trial: The free trial version has restricted functionality, requiring users to purchase a license for full access to all features and unlimited recovery.
• Scan duration: Deep scans can take a considerable amount of time, especially when dealing with large storage devices or significant amounts of data.
• Resource-intensive: The software may consume substantial system resources during the recovery process, potentially affecting performance on older or less powerful computers.

13. Summary

13.1 Our Selection

We select DataNumen Data Recovery as the best tool to recover photos, due to its high efficiency, friendly GUI, etc.

Free download

13.2 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
DataNumen Data Recovery	Wide compatibility, advanced algorithms, preview feature	High	Moderate	Excellent
DiskDigger Photo Recovery	Mobile convenience, no rooting required, preview feature	Very High	Free with ads, paid version available	Moderate
PhotoRec	Open-source, cross-platform, wide file format support	Low (Text-based interface)	Free	Community support
Disk Drill Photo Recovery	Comprehensive file support, additional utility tools	High	Moderate to Expensive	Good
Wise Data Recovery	Detailed file information, portable version	Very High	Moderate	Good
Remo Recover	Advanced scanning options, cross-platform support	High	Expensive	Very Good
MiniTool Photo Recovery	Specialized recovery, advanced recovery algorithms	High	Moderate	Good
Photos Recovery	Targeted photo recovery, comprehensive storage support	Very High	Moderate	Moderate
Recoverit Photo Recovery	High recovery rate, cross-platform support	High	Expensive	Very Good
EaseUS Data Recovery	Comprehensive device support, file preview	High	Moderate to Expensive	Good
STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY	Wide file format support, advanced recovery algorithms	High	Expensive	Very Good

13.3 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

Choosing the right photo recovery tool depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some recommendations based on different criteria:

• Best for High Recovery Success Rate: DataNumen Data Recovery offers advanced algorithms and high recovery success rates.
• Best for Budget-Conscious Users: PhotoRec is a free, open-source solution that offers broad file format support despite its text-based interface.
• Best for Ease of Use: DataNumen Data Recovery and DiskDigger Photo Recovery are very user-friendly, making them ideal for users without technical expertise.
• Best for Comprehensive Features: Disk Drill Photo Recovery offers comprehensive file support along with additional disk management utilities.
• Best for Cross-Platform Support: Recoverit Photo Recovery, and STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY all support both Windows and macOS platforms.
• Best for Specialized Photo Recovery: MiniTool Photo Recovery and Photos Recovery are tailored specifically for multimedia file recovery, ensuring focused and effective results.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing a Recover Deleted Photos Tool

Recovering deleted photos can be a daunting task, but with the right tool, it becomes significantly more manageable and effective. As we’ve detailed in this comparison, each recovery tool comes with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and unique features. Making an informed choice depends on your specific needs, technical proficiency, and budget. Here are some final thoughts and takeaways to help guide your decision:

• Identify Your Needs: The first step in choosing a photo recovery tool is to clearly identify your requirements. Are you looking to recover just photos, or do you need a more comprehensive solution that supports various file types? Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your options.
• Consider Ease of Use: Not all users are technically savvy. Tools like DataNumen Data Recovery and DiskDigger Photo Recovery offer simple and intuitive interfaces that make the recovery process straightforward. These are excellent choices for those who value ease of use.
• Weigh the Cost: While some tools like PhotoRec are free, others require a paid license for full functionality. Assess the cost-to-benefit ratio and consider whether the price aligns with the features and capabilities you need.
• Evaluate Recovery Capabilities: Tools like DataNumen Data Recovery and STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY offer high recovery success rates and advanced features. If recovering as many photos as possible is your top priority, these tools might be worth the investment.
• Look for Cross-Platform Support: If you use multiple operating systems, choosing a tool with cross-platform compatibility like STELLAR PHOTO RECOVERY can provide greater flexibility.
• Additional Features: Some tools offer extra utilities such as disk health monitoring or data protection features. Consider whether these additional tools could benefit you in the long run.
• Test Before Buying: Many tools offer a free version or trial period. Utilize these options to test the software’s performance and ensure it meets your needs before committing to a purchase.

In summary, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to photo recovery tools. Whether you prioritize ease of use, cost, recovery capabilities, or additional features, the best tool for you will depend on your specific circumstances. By considering the pros and cons outlined in this guide and reflecting on your unique needs, you can confidently choose the photo recovery tool that will best help you retrieve your lost memories.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a powerful tool to recover DWG files.