RecoverScore - Choose software that actually works

About

Why We Built This

We started after a near-disaster: an interview drive failed mid-project, and the wrong tool nearly overwrote priceless audio. That night, we realized most reviews focus on features, not actual recoveries or safety. We built controlled test rigs, write-protected readers, and scenario libraries for SD cards, laptops, and external drives. Early trials showed big gaps in success by filesystem and scan mode. We documented everything and turned insights into clear rankings and calm guides. Since then, we’ve refined scoring to reflect success rates, safety, and cost across common scenarios. Our mission is to help you recover files safely, fast, and without guesswork.

Features

What We Offer

Safety-first rankings with write-protection status

We verify write behavior using protected readers and system monitors, then label each tool’s risk profile. This prevents accidental overwrites and preserves fragile partition metadata during your first, most critical attempt.

Scenario-based success rates you can trust

Our tests measure files found, files verified, and files openable by type. You’ll understand realistic recovery counts before you buy, avoiding false expectations and wasted attempts.

Filesystem notes for exFAT, APFS, NTFS, HFS+

We document quirks like APFS snapshots, exFAT directory loss, and NTFS MFT behavior. These notes steer you toward the scan modes that actually reconstruct your data structures.

Clear OS compatibility by device and version

Our compatibility matrix covers OS builds, chipsets, and common adapters. You’ll avoid drivers and tool versions known to conflict with cameras, card readers, and USB enclosures.

Guided recoveries with undo‑risk checklist

We break the process into safe milestones and verification steps. The checklist prevents writing to source media and confirms recoveries before you commit to a full scan.

Video walkthroughs for high‑stress scenarios

Short videos show settings, expected scan times, and where users usually misclick. Seeing the process lowers anxiety and keeps your actions consistent and safe.

Budget‑to‑pro pricing advice that saves cash

We compare outcome-per-dollar across options to reduce overspending. If a budget app recovers the same files, we’ll recommend it and note when a pricier upgrade helps.

Affiliate transparency and independent scoring

Affiliate links keep the site free, but our scores come from repeatable tests. We publish methodology so you can critique or replicate our findings.

Process

How It Works

1

Describe your situation

Pick your device, OS, and case type in our quick selector. In 1–2 minutes, you’ll get a safety-first plan and a calm next step.

2

Review our scenario rankings

See typical success rates and safety notes for your exact scenario. Spend 3–5 minutes comparing outcomes before clicking a single download.

3

Follow the safe recovery guide

Use write-protected readers, set non-destructive scans, and verify sample files. Most users complete first successful recovery within 20–45 minutes.

4

Verify and back up recovered files

Open files, check integrity, and back up to a separate drive. In about 5 minutes, you’ll lock in the win and avoid repeat risk.

Pricing

Free Recommendation

$0

Get a personalized pick based on your device, OS, and scenario.

✓ Instant tool recommendation matched to your case
✓ Safety notes that prevent risky clicks
✓ Basic step-by-step recovery checklist
✓ Comparison table access for Windows and macOS

Get Started

⭐ Most Popular

Pro Recovery Kit

$29

Full guides, video walkthroughs, and priority email support for your first recovery.

✓ Scenario-specific video tutorials with settings
✓ Advanced checklist with verification milestones
✓ Filesystem notes for APFS, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+
✓ Device adapters and reader recommendations
✓ Priority email support for 7 days

Get Started

Team License

$119

Equip a small team with structured SOPs and scenario libraries.

✓ Multi-seat access for up to 5 users
✓ Printable SOPs for common recovery cases
✓ Quarterly methodology updates and matrices
✓ Email support for 30 days
✓ Admin dashboard for tracking outcomes

Get Started

Testimonials

What People Say

“

Their SD card guide saved a destination shoot. I recovered 92 of 108 RAWs in under an hour. The write-protection advice was the difference between panic and a paycheck.

M

Maya K.

Freelance Photographer

“

The filesystem notes nailed an APFS case I’d been botching. Using their recommended settings, file verification jumped from 54% to 81% on the second pass.

J

James R.

IT Support Specialist

“

I almost bought the most expensive app. Their price-to-success scoring pushed me to a mid-tier option that recovered 37 of 40 clips. Saved me $120 and a lot of stress.

P

Priya S.

Video Editor

“

The checklist is gold. It kept me from mounting the drive read-write. Recovered 18GB of project files, zero corruption. The step timing matched reality.

D

Daniel H.

Software Trainer

“

I was frozen for two days. Their selector and demo gave me a plan in 10 minutes. First attempt: 76% of photos back, then a rescan netted another 9%.

E

Elena V.

Content Creator

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test recovery success without risking my media?

We use write-protected readers, clean test volumes, and system monitors to verify a tool’s behavior. Tests cover deleted, formatted, and corrupted scenarios across filesystems. We publish typical outcomes, not guarantees, and flag any tool that attempts writes to source media.

Is the Pro Recovery Kit worth it if I can Google?

Many guides skip safety steps or mix OS-specific advice. Our kit gives scenario-specific settings, verification milestones, and short videos that cut trial-and-error. Clients typically see faster first success and fewer misclicks, which matters when one mistake can lower your odds.

How do you choose winners in comparisons?

We score tools on success rate, write-safety, filesystem coverage, ease of use, and price-to-outcome. Scores reflect repeated internal tests with consistent methodology. Your results can vary by device condition and actions taken; our goal is to show likely outcomes, not promises.

Do you get paid if I buy through your links?

Yes, some links are affiliate links, which may earn us a commission. We disclose these and keep ratings independent from revenue. Transparency helps fund testing without biasing the score.

What about free recovery tools?

Free tools can work for simple deletions, but many lack robust deep scans and clear safety controls. Our comparisons include free options with honest limits. If a free tool fits your scenario, we’ll say so, and our checklist helps avoid risky steps.

Is this right for me if I hear clicking or grinding?

Probably not. Mechanical noises often indicate physical failure that software cannot fix. Stop using the device and consider a professional clean-room service. Our guides focus on logical recovery where the hardware is stable.

Will this work on Linux or cameras directly?

We focus on Windows and macOS for broad consumer access. For cameras, we recommend removing cards and using a write-protected reader. Linux users can still benefit from our methodology, but tool recommendations may differ.

How fast can I expect results?

Most first successes happen within 20–60 minutes when following our guide. Scan times vary by drive size and condition. Expect longer for deep scans on large volumes; verification steps ensure you don’t waste time on unusable files.

Do you store or access my files?

No. We never access your personal files. Our guidance is instructional; recovery happens locally on your machine to a separate target drive. Keep backups of recovered data and avoid writing to the source.

What if your top pick doesn’t find my files?

Try the runner-up recommendation for your scenario and adjust settings per our guide. Some cases benefit from a second pass with different scan depth. If results remain poor, pause and reassess—continued attempts can reduce success odds.

Resources