Accidentally deleting important data from your iPhone can be distressing. While iOS provides some recovery options, they may not always suffice. In such cases, dedicated iPhone data recovery software becomes essential. This article presents a comprehensive review of the top eight iPhone data recovery tools available in 2025, based on extensive testing and analysis.
Testing Methodology
To ensure accurate and reliable evaluations, the following testing parameters were established:
– Device Used: iPhone 14 running iOS 18
– Deleted Data: 5 photos, 2 contacts, 1 note, 1 iMessage thread
– Metrics Recorded: Recovery success rate, scan time, preview quality, cost, user interface ease of use, and frequency of updates
– Recovery Modes Tested: Direct iOS device scan, iTunes backup scan, and iCloud recovery
Quick Comparison Overview
| Software | Photos | Contacts | Messages | Notes | Scan Time | Pricing |
|———-|——–|———-|———-|——-|———–|———|
| Disk Drill | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | 4 mins | One-time license |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | 6 mins | Subscription + discount available |
| Stellar Data Recovery | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% | 7 mins | One-time license |
| Dr.Fone | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ⚠️ Partial | 5 mins | Subscription |
| iMobie PhoneRescue | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | 5 mins | Subscription |
| AnyRecover | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | 8 mins | Subscription |
| PhotoRec/TestDisk (Free) | ✅ 100% | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | 12 mins | Free |
| DMDE (Advanced) | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Partial | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ 100% | 9 mins | One-time license |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Disk Drill (Best Overall)
Disk Drill consistently outperformed other tools in our tests. It successfully recovered deleted photos, contacts, and notes from the iPhone 14. Although message recovery was partial, its rapid scanning (4 minutes) and user-friendly interface make it a top choice. Notably, Disk Drill offers a one-time purchase model, eliminating the need for subscriptions. It supports multiple recovery modes, including direct iPhone scans, iTunes backup extraction, and iCloud recovery. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest iOS versions.
Pros:
– Fast scanning
– High success rates for photo and contact recovery
– One-time purchase
– Intuitive interface
– Frequent updates
Cons:
– Partial message recovery
– Limited advanced features compared to technician-level tools
2. EaseUS MobiSaver (Best Value)
EaseUS MobiSaver is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness. It recovered photos, notes, and contacts with high success rates. Message recovery was partial. The software offers a straightforward three-step recovery process: connect, scan, and recover. While it operates on a subscription model, discounts are frequently available, enhancing its value proposition.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– High recovery success rates
– Regular discounts
Cons:
– Subscription-based pricing
– Partial message recovery
3. Stellar Data Recovery (Best for WhatsApp and Messages)
Stellar Data Recovery excels in recovering messages and WhatsApp data. It fully restored photos, notes, and messages, though contact recovery was partial. The software features a deep scan option, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery. It operates on a one-time license model, making it cost-effective over time.
Pros:
– Effective message and WhatsApp data recovery
– Deep scan feature
– One-time purchase
Cons:
– Partial contact recovery
– Slightly longer scan times
4. Dr.Fone (Most Recognized Brand)
Dr.Fone is a well-established name in data recovery. It successfully recovered photos and contacts, with partial recovery of messages and notes. The software offers additional features like system repair and data backup. However, it operates on a subscription model, which may be a drawback for some users.
Pros:
– Comprehensive feature set
– High success rates for photo and contact recovery
– Regular updates
Cons:
– Subscription-based pricing
– Partial recovery for messages and notes
5. iMobie PhoneRescue (Best for Ease of Use)
iMobie PhoneRescue stands out for its user-friendly interface. It fully recovered photos, contacts, and notes, with partial message recovery. The software offers a guided recovery process, making it suitable for users with minimal technical expertise. It operates on a subscription model.
Pros:
– Intuitive interface
– High recovery success rates
– Guided recovery process
Cons:
– Subscription-based pricing
– Partial message recovery
6. AnyRecover (Best for Multimedia Recovery)
AnyRecover specializes in recovering multimedia files. It fully restored photos and messages, with partial recovery of contacts and notes. The software supports a wide range of file types and operates on a subscription model.
Pros:
– Effective multimedia recovery
– Supports various file types
– Regular updates
Cons:
– Subscription-based pricing
– Partial recovery for contacts and notes
7. PhotoRec/TestDisk (Best Free Option)
PhotoRec and TestDisk are open-source tools offering free data recovery. They successfully recovered photos but do not support contacts, messages, or notes recovery. The interface is text-based, which may be challenging for some users. However, they are effective for photo recovery and are free to use.
Pros:
– Free
– Effective photo recovery
Cons:
– No support for contacts, messages, or notes
– Text-based interface
8. DMDE (Best for Technicians)
DMDE is designed for advanced users and technicians. It fully recovered photos and notes, with partial recovery of contacts and messages. The software offers detailed control over the recovery process but has a steeper learning curve. It operates on a one-time license model.
Pros:
– Detailed control over recovery
– Effective photo and note recovery
– One-time purchase
Cons:
– Steeper learning curve
– Partial recovery for contacts and messages
Recovery Checklist: Steps to Take Before Starting
1. Stop Using the Device: To prevent overwriting deleted data, avoid using your iPhone until recovery is attempted.
2. Choose the Right Software: Select a recovery tool that suits your needs and technical expertise.
3. Install on a Computer: Install the recovery software on a computer, not the affected iPhone.
4. Connect Your iPhone: Use a reliable USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
5. Follow Software Instructions: Each tool has specific steps; follow them carefully for optimal results.
FAQs
– Can all data be recovered? Recovery success depends on various factors, including how much new data has been written to the device since deletion.
– Is free software effective? Free tools like PhotoRec can be effective for certain file types but may lack comprehensive recovery capabilities.
– Are subscription models better than one-time purchases? This depends on individual needs. One-time purchases can be more cost-effective over time, while subscriptions may offer additional features and support.
Final Verdict
Selecting the right iPhone data recovery software depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Disk Drill emerges as the best overall option due to its high recovery success rates, user-friendly interface, and one-time purchase model. However, other tools like EaseUS MobiSaver and Stellar Data Recovery offer compelling features that may better suit certain users. Always consider the type of data you need to recover and choose a tool that aligns with your requirements.
