The Best Reviews team tests all products first-hand and relies on first-hand research. We've been reviewing products and services since 2012 and only publish human-created content.
Although there are many data recovery solutions out there, they all come in various shapes and forms. Some are simple-to-use tools but can’t provide an acceptable rate of success when it comes to scans and recovery, others have terrible user interface but can revive even the most hidden files. Simply put, it isn’t easy to find the right balance between user-friendliness and thoroughness. Wondershare’s Recoverit, however, perfectly combines these two attributes, creating a solution that is easy to use and works with perfect accuracy, regardless of whether the default or the deep scanning option is chosen. And this is actually just the beginning, as Recoverit is more than just meets the eye. It can handle the recovery of up to 550 different file types with relative ease and is capable of dealing with lost partitions as well as creating boot discs to rescue files from broken operating systems, too. The fact that there are numerous options for how a license is bought – including a limited free version – only adds to the already sky-high list of Recoverit’s selling points.
Wondershare Recoverit is the epitome of how to do data recovery software the right way as the process of recovery is straightforward from start to finish. In fact, the software is so user-friendly in almost every aspect that there have even be considerations to add smaller yet equally important elements into the mix, too, such as displaying a preview of what the scan will do once activated by hovering the mouse over each feature. Recoverit even handles computers serving multiple monitors by positioning itself to the center of the right-hand display and it always launches on the most important screen: the selection of scanning options.
However, since the software mostly focuses on scanning and recovery, be prepared for the fact that there isn’t much in the way of adjustments to settings. For instance, the “Options” tab only allows you to change the language of the software’s interface and set up whether or not the folder where recovered files are saved should open automatically after the program has done its job. Recoverit doesn’t even possess a built-in help guide, only a link that directs users to the program’s online manual on Wondershare’s website.
Although there is no way to commence a scan based on file types, Recoverit more than makes up for this lacking feature by offering six different scan options. These options include the typical recovery of deleted files in addition to those from the Recycle Bin, formatted discs, and any external drive with the exception of CDs/DVDs. But there are also the two strongest scan methods, allowing for recovery after a virus attack or the complete “All-Around Recovery” scan.
Thankfully, no matter which method is chosen it only requires one more screen to determine what the subject of the scan will be and the scanning process will be commenced. Sadly, there are a few issues: firstly, the timer always falsely promises a five-minute completion and if the process requires any more than that, then the timer simply resets itself again and again. However, this isn’t nearly as annoying as the fact that scans can be paused but not saved.
Still, the option to save is only really necessary for more deeper, more complex scans anyway since regular scans are performed insanely quickly. So much so, in fact, that it took only five seconds for Recoverit to find our test folder and managed to detect all 56 files that were kept in the folder. There is absolutely no limit to how many scans can be performed with Recoverit, either, meaning that users of the free version can also enjoy the powerhouse that is the scanning feature of this software.
As is the case with scans, recovering files with Wondershare’s solution is quite easy. For starters, there are many filter options to help locate your lost files. The easiest way of doing so is by switching to view that organizes files into categories like photos, videos, and documents, although it’s worth adding that filtering by file type is also available from a drop-down menu if the default “Tree View” is used. There is also an option to look for a file based on the date it was modified as well as search to for it directly via a convenient search bar. Many files types can be previewed by the software before the recovery process begins, which is really helpful in cases where the exact name of the lost file has been forgotten.
The process of recovery itself is flawless, however. The time it takes is insignificant – less than 30 seconds for our 56 files – but it also ensures that folders are reconstructed as they were before the deletion. However, unlike scans recovery is only available to users that have paid for the software. There is a charge-free version but since free users can only recover 100MB of data it’s so limited that it’s unlikely that it’ll be of much use; upgrading to Recoverit Pro or Ultimate is worthwhile, therefore.
Although they are always displayed alongside the scanning options without any clear distinction, Recoverit actually possesses two rather useful utility features. The first is the ability to recover files from a lost partition, during which the app searches through each internal drive and looks for files that had been left on partitions that are deleted, lost, resized, or simply hidden.
The other option is to create a bootable drive either on a flash drive or a CD/DVD disc. This function is helpful for those whose Windows is unable to launch due to a critical error, but there are certain limitations to it. For one thing, the USB drive or CD/DVD that the bootable disc is written on will be completely formatted, but even more frustrating is how this feature is only available for users that have opted for Wondershare’s top Windows data recovery solution, Recoverit Ultimate.
Thankfully, there is a clear distinction between each pricing plan: Recoverit Free is for scans only, Pro allows users to recover their files without restriction, and Ultimate throws the bootable disc into the mix. As for the prices, it’s better to forget about monthly licenses altogether and instead choose a lifetime license at $49.95 for Recoverit Pro and $69.95 for Recoverit Ultimate. There are options to pay on an annual basis – which reduces the initial price to $39.95 and $59.95 per year respectively – but this is mostly recommended for customers wanting to purchase Recoverit in bulk. However, note that to enjoy the bulk discount you will have to navigate to Wondershare’s online store and select the number of annual licenses you want to purchase, otherwise the discount won’t be applied.
Interestingly, Wondershare also offers a download warranty for $4.95 that ensures customers can download Recoverit from the company’s servers for 24 months after purchase should they need to reinstall it. With Recoverit, however, there is a seven-day money-back guarantee, but it’s only valid in specific cases such as if the software malfunctions or the download link hasn’t been received within 24 hours of purchase.
Unfortunately, when it comes to live customer support, Wondershare’s performance isn’t at all convincing. For starters, the company doesn’t tell its customers that it has a U.S. toll-free phone number and it isn’t even available 24/7. These issues can be overcome by contacting the staff via a support ticket but note that this approach first requires the creation of a Wondershare account, not to mention that due to the centralized nature of the customer support it may take up to 24 hours to receive an email answer.
The other support options are a bit better, though. The user manual can be opened directly from the software itself, but there is also the option to read about what to do in different recovery situations on a specific subpage. It’s also worth adding that there is an entire support page – an FAQ of sorts – for all Wondershare products. It’s a bit buggy, though, meaning that the page may have to be reloaded a few times to actually get the answer you’re looking for to display.
Wondershare’s Recoverit is a solution that you will want to fully embrace but due to its small yet significant mistakes it is impossible to love it wholeheartedly. In fact, the lack of crucial features like the ability to save scans or allow users to scan for particular file types leaves a bitter taste in the mouth because this software otherwise deserves nothing else but praise for its near-perfect scanning and recovery capabilities.
Still, there is no denying that Recoverit is a great solution, especially for those who are looking for a trustworthy app with an intuitive user interface, outstanding scanning options, and some handy extras finding lost partitions or the creation of bootable discs. Whether its flaws are taken into consider or not, Recoverit is still without doubt a solution that delivers the results that customers expect from such services – the revival of long-lost files.
Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review products.
©2012-2024 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
Privacy
policy
·
Cookie
policy
·
Terms
of use
·
Partnerships
· Contact
us