Top 7 iPhone Data Recovery Tools in 2025 — Pros, Cons & PricingLosing important photos, messages or contacts from an iPhone is always stressful. Fortunately, 2025 brings a mature set of iPhone data recovery tools that support modern iOS versions, improved file-type coverage, and better device compatibility. This article reviews the top 7 tools available in 2025, highlighting what each does well, where it falls short, and what you can expect to pay.
Quick comparison (at-a-glance)
Tool | Best for | Platform(s) | File types supported | Free tier available | Typical price (one-time / subscription) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr.Fone (Wondershare) | All-round recovery + extras (repair, backup) | Windows, macOS | Photos, videos, messages, contacts, notes, call logs, app data (WhatsApp, Viber) | Yes (limited) | \(39.95–\)79.95 one-time or $29.95/yr |
EaseUS MobiSaver | Simple, user-friendly recovery | Windows, macOS | Photos, videos, messages, contacts, call logs, notes | Yes (limited) | \(49.95 one-time / \)39.95/yr |
iMobie PhoneRescue | High success rate for lost messages & app data | Windows, macOS | Messages, attachments, photos, contacts, WhatsApp | Yes (limited) | \(49.99 one-time or \)39.99/yr |
Tenorshare UltData | Strong iOS compatibility & repair tools | Windows, macOS | Photos, messages, contacts, notes, app data | Yes (limited) | \(45.95–\)59.95 one-time or $35.95/yr |
iMyFone D-Back | Good for partial recovery & selective preview | Windows, macOS | Photos, messages, contacts, WhatsApp, LINE | Yes (limited) | \(49.95 one-time / \)39.95/yr |
Disk Drill | Best for file-system recovery & extra utilities | Windows, macOS | Photos, videos, documents, some app files | Yes (limited) | \(89 one-time (Pro) / \)39–$89 |
Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone | Advanced forensic features & business use | Windows, macOS | Broad coverage incl. encrypted backups | Trial (scan-only) | \(49–\)99 one-time |
How iPhone data recovery tools work (brief)
Most iPhone recovery tools use one or more of these approaches:
- Recover directly from the iPhone by scanning device storage (often requires a trusted connection and iOS access).
- Extract data from iTunes/Finder backups (unencrypted or encrypted).
- Recover from iCloud backups or synced data (requires Apple ID credentials and may need two-factor authentication).
- Parse app-specific files (WhatsApp, LINE) from backups or local database files.
Success depends on whether the deleted data was overwritten, whether backups exist, and whether device encryption or iOS protections prevent extraction.
Detailed reviews
1) Dr.Fone (Wondershare)
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set: recovery, system repair, phone transfer, WhatsApp transfer.
- User-friendly UI with clear step-by-step guides.
- Good compatibility with recent iOS versions (2025). Cons:
- Some features are sold as separate modules; full suite can be pricey.
- Mixed reviews on final recovery rates for heavily overwritten data. Pricing:
- Free trial (scan & preview). Paid plans range from \(39.95–\)79.95 one-time or ~$29.95/year for subscription tiers.
2) EaseUS MobiSaver
Pros:
- Simple workflow; good for non-technical users.
- Decent recovery for photos and contact lists. Cons:
- Less comprehensive for app-specific data (WhatsApp backups).
- UI a bit dated compared to some competitors. Pricing:
- Free limited version. Full license around $49.95 one-time or $39.95/year.
3) iMobie PhoneRescue
Pros:
- Strong at recovering messages, attachments, and app data.
- “Repair iOS” features help when device is stuck and data needs rescue. Cons:
- The repair/extra features can risk data changes if used improperly—follow instructions carefully.
- Some functions require purchasing the full version to complete recovery. Pricing:
- Trial with preview. Paid license ~$49.99 one-time or $39.99/year.
4) Tenorshare UltData
Pros:
- Solid compatibility with recent iOS builds and encrypted backups.
- Good file-type coverage including app data and call logs. Cons:
- Pricing can be confusing because of bundled repair tools.
- Occasional false positives in scan results (preview carefully). Pricing:
- Free scan/preview. Paid versions typically \(45.95–\)59.95 one-time or $35.95/year.
5) iMyFone D-Back
Pros:
- Strong selective preview features — allows choosing which items to restore.
- Good at recovering from various loss scenarios (water damage, accidental deletion). Cons:
- Recovery of certain app data formats can be inconsistent between iOS versions.
- Support response time varies by region. Pricing:
- Free scan/preview. Paid single-license around $49.95 one-time or $39.95/year.
6) Disk Drill
Pros:
- Excellent for lower-level file-system recovery and supporting many file types.
- Includes additional disk-management tools and data protection features (Recovery Vault). Cons:
- Desktop-focused; not all functions are tailored specifically for iOS app databases.
- Higher one-time cost for Pro edition. Pricing:
- Free limited recovery. Pro one-time license around $89 (varies by platform).
7) Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
Pros:
- Advanced scanning with some forensic-grade features for professionals.
- Good at extracting from encrypted backups when you have the password. Cons:
- More expensive tiers aimed at business/forensic users.
- Interface and options may be overkill for casual users. Pricing:
- Trial can scan and preview. Paid tiers \(49–\)99 one-time depending on features.
Practical tips before using any recovery tool
- Stop using the iPhone as soon as you notice data loss — continued use risks overwriting recoverable data.
- If you have an iCloud or computer backup, try restoring from that first (native Apple restore is safest).
- Prefer trial versions that allow scanning and preview before purchase.
- Keep Apple ID and 2FA access available if the tool needs to access iCloud backups.
- Read refund and license policies — many vendors offer a money-back period if recovery fails.
Which tool should you choose?
- For general users wanting an easy, all-in-one experience: consider Dr.Fone or PhoneRescue.
- For selective previews and controlled restores: iMyFone D-Back or iMobie PhoneRescue.
- If you need lower-level file-system recovery or extra disk tools: Disk Drill.
- For business/forensic needs or encrypted backup extraction: Stellar.
Final notes
No recovery tool guarantees 100% success — results depend on how data was lost and whether it’s been overwritten. Always keep regular encrypted backups (iCloud or local) and enable iCloud Photos/Contacts to reduce risk of permanent loss.
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