The questions we get on every reader call. Answers backed by our measurements, not marketing.
#01Recuva is free, why would I pay for EaseUS?+
On our benchmark, Recuva recovers 67% of files on average, EaseUS 93% — a 26-point gap. On a formatted drive (the most common case), Recuva drops to 23%, EaseUS holds 87%. If you have one recently deleted file, Recuva is enough. To maximise the rate on a full drive, EaseUS earns its price.
#02$69.95 is too expensive for software.+
The right comparison isn't the software, it's the cost of the loss: family photos, accounting files, work documents. 30-day money-back guarantee: zero financial risk if recovery fails. And the free version up to 2 GB lets you confirm EaseUS actually finds your files BEFORE paying.
#03What if my drive is physically damaged?+
EaseUS — like any software — only works on logical failures (deletion, format, partition, file corruption). If you hear clicks, grinding, or the drive isn't detected at all, stop using it immediately and call a specialised lab (Recoveo, Ontrack). Cost: $700–2,200.
#04Trustpilot reviews on EaseUS are mixed.+
Trustpilot bundles every EaseUS product (Data Recovery, Todo Backup, Partition Master). For our scope — Data Recovery Wizard alone — negative reviews mostly concern (1) auto-renewal that's poorly explained, (2) English support slow outside US hours. Fixes: disable auto-renewal in your account, request live chat for faster turnaround.
#05I'd rather use open-source software.+
Open-source: PhotoRec (CGSecurity, France) remains unbeatable for free but requires the command line and loses folder structure. If sovereignty is critical (sensitive data), go with PhotoRec or a certified specialised lab.
#06What if I just want to test without commitment?+
The EaseUS free version scans the drive fully, previews every file found, and lets you recover up to 2 GB total. You see exactly what's recoverable BEFORE paying. That's the workflow we recommend by default.
#07Is it legal to use recovery software on a second-hand drive?+
Legal for your own drives. For a second-hand drive: you own the media so access is allowed, but recovered data may contain a third party's personal information — strictly private use, no redistribution, otherwise you breach GDPR Article 32 (or equivalent national laws).