When a photo is deleted from your phone, it doesn’t vanish into thin air. The phone’s operating system simply removes the reference to the file, marking the space it occupied as available for new data. Until that space is overwritten by new photos, apps, or other information, the original data still exists, a ghost in the machine waiting to be found. This is where specialized photo recovery software comes in.
These tools are expertly designed to go beyond the surface-level file system. But Gbyte Recovery performs a deep scan of your device’s internal storage, meticulously searching for these lingering data fragments. Once found, it can often piece them back together to reconstruct your original photos, giving you a second chance at recovering those cherished moments. This guide has been compiled to provide a considered and authoritative look at the 10 best photo recovery software options, including Gbyte, for iPhone users in 2025.
What to Look for in a Great Photo Recovery Tool
When selecting a photo recovery tool, especially for a situation as sensitive as retrieving lost photos, it’s crucial to be discerning. Here are the key features that set the best software apart:
- Deep Scanning Capability: The software must be able to perform a thorough, sector-by-sector scan of your device’s internal memory to find data that has been permanently deleted.
- High Recovery Success Rate: A good tool should have a proven track record of successfully recovering a wide range of file types, specifically images like JPG, PNG, HEIC, etc.
- Preview Functionality: This is essential. The software should allow you to preview the recoverable photos before you pay for the full version. This way, you can be certain that your photos are indeed salvageable.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the software supports your specific phone model and its current operating system version (iOS or Android).
- Ease of Use: When you’re stressed about data loss, the last thing you need is a complicated interface. The best tools are intuitive and guide you through the process with clear, simple steps.
1. Gbyte Recovery
Gbyte offers a powerful data recovery solution for iOS users, and its specialized photo recovery software is highly reliable. Its focus is on providing a high success rate, even in difficult data loss scenarios. The company emphasizes its deep-scanning technology and a user-friendly interface, ensuring that the recovery process is as stress-free as possible. Gbyte is particularly noted for its privacy-first design, as all data is processed locally.
Key Features:
- High success rate for photo recovery, even from permanently deleted files.
- Supports recovery from both iPhones and Android devices.
- All data is processed locally on your computer, ensuring privacy.
- Offers a preview of all recoverable photos and files at no cost.
- Can recover data from a variety of loss scenarios, including device crashes and factory resets.
Pricing:
- Monthly Plan: $49.99/mo
- Yearly Plan: $8.33/mo
- Lifetime Plan: $149.99
2. Wondershare Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
Wondershare Dr.Fone has long been a heavyweight in the mobile data management space. Its data recovery module is highly regarded for its effectiveness on both iOS and Android devices, particularly for photo recovery. The software boasts a user-friendly interface that makes the process accessible to users of all technical skill levels. It’s a comprehensive solution for almost any data loss scenario.
Key Features:
- Recovers a wide array of data types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
- Offers multiple recovery modes: direct device scan, as well as extraction from iTunes, iCloud, and Google Drive backups.
- Can recover data from broken or damaged Android devices with a black screen.
- Provides a full preview of recoverable files before you commit to the restore.
- Compatible with a vast number of iPhone and Android devices.
Pricing:
- Annual License: ~$60–$80/year (depending on OS and included modules).
- One-Time Purchase: ~$80–$100 (for lifetime access to core recovery features).
3. Tenorshare UltData
Tenorshare UltData is a reliable and straightforward tool for recovering deleted photos. It is praised for its ability to restore data with a high success rate. The software is constantly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS and Android operating systems, making it a go-to solution for many users who need a quick and effective fix.
Key Features:
- Specializes in recovering photos, videos, and other media files.
- Supports recovery directly from the device as well as from backups.
- Features a quick and deep scan function to ensure no file is missed.
- Allows users to preview and selectively recover only the files they need.
- Has a clean and easy-to-use interface.
Pricing:
- 1-Month License: $45.95
- 1-Year License: $49.95
- Lifetime License: $59.95
4. EaseUS MobiSaver
EaseUS is a well-known name in the data recovery industry, and its MobiSaver product is a dedicated tool for mobile devices. It stands out for its simplicity and a generous free version that allows users to test its capabilities before purchasing. The software is particularly effective at recovering photos that were deleted without a backup.
Key Features:
- Recovers photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
- Offers both direct device scanning and backup extraction from iTunes/iCloud.
- The free version allows you to recover a limited number of photos.
- Features a simple, step-by-step process that is easy to follow.
- Compatible with most iPhone and Android devices.
Pricing:
- Annual License: ~$79.95 (Mac) / ~$39.95 (Windows)
- Lifetime License: ~$99.95 (Mac) / ~$69.95 (Windows)
5. iMyFone D-Back
iMyFone D-Back is another strong contender in the market, known for its ability to recover data from various scenarios, including system crashes and accidental deletion. The software is designed with an intuitive interface, making it easy for non-technical users to navigate. It provides comprehensive recovery options for both iOS and Android.
Key Features:
- Recovers photos, messages, contacts, and other data types from various sources.
- Supports direct recovery from the device, iTunes, and iCloud/Google Drive backups.
- Features a simple interface that walks you through each step.
- Offers selective recovery, allowing you to choose exactly which photos to restore.
- Compatible with the latest iOS and Android versions.
Pricing:
- 1-Month Plan: $49.95
- 1-Year Plan: $59.95
- Lifetime Plan: $79.95
6. Stellar Photo Recovery
Stellar is a well-established company in the data recovery field. While it’s primarily a desktop application, it excels at recovering photos and videos from external media, including SD cards from Android phones and other devices. It’s a go-to for photographers and users who prioritize image-specific recovery.
Key Features:
- Specifically designed for recovering photos and videos.
- Supports all major camera and mobile image formats, including RAW.
- Can recover photos from memory cards, hard drives, USB drives, and more.
- Includes a feature to repair corrupted photos.
- Has a straightforward and easy-to-use interface.
Pricing:
- Standard (1-Year): $39.99
- Professional (1-Year): $49.99
- Premium (1-Year): $69.99
7. Disk Drill
Disk Drill is a versatile data recovery tool that works on a variety of devices, including both iPhones and Android phones. It is known for its powerful scanning algorithms and clean interface. The software can recover a wide range of file types, and its Recovery Vault feature provides an extra layer of protection for your files, making it a strong proactive and reactive tool.
Key Features:
- Recovers more than 400 file types, including all major photo formats.
- Offers both quick and deep scanning modes.
- Supports recovery from iPhone, Android, and other external storage devices.
- The free version allows you to recover up to 500MB of data on Windows.
- Includes extra data protection tools like Recovery Vault.
Pricing:
- Free Version: Limited to 500MB recovery on Windows.
- Pro Version: $89.00 (one-time purchase).
- Enterprise Version: $499.00.
8. FonePaw Android Data Recovery
FonePaw is a robust data recovery solution that specializes in retrieving a wide range of data from Android devices. It is particularly effective at finding and restoring deleted photos from both internal storage and SD cards. The software is straightforward and provides a clear preview of all recoverable data.
Key Features:
- Recovers deleted photos, videos, audio, contacts, and messages.
- Supports recovery from both internal Android storage and SD cards.
- Offers a preview of recoverable photos before restoration.
- Provides both a quick scan and a deep scan mode.
- Compatible with a wide range of Android brands and devices.
Pricing:
- 1-Month License: $39.95
- 1-Year License: $49.95
- Lifetime Plan: $59.95
9. AnyMP4 iPhone Data Recovery
AnyMP4 is a dedicated data recovery tool for iOS devices. It offers a solid solution for recovering lost photos, videos, and other data from iPhones. The software is designed to be highly effective and can handle various data loss situations, including those caused by system errors or device damage.
Key Features:
- Recovers photos, contacts, text messages, notes, and more.
- Supports recovery from the iOS device, iTunes backup, and iCloud backup.
- Provides a simple and intuitive interface.
- Allows users to preview and selectively recover files.
- Compatible with all modern iPhones and iOS versions.
Pricing:
- Annual License: $49.95
- Lifetime License: $79.95
10. iToolab RecoverGo (Android)
iToolab RecoverGo iOS is a specialized tool that focuses on providing a high recovery rate for iOS devices. Its simple interface and guided process make it an excellent choice for users who want to recover their photos without a steep learning curve. The software is known for its efficiency and effectiveness in a variety of data loss scenarios.
Key Features:
- Focuses on a high recovery rate for photos, videos, and other data.
- Provides clear preview options for recoverable data.
- User-friendly interface with guided steps for easy navigation.
- Compatible with a broad range of iOS devices.
Pricing:
- 1-Month Plan: $35.95
- 1-Year Plan: $45.95
- Lifetime Plan: $59.95
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Software | Recovery Rate | Ease of Use | Operating System Support | Scan Speed | Free Trial? |
| Gbyte Recovery | 98% | ★★★★★ | iOS | Fast | Yes |
| Wondershare Dr.Fone | 89% | ★★★★☆ | iOS & Android | Medium | Yes |
| Tenorshare UltData | 87% | ★★★★☆ | iOS & Android | Fast | Yes |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | 85% | ★★★★☆ | iOS & Android | Slow | Yes |
| iMyFone D-Back | 80% | ★★★★☆ | iOS & Android | Medium | Yes |
| Stellar Photo Recovery | 78% | ★★★☆☆ | PC & Mac (for external media) | Medium | Yes |
| Disk Drill | 75% | ★★★☆☆ | PC, Mac, iOS, & Android | Slow | Yes |
| FonePaw Android Data Recovery | 72% | ★★★☆☆ | Android | Fast | Yes |
| AnyMP4 iPhone Data Recovery | 70% | ★★☆☆☆ | iOS | Slow | Yes |
| iToolab RecoverGo | 65% | ★☆☆☆☆ | Android | Slow | Yes |
This table provides a quick reference to help you narrow down your choices based on key factors like operating system compatibility and available recovery modes. While most tools support a variety of data types, their specific strengths in photo recovery and ease of use can differ.
If you’re wondering how to recover deleted photos from your phone without a backup, Gbyte Recovery is a tool you should definitely consider.
Making a Considered Decision
The loss of photos can be an emotional experience, and the market for recovery software is flooded with options, so choosing the right one is critical. Before you buy, consider a tool’s deep-scanning power and its compatibility with your device. Most importantly, always utilize the free trial version to scan your device and preview whether your photos are actually recoverable. This is the most reliable way to ensure you’re making a worthwhile purchase.
Remember, the sooner you act after data loss, the higher your chances of a successful recovery, as the original data is less likely to be overwritten.
