One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much does data recovery cost?”

The answer depends on the type of device and its storage capacity, but there are also many misconceptions about how data recovery pricing works. Having performed data recovery services since 1990, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and businesses recover critical files from failed hard drives, SSDs, smartphones, flash drives, memory cards, and RAID systems.

In this article, we’ll explain how data recovery pricing works, what factors affect the cost, and what you should do if you experience data loss.

How Data Recovery Pricing Works

One of the biggest misconceptions about data recovery is that pricing should be based on the amount of data stored on the device or the number of files a customer needs recovered.

In reality, data recovery pricing is based on the type of device and its storage capacity, not the amount of data stored on it.

Whether a customer needs one important document or an entire hard drive recovered, the same recovery procedures often need to be performed to access the data. The process involves diagnosing the device, stabilizing it if necessary, creating a sector-by-sector image when possible, and recovering the accessible data.

Typical Data Recovery Costs

Below are some examples of our flat-rate pricing for common recovery services:

• 1TB 3.5" Hard Drive: $900
• 1TB 2.5" Hard Drive: $925
• 1TB SSD: $1,025
• USB Flash Drives 2TB Or Under: $200
• SD and MicroSD Cards 2TB Or Under: $200
• Smartphones: $385
• iPhone 10 and Newer: $685
• RAID Systems: Call For Pricing

Why Storage Capacity Matters

Storage capacity plays an important role in determining the cost of a recovery.

Larger-capacity devices generally require more time to process, analyze, and recover. Different device types also require different tools, techniques, and recovery procedures.

This is why a 1TB SSD may be priced differently than a 1TB mechanical hard drive, even though both have the same storage capacity.

Do You Charge Based On The Amount Of Data Recovered?

No.

Many customers ask whether the price will be lower if they only need a few files recovered.

Our pricing is not based on the amount of data stored on the device. It is based on the device type and storage capacity.

In approximately 99.99% of successful recoveries, we recover all available data. In the rare event that only a partial recovery is possible, pricing is handled on a case-by-case basis.

The Biggest Mistakes People Make After Data Loss

After more than three decades in the data recovery industry, we’ve seen the same mistakes repeated over and over.

Unfortunately, many of these mistakes reduce the chances of a successful recovery.

Common mistakes include:

• Continuing to use the device after data loss
• Running recovery software repeatedly
• Reinstalling Windows
• Formatting or initializing the drive
• Following online DIY repair videos
• Opening a hard drive without proper equipment
• Taking the device to a general computer repair shop instead of a data recovery specialist

If your data is important, the best thing you can do is stop using the device immediately and seek professional assistance.

Can Recovery Software Fix Everything?

No.

Recovery software has its place, but it is not a solution for every situation.

Software-based recovery may work when files have been accidentally deleted or when minor logical issues are present. However, software cannot repair physical damage, failed components, damaged firmware, or many advanced data loss situations.

In some cases, repeated software scans can actually make a failing device worse.

What Is A No Data, No Charge Policy?

One of the most important things customers should look for is a true No Data, No Charge guarantee.

Our policy is simple:

If we cannot recover your data, you do not pay for the recovery service.

This eliminates much of the risk for customers and provides peace of mind when deciding whether to move forward with a recovery attempt.

Why Customers Choose Us

RTS Data Recovery has been recovering data since 1990 for home users and business alike, we have built our reputation on providing dependable, affordable data recovery services.

Customers choose us because we offer:

• Some of the best prices in the industry
• Fast turnaround times
• Flat-rate pricing on many services
• Decades of experience
• Professional recovery procedures
• A No Data, No Charge guarantee

Final Thoughts

Data recovery costs vary depending on the type of device and its storage capacity, but understanding how pricing works can help eliminate much of the confusion.

The most important thing to remember is that if your device fails or data is lost, stop using it immediately. Every additional attempt to access the device can potentially make recovery more difficult.

With over 35 years of experience performing data recovery services since 1990, we’ve seen firsthand how proper handling can make the difference between a successful recovery and permanent data loss.

If your data is important, don’t take unnecessary risks. Get a professional evaluation as soon as possible and give yourself the best chance of a successful recovery. Request a quote today.