Hello
I've been interested in data recovery for some time now, and I realize that there are plenty of pro software programs out there that do this.
Do you have a comparison of software, what it does, price, options, etc.....
I have a very limited budget and would not want to make a top notch purchase.

Thank you for your feedback

UFS Explorer / Recovery Explorer
R-Studio
GetDataBack
ReclaiMe
DMDE

IMHO, DMDE is the cheapest and most versatile tool from a home user's point of view. It has an unfriendly UI, though. The free version can do a lot, and it would be a very useful learning tool.

HDDSuperClone, in combination with DMDE, would arguably be the best DIY cloning tool.

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A backup a day keeps DR away.

The more I use the pro version the more I like it. Combined with HDDSuperClone Pro I've recovered a lot of data. You can test HDDSuperClone Pro for a few months for very little. The lifetime licence is only $200 and that helps you get 50% off the price of the Pro DMDE software.

Just remember not to make things worse. Unusual noises, etc point to a serious physical issue. Either recommend a good DR company (most offer a 15% commission for referrals) or send the drive to them. I do the former as it's easier on cash flow and the loss of the drive in transit isn't your fault.