How Much Does Data Recovery Cost in the UK?
Typical UK data recovery prices for logical faults, failing drives and clean-room work, what to do first, and how to avoid making a bad situation worse.
When a drive stops working and the only copy of your photos or work files is on it, the price of recovery feels secondary. Even so, costs vary hugely depending on what has actually gone wrong, so it pays to understand the categories before you ring anyone.
The main types of fault and what they typically cost
Recovery prices in the UK tend to fall into three bands. These are rough ranges, and they vary by provider, drive size and urgency.
| Fault type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Logical problem (deleted files, corrupted partition, formatted by mistake) | Around £50 to £200 |
| Failing drive with software or controller issues | Around £150 to £500 |
| Physical damage needing clean-room work | Often £300 to £1,000 or more |
Solid-state drives, phones and RAID or server systems are generally at the upper end because the work is more specialised.
Logical versus physical: why it matters
A logical fault means the hardware works but the data structure is confused. Deleted files, an accidentally formatted USB stick or a drive that asks you to format it before use are typical examples. Specialist software, and the right patience, can often retrieve a lot.
A physical fault means something inside the device is damaged. Clicking, grinding, a drive that is not detected at all, or a laptop that has been dropped are warning signs. Repeatedly powering a clicking drive can scratch the surface and destroy what remains, so the instruction is simple: stop.
What to do straight away
- Stop using the device. Every write to the drive can overwrite deleted data.
- Do not run repair tools or "check disk" on a failing drive. They write to the disk and can make matters worse.
- Do not open the drive. Dust and moisture are enough to wreck it.
- Note what you need. A short list of folders or file types lets the recovery team prioritise and can cut cost.
- Make a note of when it failed. Details like "dropped yesterday" or "stopped after a power cut" help diagnose.
"No data, no fee" and what that really means
Many providers say they only charge if they recover something. That sounds attractive, but check the wording:
- Is there a diagnostic or evaluation fee, even if the recovery fails?
- What counts as success: a few files, or a defined percentage?
- Do they provide a file list so you can confirm the right items were found before paying?
- Is there a separate charge for return media, such as a new external drive?
A reputable provider will explain these points clearly and will not pressure you into paying more partway through without a clear explanation.
Protecting privacy
Recovery inevitably means someone gains access to your files. Ask how they handle data, whether files are deleted after delivery, and who has access. If the drive holds sensitive material such as banking documents or client work, consider that when choosing between an independent technician and a specialist lab. It is also a good time to review whether you can encrypt future backups.
Cheaper options to try first
If the issue is a simple deletion, free checks include the recycle bin, previous versions or file history on the operating system, cloud storage trash and any automatic backup. Our guide to backing up your computer explains how to make sure you are never in this position again.
If a drive is not recognised, try a different cable or port first, since a faulty cable accounts for a surprising number of "dead" external drives.
Choosing who to use
You will generally choose between a local technician, who can handle logical faults at a modest cost, and a clean-room lab for serious physical damage. On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, send a request describing the fault and receive an offer to accept and pay online. Be honest in your request about drops, noises or water exposure so the offer reflects reality. See our tech support services for more.
Frequently asked questions
Can data be recovered from a water-damaged laptop?
Sometimes, yes, particularly if the drive is switched off quickly and not powered again. Do not try to dry it with heat or switch it on to test it. Recovery success varies and depends on how long the drive was wet and whether corrosion has set in.
Is it cheaper to buy a new drive?
A new drive does not bring back your files. It is worth buying one for future backups, but recovery from the faulty device is a separate cost.
How long does recovery take?
Simple logical jobs may take a day or two. Complex or physical cases can take a week or more, with express options often costing extra.