Stellar Data Recovery has been around for a long time in the iPhone recovery scene. Founded back in 1993, the company says its software can bring back lost photos, contacts, messages, and other important files. But can it really do what it promises? We tested it ourselves to see how well Stellar Data Recovery actually performs.
Quick Conclusion
Stellar does a decent job recovering WhatsApp chats and text messages, but it struggles with photos, has unstable iCloud features, and looks outdated. Its limited subscription options and weak value for the price make it hard to recommend.
Part 1. Stellar Data Recovery Features Overview
Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone offers three recovery methods:
USB Connection Recovery - Scan and recover data directly from the iPhone
iCloud Recovery - Extract data from an iCloud backup
iTunes Backup Recovery - Recover data from a local iTunes backup file
The software claims to support the recovery of the following data types:
Photos and videos (Camera Roll, Photo Stream)
Contacts and call history
Messages and message attachments
WhatsApp and WhatsApp media
App data (Viber, Tango, LINE, WeChat, Kik)
Notes, calendar, reminders
Safari bookmarks, voice memos
Part 2. Real-World Testing: How Does Stellar Actually Perform?
USB Recovery Mode Test
We ran a full scan using a USB connection. Stellar uses this method to perform a deep scan of your device and recover all the data it can find.
➡️ Issues Found During Scanning
The first problem was device recognition. Even after tapping “Trust” on the iPhone, Stellar couldn’t detect the device without help from iTunes. This issue kept happening, making the setup process frustrating.
The second problem was scan stability. During testing, the scan stopped several times and had to be restarted from the beginning each time, which is very inconvenient for users who urgently need to recover data.
➡️ Analysis of recovery results
The free trial version allows you to preview the scanned data, but not to actually recover it. Here are the scan results for each data type:
Camera Roll: The only section that recovered some previously deleted photos after the Deep Scan. However, the process is slow and can take a long time to complete.
App Library: Shows only apps and data still stored on the device.
Contacts: All current contacts are displayed.
Messages: Shows your full existing message history.
Message Attachments: Lets you preview current attachments only.
WhatsApp: Displays complete chat history and contacts
WhatsApp Media: You can view photos still saved in WhatsApp.
Kik: Displays active chats, but nothing deleted.
Notes: All notes are viewable, but deleted content appears inside existing notes, and attached images can’t be opened.
Note Attachments: Can be previewed, though some images appear more than once.
Calendar: All current events are viewable.
Reminders: Lists entries, but many are inaccurate or contain fake data.
Safari Bookmarks: Fully viewable, though nothing recovered beyond what’s already saved.
Voice Memos: Shows both current and deleted recordings in a confusing mix.
Features That Returned No Data
Some data types couldn’t be scanned or recovered at all. In these categories, Stellar showed no results:
Photo Stream
Call History
Viber
Tango
LINE
WeChat
iCloud Recovery Mode Test
The iCloud recovery feature turned out to be a major letdown. After signing in with an iCloud account, the software spent minutes loading before showing a “No backup found” message. Trying again only made things worse—the program froze completely and had to be force-quit.
With problems this severe, the iCloud recovery option is practically unusable, especially for anyone depending on iCloud backups to restore lost data.
iTunes Backup Recovery Test
The iTunes backup scan delivered nearly identical results to the USB recovery test. It found the same data, recovered nothing new, and offered no extra features or advantages.
Interface and User Experience
Stellar’s interface looks dated and clunky. It organizes files in an old-fashioned folder tree that’s hard to navigate when dealing with lots of data. To make things worse, the window can’t be resized, leaving you stuck with a cramped view of your results.
In contrast, competitors such as Gbyte Recovery, Dr.Fone, and UltData use cleaner, more modern interfaces that make navigation smoother and overall use far more intuitive.
Overall rating: 6.0/10
Recovery capability: 6.5/10
Ease of use: 5.0/10 (outdated interface, recognition issues)
Stability: 5.5/10 (unstable iCloud functionality)
Value for money: 5.5/10 (unbalanced features/price ratio)
Part 3. Free Version vs. Paid Version: Should You Upgrade?
Based on our tests, here’s what changes when you move from the free version to the paid version—and what it really means for users trying to recover data:
Data Type | Free Version | Paid Version | Actual Result / Notes |
Camera Roll | Partial Preview | Recovery | Deleted data can only be recovered using USB Recovery Mode. |
Photo Stream | – | – | No data recovered |
Contacts | Full Preview | Recovery | Complete contact information available |
Messages | Full Preview | Recovery | Complete messages available |
Full Preview | Recovery | Complete chat history and contacts | |
WhatsApp Media | Partial Preview | Recovery | Photos can be previewed normally |
Notes | Partial Preview | Recovery | Deleted notes mixed in with existing notes |
Reminders | Partial Preview | Recovery | Some entries are fake or inaccurate |
Call History | – | – | No data scanned |
Key Findings
Our tests show that Camera Roll is the only feature that can recover some deleted photos when scanning via a USB connection.
Even with the paid version, many other features like Photo Stream, Call History, Viber, Tango, LINE, and WeChat don’t recover any data at all.
Part 4. Stellar Pricing Analysis: Is It Worth the Cost?
Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone offers several pricing plans based on the number of iOS devices you need to manage:
Stellar Data Recovery prices for iPhone (1 year license)
Number of Devices | Price (Standard Version) | Price (Toolkit Version) |
3 devices | $39.99 | $49.99 |
5 devices | $49.99 | $69.99 |
50 devices | $99.99 | $149.99 |
Note: The Toolkit Version includes everything in the Standard Version plus iPhone Data Eraser, iOS System Repair, and Apple ID Removal.
Critical Analysis: What You’re Really Paying For
$39.99 (Stellar Standard – 3 devices) – Promises vs. Reality:
📋 Features advertised on its website:
✅ Photo, video, Camera Roll, and Photo Stream recovery
✅ Message recovery (WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE, Viber, Tango, Kik)
✅ Recovery from iCloud and iTunes
✅ Support for encrypted iTunes
✅ Recovery of contacts, call history, calendar, notes, reminders, and Safari bookmarks
✅ Preview before purchase
✅ Compatible with iPhone 16 and earlier models, iOS 18.x to 6.x
⚠️ Actual results observed during our tests:
Feature | Recovery Result | Verdict / Notes |
Camera Roll | ❌ Requires a very long thorough scan ⏱️ Takes several hours to complete | 🔴 Problematic |
Photo Stream | ❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work |
iCloud Recovery | ❌ “No backup found” ❌ Software freezes frequently | 🔴 Unusable |
Call History | ❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work |
✅ Full chat history and contacts recovered | 🟢 OK | |
Messages | ✅ Full message recovery | 🟢 OK |
Contacts | ✅ All contact info visible | 🟢 OK |
❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work | |
LINE | ❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work |
Viber | ❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work |
Tango | ❌ No data recovered | 🔴 Doesn’t work |
Kik | ✅ Chat data recovered | 🟢 OK |
Notes | ⚠️ Data mixed with existing notes, missing photos | 🟡 Partial |
Reminders | ⚠️ Shows fake or inaccurate data | 🟡 Unreliable |
Interface | ❌ Dated 2010-style layout, complex folder tree | 🔴 Outdated |
Summary: Out of 15 advertised features, only 4 actually work properly—a success rate of just 27%!
Side-by-side Comparison: Stellar vs Gbyte Recovery
⚠️ Important Note: Gbyte Recovery costs more, but it delivers value proportional to its price.
Key Criteria | Stellar | Gbyte Recovery | Verdict / Notes |
Price | $39.99 / year | $99.99 / year or $149.99 lifetime | Gbyte’s annual price is higher, but the lifetime option is more cost-effective |
Photos Recovery | 🔴 Very slow, takes several hours | 🟢 Fast and effective | Gbyte is worth the extra cost |
iCloud Recovery | 🔴 Doesn’t work at all | 🟢 Stable, can access hidden backups | Exclusive Feature of Gbyte Recovery |
Interface | 🔴 Dated (2010 style) | 🟢 Modern (2025 style) | Huge time savings |
iPhone Recognition | 🔴 Requires iTunes, frequent issues | 🟢 Supports iCloud without connecting device | Less frustration |
Advertised Features | 🔴 73% don’t work (4/15) | 🟢 99% functional (30+ types) | 7× more real features |
WhatsApp / Messages | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent + 10 additional messaging apps | Gbyte more complete |
Support | Standard | 🟢 24/7 free support | Full availability |
Guarantee | 🟢 30 days | 🟢 30-day money-back | Equal |
Overall Experience | 🔴 Frustrating, time wasted | 🟢 Smooth, time-saving | Productivity boost |
Calculating the value for money
Software | Price | Functional Features | Price per Feature | Efficiency | Real Hourly Cost |
Stellar | $39.99 / year | 4/15 = 27% | $9.99 / feature | 🔴 Slow | ~$15 / hour (time lost) |
Gbyte Recovery | $99.99 / year | 30/30 = 100% | $3.33 / feature | 🟢 Fast | ~$5 / hour (efficient) |
Verdict: Despite costing 1.9× more annually, Gbyte Recovery delivers 3.9× more value per usable feature.
Part 5. Pros & Cons of Stellar Data Recovery
Pros
- Complete Email Data RecoveryEfficiently recovers common communication data such as WhatsApp, Messages, and Contacts.
- Free PreviewLets users check scan results before paying, avoiding blind purchases.
- Multiple Recovery OptionsSupports USB, iCloud, and iTunes recovery methods (note: iCloud is unstable).
- Experienced BrandLong-established company with significant technical expertise.
Cons
- Slow Photos RecoveryDeleted photos only appear after a long scan, even though photos are the most commonly needed data.
- Unreliable iCloud RecoveryFrequently fails to find backups or causes the software to freeze.
- Outdated InterfaceFolder-tree layout is cumbersome, and window size cannot be adjusted.
- Device Recognition ProblemsRequires iTunes for access, complicating the process.
- Data Quality IssuesDuplicate note attachments, incorrect or fake data in Reminders, missing photos in Notes.
- Poor Value for MoneyHigh price compared to the limited real-world performance.
Part 6. Stellar Data Recovery: Usage Recommendations
Recommended if:
Your main goal is recovering WhatsApp or Messages chat history.
You have a comfortable budget and value a long-established brand.
Photo recovery isn’t urgent—you’re willing to wait for a thorough scan.
Not recommended if:
You primarily need to recover photos (Camera Roll has issues).
You rely on iCloud recovery.
You want a modern, easy-to-use interface.
You have a tight budget and want better value for money.
Tips
- Start with the free versionBe sure to use the free trial version to scan first and confirm that you can find the data you need before purchasing. The free version allows you to preview all scanned data.
- Avoid the iCloud featureThis feature is unstable; use USB or iTunes methods instead.
- Be patient with deep scansA full deep scan can take some time, especially for Camera Roll data.
- Use a secure USB connectionUse an original cable and make sure iTunes is installed.
- Check recovered data qualityEspecially for Notes and Reminders, there may be incorrect or duplicate data.
Part 7. FAQs
Q1. Can Stellar recover data that was deleted a long time ago?
It depends on whether the data has been overwritten. Generally, recently deleted data has a higher recovery success rate, but the specific situation varies depending on how the device was used.
Q2. Why isn't my iPhone detected during the scan?
You may need to install iTunes to establish a connection. Make sure you have tapped "Trust This Computer" on your iPhone and use an original or high-quality cable.
Q3. What are the limitations of the free version?
The free version only allows you to preview scanned data, not actually recover it. You need to purchase the paid version to export recovered files.
Q4. How long does the deep scan take?
Depending on the device's storage capacity and the amount of data, it can take several hours. Camera Roll data will only display content after a deep scan, so it's recommended to perform the scan when you don't urgently need the device.
Q5. Stellar vs. Gbyte: Which to choose?
Choose Stellar ($39.99): if you only need to recover WhatsApp or SMS messages, have a very limited budget, and can accept an outdated interface.
Choose Gbyte Recovery ($99.99/year or $149.99 lifetime): in all other cases, especially if:
You need to recover photos (Stellar is very slow)
You want to use iCloud (it doesn't work with Stellar)
You appreciate a modern interface and a smooth experience
You recover data regularly (the lifetime plan is very cost-effective)
You want 24/7 support and all features working
In summary: Gbyte offers 7 times more real-world features for less than twice the price. For the majority of users (95%), Gbyte is the best choice.
