Compare software

GNU ddrescue vs HDDScan: catalog facts
GNU ddrescue	HDDScan
Free Free and open source, part of the GNU Project.	Free Freeware with no paid edition.
macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows
Handles read errors so as little data as possible is lost Scrapes good sectors out of partially readable blocks	Surface tests in read, verify and erase modes Shows SMART attributes and drive temperature
Command-line only, with no graphical interface Copies raw blocks and does not recover individual deleted files	Windows only RAID volumes and USB flash drives get surface tests only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.