Apktool vs JEB

Apktool is a command-line tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. It can disassemble an app’s resources into a form close to their original structure, then rebuild an app after changes such as translation or permission edits. Its analysis mode attempts to extract resources and the manifest for inspection without rebuilding. Apktool runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS; its official installation guide describes wrapper-script steps for those systems and requires Java 8 or later. Decode options include choosing resource-resolution behavior, skipping resources or source disassembly, and setting a framework directory. Build options include selecting an aapt2 binary, adding a generic Network Security Configuration file, and disabling APK repacking. The Apache license permits redistribution, modification, and integration into another project. Apktool is free, with no pricing tiers stated. Its FAQ says Android devices are not officially supported, and some OEM-modified “Magic APKs” may not decode or build. Builds are unsigned; copying a signature retains only the original APK signature v1 scheme.

JEB is a reverse-engineering platform for disassembly, decompilation, debugging, and analysis of code and document files. Its Android tools support static and dynamic app analysis, including multi-dex decompilation, resource reconstruction, and debugging of Dalvik and native code. Other modules address Intel x86 and x86-64, ARM, MIPS, RISC-V, WebAssembly, Ethereum contracts, Siemens S7 PLC programs, and PDF documents. Python or Java scripts and plugins can automate analysis, including through headless front ends. The GUI runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS for x64 and arm64 systems and requires JDK 21 or above. JEB Community Edition is free and described as suitable for researchers, students, hobbyists, and nonprofit reverse engineers; its listed plan covers x86 and x86-64 decompilation. The separate demo restricts decompilation, disables project saving and loading and clipboard use, limits session time, and requires an internet connection. Paid plans include Android modules from $140 per user per month and JEB Pro from $2,000 per user per year. PNF Software was founded in 2013 and is based in Silicon Valley, California.