Binary Ninja vs dnSpyEx
Binary Ninja
binary.ninjadnSpyEx
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Binary Ninja | dnSpyEx |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Reverse Engineering Tools | 9.4 (#1) | 7.7 (#22) |
| Spec score · Decompiler Software | 9.5 (#1) | 7.8 (#11) |
| Debugging | The native debugger supports local and remote debugging on Windows, macOS and Linux. | It can debug .NET Framework, .NET, and Unity game assemblies, with breakpoints, tracepoints, conditional breakpoints, and multiple-process debugging. |
| Decompilation | Its decompiler emits C-like output and BNIL intermediate-language views for supported architectures. | The project lists C# and Visual Basic decompilers using the ILSpy decompiler engine, plus a BAML decompiler and disassembler. |
| Integrations | The purchase comparison lists Ghidra and IDB import, Ghidra export, and Sidekick capability; some Sidekick features require a separate purchase. | To debug Unity games, the project says the dnSpyEx Unity Mono repository is also needed. |
Plans
Binary Ninja
- FreeFree
- Personal$199, paid once
- Commercial$1,799, paid once
- Ultimate$3,499, paid once
- Ultimate (Floating)$5,499, paid once
In their own words
Binary Ninja
Binary Ninja is a binary analysis platform that combines an interactive decompiler, disassembler, and debugger. Its decompiler can produce C or BNIL for supported architectures, and users can switch between those outputs. The API provides C++, Python, and Rust bindings for automating workflows inside or outside the interface. A native debugger supports local and remote sessions on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Paid editions support plugins managed through an in-client Plugin Manager; plugins are not available in the Free edition. The browser-based Cloud version supports all architectures but requires submitted binaries and has performance limits, with no API or plugins. The free desktop edition is for evaluation or non-commercial use and lacks API access; the Free plan lists five decompilation architectures, while desktop details state four. Paid perpetual client licenses start at $199, paid once for Personal, with one year of updates and non-commercial use. Higher tiers add commercial use, more architectures, or remote project features. Binary Ninja is made by Vector 35.
dnSpyEx
dnSpyEx is an unofficial continuation of dnSpy, a debugger and .NET assembly editor for working with assemblies without source code. It can debug .NET Framework, .NET, and Unity game assemblies, with breakpoints, tracepoints, conditional breakpoints, exception breakpoints, and multiple-process debugging. Editing covers metadata and methods or classes in C# and Visual Basic, plus low-level IL method bodies. The project lists C# and Visual Basic decompilers using the ILSpy engine, along with a BAML decompiler and disassembler. Assembly search, class and method usage analysis, caller finding, bookmarks, and project export are also included. A public API supports extensions, and the C# Interactive window can control or script dnSpyEx. The latest stable release listed is v6.6.0, which adds a .NET 10 distribution. It is free under GPLv3. Release notes describe Wine compatibility adjustments for Linux, not native Linux support. Dynamic methods cannot be debugged because of CLR limitations.