ImHex vs JEB

ImHex is a hex editor for reverse engineers and programmers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its Pattern Language uses C-like syntax to describe structures and data types, which ImHex can use to parse and highlight file contents. The hex view supports searching, byte patching, patch management, and undo and redo. Analysis features include data inspection, file type parsing, byte type and entropy graphs, and detection of encrypted or compressed files. A YARA view scans files with rules, highlights matches, and lets users jump to them. The in-app Content Store offers community patterns, libraries, processor nodes, encodings, themes, and YARA rules; developers can also build plugins with libimhex, the API, and Content Registry. ImHex is free. Most of the application is GPLv2-only, while libimhex and the UI plugin library are LGPLv2.1. It generally requires a GPU with OpenGL 3.0 support; slower software-rendered releases are available. macOS release binaries require macOS 15 or higher.

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.