SIFT Workstation vs X-Ways Forensics
SIFT Workstation
sans.orgX-Ways Forensics
x-ways.netSide by side
| Figure | SIFT Workstation | X-Ways Forensics |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Computer Forensics Software | 7.5 (#8) | 7.2 (#14) |
| Spec score · Digital Forensics Software | 7.5 (#19) | 7.2 (#25) |
| Founded | 2007 | 2002 |
| Purpose | SIFT Workstation is a collection of free and open-source incident response and forensic tools for detailed digital forensic examinations. | X-Ways Forensics is an advanced work environment for computer forensic examiners and the maker’s flagship product. |
Plans
X-Ways Forensics
- X-Ways Forensics non-perpetual license$1,550, paid once
- X-Ways Forensics perpetual license$4,010, paid once
In their own words
SIFT Workstation
SIFT Workstation is a free, open-source collection for incident response and detailed digital forensic examinations. It supports analysis of file systems, network evidence, memory images, threat intelligence and indicators of compromise. Included software includes Plaso, Rekall, Volatility, ClamAV, SleuthKit and hundreds of additional tools. Evidence image formats listed are raw, AFF, EWF, split raw, split EWF, VMDK, VHD/VHDX and QCOW. Supported file systems include NTFS, HFS+, FAT12/16/32, ext2/3/4, UFS1/2, ISO9660, swap, raw data and memory data. SIFT runs on Linux and Windows and can be self-hosted. Users can download an OVA virtual machine appliance listed at 8.81 GB, install natively on Ubuntu 22.04 with the Cast installer, or use Ubuntu 22.04 through Windows Subsystem for Linux with WSL 1 or WSL 2. REMnux components can be added. SANS directs download issues to [email protected] and bugs or feature requests to the GitHub project.
X-Ways Forensics
X-Ways Forensics has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.