Side by side
DashO vs R8
Both stand on code obfuscation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose DashO if you need build-step protection for Android, Java, or Kotlin applications and want configurable runtime defenses alongside obfuscation. Its command line, Gradle, and Ant options support continuous integration workflows. Teams that require a dedicated Maven plugin or public plan prices should account for those limits when evaluating it.
Visit DashOChoose R8 if you need Java bytecode optimization for Android DEX, especially within an Android Gradle Plugin build. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on full command-line compatibility with ProGuard, or if longer builds and harder debugging are unsuitable.
Visit R8The facts
| DashO | R8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | preemptive.com | r8.googlesource.com |
| On code obfuscation software | #14 of 34 | #10 of 34 |
DashO: what it does well
- Protects Android, Java, and Kotlin applications after compilation.
- Includes control flow obfuscation, string encryption, and Overload Induction renaming.
- Runtime defenses can detect tampering, debugging, rooted devices, emulators, and hooking frameworks.
- Integrates with continuous integration through its CLI, Gradle plugins, or Ant.
- Installers are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux/GNU.
What to know first
- Plan prices are available by quote rather than stated amounts.
- A dedicated Maven plugin is not offered.
- Configured runtime checks may add overhead.
- Plan seat and application allowances vary.
R8: what it does well
- Removes unreachable code and can inline methods and merge classes.
- Shortens class, field, and method names to reduce DEX size.
- Optimizes resources with Android Gradle Plugin 8.12.0 and later.
- Can output Android DEX or Java class files.
- Included in Android Gradle Plugin, with version override options.
What to know first
- The listed platform is Linux.
- Optimization can increase build time and make debugging harder.
- The command line does not support every ProGuard usage; keep rules require a file.