Side by side
Hex Fiend vs ImHex
Both stand on hex editors. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Hex Fiend combines binary editing, search and comparison with tools for interpreting values and visualizing file structures. It is a macOS-only option, and the listed version requires macOS 10.14.6 or later.
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Free plan LinuxMacWindows
ImHex combines byte editing with parsing, analysis, YARA scanning, and community extensions. Check the GPU and macOS requirements against your system before installing.
Visit ImHexThe facts
| Hex Fiend | ImHex | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | hexfiend.com | imhex.werwolv.net |
| On hex editors | #16 of 32 | #12 of 32 |
Hex Fiend: what it does well
- Edits binary data by inserting, deleting and rearranging
- Searches large files without loading them fully into memory
- Compares files while accounting for insertions and deletions
- Smart saving avoids temporary disk space
What to know first
- Requires macOS 10.14.6 or later
- Available for macOS only
- The listed download is version 2.18.1
ImHex: what it does well
- Pattern Language can parse and highlight defined structures.
- Includes YARA scanning with match navigation.
- Content Store provides community resources.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Software-rendered releases are available.
What to know first
- Generally requires a GPU supporting OpenGL 3.0.
- macOS release binaries require macOS 15 or higher.
- Older macOS versions require compiling from source.
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