Side by side
hexer vs HxD
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 Linux
Hexer offers a free, source-based option for multi-buffer binary editing in a vi/ex-like interface. Its POSIX build requirements and limited current test coverage are important considerations.
Visit hexer Free plan Windows
HxD offers a broad set of hex-editing tools at no cost for private or commercial use. Check its Windows and disk-privilege requirements before relying on it for drive edits.
Visit HxDThe facts
| hexer | HxD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | hexer.readthedocs.io | mh-nexus.de |
| On hex editors | #25 of 32 | #21 of 32 |
hexer: what it does well
- Free multi-buffer binary editor
- Displays buffers as a hex dump
- Source archives offered in three formats
- Built-in calculator can be compiled separately
What to know first
- Requires source compilation to install
- Build requires POSIX, termios, and termcap support
- Disk editing is not supported
- Test suite covers only basic cases
HxD: what it does well
- Free for private and commercial use.
- Installable and portable editions are available.
- Lists unlimited undo for file, disk and memory edits.
- Exports to formats including HTML and Intel HEX.
- Handles search across text and numeric values.
What to know first
- Available for Windows only.
- Disk editing requires appropriate privileges.
- Writing requires unmounting the disk on Vista and later.