Side by side

RegexBuddy vs txtnode Regex Tester

Both stand on regular expression testers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

RegexBuddy

Paid LinuxWindows

RegexBuddy brings pattern building, testing, debugging, conversion and file search into one desktop product. Its Windows focus and lack of a free evaluation are worth weighing before purchase.

Visit RegexBuddy

Choose txtnode Regex Tester if you want a free browser utility for checking JavaScript regular expressions, capture groups, and replacement output. Look elsewhere if your patterns rely on Python, PHP, or Java syntax and you do not want to adapt them.

Visit txtnode Regex Tester

The facts

	RegexBuddy	txtnode Regex Tester
Free plan	No	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Windows	Web
Lowest paid plan	RegexBuddy single user license: £44.95, paid once	Free or on request
Plans published	8	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	regexbuddy.com	txtnode.com
On regular expression testers	#21 of 23	#17 of 23

RegexBuddy: what it does well

Supports 94 regular expression flavors.
Explains pattern structure in a tree.
Tests patterns and steps through matches.
Generates language-specific code snippets.
Includes a GREP tool for files and folders.

What to know first

No free plan or evaluation version.
No native Linux version; Wine use has limitations.
The single-user license costs £44.95, paid once, excluding taxes.

txtnode Regex Tester: what it does well

Highlights matches as you type and displays capture groups.
Previews rewritten text using $1 or $<name> references.
Offers six JavaScript regex flags.
Keeps typed patterns and test data on the user's machine.
Free, with no premium tiers, usage limits, or hidden fees.

What to know first

Uses JavaScript regex syntax; Python, PHP, or Java patterns may need adjustment.
Runs in a web browser.

Alternatives to RegexBuddy Alternatives to txtnode Regex Tester The whole list