dnSpyEx vs ILSpy — Windows debugger vs cross-platform decompiler

Last updated: · By the BinBench editorial team · Stars and releases checked via the GitHub API
For legal, authorized and educational use only. Only analyze software you own or have written permission to examine.
Quick answer

.NET reverse engineering usually splits into reading CIL / decompiled C# and debugging a running process. ILSpy 11.1 (MIT) is a widely used cross-platform decompiler. dnSpyEx v6.6.0 (GPL-3.0) is a Windows debugger and assembly editor in the dnSpy tradition. They overlap on decompilation; they do not replace each other for every job.

On this page

Snapshot

DimensiondnSpyExILSpy
RepodnSpyEx/dnSpyicsharpcode/ILSpy
LicenseGPL-3.0MIT
Primary strengthDebugger + assembly editor (Windows)Decompiler + PDB/R2R/metadata focus
PlatformsWindowsCross-platform (per upstream)
Latest checkedv6.6.0 (2026-06-20 UTC)v11.1 (2026-09-23 UTC)
Cash cost$0$0
Stars and releases: GitHub. dnSpyEx stars/release row from BinBench _verified-facts.md (API 2026-10-17 UTC); ILSpy tag re-checked 2026-10-24 UTC.

What each is for

dnSpyEx

Use when you need an interactive Windows UI to step .NET code you are authorized to debug, inspect locals and edit assemblies under a GPL-3.0 toolchain. Download only from dnSpyEx/dnSpy.

ILSpy

Use when you want a maintained MIT decompiler with strong metadata / PDB / ReadyToRun coverage and a cross-platform story. See icsharpcode/ILSpy.

When to choose which

Which to pick
  • ILSpy for day-to-day decompilation and cross-platform reading of authorized assemblies.
  • dnSpyEx when Windows debugging/editing is the job.
  • For native code inside a mixed binary, pair with Ghidra / Cutter / x64dbg — these two are .NET-centric.
  • Never confuse “decompile” with permission to redistribute proprietary code.
  • Analyze only assemblies you own or are authorized to examine.
  • Do not use editors to strip license checks, DRM or integrity protections.
  • BinBench does not host NGENs, cracked toolchains or pirated installers.

For legal, authorized and educational use only.

FAQ

Are dnSpy and dnSpyEx the same project?

dnSpyEx is the community-maintained continuation of the dnSpy line under dnSpyEx/dnSpy. Prefer the official GitHub org over random mirrors.

Does ILSpy run on Linux and macOS?

Yes. Upstream describes ILSpy as cross-platform. dnSpyEx remains Windows-focused for its debugger/editor UI.

Which licenses apply?

dnSpyEx is GPL-3.0. ILSpy is MIT (GitHub license metadata, checked 2026-10-24).

Versions checked?

dnSpyEx v6.6.0 (2026-06-20 UTC per BinBench facts table) and ILSpy v11.1 (published 2026-09-23 UTC).

Can I use these on pirated apps?

No. Authorized assemblies and educational labs only.

Sources