ImHex vs 010 Editor — hex editing for reverse engineering
ImHex (WerWolv/ImHex) is a GPL-2.0 hex editor aimed at reverse engineers, while 010 Editor from SweetScape is a commercial hex/text editor known for Binary Templates. Latest non-prerelease ImHex checked: v1.38.1 (published 2025-12-21 UTC). 010 Editor site header showed v16.0.4 on 2026-10-18 (UTC).
- ImHex: $0, GPL-2.0, Windows/macOS/Linux (imhex.download).
- 010 Editor: New user $149.95 US commercial / $59.95 US home-academic on sweetscape.com/store (checked 2026-10-18 UTC).
Authorized files only — do not use either editor to tamper with licensed software you are not allowed to modify.
Project facts
Price comparison (official store, 2026-10-18 UTC)
| Plan | Price shown | Notes from vendor |
|---|---|---|
| ImHex | $0 | GPL-2.0; downloads at imhex.download |
| 010 Editor new — Commercial | $149.95 US | Perpetual; free upgrades 1 year |
| 010 Editor new — Home/Academic | $59.95 US | Perpetual; free upgrades 1 year |
| 010 upgrade/maintenance — Commercial | $49.95 US | Extends upgrade eligibility |
| 010 upgrade/maintenance — Home/Academic | $24.95 US | Extends upgrade eligibility |
SweetScape states all licenses are perpetual and will not expire; multi-user seats need multi-user licenses. They advertise a 60-day money-back guarantee on the store page.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | ImHex | 010 Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Cash cost | $0 | From $59.95 / $149.95 new-user |
| License | GPL-2.0 | Proprietary |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux (vendor product) |
| Structure language | Pattern Language | Binary Templates (+ Script archive) |
| Huge files | Designed for large binary work | Vendor claims 50 GB+ support |
| Disassembly | Patterns / plugins ecosystem | Built-in X86, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC, SystemZ, XCore (vendor) |
| Drive / process editing | Focus on files + analysis views | Logical/physical drives, processes (vendor) |
| Typical user | OSS labs, students, night-owl hex work | Pros wanting Templates + vendor support |
When to choose which
- Choose ImHex if you want a free GPL hex editor with a modern UI and Pattern Language, and you can accept community support.
- Choose 010 Editor if you need Binary Templates, vendor support, drive/forensic editing features listed on the product page, and you will buy a legal Home/Academic or Commercial license.
- Use both if your lab standardizes on Templates but individuals prefer ImHex for quick looks — keep licenses clean.
- Neither replaces a full decompiler suite for deep native reverse engineering.
Related on BinBench
FAQ
Is ImHex free for commercial use?
ImHex is GPL-2.0 open source. Redistribution and linking obligations follow the GPL — read the license. There is no SweetScape-style paid SKU.
How much is 010 Editor in 2026?
On the SweetScape store (checked 2026-10-18 UTC): new-user Commercial Use $149.95 US; Home/Academic Use $59.95 US. Upgrade/maintenance Commercial $49.95; Home/Academic $24.95. Licenses are perpetual with free upgrades for one year from purchase.
Does either tool decompile binaries like Ghidra?
Both are primarily hex / structure editors. 010 Editor includes disassemblers for several ISAs; ImHex focuses on hex view, Pattern Language and analysis widgets. For interactive decompilation, use Ghidra, Cutter or a commercial RE suite.
Can I use an unauthorized 010 Editor copy?
No. Buy from SweetScape or use ImHex / other legal tools. BinBench does not link pirated installers or unauthorized license files.
Which has Binary Templates?
010 Editor's signature feature is Binary Templates (C-like structs with control flow). ImHex has a Pattern Language with a similar goal — structured interpretation of binary layouts.