ImHex vs Hex Fiend — which hex editor?
ImHex (WerWolv/ImHex) is a cross-platform open-source hex editor aimed at reverse engineers, with a pattern language and plugin/content ecosystem. Hex Fiend (HexFiend/HexFiend) is a macOS hex editor known for speed and huge-file handling under a BSD-2-Clause license. Both are free; pick by platform and workflow.
Snapshot
| Dimension | ImHex | Hex Fiend |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-2.0-only (core); LGPL-2.1 for libimhex / UI plugin lib | BSD-2-Clause |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS only |
| Focus | Patterns, analysis views, plugins | Fast edit, huge files, binary diff |
| Embeddable framework | Plugin API | HexFiend.framework (per project docs) |
| Cash cost | $0 | $0 |
When ImHex fits
- You need the same editor on Windows, macOS and Linux.
- You want pattern-based structure parsing and RE-oriented tooling.
- You accept GPL-2.0 for the main application.
When Hex Fiend fits
- You work only on Mac and edit very large binaries/logs.
- You want a permissive BSD license and optional embedding via the framework.
- You primarily need fast seek/edit/diff rather than a full RE workbench.
- Cross-platform RE triage → ImHex.
- macOS huge-file editing → Hex Fiend.
- Need commercial Binary Templates familiarity → compare 010 Editor.
Authorized files only. BinBench does not host editor builds.
FAQ
Are both free?
Yes. ImHex is primarily GPL-2.0 (libimhex/UI plugin libs LGPL-2.1 per upstream). Hex Fiend is BSD-2-Clause.
Does Hex Fiend run on Windows?
No. Hex Fiend is macOS-only. Use ImHex or another editor on Windows/Linux.
Which is better for reverse engineering?
ImHex leans into patterns, YARA/content store and RE-oriented views. Hex Fiend leans into fast editing of very large files on Mac.
ImHex vs 010 Editor?
See ImHex vs 010 Editor for the commercial Binary Templates comparison.
Can either crack software licenses?
Hex editors do not grant rights. Authorized files only.