HxD vs PE Explorer

Struggling to choose between HxD and PE Explorer? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

HxD is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like hex-editor, disk-editor, memory-editor, binary-data, hexadecimal, ascii.

It boasts features such as Hex editor, Disk editor, Memory editor, View, edit, analyze, modify, and export raw binary data, Support for large files, Checksum/hash calculations, File comparison, File wiping, Bookmarks and pros including Free and open source, Lightweight and fast, Easy to use interface, Powerful editing and analysis features, Cross-platform, Portable version available, Supports plugins.

On the other hand, PE Explorer is a Os & Utilities product tagged with reverse-engineering, executable-viewer, portable-executable, debugger, disassembler.

Its standout features include Displays all headers and sections of PE files, Shows import and export tables, Analyzes resources and dependencies, Supports a variety of file formats like EXE, DLL, OCX, SYS, etc., Can edit and modify PE files, Provides a disassembler and debugger, Supports plugins for additional functionality, and it shines with pros like Powerful PE file analysis capabilities, Handy for reverse engineering, Useful for malware analysis, Portable and easy to use, Free and open source.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

HxD

HxD

HxD is a free and open-source hex editor, disk editor, and memory editor for Windows. It allows users to view, edit, analyze, modify, and export raw binary data and files in hexadecimal or ASCII. Common uses include editing game hacks and mods, low-level hard drive editing, analyzing network packets, and more.

Categories:
hex-editor disk-editor memory-editor binary-data hexadecimal ascii

HxD Features

  1. Hex editor
  2. Disk editor
  3. Memory editor
  4. View, edit, analyze, modify, and export raw binary data
  5. Support for large files
  6. Checksum/hash calculations
  7. File comparison
  8. File wiping
  9. Bookmarks

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Lightweight and fast

Easy to use interface

Powerful editing and analysis features

Cross-platform

Portable version available

Supports plugins

Cons

Limited to editing binary files

No collaborative editing features

Less features than some commercial hex editors


PE Explorer

PE Explorer

PE Explorer is a portable executable viewer, editor, analyzer, and debugger. It allows reverse engineers and malware analysts to examine the structure and components of Windows executable files in depth.

Categories:
reverse-engineering executable-viewer portable-executable debugger disassembler

PE Explorer Features

  1. Displays all headers and sections of PE files
  2. Shows import and export tables
  3. Analyzes resources and dependencies
  4. Supports a variety of file formats like EXE, DLL, OCX, SYS, etc.
  5. Can edit and modify PE files
  6. Provides a disassembler and debugger
  7. Supports plugins for additional functionality

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful PE file analysis capabilities

Handy for reverse engineering

Useful for malware analysis

Portable and easy to use

Free and open source

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation and support

UI is a bit outdated

Lacks some advanced analysis features found in commercial tools