HxD vs PE Explorer : Which is Better?

HxD icon

HxD

HxD is a hex editor, disk editor, and memory editor. Developed by Maël Hörz

License: Free

Categories: Development

Apps available for Windows Discontinued

VS
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PE Explorer icon

PE Explorer

PE Explorer lets you open, view and edit a variety of different 32-bit Windows executble binaries such as .exe and .dll files. Developed by Heaventools Software

License: Commercial

Apps available for Windows

HxD VS PE Explorer

PE Explorer specializes in analyzing and editing PE files, making it ideal for software developers and reverse engineers. In contrast, HxD serves as a powerful hex editor with broader file support and data recovery options, catering to users who need versatile file manipulation capabilities.

HxD

Pros:

  • Excellent hex editing capabilities
  • Strong data recovery features
  • Supports a wide variety of file formats
  • Portable version available for use on the go
  • Advanced search and comparison functions

Cons:

  • Not specialized for PE files
  • Less intuitive interface for beginners
  • Limited editing features compared to PE Explorer
  • Might be overkill for simple editing tasks
  • No built-in disassembler

PE Explorer

Pros:

  • Comprehensive PE file analysis
  • Built-in resource editor
  • Disassembler functionality for code examination
  • User-friendly interface for beginners
  • Good support for scripting and automation

Cons:

  • Limited to PE files and resources
  • No data recovery features
  • Less suitable for general hex editing
  • Fewer export options compared to HxD
  • Higher learning curve for advanced features

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