Compared · checked 2026-10-24
The best free hex editors
A hex editor shows a file as raw bytes so you can inspect or patch it. Some are full reverse-engineering kits, some are quick viewers in the browser. Here is how the well-known ones compare, from their own pages.
We make Hex Editor, one of the tools on this page. Every fact about the other tools comes from their own pages, linked under each one, as they read on 2026-10-24. Prices and features change: check each site before you choose.
How we compared them
- Free to use
- Where it runs: Windows, Mac, Linux or a browser
- Editing: overwrite only, or insert and delete bytes
- Large files
- Analysis extras: search, hashes, compare, templates
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Runs on | Install | Large files |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hex Editor ours | Free | Any modern browser | None | Read in 64 KB pages (100 MB opens) |
| ImHex | Free, open source (LGPL 2.1) | Windows 7+, macOS 15+, Linux | Desktop app | Not stated |
| Hex Fiend | Free, open source (2-clause BSD) | macOS 10.14.6+ | Desktop app | As big as you can create |
| HexEd.it | Free | Any modern OS, in the browser | None | Not stated |
| 010 Editor | $59.95 home, $149.95 commercial (perpetual); 30-day trial | Windows 11/10, macOS, Linux | Desktop app | 50 GB+ |
| Feature | Hex Editor ours | ImHex | Hex Fiend | HexEd.it | 010 Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| No install | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Overwrite bytes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insert and delete bytes | No | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Undo and redo | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Yes |
| Find hex or text | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Yes |
| Very large files | Partly | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 50 GB+ |
| Data inspector | No | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Structure templates | No | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Yes |
| Compare two files | No | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Yes |
| Hashes | SHA-256 | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Yes |
| File type from magic bytes | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
1. Hex Editor (ours)
Best for: A quick look and small patches in the browser, with the file type and SHA-256 shown, and versions kept in Files.
Good
- Offset, hex and ASCII columns, find hex bytes or text, go to any offset, undo and redo
- Reads large files in pages, so a 100 MB file opens
- Shows the file type from its magic bytes and its SHA-256
- Files are read on your device; saves keep the original and add a new version
- Works on your phone, tablet and computer in the browser, even offline
Not so good
- Overwrite only: no inserting or deleting bytes
- No data inspector, templates, diff or disassembler
- The ASCII column cannot be edited
- Still marked as being built
2. ImHex
Best for: Reverse engineers who want a free all-in-one tool: pattern language, disassembler, diff and hashes.
Good
- C++-like pattern language that parses and highlights a file's structure
- Data inspector, bookmarks and infinite undo
- Diff, disassembler and many hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256…)
Not so good
- Needs a GPU with OpenGL 3.0, or a slower software-rendered build
- A large program to learn for a quick look at a file
ImHex website · Sources: ImHex on GitHub
3. Hex Fiend
Best for: Mac users editing huge files, with insert and delete and a binary diff.
Good
- Insert, delete and rearrange bytes, not only in-place changes
- Handles very large files without keeping them in memory
- Binary diff and data inspector
Not so good
- Mac only
Hex Fiend website · Sources: Hex Fiend home page
4. HexEd.it
Best for: Editing a file in the browser on any computer without installing anything.
Good
- Runs in the browser on Windows, macOS, Linux and others
- Says all file processing is done by the browser and no data is sent to the web server
- Import and export byte and bit data
Not so good
- Its page lists few features in detail
- Needs JavaScript and a modern browser
HexEd.it website · Sources: HexEd.it
5. 010 Editor
Best for: Professionals who will pay for Binary Templates, scripting, drive and memory editing.
Good
- Binary Templates that parse files into readable structures
- Huge file support (50 GB+), binary compare, many checksums and hashes
- Edits drives, memory and processes
Not so good
- Not free after the 30-day trial
010 Editor website · Sources: 010 Editor overview, 010 Editor store, 010 Editor downloads
Which one to choose
Hex Editor is our pick for a quick look and small patches with nothing to install: it runs in the browser, keeps the file on your device, shows the file type and SHA-256 at once, opens a 100 MB file in pages and never overwrites the original. It installs from the browser and works offline. It only overwrites bytes in place and has no data inspector or templates.
Choose ImHex for real reverse engineering (pattern language, disassembler, diff), Hex Fiend on a Mac for huge files and insert or delete, HexEd.it for another browser editor, or 010 Editor if you will pay for templates and scripting after the trial.
Questions
Can a hex editor damage my file?
Only if you save over it. Hex Editor never overwrites the original: it saves a new version beside it, or a download.
Which free hex editor handles very large files?
Hex Fiend says it handles files as big as you can create without keeping them in memory. Hex Editor reads files in 64 KB pages, so a 100 MB file opens. 010 Editor (paid) lists 50 GB+.
Is there a hex editor that runs in the browser?
Yes: Hex Editor and HexEd.it both run in the browser and read the file on your device. Hex Editor can also be installed from the browser and works offline.
Can I insert bytes, not only change them?
Hex Fiend says you can insert, delete and rearrange. Hex Editor only overwrites bytes in place.
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