REHex

Overview

REHex is a cross-platform hex editor for working with binary files, including reverse-engineering tasks. It suits users who need to inspect, compare, or annotate data rather than only change individual bytes. Its breadth of analysis tools is a strong fit for that work, though users looking for a mobile editor should choose another option.

Key features

Inspect and analyze

REHex decodes integer and floating-point values and displays machine-code disassembly inline, keeping useful interpretations close to the bytes being examined. Binary Templates can annotate data automatically; byte-range highlighting and annotation, virtual address mapping, and bitmap visualisation add context for more specialized investigations. These tools make REHex more than a basic byte editor, but users who only need simple text or hex editing may not need this depth.

It handles files larger than 1 TB, which makes it a practical candidate for unusually large inputs. Common encodings, including ASCII, Unicode and ISO-8859-X, support text-oriented inspection. Intel HEX import and export, bit editing, and checksumming of files or selections round out the editing tools.

Compare and extend

Side-by-side comparison works on whole files or selected regions, so users can focus on a specific change without giving up the option to compare entire inputs. Lua scripting and plugins let users extend functionality, a useful advantage for repeatable or tailored workflows; readers who do not need customization can treat this as optional rather than a reason on its own to choose REHex.

Pricing

REHex costs nothing. The free plan is GPL-2.0 licensed and includes Windows, macOS and Linux packages. There is no paid tier or free-plan cap stated, making it a straightforward choice for individuals and teams who want a capable editor without a software fee. The GPL-2.0 license is relevant to users evaluating the project for redistribution or modification.

Platforms

REHex supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Downloads include Windows installers and ZIP archives, a macOS DMG, and 32-bit and 64-bit Linux AppImages. Distribution packages are documented for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, FreeBSD and openSUSE, giving Linux users several installation routes. The project lists version 0.64.0, released on 2026-04-03, as its latest release.

Who it's for

REHex is best suited to people inspecting or reverse-engineering binary data who value inline disassembly, automated annotations, large-file handling, or side-by-side comparison. Lua support makes it a stronger fit for users who want to tailor recurring tasks. It is less compelling for someone who only needs basic editing, or who needs an Android app or browser-based option.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Files larger than 1 TB are supported, useful when ordinary file-size limits would rule out an editor.
• Pros: Inline disassembly, numeric decoding and Binary Templates bring analysis and annotation into the editing workflow.
• Pros: Whole-file and selection comparison, Lua scripting and plugins support both focused review and extensible workflows.
• Pros: Free GPL-2.0 licensing and packages for Windows, macOS and Linux make it accessible across desktop systems.
• Cons: No Android or web platform is offered, so users who need editing away from desktop systems should look elsewhere.
• Cons: Its specialist analysis features may be unnecessary for readers seeking only straightforward text or hex editing.

Alternatives

Browse more hex editors if you want to compare the category before choosing.

• BinEd is another free option and adds Android and web platforms alongside desktop support.
• ImHex is a free, open-source hex editor for Linux, macOS and Windows.
• wxHexEditor is a free alternative described as both a hex editor and disk editor.
• wxMEdit combines text, column and hex editing; choose it if those modes matter, while noting its hex mode supports files up to 32GB.
• Hex Editor Neo offers a free Windows edition with basic editing features and limited or no support; it also has a free trial.
• Hex Fiend is a free, open-source choice for macOS users, with a BSD-style license.
• HxD is a free Windows option for private and commercial use.
• 010 Editor is a paid alternative with a free trial and support for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose REHex if you need a free desktop hex editor that combines very large-file support with comparison, inline analysis and Lua extensibility. Its main reason to look elsewhere is platform fit: users who need Android or web access should consider BinEd instead, while anyone seeking only basic editing may find REHex's specialist toolkit more than they need.