Head-to-head · ROM Hacking Tools
HxD vs HexManiacAdvance
HxD leads on 0 checks, HexManiacAdvance on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHxD · 7.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresHexManiacAdvance · 3 of 3
HxD scores higher on our rubric for rom hacking tools: 7.2 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.
HxD is the better fit for general-purpose Windows hex editing. HexManiacAdvance is the better fit for broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching.
- HxD fits best
General-purpose Windows hex editing
- HexManiacAdvance fits best
Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | HxD 7.2/10 Visit ↗ | HexManiacAdvance 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.2 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #3 in ROM Hacking Tools | #4 in ROM Hacking Tools |
| Best for | General-purpose Windows hex editing | Broad Pokémon ROM editing and patching |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | None | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features HxD 0/3 · HexManiacAdvance 3/3 | ||
| ROM editing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Tile/sprite editing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Hex editor | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Patch formats | Not checked yet | IPS, UPS |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Windows |
| Game scope | Not checked yet | Game series |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | HxD is a Windows desktop hex and disk editor for people who need to inspect or modify binary data. Its scope includes files, raw disks and drives, and main memory, so it suits general-purpose hex editing more than a workflow centered on… Read the review → |
For Pokémon Game Boy Advance ROM projects, HexManiacAdvance brings a hex editor together with specialized tools for game content. Its documented support covers English Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald, making it relevant to… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
HxD — where it wins
- Search and replace text, hex values, integers, and floats
- Compare files and generate CRC, SHA-1, SHA-512, and MD5 digests
- Offers portable and installable editions with unlimited undo
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop software only
- File comparison is described as simple
- General-purpose editing lacks a ROM-specific focus
HexManiacAdvance — where it wins
- Combines byte editing with Pokémon data, maps, text, graphics, and scripts
- Imports and exports PNGs for image and tilemap work
- Creates and applies IPS and UPS patches
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Pokémon Game Boy Advance games
- Supports Windows only
- Community support may not suit users seeking dedicated assistance
- HxD7.2/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows hex editor for binary work, rather than a ROM-specific hacking suite.
Visit HxDFull verdict → - HexManiacAdvance7.1/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source toolkit for editing Pokémon GBA data, maps, graphics, scripts, and patches.
Try HexManiacAdvanceFull verdict →
More comparisons
- YY-CHR vs HxD
- YY-CHR vs HexManiacAdvance
- NUPS vs HxD
- NUPS vs HexManiacAdvance
- HxD vs Lazy Shell
- HxD vs DSPRE
- HxD vs DSVEdit
- HxD vs Echoes of Eolis
All ROM hacking tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update