Head-to-head · Decompiler Software
JEB vs Recaf
JEB leads on 1 check, Recaf on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreJEB · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresJEB · 5 of 5
Our editors rank JEB at #4 and Recaf at #8 for decompiler software; Recaf has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
JEB offers native-code decompilation; Recaf doesn't. On license type, JEB gives you Mixed where Recaf offers Free.
JEB is the better fit for professionals handling many code formats. Recaf is the better fit for java and Android bytecode analysis.
- JEB fits best
Professionals handling many code formats
- Recaf fits best
Java and Android bytecode analysis
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Side by side
| Feature | JEB 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Recaf —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | — |
| Ranking | #4 in Decompiler Software | #8 in Decompiler Software |
| Best for | Professionals handling many code formats | Java and Android bytecode analysis |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features JEB 5/5 · Recaf 4/5 | ||
| Native-code decompilation | ✓ (best) | — |
| Bytecode decompilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Debugger integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scripting API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plugin support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| License type | Mixed | Free |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | JEB is a desktop reverse-engineering platform for disassembly, decompilation, debugging, and analysis of code and document files. It is aimed at security professionals, reverse engineers, auditors, researchers, and organizations working… Read the review → |
Recaf is an open-source desktop tool for analyzing and editing compiled Java and Android applications. It is aimed at reverse engineering, malware analysis, Java modding, and other workflows involving JVM or Android bytecode. The product… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
JEB — where it wins
- Supports native, bytecode, WebAssembly, Ethereum, PLC, and GPU SASS
- Combines debugging, scripting, plugins, and headless automation
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and through an API
Where it doesn't
- JEB Pro starts at $2,000 per user per year
- Full coverage requires higher-tier modules and licensing
- Perpetual licenses are not offered for paid non-OEM plans
Recaf — where it wins
- Edits bytecode and assembler, then recompiles changed classes
- Combines decompilation, search, obfuscation analysis, and live patching
- Free open-source desktop tool with Windows, macOS, Linux, and CLI support
Where it doesn't
- Does not target native-code decompilation
- Publishing currently centers on CI snapshots rather than regular independent releases
- Its verified integration breadth is limited
- JEB8.8/10 · Free plan · paid from $1,200/user/yr
A broad reverse-engineering toolkit for professionals who analyze many code formats.
Visit JEBFull verdict → - Recaf—/10 · Free plan
A capable free toolkit for inspecting, editing, and instrumenting Java and Android bytecode.
Visit RecafFull verdict →
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All decompiler software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026




