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Head-to-head · Decompiler Software

RetDec vs Recaf

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score RetDec #7 in Decompiler Software 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit RetDec
Recaf #8 in Decompiler Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Recaf

RetDec 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 scoreRetDec · 8.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresRecaf · 4 of 5

RetDec scores higher on our rubric for decompiler software: 8.0 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

RetDec offers native-code decompilation; Recaf doesn't.

RetDec is the better fit for open-source executable analysis. Recaf is the better fit for java and Android bytecode analysis.

  • RetDec fits best

    Open-source executable analysis

  • Recaf fits best

    Java and Android bytecode analysis

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Side by side

Feature RetDec 8.0/10 Visit ↗ Recaf 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.0 7.9
Ranking #7 in Decompiler Software #8 in Decompiler Software
Best for Open-source executable analysis Java and Android bytecode analysis
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features RetDec 3/5 · Recaf 4/5
Native-code decompilation ✓ (best) —
Bytecode decompilation Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Debugger integration Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Scripting API ✓ ✓
Plugin support ✓ ✓
Specs
License type Free Free
Our review
Pros
  • Analyzes ELF, PE, Mach-O, COFF, archives, Intel HEX, and raw machine code
  • Reconstructs C++ classes, symbols, types, functions, and higher-level constructs
  • Generates C or Python-like output, disassembly, call graphs, and control-flow graphs
  • 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
Cons
  • The official repository describes the project as being in limited maintenance mode
  • Locally installed workflows may require more technical setup than hosted tools
  • Its focus is executable analysis rather than an all-purpose reverse-engineering suite
  • Does not target native-code decompilation
  • Publishing currently centers on CI snapshots rather than regular independent releases
  • Its verified integration breadth is limited
Our verdict

RetDec is a locally installed, open-source machine-code decompiler based on LLVM for reverse engineers, security researchers, developers, and teams analyzing executable files. It supports ELF, PE, Mach-O, COFF, archives, Intel HEX, and raw…

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 →
  1. RetDecDecompiler Software 8.0Free plan
  2. RecafDecompiler Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RetDec — where it wins

    • Analyzes ELF, PE, Mach-O, COFF, archives, Intel HEX, and raw machine code
    • Reconstructs C++ classes, symbols, types, functions, and higher-level constructs
    • Generates C or Python-like output, disassembly, call graphs, and control-flow graphs

    Where it doesn't

    • The official repository describes the project as being in limited maintenance mode
    • Locally installed workflows may require more technical setup than hosted tools
    • Its focus is executable analysis rather than an all-purpose reverse-engineering suite

  • 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

More comparisons

All decompiler software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update