Head-to-head · Computer Forensics Software
The Sleuth Kit vs Belkasoft X Forensic
The Sleuth Kit leads on 0 checks, Belkasoft X Forensic on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreThe Sleuth Kit · 8.4/10
- Most featuresThe Sleuth Kit · 2 of 5
The Sleuth Kit scores higher on our rubric for computer forensics software: 8.4 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
The Sleuth Kit is the better fit for technical examiners who want open-source disk analysis. Belkasoft X Forensic is the better fit for enterprise investigators needing broad acquisition.
- The Sleuth Kit fits best
Technical examiners who want open-source disk analysis
- Belkasoft X Forensic fits best
Enterprise investigators needing broad acquisition
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Side by side
| Feature | The Sleuth Kit 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Belkasoft X Forensic 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Computer Forensics Software | #8 in Computer Forensics Software |
| Best for | Technical examiners who want open-source disk analysis | Enterprise investigators needing broad acquisition |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Open source | — |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Enterprise |
| Features The Sleuth Kit 2/5 · Belkasoft X Forensic 0/5 | ||
| Disk imaging | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Mobile forensics | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Memory forensics | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cloud forensics | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Timeline analysis | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Concurrent examiner licenses | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | The Sleuth Kit is an open-source C library and collection of command-line tools for examining disk and file-system images. It is aimed at technical examiners and developers who want to inspect partitions, metadata, deleted or hidden… Read the review → |
Belkasoft X Forensic is a desktop digital forensics suite for government investigators and forensic laboratories. It supports acquisition and analysis across computers, mobile devices, RAM, cloud services, drones and car images. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
The Sleuth Kit — where it wins
- Analyzes raw/dd, E01, VHD, VMDK, and AFF images
- Examines deleted content, metadata, hashes, and file activity timelines
- C and C++ APIs support integration into larger forensic applications
Where it doesn't
- Command-line toolkit, not a full case-management application
- Self-hosted deployment requires a technical workflow
- Mobile support is limited to documented YAFFS2 file-system support
Belkasoft X Forensic — where it wins
- Acquires evidence from computers, mobiles, RAM, cloud, drones and cars
- Combines timelines, connection graphs, carving and deleted-artifact recovery
- Supports customizable reports, command-line automation and evidence sharing
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop deployment limits platform choice
- Government-only positioning narrows eligibility
- Perpetual-license pricing requires a sales inquiry
- The Sleuth Kit8.4/10 · Open source
A flexible toolkit for disk-image examination, but not a full case-management suite.
Visit The Sleuth KitFull verdict → - Belkasoft X Forensic7.9/10 · Pricing on request
A broad, desktop forensic suite for government investigations across computers, mobiles, RAM and cloud.
Visit BelkasoftFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update