Bytecode Viewer

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free Java and Android bytecode analysis
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Native-code decompilation
  No
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports Java archives, class files, APKs, DEX, XAPK, and APKM
  • Bundles six Java decompilers plus disassembly, compilation, and debugging
  • Offers plugins, scripting, static search, resource export, and Android-tool integrations

• Where it doesn't

  • Platform coverage is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Does not provide native-code decompilation
  • Its broad toolset may exceed the needs of simple decompilation tasks

Our verdict on Bytecode Viewer

Bytecode Viewer is a free, open-source desktop suite for examining Java and Android bytecode. It is aimed at developers, security researchers, and analysts who need to open, search, edit, disassemble, decompile, debug, or export code from Java archives, class files, Android APKs, DEX files, XAPK files, and APKM files. The project supports Windows and macOS and is distributed under the GPL v3 license.

Its main strength is breadth within Java and Android analysis. Six built-in Java decompilers give users multiple approaches to Java bytecode decompilation, while bytecode disassembly and assembly, a built-in Java compiler, static search across loaded code, and integrated debugging extend the workflow beyond viewing output. Android-focused capabilities include support for APK and DEX formats, resource viewing, and export to JAR, APK, ZIP, DEX, and source formats. Integrations with Dex2Jar, Enjarify, APKTool, Krakatau, and Smali/BakSmali add further coverage for Android conversion and analysis tasks.

Bytecode Viewer also supports Java and JavaScript scripting through its plugin system, alongside a malicious-code scanning API or plugin. That makes it suitable for workflows that need customization or repeatable analysis steps rather than a single decompilation action. The trade-off is focus: its published capabilities target Java and Android bytecode, while native-code decompilation is not included. Choose it when you want a free, open-source toolkit with decompilers, disassembly, debugging, scripting, and resource handling in one application. Choose an alternative if native-code analysis or a platform beyond Windows and macOS is required.

Your product? Our editors can test Bytecode Viewer in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Bytecode Viewer pricing

Bytecode Viewer fact sheet

Bytecode Viewer integrations

Bytecode Viewer lists 5 integrations on its own site.

• Dex2Jar
• Enjarify
• APKTool
• Krakatau
• Smali/BakSmali

Alternatives to Bytecode Viewer

• GGhidraA free, broad toolkit for native-code, Java, and DEX analysis.9.4
• Binary NinjaA broad native reverse-engineering toolkit with perpetual paid licenses and a free plan.9.2
• IDA ProA deep native reverse-engineering suite for teams that need broad architecture support.9.0

See all Bytecode Viewer alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Bytecode Viewer is listed in our Decompiler Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update