RetDec
RetDec: A free, cross-platform decompiler for open-source executable analysis. Ranked #7 of 24 in Decompiler Software by our editors (8.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source executable analysis.
At a glance
- Editor score8.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source executable analysis
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Native-code decompilationYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on RetDec
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 machine code across architectures including x86, ARM, MIPS, PIC32, PowerPC, x86-64, and ARM64. The tool reconstructs functions, types, and higher-level constructs, then produces C or Python-like decompilation output alongside integrated disassembly and LLVM-related artifacts.
Its strongest advantage is breadth within executable analysis. RetDec combines static analysis, compiler and packer detection, instruction loading and decoding, debug-information extraction for DWARF and PDB, C++ class hierarchy reconstruction, and C++ symbol demangling. Call-graph and control-flow-graph generation add structural views of analyzed programs. Library components can also be used from CMake projects, while IDA and Radare2 integrations connect it with established reverse-engineering workflows. Cross-platform support covers Windows, Linux, and macOS, and an API is listed among its platforms.
RetDec is a strong fit for buyers seeking a free and open-source decompiler with broad file-format and architecture coverage, native-code analysis, scripting capabilities, plugin support, and reusable library components. The published project status matters for evaluation: the official repository describes RetDec as being in limited maintenance mode, with only very limited development. That makes it less suitable for teams that prioritize active product development or a commercial support model. For researchers and engineers comfortable with locally installed analysis tools, its combination of decompilation, graphs, debug-information use, and reverse-engineering integrations remains its clearest appeal.
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RetDec pricing
RetDec fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Native-code decompilation | Yes |
| Bytecode decompilation | Not verified |
| Debugger integration | Not verified |
| Scripting API | Yes |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| License type | Free |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: IDA, Radare2 |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
RetDec integrations
RetDec lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- IDA
- Radare2
Alternatives to RetDec
- GhidraA 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
RetDec vs the competition
Compare RetDec with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
RetDec is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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