9 Jailbreaking Tools: Features Comparison

At the yearly HITB Security Conference in Malaysia in October, familiar and new faces participated in the iOs jailbreak discussion. The appearance of known experts such as iPhone Dev-Team members @MuscleNerd and @planetbeing and Chronic Dev-Team member @pod 2g as well as unknowns such as Azimuth founder Mark Dows aka @mdowd, are indicators of how popular jailbreaking has become.

While the Apple iPad Mini and iPhone 5 features the latest iOS and lots of improvement in both software and hardware, these devices and other iOS mobile ones hold several limitations to users such as customisation, application download, and other things enjoyed by other operating platforms.

Thus, jailbreaking of the latest iOS mobile devices are booming thanks to developers who wants more than what is offered, plus the effect of the latest technology with the Jailbreak tool. The effect would likely more or less be similar to that of rooting for Android which gives owners more control over the device.

iOS mobile devices have been launched as iPhone, iPod, and iPad which is matched by the number of Jailbreaking tools available for download that are free for trial.

Below is a comparison of the features of 9 Jailbreaking tools in the market.

The Red Snow: One of the tools that is constantly updated by its developers and a popular tool for Jailbreaking iOS.

Cross compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows
Saves SHSH blobs
Creates custom IPSW (firmware files)
Fixes recovery mode loops
Restoration to downgrade iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
Identification for iPhone's IMEI number, serial number, and model number
Backing up of files
Ticket feature allows restoration of backed up files
DFU IPSW which still allows user to use DFU mode, even if the home button is broken, by creating a custom IPSW
Execution of terminal commands while running Red Snow
Boot logo modification

SnowBreeze: Jailbreaking tool that existed since iOS 3 firmware generation and still being developed. It can be used for Jailbreaking iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Apple TV 2G. SnowBreeze is limited to older versions which have A4 chip installed.

Creates custom iOS firmware files
Terminal commands free to create custom firmware files
iFaith mode - downgrades iOS without Jailbreaking it
Simple mode - preJailbreak IPSW process
Expert mode - customisation like root partition and selecting pre-installed packages
Baseband preservation mode - Jailbreak free firmware update without updating the baseband

GreenPoison: A one-click Jailbreaking solution tool developed by Chronic Dev. It simply consists of one screen with a Jailbreak button with capability to Jailbreak iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Apple TV.

User-friendly tool designed for the purpose of Jailbreak only
Cross platform compatibility to Mac OS X and Windows
Compatible to older devices and firmware
Jailbreaking without any data lose
Untethered Jailbreak only for safe iOS device function after being Jailbroken

Pwnage Tool: Dated back since the 1^st generation firmware and still maintained by the iPhone Dev-Team. Pwnage can be used to iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Apple TV 2G with limits to iOS devices featuring A4 chipset.

Greater Jailbreak customisation
Pwnage Tool is only compatible with Mac OS X, its Windows version is the SnowBreeze. Both clones are maintained by different developers.
Removes baseband update for unlockers
Restoration is a must

JailbreakMe: The easiest among other Jailbreaking tools which allows the user to Jailbreak using the Web site Jailbreakme.com. The Web site supports Jailbreaking of iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad with a simple tap of the button for Jailbreaking.

Jailbreaks iPad 2
Great for newbie who has never experienced Jailbreaking
Untethered Jailbreak only
Web site-based Jailbreaking process

SeasOnPass: A Jailbreaking tool designed for the Apple TV, created and maintained by the FireCore Dev-Team.

Cross platform compatibility with Mac OS X and Windows
Restores the factory settings of the Apple TV once Jailbroken

LimeRa1n: Developed by George Hotz, known for the first hardware unlock of the iPhone leading to developments of numerous Jailbreaks of iOS.

A simple Jailbreaking tool without complicated features
Can Jailbreak iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
Good for direct Jailbreaking purpose
Compatible with Mac OS X and Windows
Untethered support only

BlackRa1n: Another tool developed by George Hotz which focuses on iOS devices running 3.1, 3.1.1, and 3.1.2 versions. This Jailbreaking tool takes advantage of a flaw in the USB code of iOS devices running iOS 3 firmware.