Diffract

Overview

Diffract is a desktop comparison tool for code, folders, documents and binary files, with a command-line interface for scripted work. It suits developers and other users who need to inspect local files across several formats. Its broad free tier is compelling, but merge, document and Git workflows require a per-seat Pro license with a version ceiling.

Key features

Code, folders and binary files

Diffract highlights syntax in more than 30 languages, marks word-level changes and detects moved blocks. Collapsing unchanged regions helps keep large code comparisons focused. Folder diffs recurse through directory trees and distinguish added, removed and modified files, with a content-level view for inspecting changes inside modified files. Hex and binary comparison extends the free plan beyond text. These capabilities make it a strong fit for varied local comparisons, though the advanced merge and document workflows are reserved for Pro.

Merge, documents and Git

Pro adds three-way Git conflict resolution, showing local, remote and common-ancestor versions. That context is useful when resolving competing edits, but teams needing it must budget per seat. Pro also compares PDF, Word and Excel files; PDFs can be reviewed with changes highlighted on the page or as extracted text. Git history browsing, commit comparison and Git difftool use round out the upgrade for users who want comparison integrated into their development workflow. Remote URL comparisons are also a Pro feature.

Command line and local processing

The CLI supports standard, Myers and patience diff algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines. OS context-menu integration offers another route into comparisons. The maker says files stay on the local machine and are never sent elsewhere, a useful fit for users who want local processing. That is a maker claim, not a substitute for an organization's security review.

Pricing

Free: free, billed $0 forever. It includes unlimited file and directory diffs, the CLI and desktop app, syntax highlighting for more than 30 languages, three diff algorithms and hex/binary comparison. It can be used commercially on any number of devices, but redistribution is not permitted. This is the sensible starting point for users who do not need Pro's merge, document or Git features.

Pro: $34, paid once, a one-time purchase per seat. It adds three-way merge, PDF, Excel and Word comparison, semantic code comparison, Git integration and history browsing; all v1.x updates are included. The license key sets both a seat count and a version ceiling, so it covers versions only up to the one named by the key. Pro is a focused upgrade for users who need those workflows, but the per-seat terms and version ceiling matter for teams planning broader or longer-term deployment.

A 7-day trial is available. Purchase terms allow a full refund request within 30 days, handled by Paddle. The maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support, though it invites questions and bug reports by email.

Platforms

Diffract is a desktop application for Linux, macOS and Windows, with a CLI for command-line workflows.

Who it's for

Diffract is best suited to developers and other file-heavy users who want local comparisons across code, directory trees and binary files, especially if they value a capable free tier or need CLI-based automation. It is less suitable for teams that require merge, document comparison or Git history features without per-seat licensing, or that need a license without a version ceiling.

Pros and cons

Pros: The free plan includes unlimited file and directory diffs, commercial use, CLI access and binary comparison, so users can cover a broad set of comparison tasks without buying Pro.

Pros: Pro combines three-way merge, document comparison and Git history tools in one desktop workflow for users who need those capabilities.

Pros: Local processing and support for Linux, macOS and Windows suit users who want on-device comparisons across major desktop platforms.

Cons: Merge, document and Git history workflows are not part of Free, limiting the free plan for users who need them.

Cons: Pro is priced per seat and its license key has a version ceiling, which can complicate adoption across a team or upgrades beyond the covered version.

Cons: The maker has no obligation to provide maintenance or technical support, a drawback for organizations that need a support commitment.

Alternatives

Diffchecker is worth considering if a web platform matters alongside Linux, macOS and Windows, or if a monthly Pro + Desktop plan suits better than Diffract's one-time per-seat purchase; its free tier limits some features by monthly try counts.

Compare Suite is a Windows-only option for readers who want a free basic file-comparison tier, while its Light plan excludes folder sync, archives and Office formats.

SourceGear DiffMerge is a free alternative for readers seeking a no-cost tool across Linux, macOS and Windows.

Beyond Compare is an option for readers willing to pay $35, paid once for a per-user Standard license with no annual renewal fees.

KDiff3 is a free alternative for readers who want software from KDE's free and open-source software community.

delta is a free, MIT-licensed option for readers who prefer a command-line tool installed through a package manager or executable download.

DeltaWalker is an alternative for readers seeking a lifetime license, with Standard at $39.99 as a one-time purchase or Pro at $59.99, paid once.

Browse Diff and Merge Tools or File Comparison Software for more options.

Verdict

Choose Diffract if you want a capable local comparison tool across code, folders and binary files, with a genuinely broad free plan and a CLI for automation. Its Pro tier makes sense when three-way merge, document comparison or Git history are essential; look elsewhere if per-seat licensing, the version ceiling or the absence of a support obligation does not fit your requirements.