Altova DiffDog vs Meld
Altova DiffDog
altova.comMeld
gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.orgSide by side
| Figure | Altova DiffDog | Meld |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 8.3 (#4) | 7.6 (#23) |
| Spec score · Diff and Merge Tools | 8.3 (#4) | 7.6 (#19) |
| Intended users | Altova describes DiffDog as a technical diff/merge tool for developers and IT professionals. | The project describes Meld as useful for reviewing code changes and understanding patches. |
| Purpose | DiffDog compares and merges text and source-code files, XML and JSON files, Word documents, directories, and database schemas and content. | Meld is a visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, directories, and version-controlled projects. |
Plans
Altova DiffDog
- DiffDog 2026 Professional Edition$189, paid once
- DiffDog 2026 Enterprise Edition$269, paid once
In their own words
Altova DiffDog
Altova DiffDog has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Meld
Meld is a free visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, folders, and version-controlled projects. It shows changes as files are edited, provides navigation between differences, and assists with three-way merges, including conflict handling and display of the base version. Folder comparisons identify missing or modified files and allow selected files or folders to be ignored. Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, including integration with tools such as git mergetool. Users can define regular-expression filters to ignore matching text, but filtering support is incomplete and filters cannot change the number of lines. The software is available for Linux and Windows. Linux packages are offered by most Linux and Unix distributions and through Flathub; Windows users can download an installer. Windows builds do not support automatic updates or portable installs. macOS is not yet supported, though the project lists semi-official builds and installation options through Homebrew, MacPorts, or Fink. Meld 3.24.0 is listed as the stable release dated 20 June 2026. The plan costs nothing and lists a GPLv2-or-later license, except as noted.