Beyond Compare vs Diffract

Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can compare folders, text files, images, and tables, then combine changes from two versions into one output. Folder Sync helps reconcile differences and copy data to or from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files. Repetitive comparison or synchronization work can be automated with its scripting language and command-line interface. Pro adds text and folder merging, source-control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion. The download includes Standard and Pro functionality for a 30-day trial; continued use requires a license. Per-user perpetual licenses for one to four users cost $35 as a one-time purchase for Standard and $70, paid once for Pro. Site and enterprise options are also listed. The maker says compared data is not sent externally unless a networked repository is used. Licenses are not available as floating, concurrent, or server licenses.

Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files on Linux, macOS and Windows. Text and code comparisons include syntax highlighting for more than 30 languages, word-level changes, moved-block detection and collapsible unchanged regions. Folder comparisons traverse directory trees, show added, removed and modified files, and allow inspection of file contents. The command-line interface supports standard, Myers and patience diff algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines. Pro adds three-way Git merge conflict resolution, document comparisons for PDF, Word and Excel, semantic code comparison, and Git history and commit browsing. The Free tier includes unlimited file and directory comparisons, desktop and CLI tools, three algorithms, and hex or binary comparison. The maker says comparisons run locally and files stay on the computer. Free is $0 forever and permits commercial use, but not redistribution. Pro costs $34, paid once per seat; its license key specifies a seat count and version ceiling, and includes all v1.x updates. A full refund can be requested within 30 days of purchase.