Beyond Compare vs KDiff3

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.

KDiff3 is a free, open-source desktop app for comparing and merging files and folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can compare two or three text files or folders, showing differences line by line and character by character. For merge work, it can combine changes automatically and includes an editor for resolving conflicts, including three-way merges. Folder comparison and Git integration are supported. KDiff3 handles Unicode, UTF-8, and other file encodings; users can highlight or hide whitespace and comment changes, and print differences. It also supports version-control keyword and history merging, with network transparency through KIO. Its listed license is GPL-2.0-or-later. The Free plan costs nothing, and there is no free trial. Linux installation options include Discover or another AppStream store, a distribution package manager, or Flathub. The app page links to a handbook, forum, and bug-reporting page. KDE describes itself as an international community building and distributing free, open-source software since 1996.