Code Compare vs Meld
Code Compare
devart.comMeld
gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.orgSide by side
| Figure | Code Compare | Meld |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Diff and Merge Tools | 9.2 (#1) | 7.6 (#19) |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 9.1 (#2) | 7.6 (#23) |
| Folder comparison | Folder comparison color-codes added, deleted, and changed files, supports include/exclude filters, opens individual file comparisons, and batch-copies files. | It identifies missing or modified files across folders and can ignore selected files or folders. |
| Purpose | Code Compare compares and merges differing files and folders. | Meld is a visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, directories, and version-controlled projects. |
| Support | Devart says free support includes documentation, forums, an AI support chatbot, and basic email troubleshooting; support for trial licenses includes extended email assistance and product updates. | The project asks users to open an issue for problems and offers a discussion board for questions. |
| Version control | The maker lists integrations including TFS, SVN, Git, Mercurial, Perforce, TortoiseGit, GitKraken, SourceTree, and Git Extensions. | It supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, and Subversion, including integration with tools such as git mergetool. |
Plans
Code Compare
- Code Compare FreeFree
- EvaluationFree
- Free editionFree
- Pro edition$69.95, paid once
- Code Compare ProPriced on request
In their own words
Code Compare
Code Compare 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.