Code Compare vs WinMerge
Code Compare
devart.com
WinMerge
winmerge.ioSide by side
| Figure | Code Compare | WinMerge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 9.1 (#2) | 7.0 (#28) |
| Folder comparison | Folder comparison color-codes added, deleted, and changed files, supports include/exclude filters, opens individual file comparisons, and batch-copies files. | Folder comparison supports recursive or single-level views, regex filters, binary awareness, and three-way comparison. |
| Purpose | Code Compare compares and merges differing files and folders. | WinMerge is a free, open-source tool for visually comparing and merging files and folders on Windows. |
| 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 site provides FAQ, step-by-step guides, and antivirus troubleshooting guidance. |
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.
WinMerge
WinMerge is a free, open-source Windows application for visually comparing and merging files and folders. File comparison uses side-by-side panes, inline difference highlights, syntax highlighting, a difference pane, and moved-line detection. Folder comparison can be recursive or single-level, apply regular-expression filters, recognize binary files, and compare three versions. Image comparison offers block highlights and overlay mode, while CSV and TSV files appear in table form. WinMerge creates Normal, Context, and Unified patches and can resolve conflict files produced by other tools. It includes 64-bit Windows Explorer shell integration, 7-Zip archive browsing, plugins, and use as an external diff tool with version-control tools. Current 32-bit builds require Windows XP SP3 or newer; 64-bit builds require Windows 7 or newer. Official cross-platform support is not planned. GPLv2 licensing, source archives, release SHA-256 checksums, guides, and FAQ support are provided.