Diffract vs FolderMatch
Diffract
getdiffract.comFolderMatch
foldermatch.comSide by side
| Figure | Diffract | FolderMatch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 8.2 (#9) | 7.6 (#21) |
| Folder comparison | It recursively compares directory trees and shows added, removed and modified files with content-level drill-down. | It compares folders including subfolders and displays differences side by side, with comparison options including names, sizes, dates, contents, attributes, and version stamps. |
| License limit | A Pro license key specifies a seat count and a version ceiling; it covers versions up to the version specified by the key. | A standard FolderMatch license permits use on one computer; the Home License Add-On extends one license to computers in the buyer's home for personal use. |
| Support | The terms say the maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support; the site invites questions and bug reports by email. | Salty Brine offers support by web form or email and asks users to provide their software version, operating system, and issue details. |
Plans
FolderMatch
- Upgrade License$18, paid once
- Home License Add-On$21.99, paid once
- Single User License$36, paid once
- Lifetime Upgrade Assurance$49.95, paid once
In their own words
Diffract
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.
FolderMatch
FolderMatch has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.