Diffract vs Kaleidoscope
Diffract
getdiffract.comKaleidoscope
kaleidoscope.appSide by side
| Figure | Diffract | Kaleidoscope |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $0.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Diff and Merge Tools | 8.3 (#7) | 7.6 (#18) |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 8.2 (#9) | 7.6 (#22) |
| Folder comparison | It recursively compares directory trees and shows added, removed and modified files with content-level drill-down. | Folder comparison displays folder trees and supports inline diffs, Quick Look, and copying items between sides. |
| Headquarters | Leutenbach, Germany | Millstatt, Austria |
| Purpose | Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side. | Kaleidoscope compares and merges text, image, and folder contents. |
| Support | The terms say the maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support; the site invites questions and bug reports by email. | Users can contact support or send feedback from the app’s Help menu, or email [email protected]. |
Plans
Kaleidoscope
- TrialFree
- Yearly$8 a year
- Team$10 a year
- MonthlyPrice not published
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.
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.