Diffract vs Meld
Diffract
getdiffract.comMeld
meldmerge.orgSide by side
| Figure | Diffract | Meld |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Diff and Merge Tools | 8.3 (#7) | 7.3 (#24) |
| Folder comparison | It recursively compares directory trees and shows added, removed and modified files with content-level drill-down. | Meld identifies missing or modified files across folders, supports drilling into file comparisons, and can ignore selected files or folders. |
| Purpose | Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side. | Meld compares files, directories, and version controlled projects. |
| Support | The terms say the maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support; the site invites questions and bug reports by email. | The site directs users to open an issue for problems or ask on the discussion board for help. |
Plans
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.
Meld
Meld is a free, open-source desktop tool for comparing files, directories and version-controlled projects. It provides two-way and three-way comparisons, with live updates while files are edited and merged. Three-way merge assistance handles conflicts and shows the base version. Folder comparisons identify missing or modified files, let users open deeper file comparisons, and can ignore selected files or folders. Meld supports Git, Mercurial, Bazaar and Subversion, including use with tools such as git mergetool. It is packaged for most Linux and Unix distributions and is available through Flathub. Windows users download an installer; automatic updates and portable installations are not supported. Meld is not yet supported on macOS, although the site points to semi-official builds and package-manager options. The project is licensed under GPLv2 or later, except as noted. The listed Meld plan costs nothing, and the stable release shown is 3.24.0.