Diffract vs Mergely
Diffract
getdiffract.comMergely
mergely.comSide by side
| Figure | Diffract | Mergely |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Diff and Merge Tools | 8.3 (#7) | 7.4 (#23) |
| Spec score · File Comparison Software | 8.2 (#9) | 7.4 (#25) |
| Integrations | The documentation describes OS context-menu integration and Git difftool use; remote URL comparisons are a Pro feature. | The documentation recommends the React component and also describes CDN and webpack usage; it says the Angular component is out of date. |
| Purpose | Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side. | Mergely is a browser based diff and merge editor and JavaScript library for comparing and merging text. |
| 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 maker directs users to GitHub issues for support, and the CDL includes one year of personal email support. |
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.
Mergely
Mergely is a browser-based diff and merge editor plus a JavaScript library for comparing two text documents. It places documents side by side and marks additions, deletions and changes. Differences are computed in the browser with JavaScript, without server calls for the comparison. The maker says imported documents stay in the browser unless saved or shared; saved diffs are public to anyone with the link and can be managed there. Developers can embed the library in web applications through its API. Documentation recommends the React component and describes CDN and webpack use, while the Angular component is out of date. Options include ignoring whitespace, case or accented characters, line numbers, wrapping and sidebars. The API can merge a whole document or a selected change across sides. Firefox, Chrome, Edge and Safari are supported. The open-source release is free under GPL, LGPL and MPL licenses; a Closed Distribution License is available by contacting the maker.