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Beyond Compare
What Beyond Compare is
Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can examine folders, text files, images, and tables, then bring changes from two file or folder versions together in a single output. Its Folder Sync interface helps reconcile differences and copy data to or from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files. Repetitive comparisons and synchronization tasks can be automated with its scripting language and command-line interface, including scheduled synchronizations.
The Pro edition adds text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion. The download offers Standard and Pro functionality for a 30-day trial. Continued use requires purchasing a license. Standard per-user licenses for one to four users cost $35, paid once; Pro per-user licenses for one to four users cost $70, paid once. Site and enterprise licenses are also available at listed one-time prices. Licenses are perpetual, and the maker does not offer floating, concurrent, or server licenses. Scooter Software says compared data stays local unless a networked repository is used.
Who it suits
Beyond Compare suits developers, system administrators, and others who need to compare or synchronize files and folders. Its automation tools may suit people with repetitive tasks, while Pro adds merging, source control commands, and networked storage integrations.
What it does well
- Compares folders, text files, images, and tables.
- Combines changes from two versions into one output.
- Folder Sync works with disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files.
- Scripts and command-line tools can automate scheduled synchronizations.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Pro adds source control commands and storage integrations.
What to know first
- No free plan is offered; continued use requires a license.
- Per-user licenses are limited to one to four users.
- Floating, concurrent, and server licenses are not offered.
- The maker reports no listed major security certifications or FIPS-compliant encryption support.
Limits
The free evaluation lasts 30 days; continued use requires a purchased license. Standard does not include the Pro additions, such as text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and the listed integrations.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pro — site | $10500 · Unlimited users · single named location | $10,500, paid once |
| Standard — enterprise | $21000 · All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries | $21,000, paid once |
| Standard — per-user (1–4) | $35 / user · 1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux | $35, paid once |
| Pro — enterprise | $42000 · All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries | $42,000, paid once |
| Standard — site | $5250 · Unlimited users · single named location | $5,250, paid once |
| Pro — per-user (1–4) | $70 / user · 1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux | $70, paid once |
As beyond-compare.com lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Beyond Compare website.
- Download the application for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Evaluate the included Standard and Pro functionality during the 30-day trial.
- Choose a Standard or Pro license for per-user, site, or enterprise use.
- Purchase a license for continued use after the trial.
Verdict
Pick Beyond Compare if you need desktop file comparison and synchronization across Windows, macOS, or Linux, especially when automation or merging matters. Pro is the relevant edition for text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, and the listed integrations. Look elsewhere if you need floating, concurrent, or server licensing, or require the listed security certifications or FIPS-compliant encryption.
Questions
How much does Beyond Compare cost?
Standard per-user licenses for one to four users cost $35, paid once, and Pro costs $70, paid once. Site licenses cost $5,250, paid once for Standard and $10,500, paid once for Pro; enterprise licenses cost $21,000, paid once for Standard and $42,000, paid once for Pro.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. The download includes Standard and Pro functionality for a 30-day trial, after which a license is needed for continued use.
Which platforms does it support?
Beyond Compare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What does the Pro edition add?
Pro adds text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion.
Who makes Beyond Compare?
Scooter Software describes itself as an independent, employee-owned software company in Madison, Wisconsin.
Does Beyond Compare send compared data externally?
Scooter Software says it does not process customer data. Beyond Compare does not send compared data externally unless a networked repository is used.
Facts from Beyond Compare's own pages
- Automation
- A scripting language and command-line interface can automate repetitive tasks and schedule synchronizations. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Company
- Scooter Software describes itself as an independent, employee-owned software company in Madison, Wisconsin. · beyond-compare.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Compare and merge
- It compares folders, text files, images, and tables, and combines changes from two file or folder versions into one output. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- Scooter Software says it does not process customer data, and Beyond Compare does not send compared data externally unless a networked repository is used. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- Beyond Compare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Folder synchronization
- Its Folder Sync interface can reconcile data differences and copy to and from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes developers, system administrators, and others as users of the application. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- License limits
- Licenses are perpetual and one-time purchase, and the maker says it does not offer floating, concurrent, or server licenses. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Pro edition
- Pro adds text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Beyond Compare is client software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Security claims
- The maker says installers and executables are code signed and scanned with multiple antivirus products before release. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Security limitations
- The maker says it has no ISO 27001, SOC 2, FedRAMP, or HITRUST certifications and does not support FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support resources include a help file, video tutorials, knowledge base articles, user forums, and a contact channel for reporting problems. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The download includes both Standard and Pro functionality, and the maker says it may be evaluated for free before a license is purchased for continued use. · scootersoftware.com, 3 Oct 2026
Where Beyond Compare stands on Freedom251
- File Comparison Software#16 of 33