Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its text and code views provide syntax highlighting for more than 30 languages, word-level changes, moved-block detection and collapsible unchanged regions. Folder comparisons recurse through directory trees to show added, removed and modified files, with content-level inspection. The free edition includes unlimited file and directory comparisons, a desktop app and CLI, three diff algorithms, and hex or binary comparison. The CLI supports standard, Myers and patience algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines. Pro adds three-way Git conflict resolution, PDF, Word and Excel comparisons, semantic code comparison, and Git history and commit tools. The maker says files remain on the local computer. Free costs $0 forever; Pro is a one-time purchase at $34 per seat. A Pro key sets the seat count and version ceiling, and a full refund request may be made within 30 days of purchase.
Who it is for
Diffract suits developers and other desktop users who compare source code, directories or binary files. Pro may suit people who also need document comparisons, Git history or three-way merge resolution.
What is good
- Free tier allows commercial use
- Highlights syntax for more than 30 languages
- Free edition includes CLI and three diff algorithms
- Pro includes three-way merge and Git history tools
- Comparisons run locally, according to the maker
What to know first
- Pro costs $34.00 USD per once per seat
- Pro license keys have a version ceiling
- Maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support
- Redistribution of the free tier is not permitted
Verdict
Diffract offers broad file comparison in a desktop app and CLI, with the free tier covering unlimited file and directory diffs. Pro is a one-time per-seat purchase for document comparison, Git tools and three-way merging; check its version ceiling and support terms before buying.
Diffract plans and pricing
All plansCompared on file comparison software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Three-way merge
- Yes
- Folder comparison
- Yes
- Git integration
- Yes
- Syntax highlighting
- Yes
- Platform support
- desktop
- Merge scope
- three_way
