Freedom251 › Document Comparison Software
UltraCompare
What UltraCompare is
UltraCompare is a desktop application for comparing and merging files, folders, and documents on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It places two or three files side by side, highlights character, word, or line changes, and lets you merge edits visually. Supported documents include Word, Excel, PDF, CSV, and other tabular data; cells, rows, columns, and multiple Excel sheets can be compared or merged. Folder tools compare, merge, and synchronize directory structures, with rule-based automation and scripting available. UltraCompare works as a diff and merge tool for Git, Subversion, and CVS. It can reach files through FTP, SFTP, FTPS, URLs, network shares, and SSH-key authentication, and can edit remote files. ZIP, RAR, and JAR contents can be compared without extraction. Saved sessions, editable comparisons, and HTML or text reports support repeatable work. Comparisons can start by drag and drop, from a File Explorer context menu, or through the command line. Large-file handling is included with every license. The maker, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Austin, lists developers, engineers, administrators, QA teams, technical writers, and legal or business groups among its users.
Who it suits
UltraCompare suits developers, engineers, and QA or technical-writing teams handling source, document, or data comparisons. It also fits administrators and legal, compliance, or business groups that need folder, remote-file, or report workflows.
What it does well
- Compares and merges two or three files side by side
- Supports folder comparison, merging, and synchronization
- Integrates with Git, Subversion, and CVS
- Compares ZIP, RAR, and JAR contents without extraction
- Handles large files with every license
- Offers FTP, SFTP, FTPS, URL, and network-share access
What to know first
- There is no free plan
- A license is required after the 30-day Windows trial
- Personal licenses cover up to three machines
- Subscriptions and perpetual plans require paid purchase
Limits
The fully functional Windows trial lasts 30 days, after which a license is required. A personal license covers up to three machines, while listed subscription plans allow five unique installs.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UltraEdit Core Subscription | One year subscription · 5 unique installs | $99.95 a year |
| UltraEdit Enterprise Subscription | One year subscription · 5 unique installs | $119.95 a year |
| UltraEdit Core Perpetual | One-time purchase; includes one year of maintenance · 3 unique installs | $179.95, paid once |
| UltraEdit Enterprise Perpetual | One-time purchase; includes one year of maintenance · 3 unique installs | $249.95, paid once |
As ultraedit.com lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the UltraCompare product website
- Choose a subscription or perpetual plan
- Download the fully functional Windows trial
- Install it on supported desktop platforms
- Start a comparison by drag and drop, File Explorer, or command line
- Connect remote locations with the supported protocols or URL
Verdict
Pick UltraCompare for multi-file, folder, tabular, archive, and remote comparison work with Git or other version-control systems. Look elsewhere if you need a permanently free tool or coverage beyond the personal license's machine allowance.
Questions
What does UltraCompare cost?
Listed plans include Core Subscription at $99.95 a year, Enterprise Subscription at $119.95 a year, Core Perpetual at 179.95 USD once, and Enterprise Perpetual at 249.95 USD once. The product page also gives a pricing note of from $119.95/yr.
Is there a free plan?
No. A fully functional Windows download provides a 30-day trial, then a license is required.
Which platforms does it support?
The listed platforms are Linux, macOS, and Windows, with desktop support.
Can it work with Git repositories?
Yes. UltraCompare integrates as a diff and merge tool for Git, Subversion, and CVS.
Can it compare remote files?
Yes. It supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS, URLs, network shares, remote editing, and SSH-key authentication.
How many machines does a personal license cover?
A personal license covers up to three machines across any combination of platforms.
Facts from UltraCompare's own pages
- Archive and remote files
- It can compare ZIP, RAR, and JAR contents without extracting them and compare files over FTP/SFTP or by URL. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Archive support
- It compares contents of ZIP, RAR, and JAR archives without first extracting them. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Company history
- UltraEdit says it was founded by Ian D. Mead and has published software since 1994. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Data comparison
- It can compare Excel, CSV, and other tabulated data, including merging cells, rows, or columns and comparing multiple Excel sheets. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- File comparison
- It supports side-by-side comparison and visual merging of two or three files from different locations. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Folder tools
- It compares, merges, and syncs folder structures, including through rule based automation. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1994 · ultraedit.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, USA · ultraedit.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- It integrates as a diff and merge tool for Git and also supports Subversion and CVS. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker lists developers and engineers, IT and system administrators, QA and technical writers, and legal, compliance, and business teams as users. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Large files
- Large file handling is included with every license. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- License limit
- A personal license covers up to three machines in any combination of platforms. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- License machine limit
- The product page says a personal license covers up to three machines across any combination of platforms. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Other features
- Features include character, word, or line highlighting; whitespace and case ignoring; editable comparisons; saved sessions; and HTML or text reports. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- UltraCompare has versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- UltraCompare compares and merges text files, folders, and documents including Word, Excel, and PDF. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Remote files
- It compares files over FTP/SFTP or by URL, and compares folders over FTP and network shares. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The company says its products appeal to teams requiring high security capability. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Security practices
- The maker says code receives review by two senior developers, every build is scanned with Kiuwan SAST, and third-party components are scanned with Black Duck SCA. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers an AI assistant for feature, setup, workflow, or licensing help, support cases, FAQs, documentation, and a community run forum. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Tabular data
- It compares Excel, CSV, and other tabulated data and can merge cells, rows, or columns, including across multiple Excel sheets. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The fully functional Windows download includes all features and provides a 30 day trial; a license is required to continue using it after the trial. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Two and three way compare
- It compares two or three files side by side and lets users merge differences visually. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Version control
- It integrates with Git, Subversion, and CVS as a difftool and mergetool. · ultraedit.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where UltraCompare stands on Freedom251
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