Side by side
Beyond Compare vs DiffMerge
Both stand on file comparison software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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.
Visit Beyond CompareChoose DiffMerge if you need file merging alongside folder comparison and synchronization, with configurable change filtering and report creation. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or a platform-specific listed plan beyond the Windows download.
Visit DiffMergeThe facts
| Beyond Compare | DiffMerge | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Standard — per-user (1–4): $35 per user, paid once | DiffMerge: $30, paid once |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | beyond-compare.com | diffmerge.net |
| On file comparison software | #16 of 33 | #20 of 33 |
Beyond Compare: 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.
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.
DiffMerge: what it does well
- Compares and synchronizes folder hierarchies.
- Reads source code, XML, and HTML revisions.
- Supports ASCII, MBCS, and Unicode text.
- Ignore rules cover whitespace, comments, and more.
- HTML reports include syntax highlighting.
What to know first
- No free plan is offered.
- The listed plan costs $30, paid once.
- The listed Windows download is version 1.0.8.
Alternatives to Beyond Compare Alternatives to DiffMerge The whole list