Beyond Compare
Cross-platform tool for comparing, merging and syncing files and folders, sold as a one-time licence.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 2
- Approved reviews
- 0
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About Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare, from Scooter Software, is a veteran comparison tool used by developers, system administrators and anyone who has to reconcile two versions of something. It compares folders and files, including those on FTP servers, cloud storage and inside zip archives, and picks a suitable viewer for each: text with syntax highlighting and tweakable comparison rules, tables, images, binary data and executables. A merge view combines changes from two versions, and the Pro edition adds three-way merging. Folder Sync can mirror or update locations automatically, and a scripting language with command-line access lets you schedule comparisons and syncs. It plugs into most version-control systems as the external diff and merge tool. Beyond Compare runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is paid software with a free trial, sold in Standard and Pro editions as a one-time per-user licence that covers all minor updates, with major upgrades usually at a discount.
Best for: Developers and admins who need diff, merge and folder sync across Windows, Mac and Linux.
Pros and cons
What works
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with one licence per user
- Compares text, tables, images, binaries and remote locations
- Folder sync and scripting for automated jobs
- One-time purchase with free minor updates
Why people leave
- Three-way merge needs the more expensive Pro edition
- Dense interface takes time to learn
- Major version upgrades cost extra
Top Beyond Compare alternatives
See all 2- 1
Kaleidoscope62.6More polished Mac-native diffs with image comparison and Git history, as a subscription.
- 2
VisualDiffer59.6Free open-source folder and file comparer for Mac users who don't need sync or merge.
Why people left Beyond Compare
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Beyond Compare: common questions
Is Beyond Compare free?
No, Beyond Compare is a paid product. Starting price: $35 per user (Standard) (checked on Beyond Compare's own site).
Is Beyond Compare open source?
No, Beyond Compare is not open source. Open-source alternatives include VisualDiffer.
What platforms does Beyond Compare run on?
Beyond Compare is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Beyond Compare?
The highest-ranked Beyond Compare alternatives right now are Kaleidoscope and VisualDiffer. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.