Beyond Compare
A paid desktop comparison tool for files, folders and supported comparison session types.
About Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare is a paid desktop application for comparing, merging and synchronizing files and folders. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is aimed at developers, system administrators and others who work with data. Users can compare folders, text files, images and tables, review the differences, and merge changes from two versions of a file or folder into one output.
The software also synchronizes local data with disks, FTP sites, zip files and cloud storage, and it can be used with most version control systems. Scripts written in its scripting language can be run from the command line, so syncs can be scheduled. A free trial is offered on the homepage. Access to a license is tied to a web account, and customers who ordered before May 10, 2023 must create an account using the email address from their order.
Key features
- Folder and file comparison with filters that limit the view to chosen differences
- Merging of changes from two versions of a file or folder into one output
- Folder synchronization across local disks, FTP servers and zip files
- Synchronization of local data with FTP sites and cloud storage
- Dedicated viewers for text, data, binary, executable and image files
- Scripting language for automating tasks, callable from the command line
Best for: Developers, system administrators and others who need to compare, merge or synchronize files and folders on desktop systems.
Good for
- Specialized viewers with syntax highlighting and comparison rules for documents, source code and HTML
- Merge view lets users accept most changes quickly while examining conflicts closely
- Scripts can be called from the command line, so syncs can be scheduled
Watch out for
- The software is paid, and a free trial is the only free option listed on the homepage
- Customers who ordered before May 10, 2023 must use the same order email to access their license in the newer account system
Beyond Compare at a glance
- Website
- scootersoftware.com
- Category
- Software & Utilities › File Utilities
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Paid
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 9, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 9, 2026
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Beyond Compare FAQ
Can syncs be scheduled?
Scripts written in the built-in scripting language can be called from the command line, which allows syncs to be scheduled for a convenient time.
How do I access my license if I ordered before May 10, 2023?
Create a new account using the same email address that was used on the order. If that email is no longer accessible, contact the company to have the address updated.
Is there a trial version?
The homepage offers a free trial download.
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