Our verdict: Beyond Compare is the comparison tool many developers and sysadmins keep for years: it diffs text, folders, images, tables and binary files in one app. The trial is fully functional for 30 days of use, then the program stops until you buy a key. Free WinMerge covers basic text and folder diffs.
About Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare from Scooter Software compares folders and files side by side, merges changes into an output file and synchronizes folders, FTP sites, cloud storage and zip archives through one interface. Text views have syntax highlighting and rules for source code, while dedicated viewers handle tables, images and binary data. It plugs into most version control systems as a diff and merge tool.
The download includes both editions. The trial counts only the days you actually run the program, and after 30 days of use it stops running unless you enter a license key; no account or card is needed to start. A Standard license costs $35 and Pro costs $70 per user, one-time, with free minor updates for the whole major version and major upgrades usually at half price.
What it does well
- Folder comparison. Shows differences between two folder trees with filters for what matters.
- Text diff and merge. Side-by-side diff with syntax highlighting and an editable merge output.
- Folder sync. Updates, mirrors or backs up folders, FTP sites and zip files.
- Specialized viewers. Compares tables, images, binary files and executables.
- Version control integration. Works as the external diff and merge tool for Git and other systems.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers, sysadmins and anyone who regularly compares code, configs or folder trees.
Look elsewhere
Occasional users who only need a quick text diff that free tools already provide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compares files, folders, tables and images
- Reliable folder sync including FTP and zip
- One-time license, minor updates free
- Trial counts only days of actual use
Cons
- Stops running after 30 days of use without a license
- Some advanced features require the $70 Pro edition
- Interface is dense for first-time users
How to install Beyond Compare
Download the English Windows installer from scootersoftware.com; MSI and zip versions are on the same page. The trial starts without an account or card. To use it from Git, set it as diff.tool and merge.tool, as described in the Beyond Compare help.
Questions about Beyond Compare
Is Beyond Compare free?
No. It has a fully functional free trial for 30 days of use, without an account or card; after that it stops running. A Standard license costs $35 and Pro $70, both one-time.
What is the difference between Standard and Pro?
Pro adds advanced features on top of Standard. The installer is the same; your license key unlocks the edition you bought.
Do I have to pay for updates?
Minor updates are free for the whole major version. Major version upgrades are generally offered at half price.
