Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders.
What Beyond Compare is
Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders. It can compare folders, text files, images, and tables, then combine changes from two versions into one output. Folder Sync helps reconcile differences and copy data to or from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files. Repetitive comparison or synchronization work can be automated with its scripting language and command-line interface. The Pro edition adds text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion. The software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The download includes Standard and Pro functionality for a 30-day trial; continued use requires a license. Per-user perpetual licenses for one to four users are listed at $35, paid once for Standard and $70, paid once for Pro. Site and enterprise license options are also listed. The maker says compared data is not sent externally unless a networked repository is used. It does not offer floating, concurrent, or server licenses.
Good
- Compares folders, text, images, and tables.
- Synchronizes with disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files.
- Scripts and command-line tools can automate tasks.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Perpetual per-user licenses are listed.
Watch out
- No free plan is listed; continued use requires a license.
- No floating, concurrent, or server licenses.
- Maker says it lacks several named security certifications.
- FIPS 140-2 and 140-3 compliant encryption is unsupported.
Who it suits
Beyond Compare suits developers, system administrators, and others who need to inspect or synchronize files and folders. Pro may suit users who need its additional merge, source-control, or repository integrations.
Verdict
Beyond Compare covers file comparison, merging, and synchronization, with additional tools in Pro. Its one-time license options and the absence of concurrent or server licenses are worth considering when selecting it for a team.
Plans and prices
From Beyond Compare's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Standard — per-user (1–4) | $35, paid once | 1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux · $35 / user |
| Pro — per-user (1–4) | $70, paid once | 1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux · $70 / user |
| Standard — site | $5,250, paid once | Unlimited users · single named location · $5250 |
| Pro — site | $10,500, paid once | Unlimited users · single named location · $10500 |
| Standard — enterprise | $21,000, paid once | All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries · $21000 |
| Pro — enterprise | $42,000, paid once | All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries · $42000 |
The facts
Each one read from Beyond Compare's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- A scripting language and command-line interface can automate repetitive tasks and schedule synchronizations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Compare and merge
- It compares folders, text files, images, and tables, and combines changes from two file or folder versions into one output.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- Scooter Software says it does not process customer data, and Beyond Compare does not send compared data externally unless a networked repository is used.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Folder synchronization
- Its Folder Sync interface can reconcile data differences and copy to and from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes developers, system administrators, and others as users of the application.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License limits
- Licenses are perpetual and one-time purchase, and the maker says it does not offer floating, concurrent, or server licenses.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Pro edition
- Pro adds text and folder merging, source control commands, SFTP and FTPS, registry comparison, and integrations for WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and Subversion.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Beyond Compare is client software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Security claims
- The maker says installers and executables are code signed and scanned with multiple antivirus products before release.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Security limitations
- The maker says it has no ISO 27001, SOC 2, FedRAMP, or HITRUST certifications and does not support FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 compliant encryption.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support resources include a help file, video tutorials, knowledge base articles, user forums, and a contact channel for reporting problems.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Scooter Software describes itself as an independent, employee-owned software company in Madison, Wisconsin.checked 3 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Desktop platforms
- Beyond Compare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The download includes both Standard and Pro functionality, and the maker says it may be evaluated for free before a license is purchased for continued use.checked 3 Oct 2026
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