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Diffract

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Score7.1

Rank#3 of 32

PriceFree

Free planYes

Free trialYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its text and code comparisons include syntax highlighting for 30+ languages, word-level changes, moved-block detection and collapsible unchanged regions. Folder comparison recursively identifies added, removed and modified files, with content-level drill-down. The free plan includes unlimited file and directory diffs, a desktop app and CLI, three diff algorithms, and hex or binary comparison. The CLI supports standard, Myers and patience algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines. Pro adds three-way Git merge conflict resolution, PDF, Word and Excel comparisons, semantic code comparison, and Git integration with history and commit browsing. The maker says comparisons run entirely on the local machine and files do not leave the computer. Free costs 0.00 USD per free; Pro is 34.00 USD per once, per seat, with a license key specifying the seat count and version ceiling. The Free tier permits commercial use, but redistribution is not permitted.

Who it is for

Diffract suits developers and other users who need to compare files or directories locally. Pro is intended for users who also need document comparison, three-way merge or Git history features.

What is good

Free tier allows unlimited file and directory diffs.
Syntax highlighting covers 30+ languages.
CLI offers three diff algorithms.
Comparisons run locally, according to the maker.
Pro adds three-way merge and document comparisons.

What to know first

Pro costs 34.00 USD per once, per seat.
A Pro license sets a version ceiling.
Free tier redistribution is not permitted.
The maker is not obligated to provide technical support.

Verdict

Diffract covers everyday file and folder comparison in a free desktop and CLI package, with Pro adding merge, document and Git features. Its local processing and license limits are useful considerations when choosing a tier.

Diffract plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free $0 forever Unlimited file and directory diffs · CLI and desktop app · syntax highlighting for 30+ languages · three diff algorithms · hex/binary comparison getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026

Pro $34 once one-time purchase · per seat Three-way merge · PDF, Excel and Word comparison · semantic code comparison · Git integration and history browser · all v1.x updates included getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on file comparison software

Free plan: Yesgetdiffract.com
Three-way merge: Yesgetdiffract.com
Folder comparison: Yesgetdiffract.com
Git integration: Yesgetdiffract.com
Syntax highlighting: Yesgetdiffract.com
Platform support: desktopgetdiffract.com
Merge scope: three_waygetdiffract.com

Facts

Purpose: Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Code comparison: Text and code comparisons include syntax highlighting for 30+ languages, word-level changes, moved-block detection and collapsible unchanged regions.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Merge: Pro includes three-way Git merge conflict resolution with local, remote and common-ancestor views.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Document comparison: Pro compares PDF, Word and Excel files; PDFs can be rendered with changes highlighted on the page or viewed as extracted text.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
CLI: The command-line interface supports standard, Myers and patience diff algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Privacy: The maker says comparisons run entirely on the local machine and files never leave the computer.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: The documentation describes OS context-menu integration and Git difftool use; remote URL comparisons are a Pro feature.docs.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Free tier terms: The Free tier may be used on any number of devices, including for commercial use, but redistribution is not permitted.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
License limit: A Pro license key specifies a seat count and a version ceiling; it covers versions up to the version specified by the key.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Support: The terms say the maker is not obligated to provide maintenance or technical support; the site invites questions and bug reports by email.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Refunds: The terms allow a full refund request within 30 days of purchase, handled by Paddle.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026
Maker: The legal notice names SmallSoftLoaf Software - Kevin Jung as the service provider at an address in Leutenbach, Germany.getdiffract.com · 30 Sept 2026