Diffchecker compares text, code, and data, either in a browser or with its desktop app.
Best File Comparison Software in 2026
File comparison software can help you spot differences in individual files or folders and review edits that need to be reconciled. Compare binary and folder comparison features with three-way merge and merge conflict tools to see how options handle the work you need to do. Version-control support and supported platforms offer more compatibility context, while free plans and paid-from pricing help with budgeting.…
Code Compare is a file and folder comparison and merge tool available as a standalone app and a Visual Studio extension.
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KDiff3
KDiff3 compares and merges files and folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.3Free plan - 5
UltraCompare
LinuxmacOSWindows7.1From $99.95 a year - 6

Diffract
Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side on Linux, macOS and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.8$34 one-time - 7
Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.4$35 one-time - 8
Beyond Compare
Beyond Compare helps users inspect differences and merge changes across folders, text files, images, and tables.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.4$35 one-time - 9

DeltaWalker
DeltaWalker is a desktop application for comparing, synchronizing, merging, automating, and analyzing files and folders on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.4$39.99 one-time - 10

Altova DiffDog
Altova DiffDog is a Windows desktop tool for comparing and merging files, directories, and database schemas or content.
Windows6.3$189 one-time - 11

Araxis Merge
Araxis Merge is a Windows and macOS application for comparing and merging files, plus synchronizing directory trees.
macOSWindows6.3$129 one-time - 12
DiffMerge
DiffMerge is a desktop utility for comparing and merging files, as well as comparing and synchronizing folders.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3$30 one-time - 13
Guiffy
Guiffy is a visual tool for comparing and merging source files and comparing folders, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3$24 one-time - 14
Kaleidoscope
macOS6.3From $8 a year - 15

DirEqual
DirEqual compares folders and files, then lets users synchronize folder contents on macOS or Windows.
macOSWindows6.2From $15 a year - 16
Meld
Meld is a free visual diff and merge tool for comparing files, folders, and version-controlled projects.
Free planLinuxWindows6.2Free plan - 17
ExamDiff Pro
Windows6.1$37.99 one-time - 18
ExamXML
Windows6.1 - 19
FolderMatch
Windows6.1$36 one-time - 20
Mergely
Mergely is a browser-based diff and merge editor, as well as a JavaScript library for comparing and merging text.
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 21
AmSo Compare
AmSo Compare is a macOS application for comparing, editing, merging, and synchronizing folders and files.
macOS6.0From $12.99 a year - 22

Compare and Merge
Compare and Merge is a Windows application for comparing text files and folders, locating character-level changes, and merging selected differences.
Windows6.0$39.95 one-time - 236.0$29 one-time
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Diffinity
Diffinity is a free Windows utility for comparing and merging text files, with folder comparison for reviewing differences across directories.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 25
Kompare
Kompare is a free Linux graphical application for viewing and merging differences between source files.
Free planLinux5.8Free plan
