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Beyond Compare
What it is
Beyond Compare is desktop software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It compares folders, text files, images, and tables, then combines changes from two versions into one result. Folder Sync reconciles differences and can copy data to or from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files. Scripting and a command-line interface support repetitive jobs and scheduled synchronizations. 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. Standard costs $35, paid once per user for one to four users; Pro costs $70, paid once per user for that range. Site and enterprise licenses are also listed. A 30-day trial includes Standard and Pro functionality, but continued use requires a license. The maker says compared data stays local unless a networked repository is used.
For and against
For
- Compares folders, text, images, and tables
- Folder Sync handles disks, FTP, and ZIP
- Scripting and command-line automation
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- 30-day trial includes Pro functionality
Against
- No free plan is offered
- Continued use requires a paid license
- No floating, concurrent, or server licenses
- Pro costs $70, paid once per user
The verdict
Beyond Compare offers broad comparison, merging, synchronization, and automation tools across three desktop platforms. Choose between Standard and Pro based on the required merge, source-control, and integration features.
Who it suits
Beyond Compare suits developers, system administrators, and others who compare, merge, or synchronize files across supported desktop systems. It is also relevant for scheduled or scripted synchronization work.
Plans and prices
Standard — per-user (1–4)
1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
Pro — per-user (1–4)
1–4 users · perpetual license · Windows, macOS, Linux
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
Standard — site
Unlimited users · single named location
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
Pro — site
Unlimited users · single named location
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
Standard — enterprise
All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
Pro — enterprise
All personnel worldwide in the organization and subsidiaries
Read 3 Oct 2026 · scootersoftware.com
On the record
- Automation
- A scripting language and command-line interface can automate repetitive tasks and schedule synchronizations.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Company
- Scooter Software describes itself as an independent, employee-owned software company in Madison, Wisconsin.beyond-compare.com · read 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.scootersoftware.com · read 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.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- Beyond Compare is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Folder synchronization
- Its Folder Sync interface can reconcile data differences and copy to and from disks, FTP servers, and ZIP files.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes developers, system administrators, and others as users of the application.scootersoftware.com · read 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.scootersoftware.com · read 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.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Beyond Compare is client software for comparing and synchronizing files and folders.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security claims
- The maker says installers and executables are code signed and scanned with multiple antivirus products before release.scootersoftware.com · read 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.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support resources include a help file, video tutorials, knowledge base articles, user forums, and a contact channel for reporting problems.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- 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.scootersoftware.com · read 3 Oct 2026
