Diffract

Diffract is a desktop tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files side by side on Linux, macOS and Windows. Text and code comparisons provide syntax highlighting for more than 30 languages, word-level changes, moved-block detection and collapsible unchanged regions. Folder comparisons traverse directory trees to identify added, removed and modified files, with content-level inspection. The free plan includes unlimited file and directory diffs, desktop and CLI tools, 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 conflict resolution, PDF, Word and Excel comparisons, semantic code comparison, and Git integration with history and commit browsing. The maker says comparisons run locally and files do not leave the computer. Free costs nothing, billed $0 forever. Pro is a one-time purchase at $34, paid once, per seat; its license key specifies the seat count and version ceiling. The free tier may be used commercially, but redistribution is not permitted.

Diffract covers common text and folder comparisons in its free tier, while Pro adds document comparison, merge and Git features. Check the per-seat license version ceiling and redistribution restriction before choosing a plan.

Diffract may suit developers and other desktop users who compare code, directories, documents or binary files. Its CLI and Git features may also fit scripting, Git hook and CI workflows.

Overview

Diffract is a desktop diff tool for comparing code, folders, documents and binary files, with a command-line interface for scripted work. It is best suited to developers and other users who want local comparisons across several file types. Its free tier is substantial; Pro is worthwhile when document comparison, Git history or three-way merging are part of the job.

The maker says comparisons run on the computer and files never leave it, a useful fit for workflows that favor local processing. The free plan also permits commercial use, though it does not permit redistribution.

For category browsing, see Diff and Merge Tools and File Comparison Software.

Key features

Code, text and folders

Syntax highlighting for more than 30 languages, word-level changes and moved-block detection help make code edits easier to assess than a basic line-by-line diff. Collapsible unchanged regions reduce clutter in larger comparisons. Folder comparison recursively identifies added, removed and modified files, then lets users inspect file contents. The free tier includes unlimited file and directory diffs, three diff algorithms and hex or binary comparison.

Documents, Git and merge

Pro adds PDF, Word and Excel comparisons; PDFs can be viewed with page-level highlights or as extracted text. Its three-way merge presents local, remote and common-ancestor versions, while Git tools include commit history, commit comparison and difftool operation from the interface or CLI. These features make Pro a more complete option for development workflows, but they are not part of the free plan.

Command line and integrations

The CLI supports standard, Myers and patience diff algorithms for scripts, Git hooks and CI pipelines. OS context-menu integration and Git difftool use are also documented, while comparing remote URLs is a Pro feature. This mix gives users both visual and automated workflows without making every comparison dependent on the desktop interface.

Pricing

Diffract is freemium, with a 7-day trial and two published plans:

Free is a strong choice for users who need standard text, folder or binary comparisons and do not need document diffs, Git history or merge resolution. Pro’s one-time, per-seat price targets users who need those advanced workflows. A Pro key specifies both seat count and a version ceiling, so it covers versions only up to the ceiling named by the key; buyers should account for that limit rather than assume all future versions are included. The terms do not obligate the maker to provide maintenance or technical support, though questions and bug reports can be sent by email. A full refund may be requested within 30 days of purchase, handled by Paddle.

Platforms

Diffract supports Linux, macOS and Windows. Its desktop focus suits users comparing files on their own computers, while the CLI extends use to scripts and CI pipelines.

Who it's for

Diffract fits developers who want a capable free diff tool and may later need Git history, three-way conflict resolution or document comparisons. It also suits users who compare folder trees or binary files and prefer local processing. It is less compelling for someone who only needs a basic Windows-only comparator, or for a team that requires guaranteed ongoing support or a license without a version ceiling.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free tier combines unlimited file and directory diffs with CLI use, three algorithms and binary comparison, and permits commercial use.
• Pros: Pro brings document diffs, Git history and three-way merge under a one-time per-seat purchase.
• Pros: Linux, macOS and Windows support broadens its usefulness across desktop environments.
• Cons: Document comparison, merge and Git history require Pro, so users needing those features cannot stay on the free plan.
• Cons: Pro licenses have a seat count and version ceiling, and the terms do not promise maintenance or technical support.
• Cons: The free plan cannot be redistributed, despite permitting commercial use.

Alternatives

Choose Buddi if you want free budgeting software for Linux, macOS or Windows; it is not a file-comparison substitute. Diffchecker is an option for users who want web access alongside desktop support, with a free tier that limits some Pro features by monthly try counts and a Pro + Desktop plan priced at $15 a month. Meld may suit users seeking a free GPLv2-or-later option on Linux or Windows. WinMerge is a free, open-source alternative for Windows file and folder comparison and merging. Code Compare is another freemium choice for users on Windows or using an extension; its free version is available, while Pro pricing is custom pricing. cwdiff is a free Linux option. Diffinity is a free Windows alternative for personal and commercial use, requiring .NET 8.0. KDiff3 is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows from KDE.

Verdict

Choose Diffract if you want a cross-platform desktop diff tool with a genuinely useful free tier and a clear upgrade path to document comparison, Git history and three-way merge. Its breadth and local-comparison approach are the main reasons to pick it; look elsewhere if Pro’s per-seat version ceiling or the lack of guaranteed support does not fit your requirements.