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NextDiff
What it is
NextDiff is a Windows utility for comparing two files, text documents, source code files, or folders. It shows text files side by side and highlights changes by line and within lines. Folder comparisons include subfolders, identify files that appear on only one side, and can mark the newer file. Users can edit in the comparison view, copy differences in either direction, and undo recent merge or edit actions.
Comparison settings can ignore case, whitespace, leading or trailing spaces, and blank lines. Supported text encodings include ANSI, ASCII, UTF-8, UTF-8 with BOM, and UTF-16. Optional Apache Tika support extracts readable text from formats such as PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. The listed version is 2.2, dated September 23, 2026, and adds Preferences and support for new document formats. NextDiff is freeware for personal and commercial use on Windows 10 and 11, at no cost. The maker says the software runs locally without telemetry, cloud accounts, or data collection.
For and against
For
- Shows text differences side by side
- Compares folders and subfolders
- Can edit and copy differences in either direction
- Supports several text encodings
- Free for personal and commercial use
Against
- Available for Windows 10 and 11
- Apache Tika support is optional
The verdict
NextDiff combines file and folder comparisons with editing and merge tools in a free Windows utility. Document-format text extraction depends on optional Apache Tika support.
Who it suits
NextDiff suits Windows users who need to compare text, source code, or folders and may want to merge or edit differences. Optional Apache Tika support may be useful when comparing readable text in supported document formats.
Plans and prices
Free
Windows 10 & 11 · personal and commercial use
Read 4 Oct 2026 · tkosoft.com
On the record
- Comparison options
- Options include ignoring case, whitespace, leading or trailing spaces, and blank lines.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Document formats
- Optional Apache Tika support extracts readable text for comparisons of formats including PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Download
- TkoSoft says downloads are direct installer links with no account or email required, no bundled software, and no adware.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Folder comparison
- It compares folders and subfolders, identifies files present on only one side, and can mark the newer file.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes its tools as designed to be simple for everyday users while offering depth and reliability for professionals.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- NextDiff is freeware for personal and commercial use.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Merge and editing
- Users can edit text in the comparison view, copy differences in either direction, and undo recent merge or edit actions.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- TkoSoft says its software runs on the user's machine and involves no telemetry, cloud accounts, or data collection.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NextDiff compares two files, text documents, source code files, or folders on Windows.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Text comparison
- It displays text files side by side and highlights changed lines and changed text within lines.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Text encodings
- Supported text encodings include ANSI, ASCII, UTF-8, UTF-8 with BOM, and UTF-16.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Version
- The product page lists version 2.2, dated September 23, 2026, and says it adds Preferences and support for new document formats.tkosoft.com · read 4 Oct 2026
