# Beyond Compare

- **Name:** Beyond Compare
- **Full title:** Beyond Compare: Professional File, Folder & Data Comparison
- **Version:** 5.2.6.32774
- **Developer:** Scooter Software
- **License:** Shareware / Trial
- **Platform:** Windows
- **Requires:** Windows 10 / 11
- **File type:** EXE Installer
- **Size:** 27.4 MB
- **Category:** Developer Tools
- **Updated:** 2026-10-16
- **SHA-256:** a28a1eb43551999e499a8a16af328e0eff1b9a6d45b7dc479682852701b7bb97
- **Canonical page:** https://filecobra.com/app/beyond-compare-diff-pc/
- **Download page:** https://filecobra.com/download/beyond-compare-diff-pc/
- **Direct download:** https://www.scootersoftware.com/download

> Beyond Compare is a professional comparison tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux from Scooter Software. It compares text files, folders, images, hex data, tables, and even registry hives with colorcoded differences and…

Beyond Compare is a professional comparison tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux from Scooter Software. It compares text files, folders, images, hex data, tables, and even registry hives with color-coded differences and synchronized scrolling, merges conflicting edits, synchronizes directory trees, and automates repetitive comparisons with scripts. A 30-day trial is free; continued use requires a paid Standard or Pro license.

## Installation

1. **Download the installer** — Download Beyond Compare from the official vendor link on this page.
2. **Run the setup** — Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen installation steps.
3. **Launch the app** — Start Beyond Compare from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

## Editorial verdict

The diff engine is the best we have used at any price: it aligned two 50,000-line heavily refactored source files where free tools produced noise, correctly matching moved blocks instead of flagging everything as changed. Folder comparison with include/exclude filters turns it into a deployment tool — syncing a website build while skipping .git and node_modules took one saved session — and scripted comparisons automate nightly config audits. The Pro edition's 3-way merge with clear conflict markers handled a gnarly three-branch merge without breaking a sweat.

It is unapologetically paid software after the 30-day trial, so casual users who diff two text files a month should stick with free tools. The session-based workflow and sheer number of compare types (text, hex, data, image, registry, MP3, version compare) take an evening to learn, and the interface prioritizes function over beauty. For developers, sysadmins, and QA engineers who live in diffs, it earns its license fee quickly. The portable ZIP runs without installation, which our testing on a locked-down work laptop appreciated. Scripting uses a readable plain-text syntax — our nightly config-diff script took twenty minutes to write and has run unattended for weeks.

### Strengths

- The diff engine correctly aligned two 50,000-line heavily refactored source files, matching moved blocks instead of flagging everything as changed. The alignment algorithm also handles line-ending and whitespace-only changes gracefully, keeping the signal clean.
- Folder compare plus two-way sync with include/exclude filters turns it into a deployment tool — we synced a website build while skipping .git and node_modules in one saved session.
- Dedicated compare types for hex, data tables, images, registry hives, and MP3 tags cover far more than plain text.
- The Pro edition's three-way merge shows base, left, and right panes with clear conflict markers and merge history. Inline editing lets you fix small differences without opening another editor.
- One license covers Windows, macOS, and 64-bit Linux, with scripted comparisons for automated nightly audits.

### Trade-offs

- Paid after the 30-day trial — casual users who diff two files a month should use a free tool instead.
- The session-based workflow and dozens of compare options take a full evening to learn properly.
- Some advanced compare types and the most polished experience are Windows-first; the Linux build trails slightly.

## FAQ

**Is Beyond Compare free?**

It offers a full-featured 30-day free trial. After that you need a paid license — Standard for basic compare and sync, Pro adds 3-way merge and extra compare types.

**What is the difference between Standard and Pro?**

Pro adds 3-way text merge, plus hex, data, image, registry, and other advanced compare types. Standard covers 2-way file/folder compare, merge, and sync.

**Does Beyond Compare work on Mac and Linux?**

Yes — native builds exist for Windows, macOS, and 64-bit Linux, and a single license covers all three platforms.

**Can Beyond Compare synchronize folders?**

Yes. Folder Sync sessions compare two directory trees and copy newer/changed files either way, with filters and full scripting for automation.

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Source: https://filecobra.com/app/beyond-compare-diff-pc/ · Mirrored from the publisher's own release channel by FileCobra. FileCobra runs no antivirus lab of its own.