The best file and folder comparison tool. No doubt.
December 13, 2018
The best file and folder comparison tool. No doubt.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with BeyondCompare
I use BeyondCompare mostly for code diffing and also for personal matters. In my day-to-day job, BeyondCompare is an essential tool in my toolset that allows me to see differences between files and folders no matter the format, extension or size.
- Folder diffing. It allows you to see differences in deeply nested folder structures.
- File diffing. It allows you to see differences in files no matter their complexity.
- Diffing rules. It allows you to set rules to include/exclude files, folders and lines from your comparison.
- Probably the only thing that might require improvement is syntax hightlighting on code files, the feature is in my opinion very basic and requires you to install or fine tune syntax hightlighting languages that usually lack precission in rules, attributes, names.
- The impact of BeyondCompare on my work is related to productivity, it can compare, merge and sync files and folders faster than other tools, default or third party, can.
BeyondCompare sits atop its category (file/folder comparison and merge), no doubt. Other tools offer similar feature sets but with steeper learning curves or at premium prices.
There are only 2 programs worth mentioning as competitors here: Meld, which is open source and has almost the same features BeyondCompare has for code files but lacks media files comparison; and JetBrains DiffTool, that comes with JetBrain's code programs (IntelliJ, PHPStorm, etc) and is a great code comparison tool out there.
Other than that, there is no tool like BC in the market.
There are only 2 programs worth mentioning as competitors here: Meld, which is open source and has almost the same features BeyondCompare has for code files but lacks media files comparison; and JetBrains DiffTool, that comes with JetBrain's code programs (IntelliJ, PHPStorm, etc) and is a great code comparison tool out there.
Other than that, there is no tool like BC in the market.
Evaluating BeyondCompare and Competitors
Yes - Meld, WinMerge
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Prior Experience with the Product
Product features are unmatched. I started using a free trial, compared features with other tools including free ones and ended up paying for the license.
No chages
BeyondCompare Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Support understands my problem | Not kept informed |
Using BeyondCompare
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- 2-file or 2-folder comparison: Select 2 files or folders, right-click on the selection and choose "Compare"
- Image comparison: Compare 2 images and BC will show you visual differences using a heatmap.
- Folder sync: Compare 2 folders and BC will show you the difference. When ready, sync from right to left or left to right using a button.
- Regular expressions on rules: Not sure what regular expressions flavor the program uses but often times I find myself battling with expressions that don't work.
- Audio comparison: I frequently compare audio files using BC and there is no way to compare audio waveforms. I don't think this is the main goal of the app but since it can compare media files, would be noce to find a waveform comparison as there is heatmap comparison for images.