Windows only (WinMerge) vs. Windows · macOS · Linux · Free tier + Pro $34 one-time
WinMerge is a capable free tool for Windows users, with solid text, folder, and binary comparison. Diffract adds cross-platform support (macOS and Linux), visual PDF and document comparison in its Pro tier, and a richer set of diff algorithms out of the box. If you work exclusively on Windows and don’t need document comparison, WinMerge is a solid free option; if you need macOS or Linux support or document diffs, Diffract covers both.
| Feature | Diffract | WinMerge |
|---|---|---|
| Text file comparison | ✓ | ✓ |
| Directory comparison | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three-way merge | Pro | ✓ |
| Git integration | Pro | plugin |
| Binary / hex comparison | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image comparison | Pro | ✓ |
| PDF comparison | Pro | ✗ |
| Word (.docx) comparison | Pro | plugin, needs MS Word |
| Excel (.xlsx) comparison | Pro | plugin, needs MS Excel |
| Archive (ZIP / tar) | Pro | plugin, needs Java |
| Multiple diff algorithms | ✓ | ✗ |
| Moved-block detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Syntax highlighting | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLI / headless mode | ✓ | basic flags only |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| macOS | ✓ | ✗ |
| Linux | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price | Free + $34 one-time | Free / open-source |
Pro = requires Diffract Pro license ($34 one-time, all platforms). Free tier has no time limit.
WinMerge Word/Excel plugins are bundled but require Microsoft Office to be installed.
Try Diffract free — no time limit, no account required.
Upgrade to Pro at any time for document comparison, three-way merge, and Git integration.