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Document comparison software is the easiest way to keep track of changes to contracts, proposals, or technical documents; maintain accuracy and consistency across files; reduce the risk of errors; and reduce time spent manually reviewing edits.

I’ve tested and reviewed several tools to provide a clear and unbiased look at the top solutions available, so you can choose the right one for your projects and your team. Using my experience with this type of tool as a project manager, I’ll walk through key features and benefits of each tool.

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Compare Specs Side-by-Side

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top document comparison software selections so you can find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Document Comparison Software Review

Here are my detailed summaries of the best document comparison software. I’ve covered key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases for each tool.

Best for creative teams

  • Free plan available
  • From $49/month (unlimited team members, billed annually)
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Rating: 4.7/5

Filestage is a review and approval platform tailored for creative teams that work on visual and multimedia projects. It helps improve review processes with tools for feedback and collaboration on design files, videos, and documents.

Why I picked Filestage: Filestage is perfect for creative teams looking for an efficient way to gather feedback and approvals. The tool lets you annotate files directly, and you can set up custom workflows to match your team's unique process. The tool also lets you track every review round so nothing gets overlooked.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include time-stamped comments on video files, which help your team address feedback precisely. You can also use version control to see how files evolve. 

Integrations include Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, Trello, Asana, Zapier, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Jira, and monday.com.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Time-stamped video comments
  • Supports version control
  • Easy annotation on design files

Cons:

  • Initial setup can be complex
  • Requires internet for full functionality

Best for PDF document comparison

  • Free trial available
  • From $7/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.4/5

Soda PDF is a versatile document comparison tool that is ideal if you frequently work with PDF files. It provides essential functions like editing, merging, converting, and securing documents.

Why I picked Soda PDF: Soda PDF helps your team manage PDFs from one place. You can translate, summarize with AI, and convert files between formats like Word and Excel. The software supports batch conversions, which is great for handling large volumes of documents. It works on both desktop and web, so you and your team can stay productive wherever you are.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include tools for editing, merging, and converting PDFs. You can also compress files and secure them with e-signature options. 

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Evernote, SharePoint, and Adobe Sign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports batch conversions
  • Includes AI tools for translation
  • Works offline and online

Cons:

  • May have a learning curve for new users
  • Limited advanced editing tools

Best for contract management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Conga is a contract management software that helps businesses improve their contract lifecycle processes. It provides tools for contract creation, negotiation, and execution.

Why I picked Conga: Conga helps you manage contracts with features for automating workflows and cutting down manual work. You can track changes in real time to keep everyone on the same page, and the audit trail gives you a clear record so you can stay compliant.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include reporting capabilities for insights into contract performance. The tool offers automated alerts and notifications to keep your team informed.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, AWS, SAP, and Oracle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers detailed audit trails
  • Provides real-time change tracking
  • Automates contract workflows

Cons:

  • May need technical support for integration
  • Requires training for new users

Best for fast processing speedPricing upon request

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

PDF Guru is an online platform for managing PDF documents. It offers tools for editing, converting, and signing PDFs.

Why I picked PDF Guru: PDF Guru lets you manage PDFs fast with tools to edit, sign, and convert files. You can switch between formats like Word, JPG, Excel, and HTML. It also includes an AI summarizer and a database of ready-to-use forms to save your team time. The tool has strong security measures like SSL encryption and GDPR compliance to keep documents safe.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to annotate and fill out forms directly within PDFs. You can also compress and merge files to save space and keep everything organized. 

Integrations include compatibility with multiple operating systems and access via any web browser.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy to use with a simple interface
  • Comprehensive features for various PDF needs
  • Fast processing and conversion

Cons:

  • Lacks offline capabilities
  • No specific advanced tools for professionals

Best for legal professionals

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $129/month (one time fee), then $29 (billed annually)

Araxis Merge is a file comparison and merging tool for legal professionals and developers. It lets you compare text files, images, and binary files.

Why I picked Araxis Merge: Araxis Merge helps your team compare documents side by side, including text and images. You can run three-way comparisons to merge changes from different sources. Color-coded highlights make it easy to spot differences fast.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to generate HTML and XML reports to document your comparisons. You can also use the command line interface to automate tasks and the bookmarking feature allows you to mark important sections for quick access later.

Integrations include support for Subversion, Git, Perforce, CVS, and Microsoft Team Foundation Server.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Allows command line automation
  • Offers color-coded difference highlighting
  • Supports three-way file comparison

Cons:

  • Interface can feel outdated
  • May require technical knowledge to use

Best for project management integration

  • Free trial available
  • From $7user//month (billed annually)

NiftyPM is a project management tool that helps teams improve their workflows and collaboration. It provides tools for task management, time tracking, and document collaboration.

Why I picked NiftyPM: NiftyPM helps your team manage tasks, milestones, and documents in one place. You can work together on documents and track updates in real time. The visual dashboard shows project progress clearly, so you can stay organized and on track.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a built-in chat feature for instant communication with your team. You can also generate docs from scratch using AI.

Integrations include Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Dropbox, OneDrive, Trello, Asana, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with various project tools
  • Easy document collaboration
  • Built-in chat for team communication

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited offline functionality

Best for side-by-side comparison

  • 5-day free trial
  • From $9/user/month (billed annually)

Draftable is a document comparison tool that serves legal teams, editors, and businesses by allowing you to compare Word documents, PDFs, and other document types side-by-side.

Why I picked Draftable: Draftable lets your team compare documents side-by-side, so you can spot edits, additions, and deletions. It highlights color changes and supports many file formats. You can use it on the web or desktop, depending on where you're working.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include visual representations of changes and the ability to export comparison results to share with your team or clients.

Integrations include compatibility with popular file formats like Word, PDF, PowerPoint, Excel, and HTML.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy export of comparison results
  • Offers web and desktop versions
  • Supports multiple document formats

Cons:

  • Can be resource-heavy on older systems
  • No mobile app available

Best for cross-platform use

  • Free trial available
  • From $35/user (one-time fee)

Beyond Compare is a versatile file and folder comparison tool that is popular among IT professionals and developers. It lets you compare files, directories, and even entire drives.

Why I picked Beyond Compare: Beyond Compare lets your team compare text files, folders, and even data from FTP sites. You can sync files across platforms and view differences side by side. Its layout makes it easy to track changes and manage versions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include text and hex comparison capabilities for deep dives into file contents. The session management feature helps you organize and save comparison settings for future use.

Integrations include compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, FTP, SFTP, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Google Drive.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Intuitive side-by-side layout
  • Built-in FTP support
  • Offers session management

Cons:

  • Lacks mobile app support
  • Can be resource-intensive

Best for regulatory compliance

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Verify is a document comparison tool for industries that need to meet strict regulatory standards. It provides tools for maintaining document accuracy and compliance.

Why I picked Verify: Verify helps your team meet compliance standards by letting you check text, graphics, and barcodes. Its inspection tools catch even small changes, so your documents stay accurate and error-free.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed reports that help you document compliance efforts. It also offers customizable inspection profiles to suit your specific industry needs.

Integrations include compatibility with popular file formats like PDF, Word, Excel, and various image formats.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides detailed compliance reports
  • Offers customizable inspection profiles
  • Advanced inspection tools for compliance

Cons:

  • Requires training for new users
  • Pricing details not transparent

Best for code file comparison

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $7.50/user/month (billed annually)

UltraEdit is a versatile text editor popular among developers and coders, and it can handle large files and code comparison. It also provides tools for highlighting syntax and comparing files.

Why I picked UltraEdit: UltraEdit helps you compare and edit code files with ease. You also get syntax highlighting for many languages and a column mode to work with structured data. It can handle large files without slowing down, and you’ll benefit from the integrated FTP client for direct file transfers.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable themes to suit your visual preferences. The multi-caret editing feature lets you save time by making changes to multiple lines simultaneously.

Integrations include Git, SVN, Perforce, CVS, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and Amazon S3.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers column mode editing
  • Handles large files efficiently
  • Supports many programming languages

Cons:

  • Limited collaboration features
  • May overwhelm new users

Other Document Comparison Software

Here are some additional document comparison software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but which are worth checking out if you didn’t find what you were looking for above:

  1. Litera Compare

    For Word document accuracy

  2. MediaValet

    For digital asset proofing

  3. ClickUp

    For project management teams

  4. Diffchecker

    For simple interface use

  5. Copyleaks

    For detecting plagiarism

  6. ExamDiff

    For quick text comparisons

  7. Adobe Acrobat

    For PDF document editing

Document Comparison Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best document comparison software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like maintaining document accuracy and managing version control. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Compare text documents
  • Highlight differences
  • Merge document changes
  • Track version history
  • Support multiple file formats

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Advanced search and filter
  • Integration with cloud storage
  • Customizable comparison settings
  • Automated reporting and alerts

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered whether each tool offers the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Responsive design
  • Accessibility features
  • Customizable user experience

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the availability of the following for each tool:

  • Training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Comprehensive onboarding guides
  • Supportive chatbots and help centers
  • Regular webinars and live demos

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether each tool offers the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Fast response times
  • Knowledgeable support staff
  • Access to a help center

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following for each tool:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Transparency pricing structure
  • Availability of discounts for annual subscriptions
  • Comprehensive feature set for the price

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall customer satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on ease of use
  • Comments on feature effectiveness
  • Reports on customer support quality
  • Testimonials on system reliability

Related Reviews

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:

How to Choose Document Comparison Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityMake sure the software can grow with your team and handle more documents and users as your business expands without compromising performance.
IntegrationsLook for compatibility with tools your team already uses, like project management systems or cloud storage solutions, to streamline your workflow
CustomizabilityCheck if the tool allows you to tailor settings and features to fit your team's specific needs.
Ease of UseChoose a tool with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training, so your team can start using it effectively right away.
BudgetConsider the total cost, including any hidden fees. Look for flexible pricing plans that align with your financial constraints
SecuritySafeguardsVerify that the software has strong security measures, such as encryption and compliance with data protection regulations, to protect sensitive information.
Support ServicesEvaluate the availability and quality of customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support, to make sure you get help when needed.
PerformancesAssess how quickly the software processes comparisons and manages large files, as slow performance can hinder productivity.

What Is Document Comparison Software?

Document comparison software is a tool that identifies differences between versions of a document and highlights changes to make editing and reviewing easier. These tools are commonly used by legal professionals, editors, and project managers who need to maintain document accuracy and consistency. 

Features like AI-powered analysis, cloud-based collaboration, and visual comparison tools help you detect subtle changes, support team collaboration, and maintain accuracy. These tools save time and reduce errors by providing a clear view of document changes.

Features of Document Comparison Software

When selecting document comparison software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Comparison mode: Lets you view two versions of a document side by side to make it easier to identify differences.
  • Version control: Provides the ability to manage and track changes across multiple document versions to avoid confusion.
  • Integration capabilities: Supports integration with other software and tools to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
  • Highlight differences: Automatically highlights changes between documents to save time and reduce manual effort.
  • Collaboration tools: Lets multiple users work on and review documents simultaneously to facilitate team collaboration.
  • Security features: Protects sensitive information through encryption and access control mechanisms.
  • Customizable settings: Offers the flexibility to adjust settings according to specific needs to enhance the user experience.
  • User-friendly interface: Provides an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that reduces the learning curve for new users.
  • Document management: Includes features for organizing, storing, and retrieving documents efficiently.
  • Reporting and analytics: Offers insights into document changes and usage through detailed reports and analytics.

Benefits of Document Comparison Software

Implementing document comparison software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Increased accuracy: AI-powered analysis lets you detect even the smallest changes and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Improved collaboration: Cloud-based features let team members work together on documents in real-time to improve teamwork and productivity.
  • Time savings: Automated reporting and advanced search tools help you quickly identify and address document changes to save valuable time.
  • Regulatory compliance: Compliance tracking features help make sure documents meet industry standards and minimize the risk of legal issues.
  • Improved document management: Version history tracking keeps a detailed record of changes and makes it easier to manage and review document revisions.
  • Visual clarity: Visual comparison tools help you make sure images and graphics within documents are accurate, which is crucial for creative industries.

Costs and Pricing of Document Comparison Software

Selecting document comparison software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in document comparison software solutions:

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic text comparison, limited file formats, and manual updates
Personal Plan$5 - $25/user/ monthText and image comparison, basic reporting, and limited cloud storage
Business Plan$30 - $75/user/monthAdvanced comparison tools, collaboration features, and real-time updates
Enterprise Plan$80 - $150/user/monthCustomizable templates, compliance tracking, dedicated support, and advanced security features

Document Comparison Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about document comparison software:

What is the fastest way to compare two documents for differences?

To quickly compare two documents, use a document comparison tool that allows you to upload both files and analyze them side-by-side. This method highlights differences so you can easily spot changes. Many tools offer real-time analysis, so you can see results almost instantly.

What is the purpose of comparing document features?

Comparing document features helps identify changes made between different versions, so you can maintain consistency and accuracy. This is crucial if you need to track edits (like legal teams and editors do). Comparing docs lets you catch formatting and grammatical changes.

Is there software to compare two documents?

Yes, there are several software options available for comparing two documents. These tools can highlight changes in text, images, and formatting. They are designed to make the process of identifying differences straightforward and save you time and effort in manual comparisons.

How do I choose the right document comparison software?

Choose a document comparison software based on your specific needs, such as the types of documents you work with and the level of detail you require. Consider factors like ease of use, integration capabilities, and support services. Test a few options to find the best fit.

Can document comparison software handle images and charts?

Yes, many document comparison tools can handle images and charts. They highlight changes not only in text but also in visual elements. This feature is especially beneficial for teams working with complex documents that include graphical data.

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.