Beyond Compare from Scooter Software is a powerful and versatile file comparison tool favored by developers, IT professionals, and anyone needing to efficiently compare files and folders. Understanding its pricing and licensing structure is key to making an informed decision. This article breaks down Beyond Compare’s licensing model, editions, and platform availability to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Beyond Compare Pricing: Standard and Pro Editions
Beyond Compare offers two main editions: Standard and Pro, each catering to different user needs with varying features and price points. Both editions are licensed on a per-user or per-workstation basis, providing flexibility for individuals and teams. A single user license permits one person to use Beyond Compare on any number of computers. Alternatively, a single workstation license covers multiple individuals accessing Beyond Compare on a shared machine.
Volume discounts are available for multi-user licenses, making Beyond Compare a cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes. The pricing structure is tiered, meaning the more licenses you purchase, the lower the per-user cost.
| Quantity | Standard Edition | Pro Edition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 4 | $35 / user | $70 / user |
| 5 – 9 | $28 / user | $56 / user |
| 10 – 49 | $24.50 / user | $49 / user |
| 50 – 99 | $19.25 / user | $38.50 / user |
| 100+ | $15.75 / user | $31.50 / user |
| Site License | $5250 | $10500 |
| Enterprise License | $21000 | $42000 |
Please note: All prices are listed in US dollars. Quantity discounts are applied at the time of purchase and are not retroactive.
Standard vs. Pro Edition: Choosing the Right Beyond Compare
The Standard Edition of Beyond Compare is a robust, feature-rich comparison tool suitable for most users. It offers comprehensive file and folder comparison capabilities, including text comparison, folder sync, and more. You can explore a detailed feature comparison here.
The Pro Edition builds upon the Standard Edition by incorporating advanced functionalities designed for power users and complex comparison tasks. These additional features, outlined here, include functionalities like 3-way merge, webDAV support, and enhanced scripting. Consider the Pro Edition if you require these advanced capabilities for your workflow.
Platform Flexibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Beyond Compare provides cross-platform compatibility, running seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. Licenses purchased after January 1, 2016, are multi-platform, allowing you to use your license across any supported operating system. Users with older, single-platform licenses can upgrade to multi-platform licenses free of charge, ensuring access to Beyond Compare on their preferred operating systems. You can find specific platform details for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Understanding Beyond Compare Licensing Details
Beyond Compare licenses are perpetual, meaning your purchase grants you the right to use the specific major version you licensed indefinitely. There are no recurring subscription fees. You can continue using your licensed version as long as you adhere to the license agreement.
Multi-user licenses are designed for organizational use and are not restricted by geographical location. Quantity discounts apply to licenses purchased for employees within the same organization, regardless of their location.
It’s important to note that Beyond Compare licenses are not concurrent. The software licensing model does not enforce concurrent usage. In environments with concurrent connection limitations, such as terminal servers, the concurrent connection limit should be considered as the number of workstations for licensing purposes.
Each license, whether single-user or multi-user, is managed with a single license key and must be upgraded or transferred as a whole unit.
In Conclusion
Scooter Software’s Beyond Compare offers flexible and perpetual licensing options to suit individual users and organizations. With Standard and Pro editions, cross-platform support, and volume discounts, Beyond Compare provides a powerful and cost-effective solution for all your file comparison needs. Choose the edition and license type that best aligns with your requirements to enhance your productivity and workflow.
