Is xlCompare free?
The official order page describes xlCompare as a free desktop application for comparing Excel, CSV, XML and text files, without time limits or restrictions on application launches. Advanced Professional features are paid.
Objective comparison of workflows and costs
WorkbookDiff vs xlCompare
WorkbookDiff vs xlCompare compares local XLSX review in a browser with a desktop application offering optional Professional editing and automation features. Both offer free comparison; choose by file types, merge needs and exports rather than treating either as a universal replacement.
WorkbookDiff vs xlCompare: comparison table
Vendor facts are from the linked official source, as of November 2026. A missing fact is not a claim that a feature is absent.
| Workflow or feature | xlCompare | WorkbookDiff |
|---|---|---|
| Free application and inputs | Free desktop application for comparing Excel, CSV, XML and text files. | Browser comparison of unencrypted XLSX files only, up to 20 MB each. |
| Saving Excel files | Professional paid feature. | Does not save edited Excel workbooks. |
| Merge changes | Professional merges changes between Excel files. | Review-only comparison; does not merge edits. |
| Saving comparison reports | Professional paid feature. | Free full CSV; optional $19 one-time audit report with notes and HTML / print export. |
| Command-line integration | Professional command-line interface with Git, SVN and Perforce integration. | Interactive browser workflow; no comparison CLI integration. |
| VBA code and forms | Professional includes comparison of VBA code and forms. | Does not compare VBA code or forms. |
| Professional license | 1 user: $99.99 lifetime. 5 users: $399.99 lifetime. One-time purchase, no monthly fees. | Free comparison and CSV; $19 once per optional audit report for one workbook pair, no subscription. |
| Refund terms | 30-day money-back guarantee. | Separate WorkbookDiff refund and support terms; not the xlCompare guarantee. |
When to choose xlCompare instead
Choose xlCompare instead when you need a desktop application for Excel, CSV, XML or text comparisons. Choose Professional for saving Excel files, merging changes, saving comparison reports, command-line integration with Git/SVN/Perforce, or comparing VBA code and forms. Its $99.99 single-user and $399.99 five-user lifetime licenses and 30-day money-back guarantee are different products and terms from a WorkbookDiff report.
When to choose WorkbookDiff instead
Choose WorkbookDiff for a browser workflow on Mac, Linux or Windows when your two XLSX versions have matching sheet names and aligned coordinates. Keep selected files local, inspect stored values and formula changes, and export a free CSV. Add the optional $19 one-time audit report for review notes and HTML / print export, with no subscription. Do not choose it for editing or merging workbooks, VBA comparison or formula recalculation.
Try the free WorkbookDiff workflow
- Open the free comparison tool and select two aligned, unencrypted XLSX versions.
- Review differences by worksheet name and cell address, including stored formula changes.
- Export the full CSV free, or inspect the optional report before paying.
For full workbook versions, read compare two Excel files. For tabs within or between workbooks, use compare two Excel sheets for differences. See formula comparison, the Excel diff guide and Excel comparison on Mac.
WorkbookDiff scope and limits
WorkbookDiff runs in a modern browser on Mac, Linux and Windows. It compares two unencrypted XLSX files, up to 20 MB each, using matching worksheet names and cell coordinates. It detects supported stored values, stored formula expressions, sheet presence and visibility, hidden rows and columns, and used-range changes. It does not recalculate formulas, compare formatting or VBA, merge edits, or realign reordered rows.
Selected workbook files are processed locally in browser memory, with no workbook upload. Site services and optional billing can still use the network. Comparison and full CSV export are free without signup. The optional $19 one-time audit report adds review notes and HTML / print export for one workbook pair, with no subscription, when checkout is enabled. This is an audit handoff report, not an independent audit. Report details and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Which xlCompare features require Professional?
The order page lists saving Excel files, merging changes, saving comparison reports and the command-line interface as paid features. Its Professional table also includes Git, SVN and Perforce CLI integration and comparison of VBA code and forms.
How much is xlCompare Professional?
As of November 2026, the official order page lists $99.99 lifetime for 1 user and $399.99 lifetime for 5 users, as a one-time purchase without monthly fees.
Does xlCompare offer a refund guarantee?
The official order page states a 30-day money-back guarantee. Those vendor terms do not apply to WorkbookDiff purchases.
Are my Excel files uploaded to WorkbookDiff?
No. WorkbookDiff reads and compares selected files locally in browser memory. Site services and optional billing can still use the network; local processing is not a zero-network-traffic promise.
What does the optional WorkbookDiff report cost?
Comparison and full CSV export are free without signup. The optional $19 one-time audit report adds review notes and HTML / print export for one workbook pair, with no subscription, when checkout is enabled. It is not an independent audit.
Sources and review date
Vendor source, as of November 2026 (reviewed November 5, 2026): xlCompare: Order xlCompare Professional License. Prices and availability can change; confirm current vendor terms before purchasing. Only this official page is used for xlCompare facts.
WorkbookDiff details were checked against the local file-reading and comparison implementation and one-time report billing flow on November 5, 2026. Local processing details and report pricing and availability.
Alternatives compared
Choose by workflow, supported inputs, exports and licensing.
Compare guides
Choose the guide for your comparison task: Compare Excel files without uploading · Compare Excel formulas and detect formula replaced by value changes · Export an Excel difference report CSV · Compare two Excel files · Excel diff for XLSX workbooks · Compare Excel files on Mac. · Compare two Excel sheets · Beyond Compare alternative for Excel · Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare alternative