11 Best Compare Excel Tools (2024) [FREE]

Leave a Comment Excel Solutions, Software Reviews April 18, 2024

1. Introduction

The process of comparing spreadsheets, whether it’s to identify discrepancies between data sets or to track changes over time, is a crucial aspect of data analysis. In this context, the role of Excel comparison tools cannot be overstated.

1.1 Importance of Compare Excel tool

For businesses that deal with large volumes of data, sorting this data manually can be daunting and time-consuming. Compare Excel tools have emerged as a powerful solution to this problem. They automatically identify and highlight the differences between two Excel files, saving time and preventing potential mistakes. These tools are critical for ensuring data accuracy and ease of analysis.

1.2 Excel Repair Software

Excel repair software is also vital to all Excel users. DataNumen Excel Repair is a perfect one:

1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

Given the myriad of options available, deciding on the right Excel comparison tool could be overwhelming. The objective of this comparison is clear-cut: to help you make an informed decision. We will examine different tools in detail, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages. This comparative study aims to enable users to select a tool that not only aligns with their needs but also enhances their data handling capabilities.

2. Synkronizer Excel Compare Tool

Synkronizer is a specialized Excel compare tool designed to identify and highlight differences between Excel sheets with precision. It offers a thorough comparison of cells, formulas, comments, names, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros.

2.1 Pros

Multiple Sheets Comparison: Synkronizer can analyze and compare multiple Excel sheets at once, providing a comprehensive view of data differences.
Visual Presentation: The tool presents the differences in a visually appealing manner, color-coding the cells to make it easy to spot variations.
Extensive Analysis: Beyond cell data, it also checks differences in formulas, comments, and VBA codes, ensuring a deeper level of comparison.

2.2 Cons

Complex User Interface: Synkronizer’s interface may seem overwhelming for first-time users, posing a steep learning curve.
Pricey Licensing: The cost of acquiring a license for the software might not be budget-friendly for small businesses or individuals.
Limited compatibility: It is only compatible with Windows, limiting its usability for Mac and other Operating System users.

3. xltrail

xltrail is a unique Excel version control and collaboration tool. It is specifically designed for Excel professionals, allowing them to keep an eye on changes made to Excel files in real time, and offering features similar to Git for Excel files.

3.1 Pros

Version Control: Unlike many comparison tools, xltrail has strong version control capabilities that go beyond simple comparison, providing a Git-like functionality for Excel users.
Collaboration: It serves as a collaborative platform where teams and individuals can work simultaneously without fear of losing any changes.
Real-Time Monitoring: xltrail tracks changes in real time, giving an up-to-date overview of the changes made.

3.2 Cons

Sophistication: The application’s comprehensive capabilities might be overwhelming for casual users who only need a simple comparison tool.
Pricing: The relatively high cost might be a barrier for small-scale users or individuals in comparison to other tools.
Internet Requirement: Being a cloud-based tool, xltrail requires a stable internet connection, hindering offline usage.

4. xlCompare

xlCompare is an Excel tool specifically built to help users perform comparisons between Excel worksheets and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros. The software facilitates easy identification of differences through a visual comparison layout.

4.1 Pros

In-depth Analysis: xlCompare offers a deep level of comparison, extending to workbook structures and VBA codes, among other aspects.
Merge Functionality: Users can merge differences directly in the comparison screen, making it an efficient tool for consolidation tasks.
Visual Clarity: The software presents results in a clear, color-coded layout, enhancing the ease of understanding for users.

4.2 Cons

Streaming Limitations: While powerful, xlCompare mainly streams through a single screen, making it difficult to cross-check multiple workbook files simultaneously.
Complicated Interface: xlCompare’s user interface can be confusing for Excel users who are not versed in VBA, limiting its approachability.
Price Considerations: Like other premium tools, the costs associated with xlCompare may be prohibitive for some small businesses or individual users.

5. XL Comparator

XL Comparator is a user-friendly tool primarily used to compare Excel data sets. Also, it doesn’t require any technical knowledge to operate, presenting a simple comparison method that works without an Excel license.

5.1 Pros

Ease of Use: With its simple interface, XL Comparator offers easy to understand features even for non-technical users.
Independent of Excel: Unlike other comparison tools, it operates independently of Excel, meaning you don’t need an Excel license to use it.
List Creation: XL Comparator has a unique feature that builds a list with minimal, maximal, or distinct values from a set of data, which enhances data analysis.

5.2 Cons

Limited Functionality: The functionalities of XL Comparator are limited when compared with other more comprehensive tools.
No VBA Comparison: The tool lacks the feature to compare VBA codes, something more sophisticated tools can handle readily.
Limited Visuals: It provides less visual feedback of differences in comparison to other tools.

6. Excel Compare

Excel Compare is a practical tool for comparing Excel files and identifying differences across Excel worksheets. It allows users to compare cell values, formulas, comments, and VBA code.

6.1 Pros

Multiple Comparisons: Excel Compare can evaluate differences in cells, formulas, comments, and VBA code, creating a multifaceted comparison.
Integration with Excel: As an add-in, it can directly integrate with Excel, adding to its usability.
Report Generation: It can generate comparative reports which detail the differences found in the comparison.

6.2 Cons

Interface Complexity: Users often report that the interface feels cluttered and difficult to navigate, which might require a learning curve.
Size Limitations: When working with large files, the tool may slow down, thereby affecting its performance.
Limited Support: The tool seems to lack timely customer support, an issue expressed by several users.

7. Diffchecker Desktop

Diffchecker Desktop is a straightforward tool used for comparing text, images, PDFs, and in our case, Excel files. It is a downloaded version of the online Diffchecker tool, designed to offer offline capabilities.

7.1 Pros

Versatile File Comparisons: Diffchecker allows the comparison of not just Excel files, but also text, images, and other file types, making it a versatile tool.
Offline Usage: Unlike its online counterpart, Diffchecker Desktop can be used offline, offering accessibility even without internet connection.
Simple Interface: The tool poses a simple and clean interface, making the process of file comparison straightforward.

7.2 Cons

Basic Features: Although effective, Diffchecker Desktop offers basic comparison functionalities which limit its usage for complex comparison tasks.
Limited Analysis: The tool does not dissect the Excel file to the cellular level unlike many dedicated Excel comparison tools.
Paid Version for Unlimited Comparisons: While there is a free version, unlimited comparisons require a subscription, which might be unattractive for some users.

8. Aspose Excel Comparison

Aspose Excel Comparison is an online tool for easy comparison of Excel files. It provides detailed comparison results, highlighting differences directly within the Excel files.

8.1 Pros

Web-Based: As a web-based tool, Aspose Excel Comparison can be used on any platform and doesn’t require any additional software installation.
Fast Execution: The tool performs comparison operations relatively quickly, saving valuable time.
Detailed Comparison: With Aspose comparison, all discrepancies are clearly highlighted and identified with precision within the Excel worksheets.

8.2 Cons

Internet Dependency: Being an online tool, it is fully dependent on a stable internet connection, rendering it useless in the absence of internet.
Limited Features: The tool is focused on file comparison; users looking for a more comprehensive spreadsheet management solution may find it lacking.
No Advance Filtering: Unlike some other tools, Aspose Comparison does not provide options for advanced filtering during the comparison process.

9. Florencesoft DiffEngineX

Florencesoft DiffEngineX is an effective tool for comparing and summarizing differences between Excel spreadsheets. Additionally, it can handle large Excel files and cover changes in cell comments, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) project macros, and Excel 4.0 macro sheets.

9.1 Pros

Color Coding: Differences in Excel files are highlighted with color, making it easy to spot discrepancies at a glance.
Large File Handling: DiffEngineX is effective for comparing large workbooks, allowing users to process extensive data rapidly.
Detailed Reports: After comparison, the tool can generate detailed reports outlining all the differences found.

9.2 Cons

User Interface: The user interface is not as intuitive as that of other tools and may require some getting used to for new users.
Learning Curve: With its extensive features, DiffEngineX might present a learning curve for users who are not tech savvy.
Limitation in the Free Version: The free version of the tool has only limited functionalities, extensive capabilities require a paid version.

10. PerfectXL Compare

PerfectXL Compare is a dynamic software designed to compare Excel files extensively. The tool allows users to visually compare differences and offers detailed reports of changes, highlighting differences in cell level and formulae.

10.1 Pros

Comprehensive Comparison: The tool goes beyond cell values, also comparing formulas and other Excel elements for complete analysis.
Visual Appeal: Differences are clearly indicated through a user-friendly, color-coded interface, improving its ease of use.
Automated Reporting: After the comparison process, PerfectXL Compare provides detailed, automated reports of disparities found.

10.2 Cons

Software Compatibility: PerfectXL Compare is primarily based on Microsoft Office, limiting users who operate on other software platforms.
Pricing: The tool might be costly for small businesses or individuals looking for a budget-friendly comparison tool.
Lack of Version Control: Unlike some tools, PerfectXL Compare does not provide a version control system which can help track changes over time.

11. Draftable Desktop

Draftable Desktop is a feature-packed comparison tool designed to work with different document types, including Excel spreadsheets. It emphasizes delivering a clear and easy-to-understand comparison experience to users.

11.1 Pros

Versatile Usage: Draftable can compare various file types, including Excel files, Word documents, PDFs, and more, making it a diversified tool.
Side-by-Side Comparison: The tool presents a side-by-side comparison, visually indicating changes and making it easy to spot differences.
No Limit on the File Size: It has no file size restriction, enabling users to compare large Excel spreadsheets with relative ease.

11.2 Cons

Limited Analysis Depth: Though it supports Excel files, Draftable doesn’t dive deep into the cell level or into formulas like some dedicated Excel tools.
Cost: Although there is a free trial, long-term usage requires a paid license, which might be prohibitive for some users.
No Report Generation: It does not provide a feature to generate a comprehensive comparison report, unlike some Excel comparison tools.

12. Online Text Compare

Online Text Compare is a simple web-based application designed to compare text files, but it also supports the comparison of Excel files. It is a straightforward tool best suited for simple and quick comparison tasks.

12.1 Pros

Easy to Use: Its simple and direct approach makes it highly accessible, even for users with little technical expertise.
Web-Based: Being an online tool, it can be used anywhere and doesn’t require any software installation.
Cost Free: Free to use, Online Text Compare can be a good option for casual or infrequent users.

12.2 Cons

Internet Dependent: Being web-based means it requires an internet connection to work, limiting its use in offline scenarios.
Basic Comparison: While sufficient for simple tasks, its comparison functionalities are notably basic and lack the detail and depth offered by more specialized tools.
No Report Generation: This tool does not provide the ability to generate detailed comparative reports.

13. Summary

13.1 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Features	Ease of Use	Price	Customer Support
Synkronizer Excel Compare Tool	Multiple Sheets Comparison, Visual Presentation, Extensive Analysis	Complex	High	Good
xltrail	Version Control, Collaboration, Real-time Monitoring	Moderate	High	Good
xlCompare	In-depth Analysis, Merge Functionality, Visual Clarity	Complex	High	Average
XL Comparator	Easy to Use, Independent of Excel, List Creation	Simple	Free	Good
Excel Compare	Multiple Comparisons, Integration with Excel, Report Generation	Complex	Moderate	Average
Diffchecker Desktop	Versatile File Comparisons, Offline Usage, Simple Interface	Simple	Free and Paid versions	Good
Aspose Excel Comparison	Web-based, Fast Execution, Detailed Comparison	Simple	Free	Average
Florencesoft DiffEngineX	Color Coding, Large File Handling, Detailed Reports	Complex	High	Good
PerfectXL Compare	Comprehensive Comparison, Visual Appeal, Automated Reporting	Complex	High	Good
Draftable Desktop	Versatile Usage, Side-by-Side Comparison, No Limit on File Size	Simple	Free and Paid versions	Good
Online Text Compare	Web-based, Easy to Use, Cost free	Simple	Free	Average

13.2 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

For deep analysis: If you need to compare multiple aspects of your Excel sheets, tools like Synkronizer Excel Compare Tool, xlCompare, and PerfectXL Compare are recommended for their extensive features.
For ease of use: If simplicity is a major requirement, consider using the XL Comparator, Diffchecker Desktop, or Online Text Compare.
For budget-conscious users: For those seeking budget-friendly options, Online Text Compare, XL Comparator, and the free versions of Draftable Desktop and Aspose Excel Comparison are valuable choices.
For advanced users and teams: Advanced users and teams might find more value in comprehensive software like xltrail or PerfectXL Compare.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Compare Excel Tool

The choice of an Excel comparison tool should be primarily guided by users’ specific needs and circumstances. It’s evident that there is no one-size-fits-all solution; each tool has attributes that may render it more suitable for a certain user or scenario.

For comprehensive comparison requirements, tools like Synkronizer Excel Compare, xlCompare, and PerfectXL Compare stand out. Conversely, for simpler tasks and non-technical users, tools such as XL Comparator and Diffchecker Desktop could prove effective. For those constrained by their budget, the free versions of Draftable Desktop, Online Text Compare, and XL Comparator are worth considering.

Whatever your requirements may be, always remember that the objective is to enhance your productivity and efficiency in handling Excel sheets. Therefore, choose a tool that not only accomplishes your comparison needs but also improves your overall Excel experience.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a powerful Zip fix tool.