Apache Subversion vs Surround SCM

Apache Subversion8.8Visit Surround SCM8.3Visit

Higher score Apache Subversion #4 in Version Control Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Subversion

vs

Surround SCM #8 in Version Control Software 8.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Perforce

• Apache Subversion fits best

  Free centralized version control

• Surround SCM fits best

  Enterprise centralized workflows and reviews

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Side by side

Feature	Apache Subversion 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Surround SCM 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.3
Ranking	#4 in Version Control Software	#8 in Version Control Software
Best for	Free centralized version control	Enterprise centralized workflows and reviews
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	Pricing on request
Free plan	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apache Subversion 4/4 · Surround SCM 4/4
Self-hosted deployment	✓	✓
File locking	✓	✓
Sparse checkout	✓	✓
Nested repositories	✓	✓
Specs
Versioning model	Centralized	Centralized
Desktop platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Large-file handling	Native	Native
Our review
Pros	Atomic commits, merge tracking, branching, and tagging Native binary handling, file locking, and sparse checkouts Self-hosted and cross-platform across Windows, macOS, and Linux	Branch tracking, version comparison, rollback, and audit trails Built-in code review with comments, workflows, and programmable triggers Native large-file handling, locking, sparse checkout, and nested repositories
Cons	Centralized workflows are less suited to teams seeking distributed version control Self-hosted deployment requires managing svnserve or Apache HTTP Server Third-party packages require separate consideration across desktop platforms	Pricing uses a contact-sales model rather than published plan tiers. Centralized versioning may not suit teams seeking a distributed model. Exclusive checkout can constrain parallel edits on shared files.
Our verdict	Apache Subversion is a free, open-source, centralized version control system for individuals, development teams, and enterprise projects. It manages versioned files and directories through client/server repository access, with support for… Read the review →	Surround SCM is server-based source code management from Perforce Software for teams managing source code and other product-development artifacts. It combines centralized repositories with branching, branch relationship tracking, code… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Apache Subversion — where it wins

  • Atomic commits, merge tracking, branching, and tagging
  • Native binary handling, file locking, and sparse checkouts
  • Self-hosted and cross-platform across Windows, macOS, and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Centralized workflows are less suited to teams seeking distributed version control
  • Self-hosted deployment requires managing svnserve or Apache HTTP Server
  • Third-party packages require separate consideration across desktop platforms

• Surround SCM — where it wins

  • Branch tracking, version comparison, rollback, and audit trails
  • Built-in code review with comments, workflows, and programmable triggers
  • Native large-file handling, locking, sparse checkout, and nested repositories

  Where it doesn't

  • Pricing uses a contact-sales model rather than published plan tiers.
  • Centralized versioning may not suit teams seeking a distributed model.
  • Exclusive checkout can constrain parallel edits on shared files.

• Apache Subversion8.8/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source choice for teams that prefer centralized repositories.

  Visit SubversionFull verdict →
• Surround SCM8.3/10 · Pricing on request

  A centralized SCM option for structured reviews, workflows, and controlled file changes.

  Visit PerforceFull verdict →