Altova DiffDog review
A specialist Windows diff tool for XML, database, folder, and three-way comparisons.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Altova DiffDog is a Windows desktop application for developers and IT professionals who need to compare, merge, and synchronize files or folders. Its scope covers text and source-code files, XML and JSON documents, folders, directories, databases, CSV data, ZIP archives, XML schemas, and Microsoft Word documents. Two-way and three-way comparison, syntax coloring, line folding, line wrapping, and directory synchronization support both code-focused and structured-data workflows.
The two editions separate general file comparison from broader document and data coverage. Professional Edition includes text-file diff and merge, folder and directory comparison, and XML-aware comparison options. Enterprise Edition adds Microsoft Word comparison and merging, along with XML Schema, CSV, and database content and schema comparison. DiffDog is sold as a paid product, with a 30-day fully functional trial rather than a free plan. Published pricing is shown as “from” amounts in EUR, and the available starting price is 159.
DiffDog fits teams that need XML-aware editing, database schema or data comparison, archive handling, and three-way merges in one desktop tool. Git differencing-tool integration extends its usefulness in development workflows, while FTP and HTTP are listed among its integrations. Diff reports can be generated in text, XML, or HTML formats. The main boundary is platform coverage: it is available for Windows only. Choose it when structured comparisons and synchronization matter more than broad operating-system support; consider another tool if macOS or Linux access is required or if a free plan is essential.
Altova DiffDog pros and cons
- Where it wins
- XML-aware comparison plus XML Schema and database support
- Two-way and three-way merging with folder synchronization
- Git integration and diff reports in text, XML, or HTML
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop coverage
- No free plan; the product is paid
- Enterprise-only support for Word, CSV, and database comparisons
Altova DiffDog fact sheet, pricing and score →
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