CORE FEATURES ARE FREE
- Compare files and folders
- Edit selected changes in two-way comparison
- Work through a three-way merge
CORE FEATURES ARE FREE
A Kaleidoscope Alternative for Mac
Looking for another Mac comparison workflow? MergeDock keeps core comparison, two-way editing and three-way merge free. Additional features are available through an optional one-time Pro upgrade.
Core features are free to use. Pro is an optional one-time upgrade. Requires macOS 26 or later.
Kaleidoscope
Compare features, system requirements and payment
Kaleidoscope provides text, folder and image comparison plus three-way merging, with monthly or yearly subscriptions after a trial. Its current release requires macOS 15 or later. MergeDock requires macOS 26 or later; core comparison and text merge are free, with an optional one-time Pro purchase.
Compare and merge for free
Basic file and folder comparison, two-way editing and three-way merge are free to use. A comparison only shows the differences until you choose a change or save a result.
Additional features with Pro
Folder Sync preview is free. Pro unlocks execution of the sync plan and advanced image views.
- Run a Folder Sync plan
- Use overlay, slider, blink and difference views
Features and licensing compared
| Comparison point | Kaleidoscope | MergeDock |
|---|---|---|
| Supported OS | macOS 15 or later (current release). | macOS 26 or later. |
| Text comparison and merge | Text comparison and three-way merging. | Two-way editing and three-way text merge are free. |
| Folder comparison | Folder-tree comparison and copying items between sides. | Comparison and selected-item copying are free. Running Folder Sync requires Pro. |
| Image comparison | Split, blink, slider and difference views. | Side-by-side is free. Overlay, slider, blink and difference views require Pro. |
| License and payment | Monthly or yearly subscription after a free trial. | Free core features, with an optional one-time Pro in-app purchase. |
Official sources Kaleidoscope: Features · Kaleidoscope: LicensingInformation checked on 2026-09-27.
MergeDock is an independent product. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official port of Kaleidoscope.
When MergeDock may fit
MergeDock may fit when you want to start with free file, folder and merge work, then choose a one-time Pro upgrade only for additional features that you need.
Questions before you switch
Does MergeDock reproduce every Kaleidoscope feature?
No. MergeDock is a separate product with its own design and feature boundaries. Compare the specific file, folder, image and Git workflows you rely on before deciding to switch.
What can I do for free?
Basic file and folder comparison, two-way editing and three-way merge are free. Additional features, including running Folder Sync and advanced image comparison, require Pro.
Which features require Pro?
Running Folder Sync and advanced image comparison require Pro. Pro is an optional one-time in-app upgrade; check the in-app purchase screen for current pricing in your region.