Compare Archives
Compare two archives online, even in different formats: ZIP against TAR, 7z against ZIP, and more. File trees, sizes, and optional content checks. No upload.
Files never leave your browser.
About Archive Diff
Compares the file trees of two archives, also when each side uses a different format. Reads ZIP, TAR (with .tar.gz and .tgz), 7z, RAR, cpio, ar, xar, and CAB. Reports added, removed, and changed entries.
How to use
- Drop or pick the left archive. The format is detected from the file itself.
- Drop or pick the right archive. It can use a different format than the left one.
- Under Options, turn on Compare contents to read file bytes; otherwise entries compare on size. Hide directories drops folder entries, and Filter path limits the result to one subtree.
What this tool doesn't handle
- Encrypted archives are not supported. Extract them locally first, then compare the folders with Folder Diff.
- The result lists entries. It does not show a line diff of a file inside the archive.
Frequently asked questions
Do my files ever leave my browser?
No. Every comparison runs locally in your browser. Nothing you paste, drop, or load is uploaded to a server; the tool keeps working even if you go offline after the page loads.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes. All DiffResolver tools are free, with no account, sign-up, or installation. Because processing happens on your device, there are no server-imposed usage limits.
Can I compare a ZIP against a TAR or a 7z archive?
Yes. Each side is detected on its own, so a ZIP compares against a TAR, a 7z, or a RAR with no conversion step. The tool matches entries by path.
Which archive formats does this tool read?
ZIP, TAR (with .tar.gz and .tgz), 7z, RAR, cpio, ar, xar, and CAB. Every archive is decompressed in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Is there a file size limit?
No server limit applies, because nothing is uploaded. The memory of your device sets the practical limit. Above 10 MB for text, 40 MB for images, 100 MB for documents, or 500 MB for archives, the tool warns you that the work can be slow, but it never blocks the file.
Does this tool work offline?
Yes. The browser keeps a copy of the tool after the first visit, so a page you opened before still works without a network. You can also install DiffResolver as an app from the browser menu. Installation stays optional; the site works the same in a normal tab.
Where is my data stored?
Your files are stored nowhere. They stay in the memory of the page and are gone when you close the tab. Only what you save yourself stays in this browser: a snapshot, your tool options, and your theme. To remove it, open Settings and select Clear all local data.