Best tool for the job plain and simple. If the “job” is my hobby, well, then I may be able to skimp on cost. If it’s free, great, it’s a no brainer. If it’s not well you have to weigh the worth.
One thing to consider in regards to buying the product, you are also buying the warantee, and support. If you’re company loses is hurt by a malfunction of the product, there is more recourse that you can take beyond leaving a nasty post in a forum. This is a serious consideration my friends.
On the matter of Beyond Compare, I bought it. Nothing is in it’s class at this time and it’s reasonably priced for single home developer use. If there was something that did all as well and more, I’ll consider changing. 