Compared to or compared with?

[Jacksterbear]

I wrote compared with earlier, and now think that may have been incorrect.

I think it's compared to, but I may well be wrong. :)

Either can be correct.

I think you would use "with" when you are emphasising the differences between two things:

For example if you compare Sainsbury's with Tesco you might point out differences in the ranges, prices and quality of service.

I think it's "to" when you are emphasising likeness, for example "Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day".

Ooh interesting, thanks. That would mean I was correct, in the context of what I was writing, which was "x is easy compared with y".