Compared with, compared to

Two things need saying here.

The first, and by far the most important, is that we do not use either compared to or compared with in a comparative phrase. We use than.

He is bigger than me (not compared with me)

He is more honest than his colleagues (not compared with his colleagues)

I have nicer freckles than you (not compared with you).


If you are using a comparative (-er or more - ) use than. Nothing else will do. Do not be fooled by the apparent complexity of a sentence: it is still than.

We were on average considerably better-off  in 1975 in terms of purchasing power in the housing market than we are now in 2015, in spite of the illusion of material wealth. 

Although Marco was happier, more fulfilled and generally better-disposed (as a result of his gentle upbringing and God-given sweet nature)  than his schoolmates, he was still shy boy. 


The second is that compared with and compared to are both acceptable, but they do not mean the same thing.

He compared me to Mozart (Hey, your music reminds me of Mozart; you're really good).

He compared me with Mozart (Hey, at your age, Mozart had already written 14 masses and 30 symphonies. What have you done with your life, you loser?)


Use compared with  if in doubt.