InstallShield vs Inno Setup

Struggling to choose between InstallShield and Inno Setup? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

InstallShield is a Development solution with tags like setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

It boasts features such as Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers, Wizard-driven interface, Multiple languages support, Custom actions and logic, Version checking capabilities, Integration with build tools, Virtualization support, Patching capabilities, Rollback functionality, Administrative installs and pros including Wide platform and installer format support, Intuitive visual interface, Powerful customization options, Robust patching and upgrading features, Integration with popular build tools, Good technical support.

On the other hand, Inno Setup is a Development product tagged with installer, setup, authoring, windows.

Its standout features include Create installers for Windows programs, Multi-language support, Customizable installer UI, Conditional logic, Registry and file manipulation, Scripting using Pascal Script, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to use graphical interface, Powerful scripting capabilities, Wide range of functionality, Active community support.

Feature	InstallShield	Inno Setup
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

InstallShield

Description: InstallShield is a software tool used to create installers or setup packages for distributing software to end users. It simplifies the complex process of making installers for Windows and other platforms.

Inno Setup

Description: Inno Setup is an open-source installation and setup authoring tool for Windows programs and software packages. It allows developers to easily create installers with basic to advanced functionality, including multi-language support, custom dialogs and screens, conditional logic, and much more.

Key Features Comparison

InstallShield Features

• Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux
• Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers
• Wizard-driven interface
• Multiple languages support
• Custom actions and logic
• Version checking capabilities
• Integration with build tools
• Virtualization support
• Patching capabilities
• Rollback functionality
• Administrative installs

Inno Setup Features

• Create installers for Windows programs
• Multi-language support
• Customizable installer UI
• Conditional logic
• Registry and file manipulation
• Scripting using Pascal Script

Pros & Cons Analysis

InstallShield

Pros

• Wide platform and installer format support
• Intuitive visual interface
• Powerful customization options
• Robust patching and upgrading features
• Integration with popular build tools
• Good technical support

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Complex pricing model
• Limited trial version
• Can be overkill for simple installers

Inno Setup

Pros

• Free and open source
• Easy to use graphical interface
• Powerful scripting capabilities
• Wide range of functionality
• Active community support

Cons

• Windows only
• Steep learning curve for advanced features
• Not as feature rich as some paid tools
• Scripting requires Pascal knowledge

Pricing Comparison

InstallShield

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

Inno Setup

• Open Source