InstallShield vs MakeMSI

Struggling to choose between InstallShield and MakeMSI? 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, MakeMSI is a Development product tagged with msi, installer, packaging, deployment.

Its standout features include Graphical user interface for creating MSI packages, Supports multiple languages and localized installers, Can bundle files, shortcuts, registry entries etc into installer, Integrates with WiX toolset for advanced MSI creation, Open source and free to use, and it shines with pros like Easy to use GUI, no need to edit XML/scripts, Good for basic to intermediate MSI creation, Free and open source, Active development and community support.

Feature	InstallShield	MakeMSI
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.

MakeMSI

Description: MakeMSI is an open-source tool for creating MSI installation packages for Windows desktop applications. It provides a GUI for configuring MSI settings without needing to edit scripts or XML code.

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

MakeMSI Features

• Graphical user interface for creating MSI packages
• Supports multiple languages and localized installers
• Can bundle files, shortcuts, registry entries etc into installer
• Integrates with WiX toolset for advanced MSI creation
• Open source and free to use

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

MakeMSI

Pros

• Easy to use GUI, no need to edit XML/scripts
• Good for basic to intermediate MSI creation
• Free and open source
• Active development and community support

Cons

• Limited to MSI installers only
• Less flexible than WiX for complex installs
• Lacks some advanced MSI features
• Documentation could be improved

Pricing Comparison

InstallShield

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

MakeMSI

• Open Source
• Free