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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

InstallShield

InstallShield

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.

Categories:
Development Installer Tools
setup installer deployment packaging

InstallShield Features

  1. Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux
  2. Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers
  3. Wizard-driven interface
  4. Multiple languages support
  5. Custom actions and logic
  6. Version checking capabilities
  7. Integration with build tools
  8. Virtualization support
  9. Patching capabilities
  10. Rollback functionality
  11. Administrative installs

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

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

MakeMSI

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.

Categories:
Development Installer Tools
msi installer packaging deployment

MakeMSI Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

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