InstallShield vs SharpSetup

Struggling to choose between InstallShield and SharpSetup? 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, SharpSetup is a Development product tagged with installer, setup, deployment.

Its standout features include Graphical interface to configure setup options, Create installers for Windows software, Open source, Supports custom dialogs, shortcuts, registry keys, Multi-language support, Integrates with WiX toolset, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Simple and easy to use, Good documentation and community support, Very customizable, Generates small installers.

Feature	InstallShield	SharpSetup
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.

SharpSetup

Description: SharpSetup is an open-source installation creator for Windows that allows you to easily build installers for your software. It has a simple graphical interface to configure setup options and supports features like custom dialogs, shortcuts, registry keys, and 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

SharpSetup Features

• Graphical interface to configure setup options
• Create installers for Windows software
• Open source
• Supports custom dialogs, shortcuts, registry keys
• Multi-language support
• Integrates with WiX toolset

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

SharpSetup

Pros

• Free and open source
• Simple and easy to use
• Good documentation and community support
• Very customizable
• Generates small installers

Cons

• Limited features compared to advanced install creators
• Steep learning curve for advanced customization
• Not frequently updated
• Lacks some advanced installer features like patches

Pricing Comparison

InstallShield

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

SharpSetup

• Open Source