Jar2Exe vs Launch4j

Struggling to choose between Jar2Exe and Launch4j? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Jar2Exe is a Development solution with tags like java, jar, exe, converter, compiler, executable.

It boasts features such as Converts JAR files into EXE files, Wraps JAR and JRE into a single EXE, Does not require Java to be installed to run EXE, Supports GUI and console Java apps, Customizable with advanced options, Works on Windows and pros including Simple and easy to use, Good for distributing Java apps to end users, No need to install Java separately, Creates standalone EXE files, Open source and free.

On the other hand, Launch4j is a Development product tagged with java, executable, wrapper, bundler, launch4j.

Its standout features include Wraps Java apps in lightweight Windows executables, Bundles JRE so no runtime needs to be installed, Configurable JRE bundling options, GUI for configuring exe wrapper, Command line interface, Customizable exe icon and other resources, Splash screen support, Runtime changeable parameters, JRE version checking, Headless mode support, and it shines with pros like No Java runtime required for end users, Simple way to distribute Java apps on Windows, Lightweight executables, Easy to configure and use.

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.

Jar2Exe

Jar2Exe

Jar2Exe is a simple utility that allows you to convert a Java JAR file into a Windows executable EXE file. It wraps the JAR file along with a JRE into a single EXE for easy distribution and running of Java apps without requiring Java to be installed.

Categories:
Development Java Development
java jar exe converter compiler executable

Jar2Exe Features

  1. Converts JAR files into EXE files
  2. Wraps JAR and JRE into a single EXE
  3. Does not require Java to be installed to run EXE
  4. Supports GUI and console Java apps
  5. Customizable with advanced options
  6. Works on Windows

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Simple and easy to use

Good for distributing Java apps to end users

No need to install Java separately

Creates standalone EXE files

Open source and free

Cons

Windows only

Limited to wrapping JAR files

EXE can be large with embedded JRE

Not ideal for complex Java apps

Lacks options of full fledged IDEs

Launch4j

Launch4j

Launch4j is an open source tool for wrapping Java applications into lightweight Windows native executables. It allows Java apps to be launched without installing a Java runtime by bundling it into an exe file.

Categories:
Development Java Development
java executable wrapper bundler launch4j

Launch4j Features

  1. Wraps Java apps in lightweight Windows executables
  2. Bundles JRE so no runtime needs to be installed
  3. Configurable JRE bundling options
  4. GUI for configuring exe wrapper
  5. Command line interface
  6. Customizable exe icon and other resources
  7. Splash screen support
  8. Runtime changeable parameters
  9. JRE version checking
  10. Headless mode support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

No Java runtime required for end users

Simple way to distribute Java apps on Windows

Lightweight executables

Easy to configure and use

Cons

Windows only

Limited configuration options compared to other wrappers

Not ideal for complex applications

Bundled JRE increases executable size