Squirrel.Windows vs MakeMSI

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

Squirrel.Windows icon
Squirrel.Windows
MakeMSI icon
MakeMSI

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between Squirrel.Windows and MakeMSI? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Squirrel.Windows is a Development solution with tags like opensource, autoupdate, windows, desktop, github, azure-devops.

It boasts features such as Allows developers to publish desktop apps with auto-updates, Integrates with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment, Open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop apps, Supports delta updates to reduce bandwidth usage, Can be used with .NET and non-.NET apps and pros including Easy to implement auto-updates, Seamless CI/CD integration, Open-source and free, Good documentation and community support, Lightweight and fast compared to alternatives.

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.

Why Compare Squirrel.Windows and MakeMSI?

When evaluating Squirrel.Windows versus MakeMSI, both solutions serve different needs within the development ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

Squirrel.Windows and MakeMSI have established themselves in the development market. Key areas include opensource, autoupdate, windows.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between Squirrel.Windows and MakeMSI significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include opensource, autoupdate, windows, desktop.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include opensource, autoupdate and msi, installer.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between Squirrel.Windows and MakeMSI. You might also explore opensource, autoupdate, windows for alternative approaches.

Feature Squirrel.Windows MakeMSI
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Development Development
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows

Description: Squirrel.Windows is an open-source installation and update framework for Windows desktop apps, allowing developers to publish their apps with auto updates out of the box. It integrates seamlessly with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

MakeMSI
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.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows Features
  • Allows developers to publish desktop apps with auto-updates
  • Integrates with GitHub and Azure DevOps for continuous deployment
  • Open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop apps
  • Supports delta updates to reduce bandwidth usage
  • Can be used with .NET and non-.NET apps
MakeMSI
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

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Pros
  • Easy to implement auto-updates
  • Seamless CI/CD integration
  • Open-source and free
  • Good documentation and community support
  • Lightweight and fast compared to alternatives
Cons
  • Limited to Windows desktop apps
  • Less flexible than building own update system
  • Requires hosting your own update server or using 3rd party service
  • Not as full-featured as commercial solutions
MakeMSI
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

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
  • Open Source
MakeMSI
MakeMSI
  • Open Source
  • Free

Get More Information

Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Squirrel.Windows
Learn More About Squirrel.Windows
MakeMSI
MakeMSI
MakeMSI
Learn More About MakeMSI

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