fpm vs InstallBuilder
fpm
fpm.readthedocs.ioInstallBuilder
installbuilder.comSide by side
| Figure | fpm | InstallBuilder |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Software Packaging Tools | 7.8 (#13) | 7.9 (#10) |
| Purpose | fpm is a command-line tool for creating packages for existing package systems with less effort. | InstallBuilder provides tools and services for packaging, deploying and updating software. |
| Support | The documentation invites users to report problems through the project issue tracker. | Every license includes email support and access to new releases for one year; typical response times are 24 hours for standard support and 48 hours for basic support on weekdays. |
Plans
InstallBuilder
- InstallBuilder for Linux$995, paid once
- InstallBuilder for Mac OS X$995, paid once
- InstallBuilder for Qt for Linux$995, paid once
- InstallBuilder for Qt for Windows$995, paid once
- InstallBuilder for Windows$995, paid once
- InstallBuilder for Qt Professional$1,995, paid once
- InstallBuilder Professional$1,995, paid once
- InstallBuilder Enterprise$2,995, paid once
- InstallBuilder Professional Site$6,995, paid once
- InstallBuilder Enterprise Site$9,995, paid once
In their own words
fpm
fpm is a free, open-source command-line tool for creating packages for existing package systems. It accepts sources such as local directories, npm packages, CPAN modules, Python packages, Ruby gems, and existing RPM or Debian packages. Outputs include Debian, RPM, FreeBSD, macOS, Arch Linux, Alpine, Solaris, Snap, tar, zip, shell archive, and other listed formats. fpm can convert an RPM package to Debian, remove files, change metadata or dependencies, and strip pre, post, or maintainer scripts. It is written in Ruby and installed with `gem install fpm`; Ruby must be installed first, and some formats need additional system tools. Docker is documented as a way to run fpm without installing those tools locally. Building an osxpkg package requires macOS. The tool supports Linux, macOS, and self-hosted use. Documentation is described as a work in progress and not extensive. The listed release is version 1.18.0, released August 26, 2026. The license is identified as MIT-like.
InstallBuilder
InstallBuilder provides tools for packaging, deploying, and updating software. From one project file and build environment, it creates native cross-platform installers, RPM and Debian packages, and CD or DVD media. Output options also include self-contained executables, DMG, and ZIP. Installers can present a graphical interface, run in text mode, or install silently. Teams can use an XML project format with source control integration and external scripts, and automate builds through the command-line interface. Installers are single-file executables with built-in LZMA compression and no external dependencies; optional downloadable components are fetched only when selected during installation. The product supports automatic updates, Windows and OS X installer signing with PKCS#12 or PFX certificates, and password-protected encrypted payloads. Platform-specific licenses, Professional and Enterprise editions, and site licenses are listed. Prices start at $995, paid once, with one year of support and updates included. A fully functional evaluation copy is available through the download form.