InstallBuilder vs InstallShield
InstallBuilder
installbuilder.comInstallShield
revenera.comSide by side
| Figure | InstallBuilder | InstallShield |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $393.58/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 4 |
| Spec score · Software Packaging Tools | 7.9 (#10) | 7.8 (#14) |
| Audience | Customers range from businesses, governments and educational institutions to Fortune 100 companies and independent game developers. | Revenera says InstallShield is for software developers and not for people trying to install a software program on their own computers. |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA | Itasca, Illinois, United States |
| Purpose | InstallBuilder provides tools and services for packaging, deploying and updating software. | InstallShield is a software tool for building Windows installers, including MSI and MSIX packages, with Microsoft Visual Studio integration. |
| Security | InstallBuilder can sign Windows and OS X installers using PKCS#12 or PFX signing certificates and supports encrypted installer payloads requiring a password. | InstallShield supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for SQL Server connections, providing MFA-based access. |
| Support | 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. | Revenera directs InstallShield users to its Support Hub and community resources for assistance. |
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
InstallShield
- InstallShield Professional$4,723 a year
- InstallShield Premier$7,795 a year
- InstallShield Premier - Cloud License ServerPriced on request
- InstallShield Premier - Local License ServerPriced on request
In their own words
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.
InstallShield
InstallShield has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.