InstallBuilder vs Tauri Bundler
InstallBuilder
installbuilder.com
Tauri Bundler
tauri.appSide by side
| Figure | InstallBuilder | Tauri Bundler |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Spec score · Software Packaging Tools | 7.9 (#10) | 8.2 (#5) |
| Build workflow | Its XML project format supports source control integration and external scripts, and its command-line interface can automate and integrate building. | Tauri's build command automatically bundles an application for its configured formats by default. |
| Purpose | InstallBuilder provides tools and services for packaging, deploying and updating software. | Tauri Bundler wraps Rust executables in OS-specific app bundles and is used as a library by the Tauri CLI. |
| 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. | The prerequisites guide directs users with installation issues to the troubleshooting guide or Tauri Discord. |
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
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.
Tauri Bundler
Tauri Bundler is free Rust tooling for packaging applications as operating-system bundles and installers. Its build command bundles an application for its configured formats by default, with separate build and bundle steps available when customization is needed. Distribution documentation covers Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Linux options include Debian, Snap, AppImage, Flatpak, RPM, and AUR; macOS apps can go through the App Store or be distributed as DMG installers. The guides also cover the Microsoft Store, Google Play, and the iOS App Store. Build instructions show commands for npm, yarn, pnpm, Deno, Bun, and Cargo, and Tauri documents a GitHub pipeline for building and releasing applications. Tauri describes the tooling as frontend-agnostic and says most frameworks work out of the box. However, it acts as a static web host and does not natively support server-based frontend alternatives such as SSR. Code signing is required on most platforms; macOS distribution outside the App Store also requires notarization. Tauri says major and minor releases undergo security audits. The bundler's public API is intended primarily for tauri-cli and does not strictly follow SemVer.