Side by side
electron-builder vs electron-packager
Both stand on software packaging tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
electron-builder covers packaging, signing and update workflows for Electron apps across three desktop platforms. Its platform-specific build requirements matter, especially for code signing and native dependencies.
Visit electron-builder Free plan LinuxMacWindows
electron-packager provides a free route from Electron source to platform-specific application folders, with CLI and library interfaces. Check its Node.js requirement, target architecture availability, and macOS signing requirement before choosing a build setup.
Visit electron-packagerThe facts
| electron-builder | electron-packager | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | electron.build | github.com |
| On software packaging tools | #2 of 29 | #6 of 29 |
electron-builder: what it does well
- Builds installers, portable versions and archives.
- Supports differential updates and staged rollouts.
- Offers multiple documented update providers.
- ASAR integrity hashes are enabled by default.
- GitHub Actions CI/CD guidance is available.
What to know first
- macOS code signing works only on macOS.
- Native dependencies generally require target-platform builds.
- Signing requires configured credentials.
electron-packager: what it does well
- Free, open-source CLI and Node.js library.
- Builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Can package selected or valid platform combinations.
- CLI ignore option filters files and folders.
- Electron Forge uses it internally.
What to know first
- Requires Node.js 22.12.0 or higher.
- Signing macOS bundles requires a macOS host.
- Packaged apps can be relatively large.
Alternatives to electron-builder Alternatives to electron-packager The whole list