ReleaseFlow comparison
ReleaseFlow vs ToDesktop
ToDesktop is a build-and-distribution platform for Electron apps. ReleaseFlow is a release pipeline: you build and sign your own app, push a git tag, and ReleaseFlow handles downloads, updates, checkout and licensing.
| What you need | ReleaseFlow | ToDesktop |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Native macOS via Sparkle, Electron, Android APKs. | Electron apps — ToDesktop calls itself “End-to-end Electron”. |
| Builds & code signing | Not included — you run your own build and signing. ReleaseFlow reads your GitHub releases. | Cloud builds on Windows, Mac and Linux build servers, plus code signing. |
| Update feeds | Sparkle appcast and electron-updater feeds generated from each release. | Auto-updates with CDN-backed update delivery and unlimited app updates. |
| Download links | One link that detects platform and architecture. | Universal download link on your domain, served from their CDN. |
| Checkout | Hosted checkout on your own Polar or Stripe account. | Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists — you keep your own checkout. |
| License keys | Keys with an activate/validate/deactivate API and a Swift SDK. | Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists — bring your own licensing. |
| Device limits | Per-machine trials and device limits built in. | Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists. |
| Channels | Stable, beta and alpha plus a private dev channel behind a token. | Staging and dev apps from Performance; staggered rollouts on Scale. |
| Analytics | Download analytics — 7 days on Free, 1 year on Indie. | Download and build analytics from the Performance plan. |
| Starting price | Free tier; Indie $9.99/month, $99/year or $199 lifetime. | Essential $100/month, Performance $300/month, Scale $1,200/month; 7-day trial. |
Platforms
- ReleaseFlow
- Native macOS via Sparkle, Electron, Android APKs.
- ToDesktop
- Electron apps — ToDesktop calls itself “End-to-end Electron”.
Builds & code signing
- ReleaseFlow
- Not included — you run your own build and signing. ReleaseFlow reads your GitHub releases.
- ToDesktop
- Cloud builds on Windows, Mac and Linux build servers, plus code signing.
Update feeds
- ReleaseFlow
- Sparkle appcast and electron-updater feeds generated from each release.
- ToDesktop
- Auto-updates with CDN-backed update delivery and unlimited app updates.
Download links
- ReleaseFlow
- One link that detects platform and architecture.
- ToDesktop
- Universal download link on your domain, served from their CDN.
Checkout
- ReleaseFlow
- Hosted checkout on your own Polar or Stripe account.
- ToDesktop
- Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists — you keep your own checkout.
License keys
- ReleaseFlow
- Keys with an activate/validate/deactivate API and a Swift SDK.
- ToDesktop
- Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists — bring your own licensing.
Device limits
- ReleaseFlow
- Per-machine trials and device limits built in.
- ToDesktop
- Not on ToDesktop's feature or plan lists.
Channels
- ReleaseFlow
- Stable, beta and alpha plus a private dev channel behind a token.
- ToDesktop
- Staging and dev apps from Performance; staggered rollouts on Scale.
Analytics
- ReleaseFlow
- Download analytics — 7 days on Free, 1 year on Indie.
- ToDesktop
- Download and build analytics from the Performance plan.
Starting price
- ReleaseFlow
- Free tier; Indie $9.99/month, $99/year or $199 lifetime.
- ToDesktop
- Essential $100/month, Performance $300/month, Scale $1,200/month; 7-day trial.
Competitor facts from their public pages, checked : todesktop.com · todesktop.com pricing
What you still build with ToDesktop
- Your own checkout, license keys and device limits — ToDesktop distributes builds, it doesn't run a licensing stack.
- A distribution path for native (non-Electron) macOS apps — ToDesktop's build platform targets Electron.
Who should not use ReleaseFlow
- You want builds and code signing handled for you — ReleaseFlow never builds or signs your app; you still run your own pipeline.
- You need web installers, MSI/PKG installers or Mac App Store builds — ToDesktop builds those, ReleaseFlow doesn't.
- You don't sell or license your app and only want cloud builds and installers.
Push a git tag. Ship the update.
Download links, update feeds, checkout and license keys from your GitHub releases. Free for one app.
Start free →