A Changelog page lists all the important updates, announcements, changes and even fixes made in a Business product. It communicates to the users about the recent changes.
In this post, we will see a comparison of the top 5 tools used for creating changelog pages. Top 5 determined not just not taking its popularity into account but also its features.
SubPage Changelog
SubPage Changelog is part of its Product Module which is actually part of its broader SubPage platform. It is a feature rich tool for creating changelogs. It provides multiple widgets, large number of beautiful changelog layouts that can be switched without any configuration changes. Also has built-in AI to assist writing log notes efficiently.
In their own words:
Showcase your product updates with SubPage ChangeLog - AI based editor with over 9 beautiful layouts, embeddable widgets.
Highlights
- AI based changelog editor
- Versioning Support
- Multiple Changelog layouts - 9 available as of now
- Notification widget bar
- Recent updates widgets - modal dialog
- Clap (medium like) user feedback
- Changelog focussed analytics
- Fast search
- SEO friendly URL slugs
- Costs part of the SubPage platform ($30 USD / month)
- Supports real-time editing of logs with multiple authors
- Optional Roadmap page extension
Headway
Popular changelog tool, feels lightweight and easy to use. It has minimal features with a single changelog layout and widget. Uses markdown editor for writing notes.
In their own words:
Easiest way to keep your customers in the loop about your product. Every update that you can share with your users, you should. They will love you for this, we promise
Highlights
- Markdown based editor
- Custom domain
- Scheduled Publishing
- Notification widget
- Custom log categories
- Private mode
- Sharing possible (but not real-time)
- Priced at $29 USD / month
Beamer
Beamer touts itself as a customer communication platform with an array of products such as Changelog page editor, Widgets, Integrations. It is relatively new but has quickly become popular in the Changelog service space.
In their own words:
Beamer helps product teams announce what's new, prioritize what to build next and close the feedback loop.
Highlights
- Built-in NPS feedback
- Push Notifications
- Integrations
- Single theme
- Notification widget
- Analytics
- Starts $59 USD / month with 5000 visitors
LaunchNotes
A premium product communication service with external and internal changelog service that includes widgets, emails and feedback.
In their own words:
Coordinate on the most impactful work, communicate context and progress across your org, and ensure you’re always connected to the stakeholders that matter most.
Highlights
- External and Private Changelogs
- Email communication
- Widgets
- Integrations
- Scheduling
- Cost only by Quote - $$$
Notion
This is a surprise entry, as although Notion's primary usecase is for wikis, docs and project management, Many companies use Notion as also a changelog tool due to its user-friendly rich text editing functions.
In their own words:
Write docs, organize knowledge, and manage projects in one workspace.
Highlights
- AI based editor
- Lots of text components like grids
- Can be published as a public page
- Data available via API
- Integrations
- Starts Free
Conclusion
Each changelog software mentioned above have their own strengths and weakness. Choosing a changelog software for your organization depends upon a number of factors.
Ease of Use:
This includes minimal UI interface, easy setup, no-code customization and friendly for non-developers.
Our Recommendation: SubPage, Headway
Pricing:
If you are SMB or a Startup, pricing is important factor to consider. Notion is the only option that is Free in the above list although it is not an actual changelog tool.
Our Recommendation: Notion, SubPage
Integrations:
Integrations are important when you want to pipe out the updates to different platforms like Social Media
Our Recommendation: Beamer, LaunchNotes
Widgets:
For the product updates reach your users, widgets are the best options. Different types of Widgets are recommended based on where you place them like application, website
Our Recommendation: SubPage
Themes:
It is important for a changelog tool to become part of the website. Simple color and logo customization alone will not be enough. Different layouts should be available to choose from and also they have to easily switchable anytime.
Our Recommendation: SubPage
Text Editor:
Log writing tool is very important in delivering the best product update posts. SubPage offers AI based features inside its editor along with Image editor for crafting beautiful product update images without leaving the editor. Notion also wins here for its highly intuitive block based editing.
Our Recommendation: Notion, SubPage
Note the above list is based on the research done on October 2023. Their features, pricing and functions may differ as and when updated. Please refer to their respective sites for further information.
