Compare software

MacTeX vs MiKTeX: catalog facts
MacTeX	MiKTeX
Free Free download from the TeX Users Group.	Free The open-source distribution is available without a license fee.
macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Complete, preconfigured TeX Live in one installer Includes Mac GUI editors such as TeXShop	Installs packages on demand, so the base install is small Integrated updater keeps packages current without manual work
Full install is very large macOS only; requires macOS 11 or later	On-demand installation needs network access while compiling Less commonly assumed by Linux documentation than TeX Live
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.