When comparing Web Alert vs Distill Web Monitor, the Slant community recommends Web Alert for most people. In the question“What are the best webpage change detection and notification software tools?” Web Alert is ranked 1st while Distill Web Monitor is ranked 2nd.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Can track an unlimited number of pages
Pro Can watch pages behind logins and forms
Pro Keeps a local copy of page revisions
Pro Highlights changes since last check
Pro Free
Pro Can track a specified part of the page
The app allows specifying what content should be tracked via a graphical interface.
Pro Can also track intranet pages
Pro Has advanced selectors of what to monitor
Pro Option to run locally on computer and in cloud
Can use browser extension to check for changes locally. There is also an option to check webpages in cloud. Changing run device is configurable from both browser extension and cloud.
Pro Has a free tier
Can monitor 25 webpages for free. It is sufficient for daily use.
Pro Can select with custom CSS/JS formulas
Pro Can select using async JavaScript
Pro Can watch pages behind logins and forms
Pro Can monitor PDF documents for changes
Cons
Con Slow
It takes a long time for the software to check for changes.
Con Early stage of development
The app is still incomplete and missing features
Con Somewhat confusing UI
Con Expensive for casual use
Con Free tier is limited
Only 1 check per 6 hours could be done in cloud. However browser extension allows 5 seconds check interval for free.
Con Settings persistence behind paywall
Chrome can synchronize settings but that option is only for paying members of Distill.