This limitation means RSS readers won’t work on any static webpages or dynamic websites without RSS components. Fortunately, you can use third-party tools to monitor website changes and receive notifications for any new changes.
Possible Use Cases of a Website Monitor
Website monitors may also eliminate the need for subscribing to email newsletters. For instance, if you want to figure out whether an updated version of a software or game is out, you can set the monitor to track changes in the version number of the change log.
Different Types of Website Monitoring
The solutions we’ve compiled below each have at least one method to monitor websites for changes. Knowing how each method works is key to picking the best solution or combination for your needs and Windows configuration.
Cloud services – use these services for website tracking if you require timely checks even if your computer isn’t connected to the Internet.Browser extension – this approach lets you reliably check more types of websites, including backend pages linked to your browser’s cookies.Standalone applications – they can serve as decent alternatives to cloud services if you want to keep your info private, as you don’t have to make an online account.
1. WebSite-Watcher Free
This is a standalone Windows app and stripped-down version of its paid product. WebSite-Watcher is the oldest, actively developed website monitor in the list that boasts a large and polished feature set.
2. WebChangeMonitor
The second solution on our list is WebChangeMonitor: a free, portable and open-source Windows application that lets you add as many websites as you would like and checks them for changes.
Check the Differences
To discover which specific areas of the website have changed compared to the previous check, you must download WinMerge and install it on your PC.
3. Distill Web Monitor
Distill Web Monitor is a browser extension for Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Opera. In addition to using your browser to check for websites, you may configure up to five of these websites to use Distill’s cloud services instead. Note: you do not need to create a free Distill account to check websites for updates unless you wish to synchronize your Distill website catalog and settings across browsers on different computers or take advantage of the paid features.
Add Your Preferences
4. PageProbe
PageProbe is a free and unrestricted web extension for Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Chrome. If you do not need any cloud features and need to track dozens of websites, PageProbe is worth considering.
5. Wachete
Wachete is a cloud-based website monitor that has been active since 2014. The service lets you create individual website trackers called “Wachets.” Each has its own unique URL so that you can share it with other people. Image credit: Kreatikar via Pixabay. All screenshots by John Ruiz.
