Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware assets across your network with detailed scanning and reporting capabilities.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Rapidly scans Windows devices to collect and manage comprehensive hardware and software inventory data.
- 3#3: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins, and deployments.
- 4#4: ManageEngine AssetExplorer - Tracks hardware assets with automated discovery, barcode support, and maintenance scheduling.
- 5#5: Spiceworks Inventory - Free tool for network-based hardware inventory scanning and IT asset tracking.
- 6#6: GLPI - Open-source ITSM platform with robust hardware asset inventory and management features.
- 7#7: NinjaOne - RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote management.
- 8#8: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based solution for automatic hardware and software inventory collection across networks.
- 9#9: InvGate Asset Management - Comprehensive ITAM tool for hardware tracking, procurement, and depreciation management.
- 10#10: KACE Systems Management Appliance - Appliance-based system for hardware inventory, patching, and endpoint management.
Tools were evaluated based on features like network discovery, reporting capabilities, ease of use, and scalability, ensuring a curated list of reliable options that balance functionality and value for diverse organizational requirements.
Comparison Table
Effective computer hardware inventory management is vital for streamlining operations and ensuring system security, and selecting the right software can make a significant difference. This comparison table examines popular tools like Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, Snipe-IT, ManageEngine AssetExplorer, and Spiceworks Inventory, outlining key features, usability, and pricing to help readers identify the best fit for their organization's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware assets across your network with detailed scanning and reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Rapidly scans Windows devices to collect and manage comprehensive hardware and software inventory data. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins, and deployments. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ManageEngine AssetExplorer Tracks hardware assets with automated discovery, barcode support, and maintenance scheduling. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Spiceworks Inventory Free tool for network-based hardware inventory scanning and IT asset tracking. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | GLPI Open-source ITSM platform with robust hardware asset inventory and management features. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | NinjaOne RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based solution for automatic hardware and software inventory collection across networks. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | InvGate Asset Management Comprehensive ITAM tool for hardware tracking, procurement, and depreciation management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | KACE Systems Management Appliance Appliance-based system for hardware inventory, patching, and endpoint management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware assets across your network with detailed scanning and reporting capabilities.
Rapidly scans Windows devices to collect and manage comprehensive hardware and software inventory data.
Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins, and deployments.
Tracks hardware assets with automated discovery, barcode support, and maintenance scheduling.
Free tool for network-based hardware inventory scanning and IT asset tracking.
Open-source ITSM platform with robust hardware asset inventory and management features.
RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote management.
Agent-based solution for automatic hardware and software inventory collection across networks.
Comprehensive ITAM tool for hardware tracking, procurement, and depreciation management.
Appliance-based system for hardware inventory, patching, and endpoint management.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAutomatically discovers and inventories all hardware assets across your network with detailed scanning and reporting capabilities.
Agentless network discovery that inventories full hardware details from any device type without software installation
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management solution specializing in automated discovery and detailed inventory of computer hardware across networks, including desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and IoT devices. It collects comprehensive hardware data such as CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals, and warranty details without requiring agents on endpoints. The platform offers real-time dashboards, customizable reports, and integrations for efficient hardware lifecycle management and compliance tracking.
Pros
- Agentless scanning discovers 100% of hardware assets automatically
- In-depth hardware specs, usage analytics, and warranty tracking
- Powerful reporting and dashboard customization for IT teams
Cons
- Scanning can be resource-intensive on large networks
- Advanced customization requires some technical expertise
- Pricing scales steeply with high asset volumes
Best For
IT administrators in mid-to-large enterprises needing automated, accurate hardware inventory without endpoint agents.
Pricing
Freemium (free up to 100 assets); paid subscriptions from ~$1/asset/year, billed annually based on total discovered assets.
PDQ Inventory
enterpriseRapidly scans Windows devices to collect and manage comprehensive hardware and software inventory data.
Ultra-fast multi-step scanning engine that profiles full hardware specs without installing agents
PDQ Inventory is a powerful agentless inventory solution tailored for IT teams managing Windows environments, enabling rapid scanning and detailed cataloging of hardware assets like CPUs, RAM, storage drives, peripherals, and BIOS configurations across networks. It excels in generating custom reports, dynamic collections, and alerts based on hardware data, facilitating asset tracking, compliance audits, and troubleshooting. Integration with PDQ Deploy enhances its utility for comprehensive IT lifecycle management, while supporting automated schedules for ongoing inventory updates.
Pros
- Lightning-fast agentless scanning delivers comprehensive hardware details in seconds
- Dynamic collections and SQL-like queries for precise hardware-based asset grouping
- Robust reporting, alerting, and export options streamline hardware management workflows
Cons
- Limited to Windows systems with no native Mac or Linux support
- Pricing scales quickly with target count and additional admins, impacting value for very large or budget-constrained teams
- Advanced features require a learning curve despite intuitive basic interface
Best For
Windows-centric IT admins and MSPs handling mid-to-large networks who prioritize speed and depth in hardware inventory.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at $1,349 for 250 targets/1 admin, scaling to $13,749 for 25,000 targets/1 admin; additional admins $600/year each.
Snipe-IT
otherOpen-source asset management system for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins, and deployments.
Comprehensive asset history and action logs that track every change, assignment, and maintenance event for full auditability.
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset management platform designed specifically for tracking computer hardware, software licenses, peripherals, and consumables across organizations. It enables detailed inventory control through features like check-in/check-out workflows, asset assignments to users or locations, custom fields, and barcode/QR code scanning for quick audits. The system also offers reporting, depreciation tracking, and API integrations, making it ideal for hardware lifecycle management.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Robust hardware tracking including check-in/out, history logs, and custom fields
- Strong reporting, barcode/QR support, and integrations like LDAP/AD and API
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and ongoing server maintenance
- Interface can feel dated and has a moderate learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited native mobile app; relies on responsive web access
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams needing a customizable, cost-free solution for hardware inventory without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid support plans and hosted SaaS starting at $29/month per 50 assets.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
enterpriseTracks hardware assets with automated discovery, barcode support, and maintenance scheduling.
Agentless network scanning for rapid, accurate hardware discovery and inventory across diverse IT environments
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a robust IT asset management solution designed for tracking and managing computer hardware inventories across enterprises. It automates device discovery via agentless scanning, maintains detailed records of hardware configurations, warranties, depreciation, and maintenance history. The software also handles procurement, disposal, and generates comprehensive reports for audits and compliance.
Pros
- Automated agentless discovery and detailed hardware inventory tracking
- Powerful reporting and analytics for audits and depreciation
- Scalable for mid-to-large enterprises with barcode/RFID support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Primarily on-premise deployment requires IT setup expertise
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations seeking comprehensive on-premise hardware asset management with strong reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 assets; Professional edition starts at ~$795/year for 250 assets, with higher tiers scaling by asset count.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree tool for network-based hardware inventory scanning and IT asset tracking.
Agentless 'Unknown Scanner' that leverages community data to identify and label rogue or unrecognized devices automatically
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, agentless network scanning tool designed for IT admins to discover, track, and manage computer hardware and software assets across Windows, Mac, Linux, and networked devices. It automatically maps network topology, collects detailed hardware specs like CPU, RAM, and serial numbers, and generates customizable reports for compliance and auditing. While part of the broader Spiceworks suite, it stands alone as a robust solution for ongoing inventory maintenance with change tracking and alerting features.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits or hidden costs
- Agentless discovery via SNMP, WMI, and SSH for quick setup
- Detailed hardware tracking including warranties and custom fields
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Limited scalability and performance for very large networks (over 10,000 devices)
- Community-driven support only, lacking premium enterprise assistance
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT teams seeking a no-cost, straightforward hardware inventory solution without needing advanced automation.
Pricing
Free forever; no paid tiers required for core inventory features.
GLPI
otherOpen-source ITSM platform with robust hardware asset inventory and management features.
Agent-based automatic inventory discovery that scans and updates hardware details like CPU, RAM, disks, and peripherals in real-time.
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management platform with robust asset and inventory management capabilities, particularly for tracking computer hardware like servers, desktops, laptops, peripherals, and network devices. It supports automated inventory collection via the GLPI Agent or FusionInventory plugin, capturing detailed hardware specs, serial numbers, configurations, and maintenance data. The software enables lifecycle tracking, financial management, and reporting, making it suitable for IT asset oversight in various environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware inventory scanning and tracking with agent-based automation
- Highly customizable fields, rules, and reports for detailed asset management
- Open-source with no licensing costs and strong community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced configuration
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Requires self-hosting and technical expertise for deployment and maintenance
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams or organizations needing a scalable, cost-free solution for detailed hardware inventory without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Completely free open-source software; optional paid plugins, cloud hosting, or enterprise support starting at around €500/year.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote management.
Seamless integration of hardware inventory with automated patching and remote control directly from the asset dashboard
NinjaOne is a cloud-based RMM platform that excels in endpoint management, including detailed computer hardware inventory tracking for devices like laptops, servers, and workstations. It automatically discovers and catalogs hardware specs such as CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals, and warranty info, with real-time updates and customizable reports. While not a standalone inventory tool, it integrates hardware data seamlessly with monitoring, patching, and remote access for comprehensive IT asset management.
Pros
- Automated, agent-based hardware discovery across all endpoints
- Intuitive dashboard with real-time inventory updates and alerts
- Strong integration with patching, scripting, and remote tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit small teams needing only inventory
- More MSP-oriented, less optimized for pure in-house asset tracking
- Limited customization for advanced reporting compared to dedicated tools
Best For
MSPs and mid-to-large IT teams managing distributed hardware fleets alongside full remote monitoring and maintenance.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at $4/device/month (Professional plan), scaling to $7/device/month for Enterprise with volume discounts and annual billing.
OCS Inventory NG
otherAgent-based solution for automatic hardware and software inventory collection across networks.
IPDiscover for agentless network device discovery and mapping
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source IT asset management solution that deploys lightweight agents on computers to collect detailed hardware, software, and network information, centralizing it in a web-accessible database. It enables IT administrators to track assets across Windows, Linux, macOS, and other platforms, while also supporting software deployment and automatic network discovery. The tool is particularly valued for its customization options and integration capabilities in heterogeneous environments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Detailed hardware inventory including CPU, RAM, disks, and peripherals
- Cross-platform agent support and software deployment features
Cons
- Outdated web interface with limited modern UI/UX
- Complex server setup requiring Apache, MySQL, and Perl expertise
- Basic reporting tools lacking advanced analytics
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams seeking a customizable, no-cost solution for multi-OS hardware inventory in resource-constrained environments.
Pricing
Free (open-source, community-supported)
InvGate Asset Management
enterpriseComprehensive ITAM tool for hardware tracking, procurement, and depreciation management.
Advanced automated discovery engine supporting agents, scripts, and network scans for real-time, multi-OS hardware inventory
InvGate Asset Management is a comprehensive IT asset management platform designed for tracking and managing hardware and software inventories across networked environments. It automates asset discovery through agents, WMI, SNMP, and SSH protocols, enabling detailed hardware tracking, lifecycle management, and compliance reporting. The tool integrates seamlessly with InvGate Service Desk for a unified ITSM experience, making it suitable for IT teams handling complex asset portfolios.
Pros
- Automated multi-protocol discovery for accurate hardware inventory
- Robust CMDB and lifecycle management tools
- Strong integrations with ITSM and procurement workflows
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing can be high for small teams without full ITSM needs
- Limited standalone mobile access for on-the-go inventory checks
Best For
Mid-sized IT departments in enterprises seeking integrated hardware inventory with service desk functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; starts around $20-30 per technician/month, with Asset Management as an add-on to Service Desk plans.
KACE Systems Management Appliance
enterpriseAppliance-based system for hardware inventory, patching, and endpoint management.
All-in-one appliance delivering precise hardware inventory alongside automated patching and scripting in a single, easy-to-deploy hardware unit
KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) from Quest is an on-premises IT management solution that excels in automated hardware and software inventory across endpoints. It performs agentless and agent-based discovery to catalog detailed hardware specs like CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals, and network interfaces, with customizable reporting and audit trails. Integrated with patching, scripting, and software deployment, it provides a unified platform for managing hardware assets in enterprise environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware discovery and detailed inventory reporting
- Agentless scanning for quick network-wide asset tracking
- Seamless integration with patching and deployment tools
Cons
- On-premises appliance deployment limits cloud flexibility
- Initial setup and advanced configuration have a learning curve
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises seeking a robust, all-in-one on-premises solution for hardware inventory and endpoint management.
Pricing
Starts at ~$3,000 for base appliance (manages 500 endpoints) plus annual support (~20% of license); scales to $20,000+ for larger environments.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer robust options for hardware inventory management, with Lansweeper leading as the top choice due to its seamless automatic network discovery and detailed scanning. PDQ Inventory shines for rapid Windows device tracking, while Snipe-IT stands out as a flexible open-source solution for lifecycle monitoring. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a fit for various environments.
Explore Lansweeper to experience efficient, automated inventory management—your network assets will benefit from its powerful scanning and reporting capabilities.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
