Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Automated network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud resources across environments.
- 2#2: Snipe-IT - Open-source IT asset and license management system for tracking hardware, software, and consumables with check-in/out workflows.
- 3#3: GLPI - Open-source IT service management suite featuring comprehensive asset inventory, tracking, and lifecycle management.
- 4#4: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based open-source solution for automatic computer inventory collection and software deployment across networks.
- 5#5: Spiceworks Inventory - Free cloud-based tool for network scanning, hardware/software inventory, and IT asset management for SMBs.
- 6#6: ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus - IT service desk platform with built-in asset management for scanning, tracking, and managing IT inventory.
- 7#7: PDQ Inventory - Fast Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting.
- 8#8: InvGate Asset Management - IT asset management platform with agentless discovery, normalization, and full lifecycle inventory tracking.
- 9#9: Device42 - Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, dependency mapping, and hybrid asset management.
- 10#10: NinjaOne - RMM platform providing automated device inventory, software tracking, and patch management for IT assets.
These tools were selected based on key factors like automation capabilities, feature comprehensiveness (including hardware, software, and lifecycle tracking), user experience, and overall value, ensuring relevance for diverse organizational requirements.
Comparison Table
Explore the realm of computer inventory management software with this comparison table, highlighting tools like Lansweeper, Snipe-IT, GLPI, OCS Inventory NG, Spiceworks Inventory, and additional options. Learn about their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to identify the right fit for your organization’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Automated network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud resources across environments. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Snipe-IT Open-source IT asset and license management system for tracking hardware, software, and consumables with check-in/out workflows. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | GLPI Open-source IT service management suite featuring comprehensive asset inventory, tracking, and lifecycle management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based open-source solution for automatic computer inventory collection and software deployment across networks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Spiceworks Inventory Free cloud-based tool for network scanning, hardware/software inventory, and IT asset management for SMBs. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus IT service desk platform with built-in asset management for scanning, tracking, and managing IT inventory. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | PDQ Inventory Fast Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | InvGate Asset Management IT asset management platform with agentless discovery, normalization, and full lifecycle inventory tracking. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Device42 Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, dependency mapping, and hybrid asset management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | NinjaOne RMM platform providing automated device inventory, software tracking, and patch management for IT assets. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Automated network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud resources across environments.
Open-source IT asset and license management system for tracking hardware, software, and consumables with check-in/out workflows.
Open-source IT service management suite featuring comprehensive asset inventory, tracking, and lifecycle management.
Agent-based open-source solution for automatic computer inventory collection and software deployment across networks.
Free cloud-based tool for network scanning, hardware/software inventory, and IT asset management for SMBs.
IT service desk platform with built-in asset management for scanning, tracking, and managing IT inventory.
Fast Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting.
IT asset management platform with agentless discovery, normalization, and full lifecycle inventory tracking.
Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, dependency mapping, and hybrid asset management.
RMM platform providing automated device inventory, software tracking, and patch management for IT assets.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAutomated network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud resources across environments.
Deep agentless discovery including switch port mapping and hypervisor inventory for unparalleled network visibility.
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management solution that performs agentless discovery and inventory of hardware, software, network devices, and cloud assets across diverse environments including Windows, Linux, Mac, and VMware. It offers detailed reporting, license management, vulnerability scanning, and switch port mapping to maintain compliance and optimize IT operations. With seamless integrations to helpdesk tools like ServiceNow and Jira, it empowers IT teams to automate audits and reduce manual tracking efforts.
Pros
- Agentless scanning discovers 1,000+ asset types without endpoint software
- Advanced reporting with 500+ customizable templates and dashboards
- Integrated vulnerability and patch management for proactive security
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations and custom scans
- Pricing scales linearly with asset count, costly for very large enterprises
- Limited native mobile app; relies on web interface for most access
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations requiring comprehensive, automated network-wide IT inventory and compliance tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid subscriptions start at ~$1 per asset/year for Discovery edition, up to $2+ per asset/year for Enterprise with advanced features.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source IT asset and license management system for tracking hardware, software, and consumables with check-in/out workflows.
Fully open-source with unlimited assets/users and no vendor lock-in
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset and license management platform that enables organizations to track hardware, software, accessories, and consumables across multiple locations and users. It supports check-in/check-out workflows, asset audits, custom fields, barcode/QR code scanning, and comprehensive reporting for efficient inventory management. Primarily designed for IT teams, it offers robust customization without licensing costs, making it a popular choice for self-hosted deployments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no user or asset limits
- Highly customizable with custom fields, labels, and workflows
- Strong asset lifecycle management including check-in/out and audits
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- UI can feel dated and less intuitive for non-technical users
- Advanced reporting requires custom SQL or third-party integrations
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a cost-free, flexible solution for tracking computer hardware and software inventories.
Pricing
Free open-source (self-hosted); paid cloud hosting starts at $200/year, enterprise support available.
GLPI
enterpriseOpen-source IT service management suite featuring comprehensive asset inventory, tracking, and lifecycle management.
FusionInventory plugin for agent-based and agentless automatic network discovery and real-time inventory updates
GLPI is an open-source IT Service Management platform with robust computer inventory management capabilities, enabling tracking of hardware, software licenses, peripherals, and network devices through a centralized CMDB. It supports automated inventory collection via agents or network discovery, detailed reporting, and integration with helpdesk functions for comprehensive IT asset oversight. As a free solution, it scales well for organizations managing diverse IT environments without incurring licensing costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Powerful automated inventory discovery and CMDB for hardware/software tracking
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for customization and integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Outdated user interface requiring some technical familiarity
- Self-hosted deployment demands server maintenance
Best For
Mid-sized IT departments seeking a scalable, cost-free solution for detailed computer and network inventory management.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid support, plugins, or hosted versions from partners.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedAgent-based open-source solution for automatic computer inventory collection and software deployment across networks.
IPDiscover for passive, agentless network device discovery via SNMP
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source IT asset management tool designed for automatic discovery and inventory of computers, servers, printers, and network devices across an organization. It uses lightweight agents installed on endpoints to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data, which is stored in a central MySQL database accessible via a web interface. The solution also supports software deployment, change tracking, and customizable reporting to streamline IT management tasks.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware and software inventory with change tracking
- Open-source with no licensing costs
- Supports software deployment and custom queries
Cons
- Complex server setup requiring Perl, Apache, and MySQL expertise
- Dated web interface lacking modern polish
- Agent installation mandatory for full functionality
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized organizations needing a free, customizable solution for detailed network inventory.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source; optional paid support available through partners.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree cloud-based tool for network scanning, hardware/software inventory, and IT asset management for SMBs.
Agentless network discovery that scans and inventories devices without installing software on endpoints
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, agentless network scanning tool that automatically discovers and catalogs hardware, software, and peripherals across Windows, Mac, Linux, and networked devices. It provides real-time inventory tracking, change monitoring, custom reporting, and integration with Spiceworks' help desk for comprehensive IT management. Designed for on-premise deployment, it helps IT teams maintain accurate asset records without licensing costs, though it includes ads to support its free model.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited devices and users
- Agentless auto-discovery for quick network-wide inventory
- Strong community support and frequent updates
Cons
- Ad-supported interface can be distracting
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Scalability challenges on networks with thousands of devices
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT teams needing a cost-free, straightforward solution for on-premise network inventory management.
Pricing
Free (ad-supported); optional cloud integrations start at $19/user/month.
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
enterpriseIT service desk platform with built-in asset management for scanning, tracking, and managing IT inventory.
Integrated CMDB with automated discovery for relational asset mapping and dependency visualization
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is a comprehensive IT service management platform with robust asset management features tailored for computer inventory tracking. It automates hardware and software discovery across networks using agentless scans, agents, or integrations, maintaining detailed records of assets, licenses, warranties, and contracts. The tool includes a CMDB for mapping asset relationships and generates customizable reports for compliance and optimization, seamlessly integrating with its service desk for incident-linked inventory management.
Pros
- Automated multi-method discovery for accurate hardware/software inventory
- Powerful CMDB and reporting for asset lifecycle management
- Seamless integration with IT service desk for contextual workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration and CMDB setup
- Inventory features locked behind higher-tier editions for full functionality
- Resource-intensive for very large environments without optimization
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams in enterprises seeking integrated service desk and inventory management rather than standalone asset tools.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 10 technicians; paid cloud plans start at ~$10/technician/month (Standard), with Professional/Enterprise tiers up to $55+/month; on-premises perpetual licenses from $495.
PDQ Inventory
specializedFast Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting.
Dynamic Collections that automatically group and update device inventories based on customizable criteria
PDQ Inventory is a robust IT inventory management solution that scans Windows networks to collect detailed hardware, software, file, and registry data from endpoints. It enables IT administrators to create dynamic collections, generate custom reports, and monitor system changes with automated scans and real-time alerts. The tool integrates seamlessly with Active Directory and PDQ Deploy, facilitating asset tracking and software deployment workflows.
Pros
- Extremely fast scanning speeds with sub-second results
- Powerful dynamic collections and SQL-like querying for precise data filtering
- Strong integration with PDQ Deploy and Active Directory
Cons
- Primarily Windows-focused (Mac/Linux support requires Enterprise tier)
- On-premises deployment only, no cloud option
- Pricing scales steeply with target count for large enterprises
Best For
SMB and mid-sized IT teams managing Windows-dominated networks who need deep inventory insights and deployment automation.
Pricing
Freemium with Free edition (50 targets); Standard starts at ~$1,400/year for 250 targets; Enterprise adds cross-platform support with custom quotes.
InvGate Asset Management
enterpriseIT asset management platform with agentless discovery, normalization, and full lifecycle inventory tracking.
Advanced CMDB with automated dependency mapping and visual asset relationship diagrams
InvGate Asset Management is a robust IT asset management platform designed for tracking and managing computer hardware, software, and peripherals throughout their lifecycle. It offers automated discovery via agent-based and agentless scanning, detailed inventory reporting, and integration with procurement, maintenance, and disposal processes. The tool excels in creating a centralized CMDB for IT assets, providing visibility into usage, compliance, and costs.
Pros
- Automated multi-method discovery (agentless, agent-based, WMI) for comprehensive inventory
- Lifecycle management including procurement, contracts, and depreciation tracking
- Powerful reporting, dashboards, and CMDB integration for IT visibility
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Learning curve for advanced CMDB and customization features
- Limited standalone mobile access compared to dedicated apps
Best For
Mid-sized to large IT teams in enterprises needing integrated asset inventory with ITSM workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting around $2-5 per asset/month or $300+/month for base plans, with tiers for scaling.
Device42
enterpriseAuto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, dependency mapping, and hybrid asset management.
Patented agentless discovery engine with real-time dependency mapping
Device42 is a robust IT infrastructure management platform specializing in agentless discovery and inventory of hardware, software, virtual machines, containers, and cloud resources across multi-vendor environments. It provides a centralized CMDB, dependency mapping, IPAM, and analytics to deliver a unified view of IT assets and their interdependencies. This makes it particularly effective for tracking computer inventory in complex, large-scale data centers and hybrid IT setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive agentless auto-discovery for hardware and software inventory
- Advanced dependency mapping and visualization for relationship insights
- Scalable CMDB with strong integration capabilities for enterprise workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller organizations
- Interface feels complex for users seeking simple inventory tools
Best For
Large enterprises and data center managers needing detailed, automated IT asset discovery and dependency tracking in hybrid environments.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually based on device count and modules; free trial available.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform providing automated device inventory, software tracking, and patch management for IT assets.
Real-time change detection and global search across all inventoried assets for instant visibility into hardware/software modifications
NinjaOne is a powerful remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that excels in computer inventory management by automatically discovering, scanning, and tracking hardware and software assets across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It provides detailed inventory reports, custom fields, and real-time updates to help IT teams maintain accurate asset records. Beyond basic inventory, it integrates monitoring, patching, and automation for comprehensive endpoint management.
Pros
- Automated multi-platform device discovery and real-time inventory updates
- Customizable dashboards and detailed reporting for hardware/software assets
- Seamless integration with patching, monitoring, and remote access
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become expensive for very large deployments
- Overkill and higher cost for teams needing only basic inventory without full RMM
- Agent-based deployment required, with limited passive scanning options
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and mid-sized IT teams managing diverse endpoint fleets who want integrated inventory within a broader RMM suite.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at ~$3-$5 per endpoint/month (volume discounts apply), billed annually with no free tier but a demo available.
Conclusion
The reviewed inventory management tools showcase strong capabilities, with Lansweeper leading as the top choice, boasting comprehensive automated network discovery across hardware, software, and cloud resources. Snipe-IT excels as a standout open-source option for license and check-in/out workflow management, while GLPI impresses with its robust service management and full asset lifecycle tracking. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring the best fit for various teams.
Start optimizing your asset management with Lansweeper—its advanced scanning and cross-environment support can elevate how you track and manage IT resources.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
