Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware, software, and network devices across your IT environment with detailed reporting.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Rapidly scans Windows computers for comprehensive hardware and software inventory with customizable reports and collections.
- 3#3: NinjaOne - Provides real-time IT asset inventory and monitoring as part of its RMM platform for endpoints across multiple OS.
- 4#4: Atera - All-in-one RMM tool with automated device discovery, hardware/software inventory, and patch management.
- 5#5: Kaseya VSA - Delivers detailed endpoint inventory tracking for hardware, software licenses, and compliance in a unified RMM console.
- 6#6: ConnectWise Automate - Offers robust IT asset management with automated inventory scans for devices, software, and configurations.
- 7#7: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset lifecycle management system for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories.
- 8#8: GLPI - Open-source IT service management suite with powerful asset inventory and CMDB capabilities.
- 9#9: ManageEngine AssetExplorer - Comprehensive IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware and software assets.
- 10#10: Spiceworks Inventory - Free cloud-based tool for network scanning and inventory of devices, software, and licenses.
We evaluated tools based on factors such as automated discovery efficiency, flexibility in managing multi-OS assets, reporting capabilities, integration with other IT systems, and value, ensuring a curated list for both small and large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Computer inventory software simplifies tracking and managing IT assets, a critical tool for maintaining efficient tech operations. This comparison table breaks down top platforms like Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, NinjaOne, Atera, Kaseya VSA, and more, examining their features, usability, and key use cases. Readers will discover how to align their needs with the right solution, ensuring optimal asset management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware, software, and network devices across your IT environment with detailed reporting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Rapidly scans Windows computers for comprehensive hardware and software inventory with customizable reports and collections. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | NinjaOne Provides real-time IT asset inventory and monitoring as part of its RMM platform for endpoints across multiple OS. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Atera All-in-one RMM tool with automated device discovery, hardware/software inventory, and patch management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Kaseya VSA Delivers detailed endpoint inventory tracking for hardware, software licenses, and compliance in a unified RMM console. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | ConnectWise Automate Offers robust IT asset management with automated inventory scans for devices, software, and configurations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset lifecycle management system for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories. | other | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | GLPI Open-source IT service management suite with powerful asset inventory and CMDB capabilities. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | ManageEngine AssetExplorer Comprehensive IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware and software assets. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Spiceworks Inventory Free cloud-based tool for network scanning and inventory of devices, software, and licenses. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
Automatically discovers and inventories all hardware, software, and network devices across your IT environment with detailed reporting.
Rapidly scans Windows computers for comprehensive hardware and software inventory with customizable reports and collections.
Provides real-time IT asset inventory and monitoring as part of its RMM platform for endpoints across multiple OS.
All-in-one RMM tool with automated device discovery, hardware/software inventory, and patch management.
Delivers detailed endpoint inventory tracking for hardware, software licenses, and compliance in a unified RMM console.
Offers robust IT asset management with automated inventory scans for devices, software, and configurations.
Open-source asset lifecycle management system for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories.
Open-source IT service management suite with powerful asset inventory and CMDB capabilities.
Comprehensive IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware and software assets.
Free cloud-based tool for network scanning and inventory of devices, software, and licenses.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAutomatically discovers and inventories all hardware, software, and network devices across your IT environment with detailed reporting.
Agentless multi-platform discovery that inventories hardware, software, and peripherals across diverse networks without endpoint installations
Lansweeper is a leading agentless IT asset discovery and inventory management solution that scans networks to automatically detect and catalog hardware, software, and network devices across Windows, Linux, Mac, and more. It provides detailed inventory reports, license compliance tracking, vulnerability assessments, and patch management capabilities through an intuitive web-based console. Ideal for IT teams seeking comprehensive visibility into their IT environment without deploying agents on endpoints.
Pros
- Agentless scanning for rapid deployment and broad compatibility
- Powerful reporting and customizable dashboards for deep insights
- Integrations with tools like ServiceNow and ConnectWise for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with asset count for large enterprises
- Advanced configuration has a moderate learning curve
- Scanner performance can strain resources in very large networks
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams in enterprises requiring automated, agent-free network discovery and detailed asset inventory management.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid asset-based plans start at ~$0.80/asset/month (Basic), scaling to Enterprise tiers with advanced features.
PDQ Inventory
enterpriseRapidly scans Windows computers for comprehensive hardware and software inventory with customizable reports and collections.
Dynamic Collections that automatically categorize devices based on scan data for precise targeting and management
PDQ Inventory is a robust systems management tool that scans Windows computers and networks to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data in real-time. It enables IT admins to create dynamic collections, generate custom reports, and set up alerts for efficient asset tracking and compliance. Seamlessly integrated with PDQ Deploy, it supports targeted software deployments and patch management based on inventory insights.
Pros
- Lightning-fast scans and real-time data collection
- Dynamic collections for automated grouping and targeting
- Powerful reporting, alerting, and integration with PDQ Deploy
Cons
- Limited native support for non-Windows OS
- Advanced customization requires some learning
- Subscription model scales costs with device count
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams managing Windows-heavy environments needing quick, detailed inventory and deployment automation.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $1,349/year for Standard (250 targets), $1,749/year for Enterprise (500 targets), scaling up for more devices.
NinjaOne
enterpriseProvides real-time IT asset inventory and monitoring as part of its RMM platform for endpoints across multiple OS.
Real-time inventory scanning with automatic change detection and customizable dashboards
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with robust computer inventory features, enabling IT teams to automatically discover, track, and report on hardware and software assets across Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. It provides detailed insights into device specifications, installed applications, license usage, and network configurations through an intuitive dashboard. The tool integrates inventory data with patch management, alerts, and remote access for proactive endpoint management.
Pros
- Automated multi-platform device discovery and real-time inventory updates
- Detailed hardware/software reporting with custom alerts for changes
- Seamless integration with RMM tools like patching and remote control
Cons
- Inventory is part of a broader RMM suite, which may overwhelm users needing only basic tracking
- Per-device pricing can add up for large deployments without volume discounts
- Limited advanced customization for highly specialized inventory reports
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams seeking an all-in-one RMM solution with strong inventory capabilities.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at $3.70 per endpoint/month (billed annually), with tiers for added features.
Atera
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM tool with automated device discovery, hardware/software inventory, and patch management.
Pay-per-technician model with unlimited endpoints, enabling cost-effective inventory scaling without device-based fees
Atera is an all-in-one RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) platform that provides robust computer inventory capabilities through automated device discovery, detailed hardware and software tracking, and real-time asset management. It allows IT teams to scan networks, catalog endpoints with custom attributes, and generate compliance reports while integrating inventory data with ticketing, patching, and automation workflows. Designed primarily for MSPs, it supports unlimited endpoints per technician for scalable inventory oversight.
Pros
- Automated discovery of hardware, software, and network devices
- Unlimited endpoints with per-technician pricing for scalability
- Integrated scripting and reporting for custom inventory workflows
Cons
- Overkill for users needing only basic inventory without full RMM
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Reporting lacks some advanced filtering options compared to dedicated tools
Best For
MSPs and IT departments managing large fleets of devices who want integrated inventory with monitoring and automation.
Pricing
Per-technician pricing starting at $129/mo (Professional), $169/mo (Elite), $209/mo (Enterprise); unlimited devices, billed annually.
Kaseya VSA
enterpriseDelivers detailed endpoint inventory tracking for hardware, software licenses, and compliance in a unified RMM console.
Integrated Procure module for automated software license reconciliation and normalization across the inventory
Kaseya VSA is a robust Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform with strong computer inventory features, enabling IT teams to automatically discover, scan, and catalog hardware, software, and peripherals across endpoints. It provides detailed asset tracking, software license management, and compliance reporting to maintain an up-to-date inventory database. The tool integrates inventory data with automation, patching, and remote access for holistic IT management.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware and software inventory with automated scanning
- Advanced reporting and license management tools
- Scalable for large deployments with multi-tenant support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for smaller organizations
- Occasional agent deployment and update issues reported
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and mid-to-large IT departments handling diverse endpoint fleets that need integrated RMM alongside inventory.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$3.50 per endpoint/month (minimums apply), with tiers for advanced features and volume discounts.
ConnectWise Automate
enterpriseOffers robust IT asset management with automated inventory scans for devices, software, and configurations.
Advanced ESX scripting engine for custom, automated inventory collection and asset lifecycle management
ConnectWise Automate is a comprehensive Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that includes powerful computer inventory features for tracking hardware, software, and network assets across endpoints. It automates inventory discovery, auditing, and reporting, enabling IT teams to maintain detailed asset records with custom fields and compliance checks. Primarily designed for MSPs, it integrates inventory data with monitoring, patching, and automation workflows for proactive management.
Pros
- Extensive hardware and software inventory with real-time updates and custom queries
- Powerful automation scripting for inventory tasks and remediation
- Strong reporting and integration capabilities with other IT tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization options
- Outdated UI elements that can hinder quick navigation
- Pricing model scales poorly for small teams without high volume
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and enterprise IT teams handling large-scale endpoint fleets that need deep automation integrated with inventory management.
Pricing
Starts at ~$1.25 per endpoint/month plus ~$100-200 per technician/month; tiered and custom-quoted based on deployment (cloud or on-prem).
Snipe-IT
otherOpen-source asset lifecycle management system for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories.
Full check-in/check-out workflow with QR/Barcode scanning for efficient asset deployment and returns
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset management platform that enables organizations to track hardware like computers, servers, monitors, and peripherals, as well as software licenses and consumables. It supports asset check-in/check-out, custom fields, multi-site management, reporting, and integrations via LDAP, SAML, and API. Designed for self-hosting, it provides a comprehensive solution for maintaining accurate IT inventories without subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Robust features like QR code scanning, depreciation tracking, and detailed reporting
- Highly customizable with API support for integrations
Cons
- Self-hosting requires server setup and technical expertise
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Limited native mobile app; relies on web access
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a powerful, no-cost self-hosted solution for tracking computer hardware and licenses.
Pricing
Free open-source software (self-hosted); optional paid enterprise support available.
GLPI
otherOpen-source IT service management suite with powerful asset inventory and CMDB capabilities.
Seamless integration with FusionInventory for agentless network scanning and automatic, detailed hardware/software inventory collection.
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management platform with robust computer inventory capabilities, enabling detailed tracking of hardware, software, peripherals, and network devices across organizations. It supports automatic discovery and inventory collection through plugins like FusionInventory, providing real-time asset data, license management, and compliance reporting. Beyond inventory, it integrates helpdesk ticketing and CMDB features for comprehensive IT operations.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Powerful auto-discovery and inventory scanning via plugins
- Highly customizable dashboards, reports, and integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced configuration
- Web interface feels dated and can be overwhelming for new users
- Performance may lag with very large inventories without tuning
Best For
IT teams in small to mid-sized organizations needing a scalable, no-cost solution for detailed computer hardware and software inventory management.
Pricing
Free open-source (self-hosted); optional paid enterprise support, plugins, and cloud hosting starting at around €500/year.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
enterpriseComprehensive IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware and software assets.
Built-in Configuration Management Database (CMDB) for mapping asset relationships and dependencies
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a robust IT asset management solution focused on comprehensive inventory tracking for hardware, software, and peripherals across networked environments. It automates device discovery through agent-based and agentless scanning, monitors license compliance, and manages the full asset lifecycle from procurement to disposal. The software provides customizable dashboards, detailed reporting, and integration with other ManageEngine tools for enhanced IT operations.
Pros
- Automated network scanning and discovery for accurate inventory
- Extensive reporting and customizable dashboards
- Integrated license management with compliance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Pricing can escalate quickly for large deployments
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams in enterprises needing detailed hardware/software inventory, license compliance, and lifecycle management.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 25 nodes; Professional edition starts at $795 perpetual license for 250 nodes plus 30% annual maintenance; higher tiers scale by node count.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree cloud-based tool for network scanning and inventory of devices, software, and licenses.
Agentless scanning that inventories unlimited devices entirely for free
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, agentless network scanning tool that automatically discovers and inventories hardware, software, printers, and other devices across your IT environment. It tracks changes, generates detailed reports, and provides custom alerts for asset management without requiring installations on endpoints. Primarily aimed at small to medium-sized businesses, it leverages WMI, SNMP, and SSH for comprehensive on-premises discovery.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited device scanning
- Agentless deployment for quick setup
- Strong community support and integrations
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- On-premises only, no native cloud version
- Scanning can be slow on large networks
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams needing a cost-free, straightforward solution for on-premises network inventory.
Pricing
Free for unlimited use; no paid tiers required.
Conclusion
The reviewed computer inventory tools offer robust, diverse solutions for managing IT assets. Lansweeper leads as the top choice, excelling with automatic discovery and detailed reporting across environments. PDQ Inventory impresses with rapid scanning and customizable reports, ideal for speed, while NinjaOne delivers real-time monitoring within its RMM platform, perfect for integrated endpoint management. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring a strong option for every user.
Start with Lansweeper to streamline your inventory management—its automatic discovery and detailed reporting make it a reliable foundation for efficient asset tracking. Whether your needs lean toward speed, integration, or thoroughness, Lansweeper leads the pack.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
