Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Automates comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management for hardware across networks with detailed scanning and reporting.
- 2#2: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset management system designed for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins/outs, and custom fields for IT inventory.
- 3#3: GLPI - Open-source IT service management platform with robust hardware inventory, asset tracking, and integration for maintenance and deployment.
- 4#4: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based solution for detailed hardware and software inventory collection, deployment, and reporting across distributed networks.
- 5#5: NinjaOne - RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, remote monitoring, and automated asset management for MSPs and IT teams.
- 6#6: ManageEngine AssetExplorer - Comprehensive IT asset management tool for scanning, tracking, and optimizing hardware and software inventories with compliance reporting.
- 7#7: Spiceworks Inventory - Free network-based tool for discovering and managing hardware assets with alerts, reports, and purchase tracking.
- 8#8: Device42 - Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, mapping hardware dependencies, and capacity planning in data centers.
- 9#9: ServiceNow ITAM - Enterprise-grade IT asset management module for hardware lifecycle tracking, procurement, and integration within ITSM workflows.
- 10#10: Atera - All-in-one RMM and PSA platform with built-in hardware inventory, ticketing, and remote access for efficient IT asset oversight.
Tools were selected and ranked based on feature depth (including automated discovery and lifecycle tracking), usability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust, practical solutions for diverse IT needs.
Comparison Table
Discover a comprehensive comparison of hardware inventory management software, featuring tools like Lansweeper, Snipe-IT, GLPI, and more. Explore key attributes—from asset tracking capabilities to user interface ease and integration options—to identify the best fit for your organization’s needs. This guide empowers you to navigate choices, whether prioritizing open-source flexibility, cost-effectiveness, or robust reporting, for streamlined hardware management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Automates comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management for hardware across networks with detailed scanning and reporting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset management system designed for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins/outs, and custom fields for IT inventory. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | GLPI Open-source IT service management platform with robust hardware inventory, asset tracking, and integration for maintenance and deployment. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 4 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based solution for detailed hardware and software inventory collection, deployment, and reporting across distributed networks. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 5 | NinjaOne RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, remote monitoring, and automated asset management for MSPs and IT teams. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine AssetExplorer Comprehensive IT asset management tool for scanning, tracking, and optimizing hardware and software inventories with compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Spiceworks Inventory Free network-based tool for discovering and managing hardware assets with alerts, reports, and purchase tracking. | other | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | Device42 Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, mapping hardware dependencies, and capacity planning in data centers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | ServiceNow ITAM Enterprise-grade IT asset management module for hardware lifecycle tracking, procurement, and integration within ITSM workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Atera All-in-one RMM and PSA platform with built-in hardware inventory, ticketing, and remote access for efficient IT asset oversight. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
Automates comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management for hardware across networks with detailed scanning and reporting.
Open-source asset management system designed for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins/outs, and custom fields for IT inventory.
Open-source IT service management platform with robust hardware inventory, asset tracking, and integration for maintenance and deployment.
Agent-based solution for detailed hardware and software inventory collection, deployment, and reporting across distributed networks.
RMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, remote monitoring, and automated asset management for MSPs and IT teams.
Comprehensive IT asset management tool for scanning, tracking, and optimizing hardware and software inventories with compliance reporting.
Free network-based tool for discovering and managing hardware assets with alerts, reports, and purchase tracking.
Auto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, mapping hardware dependencies, and capacity planning in data centers.
Enterprise-grade IT asset management module for hardware lifecycle tracking, procurement, and integration within ITSM workflows.
All-in-one RMM and PSA platform with built-in hardware inventory, ticketing, and remote access for efficient IT asset oversight.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAutomates comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management for hardware across networks with detailed scanning and reporting.
Agentless DeepScan technology that extracts exhaustive hardware details like BIOS, peripherals, and serial numbers from thousands of device types
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management platform specializing in automated hardware inventory discovery and tracking across networks. It performs agentless scans to detect and catalog detailed hardware information from Windows, Mac, Linux devices, servers, printers, IoT, and network gear. The tool provides real-time asset visibility, warranty tracking, lifecycle management, and customizable reports to streamline IT operations and compliance.
Pros
- Agentless scanning discovers 1,000+ hardware attributes automatically
- Robust reporting, dashboards, and integrations with tools like ServiceNow
- Scalable for enterprises with support for hybrid and multi-site environments
Cons
- Initial setup requires network configuration knowledge
- Pricing scales steeply with large asset counts
- Scanning can be resource-intensive on high-volume networks
Best For
Mid-sized to large IT teams in enterprises seeking comprehensive, automated hardware inventory without agent deployment.
Pricing
Freemium: free for up to 100 assets; paid cloud/on-prem plans start at ~$1/asset/year (e.g., $159/year for 2,000 assets), with enterprise custom pricing.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source asset management system designed for tracking hardware lifecycles, check-ins/outs, and custom fields for IT inventory.
Advanced asset lifecycle management with automated depreciation, warranty tracking, and seamless check-in/out via QR codes
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset and license management system tailored for tracking hardware inventory, software licenses, accessories, and consumables across organizations. It supports full asset lifecycle management, including check-in/check-out, assignments to users/locations, custom fields, and barcode/QR code scanning for efficient tracking. The platform offers robust reporting, audit logs, and multi-site support, making it ideal for IT teams managing physical assets.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with extensive customization via custom fields and reports
- Comprehensive asset lifecycle tools including depreciation, maintenance scheduling, and check-in/out
- Strong support for hardware tracking with QR/barcode integration and detailed audit trails
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup knowledge (PHP/MySQL server needed)
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Community-driven support for free version; enterprise features require paid hosting
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized businesses seeking a powerful, no-cost solution for detailed hardware inventory and lifecycle management.
Pricing
Free self-hosted open-source version; hosted plans start at $250/year for 50 assets (scales up with more assets/users).
GLPI
specializedOpen-source IT service management platform with robust hardware inventory, asset tracking, and integration for maintenance and deployment.
Seamless integration with FusionInventory for automated, network-wide hardware discovery and real-time inventory updates
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform that includes robust hardware asset and inventory management capabilities. It allows organizations to track computers, monitors, printers, network devices, and other hardware with detailed attributes like serial numbers, warranties, and maintenance history. Through plugins like FusionInventory, it supports automatic discovery and inventory scanning, making it suitable for centralized hardware lifecycle management.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware tracking with custom fields, relationships, and lifecycle management
- Automatic inventory via plugins like FusionInventory for agent-based and agentless scanning
- Highly extensible with a vast plugin ecosystem and no licensing costs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring server administration skills
- Outdated, functional interface that lacks modern polish and intuitiveness
- Relies on self-hosting, with limited out-of-box mobile support and documentation gaps
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams or organizations needing a customizable, no-cost solution for detailed hardware inventory without SaaS dependencies.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source (AGPL license); optional paid support, hosting, or enterprise plugins available from partners.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedAgent-based solution for detailed hardware and software inventory collection, deployment, and reporting across distributed networks.
IPDiscover module for passive network scanning and automatic agent deployment without manual intervention
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source IT asset management tool designed for comprehensive hardware and software inventory tracking across networks. It deploys lightweight agents on endpoints to gather detailed data on hardware specs, peripherals, installed applications, and network details, centralizing it in a web-based console. Additional features like IPDiscover enable agentless network scanning for automatic discovery and deployment, making it suitable for multi-platform environments including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Detailed hardware/software inventory with custom fields and multi-platform agent support
- IPDiscover for agentless network discovery and automated agent rollout
Cons
- Outdated and clunky web interface requiring technical familiarity
- Complex initial server setup involving Apache, Perl, and MySQL
- Scalability challenges and basic reporting in large deployments without add-ons
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized organizations needing a cost-effective, agent-based hardware inventory solution.
Pricing
Free open-source software; community support included, with optional paid professional services available.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform providing real-time hardware inventory, remote monitoring, and automated asset management for MSPs and IT teams.
Real-time hardware change detection with automated alerts and one-click remote access from the inventory view
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that includes robust hardware inventory management features, enabling IT teams to automatically discover and track devices across networks. It provides detailed scans of hardware specifications like CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals, along with warranty tracking and change detection. The tool generates customizable reports and integrates inventory data with monitoring, alerting, and patch management for holistic asset oversight.
Pros
- Automated device discovery and real-time hardware inventory updates
- Detailed reporting and export options for hardware assets
- Seamless integration with RMM tools for proactive management
Cons
- Inventory features are part of a broader RMM suite, less specialized than dedicated tools
- Per-device pricing can become expensive for large-scale deployments
- Limited advanced customization for hardware-specific workflows
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams seeking integrated RMM with reliable hardware tracking.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at ~$4/device/month (Professional plan), scaling with tiers up to Enterprise; billed annually.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
enterpriseComprehensive IT asset management tool for scanning, tracking, and optimizing hardware and software inventories with compliance reporting.
Agentless scanning and RFID/barcode integration for precise, real-time hardware asset discovery and physical audits
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a robust on-premise IT asset management software focused on comprehensive hardware inventory tracking, discovery, and lifecycle management. It automates network scanning to detect hardware assets, captures detailed specifications, warranty info, and usage data, while supporting barcode and RFID for physical audits. The tool also handles purchase orders, depreciation, and generates customizable reports for compliance and optimization.
Pros
- Automated agentless network discovery for quick hardware inventory
- Detailed reporting, dashboards, and audit trails with barcode/RFID support
- Scalable licensing and integration with other ManageEngine tools
Cons
- On-premise deployment requires IT infrastructure setup
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Advanced customization has a learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations with on-premise IT environments needing thorough hardware tracking and compliance reporting.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 nodes; Professional edition starts at $795/year for 250 nodes, scaling up for larger deployments; free trial available.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree network-based tool for discovering and managing hardware assets with alerts, reports, and purchase tracking.
Agentless multi-protocol network scanning that discovers and inventories devices without requiring software installation on endpoints
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, on-premises IT asset management tool designed for discovering and tracking hardware and software across networks. It uses agentless scanning protocols like WMI, SNMP, and SSH to automatically detect devices, capture detailed specs such as CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals, and monitor changes over time. The solution provides customizable reports, alerts, and integration with Spiceworks Help Desk for streamlined IT operations, making it suitable for resource-constrained teams.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited device support for small to mid-sized networks
- Agentless automatic discovery and detailed hardware profiling
- Change tracking and customizable reporting out of the box
Cons
- Dated web-based interface lacking modern UI/UX polish
- Limited advanced analytics and mobile accessibility
- Scalability challenges for enterprises with 10,000+ devices
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams seeking a no-cost, easy-to-deploy solution for basic hardware inventory and monitoring.
Pricing
Free (on-premises Windows application, no licensing fees)
Device42
enterpriseAuto-discovery platform for IT infrastructure inventory, mapping hardware dependencies, and capacity planning in data centers.
Patented Auto-Discovery engine that automatically maps hardware relationships and dependencies in real-time
Device42 is a comprehensive IT infrastructure management platform specializing in automated discovery and inventory of hardware assets, including servers, network devices, storage, and virtualization environments. It provides detailed hardware specifications, lifecycle tracking, and dependency mapping for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. The tool excels in creating a centralized CMDB for hardware management with robust reporting and analytics capabilities.
Pros
- Agentless auto-discovery supports SNMP, WMI, SSH, and APIs for broad hardware coverage
- Advanced dependency mapping and visualization for complex environments
- Extensive reporting, dashboards, and integrations with ITSM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Overkill for basic inventory needs without full IT management
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex hybrid IT infrastructures requiring deep hardware discovery and asset dependency insights.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; SaaS starts around $10,000+/year based on assets, with on-premises perpetual licenses available.
ServiceNow ITAM
enterpriseEnterprise-grade IT asset management module for hardware lifecycle tracking, procurement, and integration within ITSM workflows.
Integrated CMDB providing a dynamic, single source of truth for hardware assets with real-time reconciliation and federated data sources
ServiceNow ITAM is an enterprise-grade IT Asset Management solution that delivers comprehensive hardware inventory tracking, automated discovery, and lifecycle management within the ServiceNow platform. It integrates hardware asset data into a centralized CMDB for real-time visibility, normalization, and compliance reporting. Designed for large-scale IT environments, it optimizes asset utilization, reduces costs through depreciation tracking, and supports procurement and disposal processes.
Pros
- Robust hardware discovery and normalization capabilities via ServiceNow Discovery
- Seamless integration with ITSM, CMDB, and other ServiceNow modules for holistic IT management
- Advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and customizable reporting for asset optimization
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve requiring skilled administrators
- High subscription costs that may not suit small or mid-sized organizations
- Overkill for basic inventory needs, with heavy reliance on the full ServiceNow ecosystem
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT environments needing integrated hardware asset management alongside ITSM workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based on the Now Platform; ITAM starts at around $100-150 per user/month plus implementation fees, with custom enterprise pricing based on asset volume and modules.
Atera
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM and PSA platform with built-in hardware inventory, ticketing, and remote access for efficient IT asset oversight.
Real-time hardware inventory with automated discovery and warranty tracking via lightweight agents
Atera is an all-in-one RMM and PSA platform that includes hardware inventory management for tracking devices across networks. It automatically discovers hardware assets, collects detailed specs like CPU, RAM, storage, and warranties, and supports custom fields and reporting. While powerful for MSPs, its inventory features are integrated into a broader IT management suite rather than standing alone as a dedicated tool.
Pros
- Automated hardware discovery and detailed asset tracking with change detection
- Unlimited endpoints per technician, scalable for large networks
- Strong integration with ticketing, patching, and remote access
Cons
- Pricing model based on technicians rather than devices, costly for inventory-only use
- Overkill for teams needing pure inventory without full RMM/PSA
- Reporting customization can feel limited compared to specialized tools
Best For
MSPs and IT departments seeking integrated hardware inventory within a comprehensive remote management platform.
Pricing
Starts at $99/technician/month (Professional plan, billed annually) with unlimited devices; higher tiers up to $169 for advanced features.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Lansweeper emerges as the top choice, excelling in automated IT asset discovery and comprehensive reporting. Snipe-IT, a standout open-source option, offers robust lifecycle tracking and customizable fields, while GLPI, with its strong integration capabilities, provides a seamless service management platform as a compelling alternative. Each tool addresses unique needs, but Lansweeper leads in overall functionality.
Take the first step to efficient hardware management—try Lansweeper to discover, track, and optimize your assets with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison