Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Automatically discovers, scans, and inventories all hardware and software assets across your entire IT network.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Provides lightning-fast hardware and software inventory scanning with powerful reporting for Windows environments.
- 3#3: Snipe-IT - Open-source IT asset management tool for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories with check-in/out features.
- 4#4: Spiceworks Inventory - Free network-based inventory tool that tracks hardware, software, and network devices with custom reporting.
- 5#5: InvGate Asset Management - Comprehensive IT asset management platform with automated hardware discovery and lifecycle tracking.
- 6#6: ManageEngine Endpoint Central - Endpoint management solution featuring detailed hardware inventory, software metering, and deployment capabilities.
- 7#7: NinjaOne - Remote monitoring and management platform with real-time hardware inventory and alerting features.
- 8#8: GLPI - Open-source IT service management suite with robust hardware and software asset inventory management.
- 9#9: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based automatic inventory collection and deployment tool for hardware and software across networks.
- 10#10: Atera - All-in-one RMM platform offering hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote access for IT teams.
Tools were evaluated based on features like scanning accuracy and lifecycle tracking, quality of user experience, and overall value, ensuring a balanced mix of robust functionality and practical utility for diverse IT needs.
Comparison Table
Efficiently manage hardware assets with a detailed comparison of leading tools such as Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, Snipe-IT, Spiceworks Inventory, and InvGate Asset Management. This table outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability to help readers find the ideal solution for their inventory needs, whether small-scale or enterprise-level.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Automatically discovers, scans, and inventories all hardware and software assets across your entire IT network. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Provides lightning-fast hardware and software inventory scanning with powerful reporting for Windows environments. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Snipe-IT Open-source IT asset management tool for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories with check-in/out features. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Spiceworks Inventory Free network-based inventory tool that tracks hardware, software, and network devices with custom reporting. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | InvGate Asset Management Comprehensive IT asset management platform with automated hardware discovery and lifecycle tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine Endpoint Central Endpoint management solution featuring detailed hardware inventory, software metering, and deployment capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | NinjaOne Remote monitoring and management platform with real-time hardware inventory and alerting features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | GLPI Open-source IT service management suite with robust hardware and software asset inventory management. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 9 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based automatic inventory collection and deployment tool for hardware and software across networks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Atera All-in-one RMM platform offering hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote access for IT teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
Automatically discovers, scans, and inventories all hardware and software assets across your entire IT network.
Provides lightning-fast hardware and software inventory scanning with powerful reporting for Windows environments.
Open-source IT asset management tool for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories with check-in/out features.
Free network-based inventory tool that tracks hardware, software, and network devices with custom reporting.
Comprehensive IT asset management platform with automated hardware discovery and lifecycle tracking.
Endpoint management solution featuring detailed hardware inventory, software metering, and deployment capabilities.
Remote monitoring and management platform with real-time hardware inventory and alerting features.
Open-source IT service management suite with robust hardware and software asset inventory management.
Agent-based automatic inventory collection and deployment tool for hardware and software across networks.
All-in-one RMM platform offering hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote access for IT teams.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAutomatically discovers, scans, and inventories all hardware and software assets across your entire IT network.
Agentless scanning engine that discovers and inventories hardware from virtually any network device without installing software
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management solution focused on automated discovery and detailed inventory of hardware and software across diverse networks. It uses agentless scanning to detect and catalog devices including Windows, Linux, Mac systems, servers, printers, switches, and IoT devices, capturing comprehensive hardware details like CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. The platform offers customizable dashboards, reports, and integrations for streamlined IT operations and compliance.
Pros
- Agentless discovery supports thousands of device types for quick, comprehensive scans
- Highly detailed hardware reporting with switch port mapping and virtualization support
- Strong customization via reports, dashboards, and API integrations
Cons
- Pricing scales per asset, becoming costly for very large networks
- Advanced configurations and custom scans have a learning curve
- On-premises version requires server maintenance and updates
Best For
IT teams in mid-to-large organizations needing automated, agent-free hardware inventory across hybrid environments.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; cloud subscriptions start at ~$1/asset/year (volume discounts apply); on-premises perpetual licenses from $1,500+.
PDQ Inventory
specializedProvides lightning-fast hardware and software inventory scanning with powerful reporting for Windows environments.
Dynamic Collections that automatically group and update device inventories based on hardware, software, or custom scan data
PDQ Inventory is a robust hardware and software inventory solution tailored for IT administrators managing Windows environments, enabling agentless discovery and scanning of network devices to collect detailed hardware specs like CPU, RAM, disks, and peripherals. It supports custom collections, real-time reporting, and integration with deployment tools for streamlined asset management. The tool emphasizes speed and flexibility, allowing users to automate scans and generate compliance reports effortlessly.
Pros
- Agentless scanning via WMI for quick and comprehensive hardware data collection
- Dynamic collections that automatically categorize devices based on custom criteria
- Powerful reporting and alerting for real-time asset visibility
Cons
- Limited to Windows environments with no native Mac or Linux support
- Pricing scales quickly for larger deployments
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for non-IT pros
Best For
IT teams in mid-sized Windows-heavy organizations seeking fast, detailed hardware inventory without agent deployment.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $1,349/year for 250 targets, with tiers up to $6,999/year for unlimited nodes; free 14-day trial available.
Snipe-IT
otherOpen-source IT asset management tool for tracking hardware, software licenses, and accessories with check-in/out features.
Comprehensive check-in/check-out system with automated depreciation and license expiration alerts
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset management platform focused on tracking hardware, software licenses, accessories, and consumables across organizations. It supports check-in/check-out workflows, asset depreciation, custom fields, barcode/QR code scanning, and detailed reporting. The self-hosted solution integrates via API with tools like LDAP, Slack, and helpdesk systems, making it scalable for IT teams managing physical inventories.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no user limits
- Robust asset lifecycle management including depreciation and audits
- Highly customizable with API integrations and reporting
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and ongoing maintenance
- Interface can feel dated and has a moderate learning curve
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams seeking a powerful, cost-free self-hosted solution for hardware inventory and asset tracking.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid cloud hosting from $200/year for 50 assets.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree network-based inventory tool that tracks hardware, software, and network devices with custom reporting.
Unlimited agentless hardware discovery and inventory scanning at no cost
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, on-premises network scanning tool that automatically discovers and inventories hardware assets, software installations, and network devices across Windows, Linux, and Mac environments. It tracks detailed specs like CPU, RAM, storage, warranties, and usage patterns, with change detection and customizable reports. Designed for IT admins, it integrates with the broader Spiceworks suite for helpdesk and monitoring functions.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited device scanning
- Agentless discovery via WMI, SNMP, and SSH
- Strong community support and frequent updates
Cons
- Ad-supported interface in the free version
- Dated UI compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Limited advanced reporting and API integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams managing on-premises networks who prioritize zero-cost hardware inventory without scalability limits.
Pricing
Free forever; optional paid Cloud Help Desk integration starts at $23/user/year.
InvGate Asset Management
enterpriseComprehensive IT asset management platform with automated hardware discovery and lifecycle tracking.
Advanced agentless discovery engine that inventories hardware without software agents
InvGate Asset Management is a comprehensive IT asset management platform specializing in hardware inventory, offering agentless and agent-based discovery to scan networks for devices like servers, laptops, and peripherals. It tracks detailed hardware specs, serial numbers, warranties, locations, and assignments to users or departments, with automated updates to keep inventory accurate. The tool includes dashboards, custom reports, and lifecycle management features to support procurement, maintenance, and decommissioning processes.
Pros
- Robust agentless discovery for comprehensive hardware scanning
- Detailed reporting and CMDB integration for asset insights
- Scalable for growing IT environments with automation
Cons
- Steeper initial setup and learning curve
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- UI feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises with complex IT environments needing scalable hardware inventory and lifecycle management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $2,000/year for small deployments, scales with assets/users (Basic, Standard, Premium tiers).
ManageEngine Endpoint Central
enterpriseEndpoint management solution featuring detailed hardware inventory, software metering, and deployment capabilities.
Hardware metering and usage analytics for proactive resource optimization
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a unified endpoint management solution with robust hardware inventory features, enabling IT teams to scan and track hardware assets across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. It collects detailed data on CPUs, memory, storage, peripherals, and warranty status, generating customizable reports and dashboards for asset management. The tool supports hardware lifecycle tracking, including purchase orders and depreciation, making it suitable for maintaining compliance and optimizing resources.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-OS hardware scanning and detailed inventory reports
- Advanced warranty tracking and lifecycle management
- Strong integration with CMDB and other IT tools
Cons
- Requires agent deployment for optimal inventory collection
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated hardware inventory with endpoint management capabilities.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 endpoints; Professional edition starts at ~$795/year for 50 endpoints, with per-endpoint pricing scaling for larger volumes (~$1-2/endpoint/month).
NinjaOne
enterpriseRemote monitoring and management platform with real-time hardware inventory and alerting features.
Real-time hardware change detection with automated alerts and one-click remediation
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that includes robust hardware inventory features for tracking endpoints across networks. It automatically discovers and catalogs detailed hardware specifications such as CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals, and BIOS versions, with real-time updates and reporting capabilities. While not a standalone inventory tool, it excels in integrating hardware data with monitoring, patching, and remote access for proactive IT management.
Pros
- Automated hardware discovery and real-time inventory updates
- Detailed reporting and customizable dashboards for hardware assets
- Seamless integration with RMM tools like patching and remote access
Cons
- Overkill for teams needing only basic hardware inventory without full RMM
- Per-device pricing can become expensive at scale for small inventories
- Limited advanced querying compared to dedicated inventory specialists
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams seeking integrated hardware inventory within a broader endpoint management platform.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at $3.30/device/month (billed annually, with minimums and tiers based on features).
GLPI
otherOpen-source IT service management suite with robust hardware and software asset inventory management.
Plugin ecosystem like FusionInventory for agent-based and agentless automatic network-wide hardware inventory and discovery.
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform with robust hardware inventory capabilities, enabling organizations to track computers, monitors, printers, networks, and other assets in a centralized CMDB. It supports automatic inventory collection via plugins like FusionInventory or its native agent, capturing detailed hardware specs, software installations, and usage data. Beyond basic tracking, GLPI offers relational mapping, custom fields, and reporting for lifecycle management.
Pros
- Comprehensive asset tracking with automatic discovery and detailed hardware/software audits
- Highly customizable via plugins and fields, integrates with ITSM workflows
- Completely free and open-source with strong community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- User interface feels dated and can be overwhelming for beginners
- Relies on plugins for advanced inventory, which may need separate configuration
Best For
IT teams in small to mid-sized organizations seeking a cost-free, extensible solution for hardware inventory integrated with helpdesk and CMDB functions.
Pricing
Free open-source (community edition); paid enterprise support, plugins, and hosted options start at around €500/year.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedAgent-based automatic inventory collection and deployment tool for hardware and software across networks.
IPDiscover for agentless network scanning and automated agent deployment
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source agent-based solution for IT asset management, specializing in detailed hardware and software inventory collection from Windows, Linux, macOS, and other networked devices. It centralizes data in a MySQL database, offering a web-based interface for reporting, searching, and querying assets. Additionally, it supports software deployment and network discovery for automated agent rollout.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-platform hardware inventory with customizable data collection
- Integrated software deployment and package management
- Network discovery tool (IPDiscover) for agentless initial scanning
Cons
- Complex initial server setup requiring database and Apache configuration
- Outdated web interface with limited modern UI appeal
- Scalability challenges in very large deployments without optimization
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a free, customizable hardware inventory tool with deployment features.
Pricing
Free and open-source; optional paid professional support available.
Atera
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM platform offering hardware inventory, monitoring, and remote access for IT teams.
Unlimited endpoints per technician license with automated, agent-based hardware scanning
Atera is a comprehensive RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) platform that includes robust hardware inventory capabilities, automatically discovering and cataloging devices across networks with detailed specs on CPUs, RAM, storage, peripherals, and more. It provides real-time updates, custom reports, and alerts for hardware changes or issues, integrating seamlessly with ticketing and PSA tools for full IT management. Ideal for MSPs, it tracks warranty info and enables remote access for maintenance.
Pros
- Automated hardware discovery and detailed inventory scanning for unlimited endpoints
- Real-time alerts and customizable reports on hardware health and changes
- Seamless integration with RMM, PSA, and scripting for proactive management
Cons
- Pricing per technician rather than per device can be costly for small teams
- Full hardware features require familiarity with broader RMM platform
- Less specialized for standalone inventory compared to dedicated tools
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams seeking integrated hardware inventory within a complete RMM suite.
Pricing
Starts at $129/technician/month (Professional plan) billed annually, unlimited devices; higher tiers up to $199 for advanced features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 hardware inventory tools reveals Lansweeper as the standout choice, leading with automatic network-wide discovery to streamline asset tracking. PDQ Inventory holds strong, offering rapid scanning and targeted reporting for Windows environments, while Snipe-IT shines as a flexible open-source option with user-friendly check-in/out features. Each tool caters to distinct needs, but Lansweeper’s comprehensive capabilities make it the top pick for seamless management.
Elevate your asset management—explore Lansweeper today to simplify tracking and gain greater control over your IT infrastructure.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
