Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset management tool that automatically scans and tracks hardware, software, and peripherals across environments.
- 2#2: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset management system designed for tracking IT hardware, software licenses, and consumables with check-in/out functionality.
- 3#3: GLPI - Open-source IT service management platform with powerful inventory tracking for hardware assets, components, and network devices.
- 4#4: ServiceNow - Enterprise IT service management suite offering advanced hardware asset lifecycle tracking, discovery, and normalization.
- 5#5: Device42 - IT infrastructure management platform that discovers and maps hardware assets with dependency tracking and CMDB integration.
- 6#6: ManageEngine AssetExplorer - Affordable IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware inventory and depreciation.
- 7#7: Spiceworks - Free cloud-based IT management tool providing hardware inventory scanning and tracking for networks.
- 8#8: OCS Inventory NG - Open-source agent-based solution for automated hardware and software inventory collection and deployment.
- 9#9: NetBox - Open-source IP address management and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking physical hardware infrastructure.
- 10#10: iTop - Open-source IT operations portal with CMDB for hardware asset tracking and configuration management.
We ranked these tools by evaluating feature depth, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced mix of comprehensive capabilities and practicality for varied organizational needs
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading hardware tracking tools like Lansweeper, Snipe-IT, GLPI, ServiceNow, Device42, and more, aiding readers in identifying features, usability, and fit for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset management tool that automatically scans and tracks hardware, software, and peripherals across environments. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset management system designed for tracking IT hardware, software licenses, and consumables with check-in/out functionality. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | GLPI Open-source IT service management platform with powerful inventory tracking for hardware assets, components, and network devices. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ServiceNow Enterprise IT service management suite offering advanced hardware asset lifecycle tracking, discovery, and normalization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Device42 IT infrastructure management platform that discovers and maps hardware assets with dependency tracking and CMDB integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine AssetExplorer Affordable IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware inventory and depreciation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Spiceworks Free cloud-based IT management tool providing hardware inventory scanning and tracking for networks. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | OCS Inventory NG Open-source agent-based solution for automated hardware and software inventory collection and deployment. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | NetBox Open-source IP address management and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking physical hardware infrastructure. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | iTop Open-source IT operations portal with CMDB for hardware asset tracking and configuration management. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset management tool that automatically scans and tracks hardware, software, and peripherals across environments.
Open-source asset management system designed for tracking IT hardware, software licenses, and consumables with check-in/out functionality.
Open-source IT service management platform with powerful inventory tracking for hardware assets, components, and network devices.
Enterprise IT service management suite offering advanced hardware asset lifecycle tracking, discovery, and normalization.
IT infrastructure management platform that discovers and maps hardware assets with dependency tracking and CMDB integration.
Affordable IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware inventory and depreciation.
Free cloud-based IT management tool providing hardware inventory scanning and tracking for networks.
Open-source agent-based solution for automated hardware and software inventory collection and deployment.
Open-source IP address management and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking physical hardware infrastructure.
Open-source IT operations portal with CMDB for hardware asset tracking and configuration management.
Lansweeper
enterpriseComprehensive network discovery and IT asset management tool that automatically scans and tracks hardware, software, and peripherals across environments.
Agentless multi-protocol scanning (WMI, SNMP, SSH, etc.) for automatic discovery and detailed mapping of all network hardware without software deployment
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management solution specializing in automated discovery and tracking of hardware assets across networks. It scans for devices including computers, servers, printers, switches, mobile devices, and even IoT endpoints using agentless technologies like WMI, SNMP, and SSH. The platform provides detailed inventory reports, warranty tracking, switch port mapping, and compliance monitoring, enabling IT teams to maintain accurate hardware oversight. With both on-premises and cloud deployment options, it scales effectively for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive agentless scanning discovers thousands of hardware assets automatically
- Advanced features like switch port mapping and warranty tracking provide deep insights
- Highly customizable reports, dashboards, and integrations with ticketing systems
Cons
- Initial setup and advanced configuration have a learning curve
- Pricing scales with asset count, becoming costly for very large networks
- On-premises version requires self-managed server infrastructure
Best For
IT teams in mid-to-large enterprises needing automated, detailed hardware inventory and lifecycle management across diverse networks.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid on-premises plans start at ~$1 per asset/year (Discovery tier free, Pro/Enterprise higher); cloud subscriptions similar with flexible scaling.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source asset management system designed for tracking IT hardware, software licenses, and consumables with check-in/out functionality.
Advanced check-in/check-out system with QR code and barcode scanning for efficient asset deployment and returns
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset management platform designed specifically for tracking hardware assets like computers, monitors, peripherals, and software licenses. It provides tools for check-in/check-out workflows, inventory audits, custom fields, depreciation tracking, and detailed reporting to maintain accurate asset records. With API integrations and QR/barcode support, it streamlines asset lifecycle management for IT teams.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no user or asset limits
- Highly customizable with custom fields, reports, and API for integrations
- Robust asset tracking including check-in/out, audits, and maintenance scheduling
Cons
- Self-hosted setup requires technical expertise (server, PHP, MySQL)
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- No official cloud-hosted version; relies on third-party hosting
Best For
IT administrators in small to mid-sized organizations seeking a powerful, cost-free self-hosted solution for hardware inventory and lifecycle management.
Pricing
Free open-source (self-hosted); optional third-party hosted plans start at ~$50/month; paid support available.
GLPI
specializedOpen-source IT service management platform with powerful inventory tracking for hardware assets, components, and network devices.
Agent-based automatic inventory synchronization for real-time hardware discovery and updates without manual entry
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform that provides robust hardware asset tracking capabilities, including detailed inventory management for devices like computers, servers, printers, and network equipment. It supports automatic inventory collection via agents, barcode/RFID scanning, and lifecycle tracking with custom fields for serial numbers, warranties, and assignments. Beyond tracking, it integrates helpdesk ticketing and reporting for full IT operations oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware inventory with automatic agent-based discovery and detailed tracking
- Highly customizable fields, reports, and multi-entity support for complex environments
- Free and open-source with extensive plugin ecosystem for extensions
Cons
- Self-hosted setup requires technical expertise (server, PHP, database)
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve for new users
- Limited native mobile app; relies on web access
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams or organizations seeking a powerful, no-cost solution for hardware asset management integrated with ticketing.
Pricing
Completely free open-source software; optional paid support and hosting via partners starting at ~€500/year.
ServiceNow
enterpriseEnterprise IT service management suite offering advanced hardware asset lifecycle tracking, discovery, and normalization.
Seamless CMDB integration for real-time visibility into hardware relationships and dependencies across the IT estate
ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade IT service management platform with a dedicated Hardware Asset Management (HAM) module for tracking hardware assets, including automated discovery, inventory, lifecycle management, and depreciation tracking. It integrates deeply with its Configuration Management Database (CMDB) to map asset relationships and supports procurement, compliance, and vendor management workflows. While highly capable for large-scale deployments, it functions as part of a broader ITSM suite rather than a standalone hardware tracking tool.
Pros
- Scalable for thousands of assets with automated discovery via Integration Hub
- Powerful CMDB for asset interdependencies and impact analysis
- AI-driven predictive analytics for lifecycle and risk management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation requiring certified experts
- Prohibitively expensive for SMBs or simple tracking needs
- Overly complex for basic inventory without full ITSM adoption
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT infrastructures needing integrated hardware tracking within broader service management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; HAM Pro module typically $100-150/user/month plus implementation fees, with minimum commitments.
Device42
enterpriseIT infrastructure management platform that discovers and maps hardware assets with dependency tracking and CMDB integration.
Autopilot discovery engine that automatically maps hardware relationships and dependencies without manual input
Device42 is a comprehensive IT asset management and DCIM platform that automatically discovers, inventories, and tracks hardware assets like servers, network devices, storage, and peripherals across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It offers detailed lifecycle management, warranty tracking, contract details, and dependency mapping to provide full visibility into hardware infrastructure. The tool integrates with numerous systems for enriched data and supports capacity planning and reporting for optimized asset utilization.
Pros
- Powerful agentless and agent-based auto-discovery for accurate hardware inventory
- Advanced dependency mapping and visualization for complex IT environments
- Robust lifecycle management including warranty, contracts, and depreciation tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Interface feels dated and overwhelming for new users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small to mid-sized organizations
Best For
Large enterprises and data centers requiring in-depth hardware tracking and infrastructure dependency management across multi-site deployments.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10-25 per device/month for standard editions, with tiers for Express, Standard, and Enterprise scaling by volume and features.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
enterpriseAffordable IT asset management software for scanning, tracking, and reporting on hardware inventory and depreciation.
Agentless multi-protocol scanning for seamless hardware discovery across diverse networks
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a robust IT asset management software focused on tracking hardware and software assets across an organization's lifecycle, from procurement to disposal. It automates asset discovery through network scanning (agentless via WMI, SSH, SNMP), supports barcode/QR code and RFID scanning for physical audits, and provides tools for depreciation tracking, maintenance scheduling, and contract management. The platform offers customizable dashboards, detailed reporting, and integration with other ManageEngine tools for comprehensive IT operations management.
Pros
- Automated agentless network discovery for quick hardware inventory
- Strong reporting and compliance tools with audit trail support
- Integrated procurement and maintenance management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited cloud scalability
- Higher pricing may not suit small businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams in enterprises needing detailed hardware lifecycle tracking and compliance reporting.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 nodes; perpetual licenses start at ~$795 for 250 nodes plus 30-35% annual maintenance fees.
Spiceworks
otherFree cloud-based IT management tool providing hardware inventory scanning and tracking for networks.
Agentless network discovery that automatically inventories hardware without software installation
Spiceworks is a free IT management platform with robust inventory tools for tracking hardware assets across networks. It uses agentless scanning via WMI, SNMP, and SSH to automatically discover devices, catalog hardware specs like CPUs, RAM, serial numbers, and warranties, and generate detailed reports. The tool integrates with help desk and monitoring features, making it a versatile solution for IT asset management in small to medium-sized environments.
Pros
- Completely free with no device limits
- Agentless automatic discovery and scanning
- Comprehensive hardware and warranty tracking
Cons
- Dated user interface feels clunky
- Limited advanced customization and integrations
- Scalability challenges for very large networks
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams managing on-premises hardware assets on a budget.
Pricing
Free forever for core inventory features; optional paid add-ons for advanced help desk.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedOpen-source agent-based solution for automated hardware and software inventory collection and deployment.
IPDiscover for agentless automatic detection and inventory of network devices like printers and switches
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source, agent-based IT asset management tool designed for comprehensive hardware and software inventory tracking across Windows, Linux, and other platforms. It automatically collects detailed hardware information including CPUs, RAM, storage, peripherals, printers, and network devices via a web-based interface for centralized reporting and management. The solution also supports IP discovery for agentless scanning and software deployment capabilities to streamline IT operations.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Detailed hardware inventory including custom fields via prolog/epilog scripts
- Multi-platform agent support and IPDiscover for network-wide scanning
Cons
- Complex server setup requiring LAMP stack configuration
- Dated web interface lacking modern UI/UX polish
- Scalability challenges for very large deployments without custom optimizations
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a customizable, no-cost solution for detailed hardware asset tracking.
Pricing
Free open-source software; community edition available at no cost, with optional paid professional support and services.
NetBox
specializedOpen-source IP address management and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking physical hardware infrastructure.
Interactive rack elevation views with precise device placement, cabling paths, and power tracking
NetBox is an open-source IP address management (IPAM) and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tool that serves as a centralized database for documenting and tracking network infrastructure. It excels in modeling physical hardware assets like devices, racks, power panels, cables, and inventory items such as transceivers and power supplies. While powerful for data center environments, it integrates hardware tracking with network management features for comprehensive infrastructure visibility.
Pros
- Open-source and completely free with no licensing costs
- Highly detailed hardware modeling including racks, devices, cables, and inventory components
- Extensible via plugins, REST API, and webhooks for automation and custom integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its depth and customization requirements
- Self-hosted only, requiring DevOps expertise for deployment and maintenance
- UI is functional but dated and less intuitive for non-technical users
Best For
Network engineers and data center teams needing integrated hardware and IP inventory management.
Pricing
Free open-source software; self-hosted with community support, optional paid enterprise support available.
iTop
specializedOpen-source IT operations portal with CMDB for hardware asset tracking and configuration management.
Extensible data model allowing unlimited custom fields and relationships for precise hardware asset tracking
iTop, developed by Combodo, is an open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform with a powerful Configuration Management Database (CMDB) that excels in tracking IT hardware assets like servers, computers, and peripherals. It enables detailed inventory management, including custom attributes, lifecycle tracking, and relationships between assets. While not exclusively a hardware tracking tool, its extensible model supports comprehensive hardware asset oversight within broader IT operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable CMDB for detailed hardware modeling and relationships
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Strong integration with ITSM processes for end-to-end asset lifecycle management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Dated user interface that feels clunky for quick hardware scans or mobile use
- Lacks specialized hardware features like barcode/QR code scanning out-of-the-box
Best For
IT teams in mid-sized organizations seeking a free, extensible CMDB-integrated solution for hardware tracking alongside service management.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition; paid professional support and hosting options start at around €500/year.
Conclusion
The reviewed hardware tracking tools offer diverse solutions, from all-encompassing network discovery to open-source flexibility. Lansweeper stands out as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive asset management across environments. Snipe-IT and GLPI, respectively, shine as strong alternatives—with Snipe-IT's open-source design and check-in/out functionality, and GLPI's robust service management integration—for those with specific needs.
Don't miss out on optimizing your hardware tracking; start with Lansweeper to automate scans, track assets effortlessly, and take control of your IT infrastructure.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison