Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management across networks with detailed reporting.
- 2#2: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset and license management tool with check-in/out tracking and barcode support for IT inventory.
- 3#3: GLPI - Open-source IT service management platform featuring robust asset inventory and lifecycle tracking.
- 4#4: Spiceworks Inventory - Free cloud-based IT inventory scanner for discovering and tracking hardware, software, and network devices.
- 5#5: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based inventory solution for collecting and managing detailed IT asset data across deployments.
- 6#6: NetBox - Open-source IPAM and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking IT infrastructure inventory.
- 7#7: Device42 - Auto-discovery platform for IT asset inventory, dependency mapping, and configuration management.
- 8#8: ManageEngine AssetExplorer - IT asset management software for tracking hardware, software licenses, and procurement workflows.
- 9#9: PDQ Inventory - Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and Windows configuration data.
- 10#10: InvGate Asset Management - ITSM-integrated asset tracking tool for hardware, software, and contract management with automation.
Tools were ranked based on critical factors including feature depth (asset discovery, lifecycle tracking, reporting), operational quality (reliability, scalability), user-friendliness across skill levels, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust, cost-effective performance for diverse needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top IT inventory tracking tools—such as Lansweeper, Snipe-IT, GLPI, Spiceworks Inventory, and OCS Inventory NG—to guide readers in understanding key features, usability, and scalability. By examining these platforms side-by-side, users can identify which solution aligns best with their organization’s size and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management across networks with detailed reporting. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset and license management tool with check-in/out tracking and barcode support for IT inventory. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | GLPI Open-source IT service management platform featuring robust asset inventory and lifecycle tracking. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Spiceworks Inventory Free cloud-based IT inventory scanner for discovering and tracking hardware, software, and network devices. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based inventory solution for collecting and managing detailed IT asset data across deployments. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | NetBox Open-source IPAM and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking IT infrastructure inventory. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Device42 Auto-discovery platform for IT asset inventory, dependency mapping, and configuration management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | ManageEngine AssetExplorer IT asset management software for tracking hardware, software licenses, and procurement workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | PDQ Inventory Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and Windows configuration data. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | InvGate Asset Management ITSM-integrated asset tracking tool for hardware, software, and contract management with automation. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management across networks with detailed reporting.
Open-source asset and license management tool with check-in/out tracking and barcode support for IT inventory.
Open-source IT service management platform featuring robust asset inventory and lifecycle tracking.
Free cloud-based IT inventory scanner for discovering and tracking hardware, software, and network devices.
Agent-based inventory solution for collecting and managing detailed IT asset data across deployments.
Open-source IPAM and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking IT infrastructure inventory.
Auto-discovery platform for IT asset inventory, dependency mapping, and configuration management.
IT asset management software for tracking hardware, software licenses, and procurement workflows.
Windows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and Windows configuration data.
ITSM-integrated asset tracking tool for hardware, software, and contract management with automation.
Lansweeper
enterpriseComprehensive IT asset discovery, inventory tracking, and management across networks with detailed reporting.
Agentless deep scanning that automatically detects and inventories unmanaged devices, VMs, cloud instances, and IoT across hybrid environments
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management platform that provides agentless discovery and inventory tracking for hardware, software, networks, and cloud assets across Windows, Linux, Mac, and more. It automates scanning to create a centralized database of all IT assets, enabling detailed reporting, license compliance, vulnerability assessments, and warranty tracking. With customizable dashboards and integrations for ITSM tools like ServiceNow, it helps IT teams maintain visibility and control over their entire IT environment.
Pros
- Agentless discovery scans thousands of assets quickly without software deployment
- Comprehensive reporting with 500+ pre-built templates and custom dashboards
- Strong license management and compliance tracking to reduce software costs
Cons
- Scanning can be resource-intensive on large networks requiring optimized relay servers
- Advanced customization has a moderate learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing scales steeply with asset count for very large enterprises
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking automated, scalable IT inventory discovery and management without agent deployment.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid subscription plans start at ~$1 per asset/year (e.g., $299/year for 500 assets) with tiers for IT Discovery, Asset Manager, and Enterprise editions.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source asset and license management tool with check-in/out tracking and barcode support for IT inventory.
Advanced check-in/check-out system with native QR code and barcode scanning for rapid asset handling.
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset and inventory management platform that enables tracking of hardware, software licenses, accessories, consumables, and components across multiple locations. It supports check-in/check-out workflows, custom fields, barcode/QR code scanning, and detailed reporting for asset lifecycle management. Ideal for IT teams, it offers user permissions, API integrations, and depreciation calculations in a self-hosted environment.
Pros
- Completely free open-source self-hosted version with no usage limits
- Highly customizable fields, categories, and workflows
- Robust reporting, QR/barcode support, and API integrations
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and setup
- User interface feels somewhat dated and clunky
- Community support only for free version; paid support via cloud plans
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a powerful, cost-free asset tracking solution with high customization.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted forever; Cloud hosted plans start at $39/month for up to 100 assets.
GLPI
otherOpen-source IT service management platform featuring robust asset inventory and lifecycle tracking.
GLPI Agent for agent-based and agentless automatic inventory discovery across networks
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform with robust asset and inventory management capabilities, enabling organizations to track hardware, software, peripherals, and network devices comprehensively. It supports automatic inventory discovery through GLPI Agents, barcode scanning, and integration with external tools for seamless data collection and updates. Beyond basic tracking, GLPI offers lifecycle management, financial tracking, and reporting to optimize IT resource utilization.
Pros
- Extensive asset tracking with automatic inventory via GLPI Agent
- Highly customizable through plugins and rules engine
- Strong reporting and dictionary management for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Cluttered interface that can overwhelm new users
- Requires self-hosting and ongoing maintenance
Best For
IT teams in mid-sized organizations seeking a powerful, no-cost solution for detailed inventory tracking and asset lifecycle management.
Pricing
Completely free open-source core; optional paid plugins, support subscriptions, or hosted versions starting at around €500/year.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree cloud-based IT inventory scanner for discovering and tracking hardware, software, and network devices.
Agentless, unlimited network scanning at no cost
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, agentless tool that automatically scans networks to discover and track IT assets including hardware, software, printers, and virtual machines. It provides detailed inventory reports, license tracking, and warranty information, helping IT teams maintain an up-to-date asset database. The tool integrates with the broader Spiceworks suite for help desk and monitoring, making it a cost-effective solution for basic inventory management.
Pros
- Completely free with no user or device limits
- Agentless scanning for quick setup and discovery
- Solid integration with Spiceworks Help Desk and alerts
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Community-based support rather than dedicated enterprise help
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams needing affordable, straightforward network inventory tracking without complex setups.
Pricing
Free for unlimited devices and users; optional paid cloud features available.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedAgent-based inventory solution for collecting and managing detailed IT asset data across deployments.
IPDiscover for automatic agentless network discovery and proactive agent deployment
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source IT asset management solution designed for tracking hardware and software inventories across networks. It uses lightweight agents installed on devices to collect detailed information on computers, servers, printers, network equipment, and installed software. The platform also supports software deployment, package management, and integration with tools like GLPI for helpdesk features, making it suitable for centralized IT oversight.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Robust inventory collection for hardware, software, and custom data
- Built-in software deployment and network discovery tools
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring server configuration and agent deployment
- Dated web interface lacking modern UI/UX polish
- Limited out-of-box reporting and analytics without extensions
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a customizable, no-cost solution for detailed asset tracking and deployment.
Pricing
Free open-source software; optional paid support available through partners.
NetBox
specializedOpen-source IPAM and DCIM tool for modeling and tracking IT infrastructure inventory.
Integrated IPAM and DCIM with rack elevation views and cable tracing for holistic infrastructure visualization
NetBox is an open-source IP address management (IPAM) and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tool that serves as a centralized source of truth for IT infrastructure inventory. It excels at modeling and tracking physical and logical assets like devices, racks, cables, IP addresses, VLANs, and power connections. With a robust plugin ecosystem and RESTful API, it supports automation and integration into larger IT workflows, making it suitable for detailed network inventory management.
Pros
- Comprehensive modeling of devices, racks, cables, and IP spaces
- Extensible via plugins and powerful REST API for automation
- Open-source with no licensing costs for core functionality
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Self-hosting requires DevOps expertise for maintenance
- UI feels dated and reporting features are basic
Best For
Network engineers and IT teams in data centers or enterprises needing precise, automatable infrastructure documentation.
Pricing
Core open-source version is free; NetBox Cloud and enterprise support from NetBox Labs start at custom pricing based on scale.
Device42
enterpriseAuto-discovery platform for IT asset inventory, dependency mapping, and configuration management.
Agentless discovery engine that dynamically discovers, inventories, and maps IT assets with minimal configuration
Device42 is a robust IT infrastructure management platform focused on automated discovery, inventory tracking, and dependency mapping for hardware, software, networks, and cloud assets across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. It offers agentless and agent-based discovery methods to populate a centralized CMDB with detailed asset data, including serial numbers, warranties, licenses, and configurations. The platform excels in providing real-time visibility, lifecycle management, and analytics to streamline IT operations and planning.
Pros
- Agentless auto-discovery quickly builds comprehensive inventories without manual input
- Advanced dependency mapping visualizes relationships between assets
- Strong reporting, analytics, and integrations with ITSM tools like ServiceNow
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- User interface feels somewhat dated and cluttered
- Pricing scales quickly for large environments, less ideal for small teams
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring automated, detailed IT asset discovery and dependency management in complex hybrid infrastructures.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; annual subscriptions typically start at $5,000-$15,000+ based on device count, features, and support level.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
enterpriseIT asset management software for tracking hardware, software licenses, and procurement workflows.
Integrated software license management with usage tracking and compliance audits to prevent over-licensing.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a web-based IT asset management software that provides comprehensive tracking of hardware, software licenses, and consumables across their full lifecycle. It supports automated discovery through agent-based scanning, network scans, and integrations with Active Directory and SCCM. Key functionalities include purchase order management, depreciation calculations, maintenance scheduling, contract tracking, and robust reporting for compliance and audits.
Pros
- Automated asset discovery via multiple scanning methods including agentless options
- Full lifecycle management from procurement to disposal with depreciation and ROI tracking
- Extensive customizable reporting and CMDB integration for IT service management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and configuration options
- Dated user interface that feels less intuitive compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for large inventories, potentially increasing costs
Best For
Medium to large enterprises with complex IT environments needing detailed asset lifecycle and compliance tracking.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 25 assets; Professional edition starts at ~$795/year for 250 assets, with pricing scaling by asset count or technicians.
PDQ Inventory
specializedWindows inventory scanner that collects detailed hardware, software, and Windows configuration data.
Dynamic Collections that auto-populate and update groups of devices based on custom criteria like installed software or hardware specs
PDQ Inventory is a robust IT inventory tracking solution that scans Windows networks to collect detailed hardware, software, file, and registry data from computers. It enables IT administrators to create dynamic collections, generate custom reports, and monitor assets in real-time for efficient management. The tool integrates seamlessly with Active Directory and supports automation for ongoing inventory maintenance.
Pros
- Lightning-fast scanning and real-time inventory updates
- Dynamic collections for automatic asset grouping
- Powerful reporting and export options
Cons
- Primarily focused on Windows environments
- Pricing scales quickly for larger deployments
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Windows-centric IT teams in SMBs or enterprises needing detailed, automated asset tracking.
Pricing
Free limited version; Standard starts at $1,349/year (up to 250 targets); Enterprise at $1,599/year with automation and priority support.
InvGate Asset Management
enterpriseITSM-integrated asset tracking tool for hardware, software, and contract management with automation.
Agentless multi-protocol discovery that identifies and catalogs assets across diverse environments without deployment hassles
InvGate Asset Management is a robust IT asset management platform designed for tracking and managing hardware, software, and licenses across enterprise environments. It automates asset discovery, populates a centralized CMDB, and supports lifecycle management, depreciation tracking, and compliance reporting. The tool integrates seamlessly with InvGate Service Desk for a unified ITSM experience, helping IT teams reduce costs and maintain accurate inventory.
Pros
- Agentless discovery scans networks quickly without software agents
- Powerful CMDB with normalization and relationship mapping
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for cost optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for smaller teams
- Limited native mobile functionality for on-the-go access
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises with complex IT infrastructures seeking integrated asset and service management.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically starts at around $2-5 per asset/month for standard plans, with enterprise customizations.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer a range of approaches to IT inventory tracking, with Lansweeper leading as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive discovery, management, and detailed reporting. Snipe-IT and GLPI, ranking second and third, stand out as strong alternatives—Snipe-IT for its open-source flexibility and barcode support, GLPI for its integrated service management capabilities. The best tool depends on specific needs, but Lansweeper proves a standout for streamlined, end-to-end inventory control.
Start optimizing your IT inventory by trying Lansweeper first, and explore Snipe-IT or GLPI if their unique features align better with your workflow—each offers value to enhance your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison