Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud assets with detailed reporting.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Lightning-fast scanning and inventory management for Windows devices with custom reporting and collections.
- 3#3: NinjaOne - RMM platform with automated network inventory, real-time monitoring, and patch management for endpoints.
- 4#4: Atera - All-in-one RMM and PSA tool featuring unlimited network inventory, remote access, and automation.
- 5#5: ManageEngine Endpoint Central - Unified endpoint management solution with software and hardware inventory, deployment, and license tracking.
- 6#6: ConnectWise RMM - Robust RMM for MSPs providing network discovery, asset inventory, and proactive monitoring.
- 7#7: Kaseya VSA - Enterprise RMM platform with deep network inventory, scripting, and compliance auditing capabilities.
- 8#8: Spiceworks Inventory - Free cloud-based tool for automatic network scanning, device tracking, and software inventory.
- 9#9: Action1 - Cloud-native platform for endpoint visibility, software inventory, and patch management across networks.
- 10#10: OCS Inventory NG - Open-source agent-based solution for multi-platform hardware and software inventory deployment.
Tools were ranked by precision in asset tracking, user-friendliness, feature depth (including reporting and automation), and overall value, balancing robustness with practicality for organizations of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Network inventory software is vital for efficiently tracking and managing IT assets; this comparison table features top tools like Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, NinjaOne, Atera, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, and more, helping readers identify the right solution based on key features, usability, and integration capabilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud assets with detailed reporting. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Lightning-fast scanning and inventory management for Windows devices with custom reporting and collections. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | NinjaOne RMM platform with automated network inventory, real-time monitoring, and patch management for endpoints. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Atera All-in-one RMM and PSA tool featuring unlimited network inventory, remote access, and automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ManageEngine Endpoint Central Unified endpoint management solution with software and hardware inventory, deployment, and license tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | ConnectWise RMM Robust RMM for MSPs providing network discovery, asset inventory, and proactive monitoring. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Kaseya VSA Enterprise RMM platform with deep network inventory, scripting, and compliance auditing capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Spiceworks Inventory Free cloud-based tool for automatic network scanning, device tracking, and software inventory. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Action1 Cloud-native platform for endpoint visibility, software inventory, and patch management across networks. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | OCS Inventory NG Open-source agent-based solution for multi-platform hardware and software inventory deployment. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.6/10 |
Comprehensive network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud assets with detailed reporting.
Lightning-fast scanning and inventory management for Windows devices with custom reporting and collections.
RMM platform with automated network inventory, real-time monitoring, and patch management for endpoints.
All-in-one RMM and PSA tool featuring unlimited network inventory, remote access, and automation.
Unified endpoint management solution with software and hardware inventory, deployment, and license tracking.
Robust RMM for MSPs providing network discovery, asset inventory, and proactive monitoring.
Enterprise RMM platform with deep network inventory, scripting, and compliance auditing capabilities.
Free cloud-based tool for automatic network scanning, device tracking, and software inventory.
Cloud-native platform for endpoint visibility, software inventory, and patch management across networks.
Open-source agent-based solution for multi-platform hardware and software inventory deployment.
Lansweeper
enterpriseComprehensive network discovery and IT asset inventory tool that scans hardware, software, and cloud assets with detailed reporting.
Agentless DeepScan technology that discovers hidden, offline, and diverse devices without software installation
Lansweeper is a leading agentless IT asset management and network discovery platform that automatically scans and inventories hardware, software, peripherals, and cloud assets across diverse environments including Windows, macOS, Linux, printers, and IoT devices. It provides detailed insights into license compliance, vulnerabilities, warranties, and custom fields through a centralized web-based console. The tool excels in generating customizable reports, dashboards, and integrations with ITSM systems for streamlined IT operations.
Pros
- Agentless scanning for quick deployment without endpoint agents
- Comprehensive multi-OS support and advanced discovery protocols like WMI, SNMP, and SSH
- Powerful reporting engine with 500+ pre-built templates and real-time alerting
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with large asset counts
- Advanced customization requires familiarity with SQL and scripting
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and IT teams needing automated, detailed network inventory and compliance management.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid on-premises or cloud subscriptions start at ~$1 per asset/year, scaling with asset volume and features.
PDQ Inventory
enterpriseLightning-fast scanning and inventory management for Windows devices with custom reporting and collections.
Dynamic Collections that automatically group and update devices based on customizable criteria for proactive management.
PDQ Inventory is a robust network inventory solution tailored for IT administrators managing Windows environments, offering automated scanning to discover hardware, software, installed applications, files, and system configurations across the network. It provides an intuitive interface for organizing data into dynamic collections, generating custom reports, and integrating seamlessly with PDQ Deploy for targeted software deployments. With real-time alerts and extensive customization options, it simplifies asset tracking and compliance monitoring in enterprise settings.
Pros
- Lightning-fast scanning engine collects detailed inventory data efficiently
- Dynamic collections and powerful reporting for easy data organization
- Seamless Active Directory integration and PDQ Deploy compatibility
Cons
- Limited native support for non-Windows devices like macOS or Linux
- Resource-intensive scans on very large networks without optimization
- Pricing scales quickly for enterprises with thousands of endpoints
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams in Windows-heavy environments needing precise asset discovery, reporting, and deployment automation.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $1,349/year for Standard (250 targets), $1,599/year for Enterprise; scales per additional targets with volume discounts.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform with automated network inventory, real-time monitoring, and patch management for endpoints.
Agent-based real-time inventory synchronization that eliminates manual scans and provides instant asset visibility
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that includes robust network inventory capabilities, automatically discovering and cataloging hardware, software, and configuration details across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It provides real-time asset tracking, license management, and detailed reporting to help IT teams maintain compliance and optimize resources. Beyond basic inventory, it integrates seamlessly with patching, scripting, and remote access for proactive network management.
Pros
- Automated real-time hardware and software inventory across multi-platform environments
- Powerful reporting and custom dashboards for asset insights
- Seamless integration with RMM tools like patching and remote control
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become expensive for large networks
- Primarily RMM-focused, so pure inventory users may find it overkill
- Limited on-premises deployment options; cloud-only
Best For
MSPs and mid-to-large IT teams needing integrated network inventory within a full RMM suite.
Pricing
Tiered per-device/month pricing starting at ~$3 for Professional, up to $7+ for Enterprise; annual billing with 50-device minimum.
Atera
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM and PSA tool featuring unlimited network inventory, remote access, and automation.
Unlimited endpoints per technician with AI-powered auto-discovery and proactive alerting
Atera is a cloud-based RMM platform with robust network inventory features, enabling automatic discovery and cataloging of hardware, software, and network devices across endpoints via agents and SNMP/WMI protocols. It provides real-time asset tracking, detailed reporting, custom fields, and integration with monitoring, patching, and ticketing for comprehensive IT management. While versatile for MSPs, its inventory shines in scalability and automation but is part of a broader suite rather than a standalone tool.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and unlimited device inventory per technician
- Real-time hardware/software tracking with custom reporting
- Seamless integration with RMM, PSA, and AI-driven automation
Cons
- Less specialized depth than dedicated inventory tools like Lansweeper
- Agent deployment required for full endpoint visibility
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher pricing tiers
Best For
MSPs and IT departments needing scalable network inventory within an all-in-one RMM platform.
Pricing
Technician-based pricing starting at $99 per technician/month (billed annually) for unlimited endpoints; higher tiers up to $219 add advanced features.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central
enterpriseUnified endpoint management solution with software and hardware inventory, deployment, and license tracking.
Integrated software license management with usage metering and compliance alerts
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a unified endpoint management platform with robust network inventory features for discovering and tracking hardware and software assets across endpoints. It supports agent-based and agentless scanning for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, providing detailed inventory reports on configurations, usage, and license compliance. The tool integrates inventory management with patch deployment, software distribution, and remote control for streamlined IT operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware and software inventory with metering and license tracking
- Flexible discovery options including agentless scanning
- Rich reporting and customization for inventory insights
Cons
- Limited focus on non-endpoint network devices like routers and switches
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations
- Agent deployment can be resource-heavy in large environments
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations needing integrated endpoint inventory within a full UEM suite.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 endpoints; paid editions start at ~$795/year for 50 endpoints, with pricing scaling by device count and features (Professional/Enterprise tiers).
ConnectWise RMM
enterpriseRobust RMM for MSPs providing network discovery, asset inventory, and proactive monitoring.
Advanced automation engine with scripting for proactive inventory updates and custom workflows
ConnectWise RMM is a robust remote monitoring and management platform that excels in network inventory by automatically discovering, scanning, and cataloging hardware, software, and configurations across endpoints and networks. It provides detailed asset tracking, license management, and compliance reporting, integrating seamlessly with ticketing and automation tools. While powerful for IT operations, its inventory features are part of a broader RMM suite rather than a standalone solution.
Pros
- Comprehensive device discovery and detailed inventory reporting
- Strong automation and scripting for asset management
- Seamless integration with ConnectWise ecosystem and third-party tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations
- Overkill for basic inventory needs without full RMM utilization
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and mid-to-large IT teams needing integrated inventory within a full RMM platform.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$85/user/month for standard edition, with tiers scaling by technicians, endpoints, and add-ons.
Kaseya VSA
enterpriseEnterprise RMM platform with deep network inventory, scripting, and compliance auditing capabilities.
Advanced software license management and procurement tracking integrated with real-time inventory audits
Kaseya VSA is a robust remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with strong network inventory features, enabling automated discovery, tracking, and auditing of hardware, software, and network devices across endpoints, servers, and virtual environments. It provides detailed asset management, license compliance monitoring, and customizable reports to help IT teams maintain visibility and control over their infrastructure. As part of a comprehensive IT suite, it integrates inventory data with patch management, scripting, and alerting for proactive maintenance.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware and software inventory with automated discovery
- Powerful auditing, reporting, and compliance tools
- Scalable for large networks with integration into full RMM workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface
- Primarily agent-based, limiting agentless options
- High cost, especially for smaller deployments
Best For
Managed service providers (MSPs) and mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated network inventory within a broader RMM platform.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$3-5 per endpoint/month, with tiers based on endpoints, technicians, and add-on modules.
Spiceworks Inventory
otherFree cloud-based tool for automatic network scanning, device tracking, and software inventory.
Agentless scanning for unlimited devices at zero cost
Spiceworks Inventory is a free, agentless network scanning tool that automatically discovers and inventories hardware, software, and network devices across Windows, Mac, Linux, printers, and more. It tracks changes over time, provides custom reports, and integrates with Spiceworks' ecosystem for helpdesk and monitoring. Designed for IT teams, it offers on-premises deployment with unlimited device support, making it accessible for resource-constrained environments.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited device scanning
- Agentless discovery simplifies deployment
- Strong community support and integrations
Cons
- Ad-supported interface can be distracting
- Dated UI lacks modern polish
- Limited advanced analytics and scalability for enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams needing a cost-free, straightforward network inventory solution.
Pricing
Free (ad-supported); premium support and add-ons available via Spiceworks ecosystem.
Action1
enterpriseCloud-native platform for endpoint visibility, software inventory, and patch management across networks.
Instant global search across all endpoints to locate assets, files, or issues in seconds from the inventory dashboard
Action1 is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that excels in network inventory by automatically discovering endpoints, tracking hardware and software assets, and providing detailed configuration data across Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. It integrates inventory with patch management, software deployment, and real-time monitoring for comprehensive IT asset oversight. Designed for IT teams and MSPs, it offers quick deployment via a lightweight agent and supports scalable growth from small networks.
Pros
- Generous free tier for up to 100 endpoints with full inventory features
- Intuitive cloud dashboard and quick agent deployment
- Real-time inventory updates and integrated remote actions
Cons
- Reporting and customization limited compared to dedicated inventory tools
- Cloud-only architecture lacks on-premises deployment options
- Advanced automation requires paid plans and scripting knowledge
Best For
Small to mid-sized IT teams and MSPs seeking affordable, all-in-one endpoint inventory with patch management.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 endpoints; paid plans start at $2 per endpoint/month (billed annually) for unlimited features and scale.
OCS Inventory NG
otherOpen-source agent-based solution for multi-platform hardware and software inventory deployment.
IPDiscover agentless network scanner for quick mapping and inventory initiation without pre-installing agents
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source network inventory and deployment solution that automatically collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data from Windows, Linux, macOS, and network devices across IT environments. It uses lightweight agents for precise data gathering and supports agentless discovery via IPDiscover for mapping networks without prior agent installation. The web-based interface provides reporting, asset tracking, and software deployment capabilities, often integrated with GLPI for full IT asset management.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Comprehensive inventory of hardware, software, and custom data
- Scalable for large networks with agentless discovery options
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring server configuration and technical expertise
- Dated web interface lacking modern polish
- Community-driven support with limited official documentation
Best For
Cost-conscious IT administrators in SMBs or non-profits managing diverse networks who are comfortable with self-hosted open-source tools.
Pricing
Free and open-source under GPL license; no paid tiers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right network inventory software depends on specific needs, and the top tools deliver standout value. Lansweeper leads as the most comprehensive option, excelling in scanning hardware, software, and cloud assets with detailed reporting. PDQ Inventory follows closely as a lightning-fast solution tailored for Windows devices, offering custom reporting and efficient collections, while NinjaOne sets itself apart with its integrated RMM and patch management, ideal for proactive endpoint management. Together, these tools redefine network visibility.
To unlock robust network discovery and seamless asset management, start with Lansweeper—its depth of coverage makes it a top choice for any environment.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison