Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Agentless scanning discovers and inventories all IT assets including hardware, software, and network devices across your infrastructure.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Rapidly scans Windows PCs to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting and management.
- 3#3: NinjaOne - RMM platform providing real-time PC inventory, monitoring, and patch management for IT teams.
- 4#4: Total Network Inventory - Comprehensive network scanning and inventory tool for tracking hardware, software, and licenses on PCs and servers.
- 5#5: Spiceworks - Free IT inventory and monitoring tool that maps networks and tracks PC hardware and software assets.
- 6#6: OCS Inventory NG - Open-source agent-based solution for automatic PC inventory collection and software deployment.
- 7#7: GLPI - Open-source ITSM platform with FusionInventory plugin for detailed hardware and software asset tracking.
- 8#8: Snipe-IT - Open-source IT asset management system for tracking PC hardware, software licenses, and checkouts.
- 9#9: AssetExplorer - IT asset management software that scans and tracks hardware and software inventory across endpoints.
- 10#10: 10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer - Network scanner that inventories PC hardware, software, and configurations with customizable reports.
We evaluated tools based on critical factors including feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance for diverse IT environments.
Comparison Table
Tracking and managing PC inventory efficiently is vital for modern IT workflows, and this comparison table examines top solutions including Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, NinjaOne, Total Network Inventory, Spiceworks, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and optimal use cases to select the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Agentless scanning discovers and inventories all IT assets including hardware, software, and network devices across your infrastructure. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Rapidly scans Windows PCs to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting and management. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | NinjaOne RMM platform providing real-time PC inventory, monitoring, and patch management for IT teams. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Total Network Inventory Comprehensive network scanning and inventory tool for tracking hardware, software, and licenses on PCs and servers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Spiceworks Free IT inventory and monitoring tool that maps networks and tracks PC hardware and software assets. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | OCS Inventory NG Open-source agent-based solution for automatic PC inventory collection and software deployment. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | GLPI Open-source ITSM platform with FusionInventory plugin for detailed hardware and software asset tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Snipe-IT Open-source IT asset management system for tracking PC hardware, software licenses, and checkouts. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 9 | AssetExplorer IT asset management software that scans and tracks hardware and software inventory across endpoints. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | 10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer Network scanner that inventories PC hardware, software, and configurations with customizable reports. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
Agentless scanning discovers and inventories all IT assets including hardware, software, and network devices across your infrastructure.
Rapidly scans Windows PCs to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting and management.
RMM platform providing real-time PC inventory, monitoring, and patch management for IT teams.
Comprehensive network scanning and inventory tool for tracking hardware, software, and licenses on PCs and servers.
Free IT inventory and monitoring tool that maps networks and tracks PC hardware and software assets.
Open-source agent-based solution for automatic PC inventory collection and software deployment.
Open-source ITSM platform with FusionInventory plugin for detailed hardware and software asset tracking.
Open-source IT asset management system for tracking PC hardware, software licenses, and checkouts.
IT asset management software that scans and tracks hardware and software inventory across endpoints.
Network scanner that inventories PC hardware, software, and configurations with customizable reports.
Lansweeper
enterpriseAgentless scanning discovers and inventories all IT assets including hardware, software, and network devices across your infrastructure.
Agentless multi-OS discovery engine that inventories hardware, software licenses, warranties, and user data across diverse environments in minutes.
Lansweeper is a leading agentless IT asset management and discovery platform that scans networks to automatically inventory PCs, servers, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and IoT assets with detailed hardware, software, and configuration data. It excels in providing real-time visibility, change tracking, compliance reporting, and vulnerability assessments to streamline IT operations. The web-based console offers customizable dashboards, automated reports, and integrations with tools like ServiceNow and SCCM for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Agentless scanning supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and 1000+ network devices for broad coverage
- Powerful reporting engine with 500+ pre-built templates and custom SQL queries
- Free tier for up to 100 assets and scalable licensing for enterprises
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced customization and scripting
- Scanning performance may slow on very large networks without dedicated relay servers
- Pricing scales with total discovered assets, which can include unmanaged devices
Best For
IT teams and MSPs managing complex, multi-site networks needing comprehensive, automated PC and device inventory without deploying agents.
Pricing
Free for unlimited users up to 100 assets; subscription plans start at ~$1/asset/year (billed annually) for 101+ assets, with perpetual licenses and enterprise add-ons available.
PDQ Inventory
specializedRapidly scans Windows PCs to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data for reporting and management.
Dynamic Collections that automatically categorize devices based on real-time scan data and custom criteria
PDQ Inventory is a robust PC inventory solution that scans Windows networks to collect detailed hardware, software, registry, and file data from endpoints. It supports dynamic collections, custom scans, and real-time monitoring to help IT admins track assets, manage licenses, and ensure compliance. Seamlessly integrating with PDQ Deploy, it streamlines inventory alongside deployment and patching workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast scanning and dynamic collections for automated asset grouping
- Powerful reporting, alerts, and Active Directory integration
- Deep file, software, and hardware scanning with custom profiles
Cons
- Limited to Windows environments only
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
- Advanced features require some setup time
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams managing Windows fleets who need detailed, automated inventory with deployment integration.
Pricing
Free Scout edition (limited); Standard at $1,349/year (up to 500 computers); Enterprise at $1,749/year (advanced features, unlimited computers).
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform providing real-time PC inventory, monitoring, and patch management for IT teams.
Automated software normalization and license tracking tied directly to inventory for compliance insights
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with strong PC inventory features, enabling IT teams to track hardware specs, software installations, and license compliance across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It provides real-time asset discovery, detailed reporting, and customizable dashboards for efficient inventory management. Beyond basic scanning, it integrates inventory data with automation, patching, and remote access for proactive IT operations.
Pros
- Real-time hardware and software inventory with automatic updates
- Custom reports and export options for compliance
- Seamless integration with RMM tools like patching and scripting
Cons
- Pricing scales per device, costly for small deployments
- Full features require the broader RMM suite, overkill for pure inventory
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
MSPs and mid-to-large IT teams needing integrated PC inventory within a full RMM workflow.
Pricing
Per-device billing starting at $3/endpoint/month (billed annually), with tiered discounts for 100+ devices; free trial available.
Total Network Inventory
specializedComprehensive network scanning and inventory tool for tracking hardware, software, and licenses on PCs and servers.
Detailed change history with before-and-after snapshots for every scanned asset
Total Network Inventory is a robust network inventory management tool that performs agentless scanning to catalog hardware, software, and configuration details across Windows, Linux, macOS, and network devices. It offers asset lifecycle management, license tracking, change history logging, and customizable reporting dashboards. The software supports automated discovery, mapping, and web-based access for monitoring IT infrastructure efficiently.
Pros
- Agentless scanning via WMI, SSH, and SNMP minimizes deployment overhead
- Perpetual licensing with no recurring fees provides long-term value
- Extensive reporting and change tracking capabilities for compliance and auditing
Cons
- Scanner application runs only on Windows, limiting flexibility
- Initial setup and scan configuration can have a learning curve
- Limited built-in remote control or scripting compared to enterprise rivals
Best For
IT admins in small to medium businesses needing detailed, multi-platform inventory without agents or subscriptions.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $195 for 100 assets; free for up to 25 assets; scales to $2,995+ for 5,000 assets with volume options.
Spiceworks
otherFree IT inventory and monitoring tool that maps networks and tracks PC hardware and software assets.
Agentless, automated discovery of unlimited devices with community-driven extensions and custom reporting
Spiceworks is a free, community-driven IT management platform that includes robust PC inventory capabilities, automatically discovering and cataloging hardware and software assets across Windows, Mac, Linux devices, servers, printers, and network gear via agentless scanning. It tracks detailed specs like CPU, RAM, installed software, warranties, and changes over time, with customizable reports and alerts. Primarily aimed at small to medium businesses, it integrates inventory with help desk and monitoring tools for holistic network management.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited devices and no licensing costs
- Agentless network discovery and detailed hardware/software tracking
- Strong community forums for support and custom scripts
Cons
- Ad-supported interface can feel cluttered
- Setup and scanning can be resource-intensive on large networks
- Reporting lacks some advanced customization compared to paid competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams seeking a no-cost, comprehensive PC inventory solution without deploying agents.
Pricing
Free on-premises version (ad-supported); optional cloud services start at $23/user/month for advanced features.
OCS Inventory NG
otherOpen-source agent-based solution for automatic PC inventory collection and software deployment.
Pro-active agentless inventory via IPDiscover for quick network mapping and discovery
OCS Inventory NG is an open-source IT asset management tool designed for automatic discovery, inventory, and software deployment across networks. It collects detailed hardware, software, and configuration data from Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac machines using lightweight agents. The solution provides a web-based console for reporting, searching, and managing IT assets, with optional integration into GLPI for full ITSM capabilities.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Detailed cross-platform inventory collection
- Built-in software deployment and network discovery
Cons
- Complex server setup requiring LAMP stack
- Dated web interface
- Steeper learning curve for customization
Best For
IT administrators in small to medium-sized organizations needing a robust, no-cost inventory solution with deployment features.
Pricing
Free (open-source, community edition); paid support and plugins available via partners.
GLPI
enterpriseOpen-source ITSM platform with FusionInventory plugin for detailed hardware and software asset tracking.
Native GLPI Agent and FusionInventory plugin for agent-based, automated deep scans of PC hardware, software, and usage data
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management platform with robust PC inventory capabilities, enabling detailed tracking of hardware, software, peripherals, and network devices. It supports automated inventory collection through native agents, SNMP scanning, or the FusionInventory plugin for comprehensive asset discovery and CMDB integration. While primarily an ITSM suite, its inventory module excels in monitoring IT assets across large environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive hardware and software inventory with automatic updates
- Open-source with no licensing costs and high customizability
- Scalable CMDB integration for asset relationships and reporting
Cons
- Complex server setup requiring PHP/MySQL expertise
- Dated web interface with a steep learning curve
- Relies on plugins for advanced inventory features like FusionInventory
Best For
IT teams in mid-sized organizations needing a free, extensible solution for PC inventory combined with helpdesk functionality.
Pricing
Completely free open-source; optional paid enterprise support, plugins, and hosting services available.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source IT asset management system for tracking PC hardware, software licenses, and checkouts.
Full open-source customization allowing unlimited modifications without licensing fees
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset management platform focused on tracking hardware like PCs, servers, and peripherals, as well as software licenses and accessories. It provides tools for check-in/out workflows, custom fields, location mapping, maintenance scheduling, and detailed reporting to maintain accurate PC inventories. The system supports audits, barcode/QR code scanning, and API integrations for scalability in IT environments.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Robust asset tracking including history, depreciation, and audits
- Highly customizable with API support and extensive reporting
Cons
- Self-hosted setup requires server management and technical expertise
- User interface is functional but dated and less intuitive
- No official mobile app; relies on web access
Best For
IT teams in small to mid-sized organizations seeking a cost-free, customizable solution for detailed PC hardware inventory management.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid support plans starting at $500/year and third-party hosting from $10/month.
AssetExplorer
enterpriseIT asset management software that scans and tracks hardware and software inventory across endpoints.
Integrated software metering and license optimization to prevent compliance risks and over-licensing.
AssetExplorer by ManageEngine is a comprehensive IT asset management solution focused on tracking PC hardware, software inventories, and related lifecycle processes across networks. It features automated discovery via agents or agentless scanning, detailed reporting, and integration with procurement and license management. The tool helps IT teams maintain compliance, optimize resources, and reduce costs through real-time asset visibility and custom dashboards.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and detailed hardware/software inventory collection
- Strong software license management and compliance tracking
- Customizable reports and CMDB integration for enterprise-scale use
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Outdated user interface compared to modern competitors
- Performance can lag with very large inventories over 10,000 nodes
Best For
Mid-sized IT departments in organizations needing robust, scalable PC inventory tracking with license compliance features.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 computers; Professional edition starts at $795/year for 250 nodes, with perpetual licenses available plus annual maintenance.
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer
specializedNetwork scanner that inventories PC hardware, software, and configurations with customizable reports.
Agentless scanning via WMI that collects inventory data remotely without any client-side installations
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer is a Windows-focused network inventory tool that automatically discovers and scans computers in workgroups or domains to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data. It operates agentlessly using WMI for quick deployment without installing software on target machines. The software excels in change tracking, license management, customizable reporting, and basic remote software deployment, making it suitable for IT admins monitoring network assets.
Pros
- Agentless WMI scanning simplifies setup and reduces overhead
- Strong change tracking and customizable reporting capabilities
- Affordable perpetual licensing with good scalability for SMBs
Cons
- Limited to Windows environments with no native support for macOS or Linux
- Dated interface that may feel clunky compared to modern alternatives
- Lacks advanced integrations with cloud services or enterprise ticketing systems
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with Windows networks seeking an straightforward, cost-effective inventory solution without agent deployment.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $99 for 1 admin/50 PCs, scaling to $499+ for larger deployments; includes free 30-day trial and free version for up to 25 PCs.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 PC inventory tools reveals clear leaders, with Lansweeper emerging as the standout choice for its agentless scanning across diverse assets. PDQ Inventory follows closely, excelling in rapid Windows PC tracking, and NinjaOne impresses with integrated monitoring and patch management, catering to unified IT needs. Each tool offers distinct strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for various organizational requirements.
Take the first step toward efficient asset management—try Lansweeper today to simplify tracking and boost operational efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison