Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lansweeper - Discovers and inventories hardware, software, and network devices across your entire IT environment automatically.
- 2#2: PDQ Inventory - Delivers fast, accurate scanning and reporting of hardware, software, files, and Windows configurations.
- 3#3: ManageEngine Desktop Central - Provides comprehensive hardware and software inventory management with patch and deployment capabilities.
- 4#4: Spiceworks - Offers free, on-premises IT asset discovery, inventory, and monitoring for networks.
- 5#5: NinjaOne - RMM platform with automated device discovery, real-time inventory, and asset tracking.
- 6#6: InvGate Asset Management - Tracks hardware, software licenses, and contracts with automated discovery and reporting.
- 7#7: Snipe-IT - Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware, software, and licenses.
- 8#8: GLPI - Open-source ITSM suite featuring inventory management via FusionInventory plugin.
- 9#9: OCS Inventory NG - Agent-based and agentless inventory tool for multi-platform hardware and software tracking.
- 10#10: Freshservice - Cloud-based IT service desk with built-in asset inventory, discovery, and lifecycle management.
Ranked based on features (including automated discovery, lifecycle management, and patch capabilities), ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring relevance across small, mid-market, and enterprise environments.
Comparison Table
Navigating system inventory software can be complex, but this comparison table breaks down top tools like Lansweeper, PDQ Inventory, ManageEngine Desktop Central, Spiceworks, NinjaOne, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, pricing, and use cases to identify the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansweeper Discovers and inventories hardware, software, and network devices across your entire IT environment automatically. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | PDQ Inventory Delivers fast, accurate scanning and reporting of hardware, software, files, and Windows configurations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ManageEngine Desktop Central Provides comprehensive hardware and software inventory management with patch and deployment capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Spiceworks Offers free, on-premises IT asset discovery, inventory, and monitoring for networks. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | NinjaOne RMM platform with automated device discovery, real-time inventory, and asset tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | InvGate Asset Management Tracks hardware, software licenses, and contracts with automated discovery and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Snipe-IT Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware, software, and licenses. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | GLPI Open-source ITSM suite featuring inventory management via FusionInventory plugin. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | OCS Inventory NG Agent-based and agentless inventory tool for multi-platform hardware and software tracking. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Freshservice Cloud-based IT service desk with built-in asset inventory, discovery, and lifecycle management. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.3/10 |
Discovers and inventories hardware, software, and network devices across your entire IT environment automatically.
Delivers fast, accurate scanning and reporting of hardware, software, files, and Windows configurations.
Provides comprehensive hardware and software inventory management with patch and deployment capabilities.
Offers free, on-premises IT asset discovery, inventory, and monitoring for networks.
RMM platform with automated device discovery, real-time inventory, and asset tracking.
Tracks hardware, software licenses, and contracts with automated discovery and reporting.
Open-source asset management system for tracking hardware, software, and licenses.
Open-source ITSM suite featuring inventory management via FusionInventory plugin.
Agent-based and agentless inventory tool for multi-platform hardware and software tracking.
Cloud-based IT service desk with built-in asset inventory, discovery, and lifecycle management.
Lansweeper
enterpriseDiscovers and inventories hardware, software, and network devices across your entire IT environment automatically.
Agentless multi-protocol scanning (WMI, SNMP, SSH, etc.) that discovers unmanaged and shadow IT assets without software deployment.
Lansweeper is a leading IT asset management and discovery platform that performs agentless scanning to automatically detect, inventory, and track hardware, software, peripherals, and network devices across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It offers detailed dashboards, customizable reports, vulnerability scanning, software license management, and integrations with tools like ServiceNow and Microsoft Endpoint Manager. With support for Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, and IoT, it provides complete IT visibility for compliance and planning.
Pros
- Agentless discovery across diverse platforms including IT, OT, and cloud assets
- Powerful reporting, dashboards, and automation for license management and compliance
- Seamless integrations with ITSM tools and extensive customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations and custom scans
- Resource-intensive scanning on very large networks may require optimization
- Pricing scales quickly with asset count for enterprise-scale deployments
Best For
IT administrators and teams in mid-to-large organizations seeking comprehensive, agent-free network discovery and asset lifecycle management.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid subscriptions start at ~$1/asset/year (Discovery tier), with Enterprise plans from $299/year for 2,000 assets, billed annually based on total discovered assets.
PDQ Inventory
enterpriseDelivers fast, accurate scanning and reporting of hardware, software, files, and Windows configurations.
Dynamic Collections that automatically group and update computers based on real-time criteria like software versions or hardware specs
PDQ Inventory is a robust systems management tool tailored for IT administrators to discover, scan, and inventory Windows computers across networks without requiring agents. It collects comprehensive hardware, software, file, and configuration data using WMI/CIM, enabling custom collections, powerful reporting, and real-time updates. Seamlessly integrating with PDQ Deploy, it supports patch management, software deployment, and compliance tracking in enterprise environments.
Pros
- Agentless scanning for fast, detailed inventory collection
- Dynamic collections and customizable reports for flexible organization
- Seamless integration with Active Directory and PDQ Deploy
Cons
- Limited to Windows environments (no native Mac/Linux support)
- Subscription pricing scales quickly for large deployments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom scripting
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams managing Windows networks who prioritize speed and depth in agentless inventory without heavy setup.
Pricing
Free edition for basic use; Pro at $1,349/year (250 nodes, scales up); Enterprise at $1,599/year (adds automation, remote desktop, and priority support).
ManageEngine Desktop Central
enterpriseProvides comprehensive hardware and software inventory management with patch and deployment capabilities.
Advanced software metering and license compliance tracking with automated reclamation suggestions
ManageEngine Desktop Central is a unified endpoint management platform with robust system inventory features for tracking hardware and software assets across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It automates device discovery, scans for detailed hardware specifications, installed applications, and software licenses, generating customizable reports for compliance and auditing. The tool integrates inventory data with patch management, software deployment, and remote control for holistic IT asset oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-platform hardware and software inventory with agent-based and agentless scanning
- Over 200 pre-built reports and dashboards for detailed asset insights
- Strong integration with CMDB and other ManageEngine tools for enterprise workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Some premium inventory features require higher-tier licensing
- Web interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams in enterprises seeking integrated endpoint inventory with patch and deployment management.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 endpoints; paid editions (Professional/Enterprise) start at ~$0.80-$1.50 per endpoint/month, billed annually.
Spiceworks
enterpriseOffers free, on-premises IT asset discovery, inventory, and monitoring for networks.
Fully free, agentless network-wide inventory discovery and tracking
Spiceworks is a free, community-driven IT management platform that excels in system inventory by automatically discovering and scanning networks for hardware, software, and device details. It provides detailed asset tracking, change monitoring, and basic reporting without requiring agents on endpoints. While part of a broader suite including help desk and monitoring, its inventory tool is particularly suited for small to medium IT environments seeking no-cost solutions.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing costs
- Agentless network discovery and scanning
- Strong community support and resources
Cons
- Includes ads in the free version
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Scalability challenges for very large networks
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and IT teams looking for a cost-free, straightforward system inventory solution.
Pricing
Free for on-premises inventory app; optional premium cloud help desk starts at $23/user/month.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform with automated device discovery, real-time inventory, and asset tracking.
Real-time, agent-based inventory that auto-updates with endpoint changes and supports scripting for custom audits
NinjaOne is a unified remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with strong system inventory features, enabling automated discovery and tracking of hardware, software, and network assets across endpoints. It provides real-time inventory updates, detailed reporting, and customizable dashboards for asset management. While primarily an RMM tool, its inventory capabilities integrate seamlessly with patching, monitoring, and scripting for comprehensive IT oversight.
Pros
- Automated device discovery and real-time inventory scanning
- Detailed hardware/software asset reports with export options
- Seamless integration with RMM tools for proactive management
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become expensive at scale
- Overkill for teams needing only basic inventory without full RMM
- Limited customization in inventory views compared to dedicated tools
Best For
MSPs and IT departments managing 100+ endpoints who want integrated inventory with monitoring and patching.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at ~$3-5/month per endpoint (billed annually); custom quotes for larger deployments.
InvGate Asset Management
enterpriseTracks hardware, software licenses, and contracts with automated discovery and reporting.
Built-in procurement and booking module for end-to-end asset lifecycle management from purchase to disposal
InvGate Asset Management is a robust IT asset management platform designed to automate the discovery, tracking, and lifecycle management of hardware, software, and other IT assets across hybrid environments. It offers agent-based and agentless scanning for comprehensive inventory collection, license compliance monitoring, and detailed reporting dashboards. The solution integrates seamlessly with InvGate Service Desk and other ITSM tools, enabling efficient asset utilization and cost optimization.
Pros
- Comprehensive automated discovery with agentless and agent-based options
- Strong reporting, analytics, and license management capabilities
- Seamless integration with ITSM platforms like InvGate Service Desk
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing scales quickly for large deployments
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized organizations seeking an integrated ITAM solution with ITSM workflows and procurement automation.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at around $29 per technician/month for basic plans; enterprise quotes required for full features.
Snipe-IT
specializedOpen-source asset management system for tracking hardware, software, and licenses.
QR code and barcode scanning for quick mobile check-in/out and inventory audits
Snipe-IT is a free, open-source IT asset and license management platform designed to track hardware, software, consumables, and accessories across organizations. It supports asset check-in/check-out, depreciation tracking, custom fields, and reporting, with barcode/QR code scanning for efficient inventory management. While it excels in lifecycle management, it relies more on manual entry and integrations than fully automated network discovery for system inventory.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Highly customizable via custom fields, API, and integrations
- Excellent asset lifecycle tools including check-in/out and depreciation
Cons
- Self-hosting requires server setup and technical knowledge
- Limited built-in automated scanning; better for manual/tracked assets
- UI and reporting can feel dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Small to medium IT teams needing a cost-free, flexible solution for manual asset tracking and lifecycle management.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; optional paid support and hosted plans via partners starting around $300/year.
GLPI
specializedOpen-source ITSM suite featuring inventory management via FusionInventory plugin.
GLPI Agent for automatic, agent-based inventory collection and real-time asset updates
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management platform with robust system inventory capabilities, enabling organizations to track hardware, software licenses, peripherals, and network devices in a centralized database. It supports automatic inventory collection via the GLPI Agent for computers and SNMP for network discovery, providing detailed asset lifecycle management and reporting. While primarily known for ITSM, its inventory module stands out for compliance tracking and integration with external tools.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Comprehensive inventory tracking for hardware, software, and networks
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for customization and integrations
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring LAMP stack and technical knowledge
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and agent deployment
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a cost-free, highly customizable inventory solution.
Pricing
Free open-source (GPLv3); optional paid support subscriptions starting at €500/year.
OCS Inventory NG
specializedAgent-based and agentless inventory tool for multi-platform hardware and software tracking.
Built-in software deployment engine for automated package distribution
OCS Inventory NG is a free, open-source IT asset management tool designed for automatic discovery and inventory of network devices including computers, servers, printers, and more. It uses lightweight agents to collect detailed hardware, software, and configuration data, which is centralized in a web-based console for reporting and management. Additionally, it supports software packaging and deployment, making it a comprehensive solution for system administrators.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Detailed hardware/software inventory across multi-platform environments
- Integrated software deployment and package management capabilities
Cons
- Complex setup requiring server configuration (e.g., Apache, MySQL)
- Dated web interface that lacks modern polish
- Agent deployment necessary on client machines for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized IT teams seeking a customizable, no-cost inventory solution for network asset tracking.
Pricing
Free (open-source, community edition); optional paid support available.
Freshservice
enterpriseCloud-based IT service desk with built-in asset inventory, discovery, and lifecycle management.
Freshservice Discovery with agentless scanning and AI-driven CMDB auto-population for effortless asset mapping.
Freshservice is a cloud-based IT service management (ITSM) platform that includes robust IT asset management (ITAM) features for system inventory, enabling automated discovery, tracking, and management of hardware, software licenses, and cloud assets. It maintains a centralized CMDB for visualizing asset relationships and dependencies, with real-time updates and compliance reporting. While versatile for IT operations, its inventory tools are embedded within a broader service desk ecosystem, making it ideal for integrated workflows rather than standalone inventory.
Pros
- Automated asset discovery via agents, scripts, and integrations for comprehensive hardware/software scanning
- Powerful CMDB for mapping IT relationships and dependencies
- Strong reporting and analytics for inventory insights and compliance
Cons
- Overkill for pure inventory needs due to heavy ITSM focus
- Pricing scales per technician, which can get expensive for large teams
- Advanced features require setup and may have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams needing integrated asset inventory with service desk and change management capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $19/technician/month (Starter), $49 (Growth), $79 (Pro), $109+ (Enterprise); free trial available, billed annually.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide powerful solutions for system inventory management, with Lansweeper leading as the top choice due to its automatic discovery of hardware, software, and network devices across the entire IT environment. PDQ Inventory impresses with its fast, accurate scanning and reporting, while ManageEngine Desktop Central stands out for its comprehensive management and integrated patch capabilities, making them excellent alternatives for varied needs. Collectively, these options highlight the versatility available to optimize IT asset tracking.
Explore Lansweeper today to streamline your inventory processes and leverage its seamless automation—take the first step toward more efficient IT operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
