Head-to-head · System Information Software
CPU-Z vs Autoruns
CPU-Z leads on 0 checks, Autoruns on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCPU-Z · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresCPU-Z · 3 of 4
CPU-Z scores higher on our rubric for system information software: 8.9 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
CPU-Z is the better fit for free cross-device CPU and component details. Autoruns is the better fit for windows startup and driver investigation.
- CPU-Z fits best
Free cross-device CPU and component details
- Autoruns fits best
Windows startup and driver investigation
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Side by side
| Feature | CPU-Z 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Autoruns 8.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in System Information Software | #8 in System Information Software |
| Best for | Free cross-device CPU and component details | Windows startup and driver investigation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Android | Windows |
| Support | Email, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features CPU-Z 3/4 · Autoruns 0/4 | ||
| Firmware details | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Installed software | — | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Command-line interface | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Operating systems | Other | Not checked yet |
| Report export | Html | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | CPU-Z is a focused system information utility from CPUID for people who need detailed hardware and device specifications rather than broad asset inventory. On Windows, it covers the processor, motherboard, chipset, memory, SPD modules, and… Read the review → |
Autoruns is a free Windows desktop utility for inspecting programs, drivers, services, registry entries, and file-system locations configured to run automatically. It is intended for people investigating boot and login behavior, reviewing… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
CPU-Z — where it wins
- Detailed processor, motherboard, memory, SPD, and frequency reporting
- Free coverage across Windows and Android
- Portable ZIP edition, reports, validation, and command-line support
Where it doesn't
- Does not report installed software
- Narrower scope than full inventory suites
- Android version includes advertisements unless removed by purchase
Autoruns — where it wins
- Extensive inspection across startup, drivers, services, tasks, and extensions
- Digital signature verification and optional VirusTotal checks
- Autorunsc exports results in CSV, tab-delimited, or XML formats
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop only
- Focused on autostart configuration rather than general system inventory
- Disabling or deleting entries requires careful judgment
- CPU-Z8.9/10 · Free plan
A focused, free utility for detailed CPU, memory, motherboard, and Android device information.
Visit CPU-ZFull verdict → - Autoruns8.1/10 · Free plan
A free Windows utility for detailed startup, driver, service, and autostart investigation.
Visit AutorunsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






