Head-to-head · IT Service Catalog Software
ServiceNow Service Catalog vs OpenText SMAX
ServiceNow Service Catalog leads on 0 checks, OpenText SMAX on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreServiceNow Service Catalog · 9.3/10
- Free trialonly OpenText SMAX
- Most featuresServiceNow Service Catalog · 5 of 5
ServiceNow Service Catalog scores higher on our rubric for it service catalog software: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
ServiceNow Service Catalog is the better fit for large enterprises needing dedicated catalog workflows. OpenText SMAX is the better fit for enterprises needing comprehensive ITIL service management.
- ServiceNow Service Catalog fits best
Large enterprises needing dedicated catalog workflows
- OpenText SMAX fits best
Enterprises needing comprehensive ITIL service management
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Side by side
| Feature | ServiceNow Service Catalog 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | OpenText SMAX 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in IT Service Catalog Software | #5 in IT Service Catalog Software |
| Best for | Large enterprises needing dedicated catalog workflows | Enterprises needing comprehensive ITIL service management |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ServiceNow Service Catalog 5/5 · OpenText SMAX 1/5 | ||
| Request portal | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Approval workflows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Eligibility rules | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Fulfillment automation | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Service ownership | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Catalog item limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ServiceNow Service Catalog helps organizations publish products, services, and information through self-service experiences. Employees and customers can browse catalog items, submit requests, track progress, and complete approvals. It is… Read the review → |
OpenText SMAX, now presented as OpenText Service Management, is an IT service management platform for organizations coordinating IT services, assets, configuration items, and broader enterprise services. Its scope covers ITIL-aligned… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ServiceNow Service Catalog — where it wins
- Guided catalog creation with Catalog Builder
- Multi-step approvals and automated fulfillment workflows
- Eligibility rules and ownership controls for catalog access
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- The listed platform is web-based
- Advanced capabilities require higher ITSM tiers
OpenText SMAX — where it wins
- Broad ITIL-aligned catalog, incident, change, knowledge, and CMDB capabilities
- Codeless workflow configuration with self-service portal and mobile apps
- AI-assisted change analytics plus multi-tenant deployment support
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than a published entry price
- The hosted trial lasts 14 days and there is no permanent free plan
- Its broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking a narrow catalog tool
- ServiceNow Service Catalog9.3/10 · Pricing on request
A deep enterprise catalog with guided creation, eligibility rules, approvals, and fulfillment automation.
Visit ServiceNowFull verdict → - OpenText SMAX8.5/10 · Pricing on request · 14-day trial
A broad ITIL-aligned platform for enterprises that need catalog, workflow, CMDB, and change control.
Visit OpenText SMAXFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update