GKrellM
GKrellM: A free, open-source monitor for users who want broad system visibility in one window. Ranked #6 of 29 in Desktop Widget Software by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform hardware and system monitoring.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform hardware and system monitoring
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsCross_platform
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Monitors CPU, processes, disks, memory, network, temperatures, and battery
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Themes, alarms, charts, plugins, and remote data collection
Where it doesn't
- Its primary focus is system monitoring rather than general-purpose widgets
- The stacked monitor layout may feel specialized for desktop customization
- Platform support relies on platform-specific builds and packages
Our verdict on GKrellM
GKrellM is a lightweight desktop system-monitoring application for users who want multiple system indicators displayed together in one window. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for cross-platform monitoring across personal computers and workstations. The product is aimed at people who need ongoing visibility into hardware, operating-system activity, connectivity, storage, power, and related system conditions rather than a broad collection of general-purpose desktop widgets.
Its main strength is the range of monitoring available in a single application. GKrellM can display CPU activity, including SMP CPU views, process load and counts, disk and filesystem capacity, network interfaces and TCP ports, memory and swap usage, temperatures, fan and voltage readings, disk temperatures, uptime, and battery status. It also includes mailbox monitoring for mbox, maildir, MH, POP3, and IMAP, along with clock, calendar, hostname, and other system displays. Configurable charts, alarms, themes, monitor-label commands, and plugins add control over how the information is presented and extended.
GKrellM is a strong fit for technically oriented users who value detailed monitoring, customization, and an open-source model. Remote data collection through gkrellmd can extend its monitoring beyond the local machine. At the same time, its identity is narrow: the product centers on system and hardware data, with a stacked-monitor presentation rather than a general desktop-widget toolkit. Users seeking broad lifestyle, productivity, or decorative widgets should choose a different category of software. For those focused on CPU, processes, storage, networking, memory, temperature, mail, and power indicators across Windows, macOS, and Linux, GKrellM offers a notably broad monitoring scope without a paid plan.
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GKrellM pricing
GKrellM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Cross_platform |
| Widget categories | CPU, process, disk, network, internet, memory, swap, filesystem, mailbox, clock, calendar, hostname, battery, temperature, fan, voltage, uptime, plugins |
| System monitoring | Yes |
| Custom layouts | Not verified |
| Weather widgets | Not verified |
| Calendar widgets | Yes |
| Feed widgets | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | gkrellm.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to GKrellM
- Monitor FlowsA flexible Windows dashboard tool with broad integrations and multi-monitor support.9.4
- RainmeterA flexible Windows widget toolkit for system data, feeds, controls, and custom layouts.9.3
- GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)A free Windows gadget collection with monitoring, utilities, and desktop organization.9.0
See all GKrellM alternatives →
GKrellM vs the competition
- GKrellM vs Monitor Flows
- GKrellM vs Rainmeter
- GKrellM vs GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)
- GKrellM vs Themia
- GKrellM vs Übersicht
- GKrellM vs Conky
Compare GKrellM with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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