lshw
lshw: A detailed, open-source Linux utility for hardware and firmware reporting. Ranked #19 of 33 in System Information Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for detailed Linux hardware configuration reports.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDetailed Linux hardware configuration reports
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Operating systemsLinux
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Detailed reporting across firmware, CPU, memory, buses, and storage
- Exports to HTML, XML, JSON, plain text, and SQLite
- Hardware-class filtering and sensitive-information sanitization
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux rather than multiple operating systems
- Focused on hardware configuration rather than broader system information
- The graphical interface is optional and requires X11
Our verdict on lshw
lshw is an open-source Linux utility for extracting detailed information about a computer’s hardware configuration. It is aimed at administrators, technicians, and developers who need local hardware inventory, diagnostics, or automated system reports. The command-line tool can inspect firmware, the mainboard, CPU, memory, cache, buses, storage, USB, SCSI, PCI/AGP, and other supported device classes. An optional X11 graphical interface is also available for users who prefer a visual view of the collected information.
Its strongest quality is the depth and structure of its reporting. Hardware-class filtering helps narrow output to relevant components, while support for PCI/AGP, USB, SCSI, IDE/ATA, PCMCIA, CPUID, and OpenFirmware provides coverage across several device and firmware areas. Reports can be produced as plain text, HTML, XML, or JSON, and lshw can also create SQLite database dumps. Sensitive-information sanitization adds a practical control when reports need to be shared or incorporated into other workflows.
The main trade-off is its narrow focus and platform scope. lshw is built for Linux hardware configuration reporting, not a broad, cross-platform system information suite. Its command-line orientation suits scripted or terminal-based work, while the X11 interface remains optional rather than the primary experience. Choose lshw when detailed hardware and firmware visibility, filtering, and multiple export formats matter most. Users who need operating-system coverage beyond Linux or information outside hardware configuration should consider a different category of tool.
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lshw pricing
lshw fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Operating systems | Linux |
| Firmware details | Yes |
| Installed software | Not verified |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Report export | Html |
| Command-line interface | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | ezix.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to lshw
- AIDA64A deep monitoring and diagnostics suite for users who need benchmarks, alerts, and stress tests.9.2
- CPU-ZA focused, free utility for detailed CPU, memory, motherboard, and Android device information.8.9
- SpeccyA low-cost Windows utility for specifications, temperatures, drive health, and exports.8.7
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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