Best lshw Alternatives in 2026
The top lshw alternatives are AIDA64, CPU-Z and Speccy: 15 system information software our editors would look at instead of lshw, in our ranking order.
lshw: A detailed, open-source Linux utility for hardware and firmware reporting. Where it falls short: designed for linux rather than multiple operating systems.
Switching from lshw? For most system information software buyers the best lshw alternative is AIDA64, built for deep monitoring, diagnostics, and benchmarking. CPU-Z has a free plan.
Why People Look for a lshw Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAIDA649.2
Deep monitoring, diagnostics, and benchmarking
Visit AIDA64 - Best free optionCPU-Z8.9
Has a free plan
Visit CPU-Z
All 15 lshw Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
-
Best forDeep monitoring, diagnostics, and benchmarking
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 6.9
A deep monitoring and diagnostics suite for users who need benchmarks, alerts, and stress tests.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit AIDA64 -
Best forFree cross-device CPU and component details
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.9
A focused, free utility for detailed CPU, memory, motherboard, and Android device information.
- Portable version
- Firmware details
- Command-line interface
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit CPU-Z -
Best forAffordable Windows specs and temperature checks
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.9
A low-cost Windows utility for specifications, temperatures, drive health, and exports.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Speccy -
Best forProfessional Windows system inventory
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.9
A broad Windows inventory tool for IT support, audits, and system administration.
- Installed software
- Portable version
- Firmware details
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit SIW -
Best forSimple free Windows inventory checks
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.9
A free Windows inventory report for software, hardware, network, and security checks.
- Installed software
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Belarc -
Best forInteractive Linux and Mac process monitoring
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.9
A focused, free process viewer with interactive controls for terminal workflows.
- Command-line interface
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit htop -
Best forCustom Linux or Mac desktop monitoring
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.9
A customizable open-source monitoring widget for Linux and macOS desktops.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Conky -
Best forWindows startup and driver investigation
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.9
A free Windows utility for detailed startup, driver, service, and autostart investigation.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Autoruns -
Best forIT teams collecting system facts for Puppet
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.9
An open-source command-line utility for inspecting system facts in Puppet workflows.
- Command-line interface
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Puppet -
Best forPortable Windows USB device inventory
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.9
A free, portable Windows utility for detailed USB inventory and device control.
- Portable version
- Firmware details
- Command-line interface
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit NirSoft -
Best forLinux desktop process and resource monitoring
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.9
A focused Linux desktop monitor for processes, resource usage, and routine troubleshooting.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit GNOME -
Best forComprehensive macOS live monitoring
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 6.9
A deep macOS monitor for users who want live hardware and performance detail.
- Installed software
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit iStat Menus -
Best forFree Windows sensors and hardware diagnostics
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.4 vs 6.9
A free, portable Windows diagnostic utility with unusually broad hardware coverage.
- Portable version
- Firmware details
- Command-line interface
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forFree Windows firmware and device inventory
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.3 vs 6.9
A broad, free Windows inventory utility for firmware, devices, software, and system reports.
- Installed software
- Firmware details
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit MiTeC -
Best forFree Windows audits and detailed reports
- Better than lshw:
- Editor score 7.2 vs 6.9
A broad Windows audit tool for detailed reports, troubleshooting and portable use.
- Installed software
- Portable version
- Firmware details
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit ASTRA32
lshw Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to lshw?
AIDA64: #1 in our System Information Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A deep monitoring and diagnostics suite for users who need benchmarks, alerts, and stress tests.
Is there a free alternative to lshw?
Yes. CPU-Z, Speccy, Belarc Advisor, htop and Conky have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for lshw alternatives?
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.
How do I switch from lshw?
Export your data from lshw (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel lshw.
How to Switch from lshw
- Export your data from lshw (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel lshw.
lshw vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Operating systems | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | lshw | Yes | Free | Linux | 6.9 |
| 1 | AIDA64 | No | 9.2 | ||
| 2 | CPU-Z | Yes | Free | Other | 8.9 |
| 3 | Speccy | Yes | $19.95 one-time | Windows | 8.7 |
| 4 | SIW | No | Windows | 8.6 | |
| 5 | Belarc Advisor | Yes | Free | Windows | 8.4 |
| 6 | htop | Yes | Free | Linux | 8.3 |
| 7 | Conky | Yes | Free | 8.2 | |
| 8 | Autoruns | Yes | Free | 8.1 | |
| 9 | Facter | Yes | Free | 8.0 | |
| 10 | USBDeview | Yes | Free | Windows | 7.9 |
| 11 | GNOME System Monitor | Free | Linux | 7.8 | |
| 12 | iStat Menus | No | Macos | 7.6 | |
| 13 | System Information Viewer | Yes | Windows | 7.4 | |
| 14 | MiTeC System Information X | Yes | Free | Windows | 7.3 |
| 15 | ASTRA32 | Yes | Windows | 7.2 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update