Shelf
Shelf: A broad asset tracker with unlimited assets, QR and barcode scanning, and a free plan. Ranked #14 of 52 in Asset Tracking Software by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan · paid from $34/mo · 7-day trial; best for teams wanting unlimited QR and barcode tracking.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan · paid from $34/mo · 7-day trial
- Best forTeams wanting unlimited QR and barcode tracking
- Free planYes
- Paid from$34/mo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Unlimited assets and QR scanning on the free Personal plan
- Covers custody, bookings, audits, kits, locations, and custom fields
- Web, iPhone, Android, API, and self-hosted deployment options
Where it doesn't
- Personal is limited to one user and three custom fields
- No broad, documented integration ecosystem is presented
- Location records are scan-based, not continuous GPS tracking
Our verdict on Shelf
Shelf is an open-source asset management platform for teams tracking physical equipment, tools, IT hardware, and other shared assets. Its feature set suits organizations that need more than a basic inventory list, including QR-code and barcode scanning, check-in/check-out, custody assignment, locations, bookings, audits, kits, and quantity tracking. The product is available as a cloud service or through self-hosting, with a browser-based web application and native iPhone and Android companion apps.
Pricing is structured around workspace-level monthly plans. Personal costs $0 per workspace per month and includes unlimited assets, one user, locations and sublocations, custody assignment, kits, and three custom fields. Plus costs $34 per workspace per month and adds unlimited custom fields, CSV import and export, and email support. Team costs $67 per workspace per month and adds unlimited team members, bookings and reservations, an availability calendar, booking PDFs, and add-ons. Enterprise includes everything in Team, plus SSO/SAML/SCIM, optional dedicated single-tenant hosting, custom MSA, DPA, and SLA terms, and a dedicated account manager. A seven-day free trial is also offered.
Shelf’s main advantage is breadth within physical asset operations: teams can combine scan-based location updates, custody workflows, scheduled audits with reports, and booking availability in one product. Barcode support includes Code128, Code39, EAN-13, and DataMatrix. The platform records location at scan time and can use device GPS coordinates, but it is not continuous GPS tracking. Teams seeking a self-hosted option or unlimited assets at no cost should consider Shelf; organizations prioritizing a broad prebuilt integration ecosystem or continuous location tracking should evaluate alternatives.
Shelf pricing
All 4 Shelf plans and prices →
Shelf fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $34/mo |
| Asset limit | Not verified |
| Barcode scanning | Yes |
| QR code scanning | Yes |
| Check-in/check-out | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| GPS location tracking | Yes |
| Free trial | 7 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | SSO/SAML |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · paid from $34/mo · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | shelf.nu |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shelf
- LansweeperBroad asset discovery and ITAM coverage, with paid plans starting at $199 per month annually.9.1
- Ivanti Neurons for ITAMEnd-to-end ITAM with mobile and hybrid deployment, priced through sales.8.2
- OpenText Asset ManagementEnterprise asset management spanning hardware, software, SaaS, procurement, and finances.7.7
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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