Best IT Asset Management Tools for SMBs: Affordable and Scalable Solutions

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often need IT asset management tools that are both cost-effective and capable of growing with their operations. These tools help track hardware and software assets, manage licenses, and ensure compliance, all while fitting within tight budgets. Below, we outline the best options based on affordability and scalability, tailored for SMBs.

Read also: What is an IT Asset Management Tool and Why Do You Need One?

Recommended Tools

Here are the top ITAM tools for SMBs, including AssetLoom, selected for their cost-effectiveness and ability to scale:

• AssetLoom: A cloud-based ITAM solution (launching 2026) with real-time tracking, automation, and QR code generation; pricing not yet public but anticipated to be affordable with a free trial.
• ManageEngine AssetExplorer: Cloud-hosted, starts at $955/year for 250 nodes, ideal for comprehensive asset tracking.
• Lansweeper: Pay-per-asset pricing at $1/asset/year, highly scalable for mixed IT environments.
• Snipe-IT (Cloud Hosted): Starts at $39.99/month, excellent for hardware-focused SMBs.
• Atera: Starts at $99/month, an all-in-one platform for growing SMBs.
• Freshservice: Varies in pricing, strong for compliance-focused SMBs with ITSM needs.

For very budget-conscious SMBs, free tools like GLPI or Spiceworks Inventory are viable, though they may require more technical setup.

Why These Tools?

AssetLoom stands out for its intuitive interface, real-time asset discovery, and automation workflows, making it ideal for SMBs transitioning from spreadsheets. Its anticipated features, like QR code tracking and integrations with tools like Jira, enhance scalability. Established tools like ManageEngine and Lansweeper offer robust features for both hardware and software, while Snipe-IT is a budget-friendly, hardware-focused option. Atera and Freshservice provide integrated IT management for SMBs needing more than just it asset tracking. Free trials, such as those offered by AssetLoom and ManageEngine, allow SMBs to test suitability before committing.

Detailed Tool Evaluations

Notes:

• AssetLoom: A cloud-based ITAM solution launching in 2026, offering real-time tracking and automation. Pricing details are anticipated to be affordable, with a free trial available.
• ManageEngine AssetExplorer: Provides both cloud and on-premises deployment options, with a free edition for up to 25 nodes. The paid version starts at $795 for a one-time license.
• Lansweeper: Offers a free plan supporting up to 100 assets, with paid plans starting at $1 per asset per year. It supports both cloud and on-premises deployments.
• Snipe-IT: An open-source ITAM tool with a free self-hosted version. The cloud-hosted version starts at $39.99 per month.
• Atera: A cloud-based platform offering a 30-day free trial. Paid plans start at $99 per month per technician.
• Freshservice: A cloud-based IT service management tool with a 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $29 per month per agent.
• GLPI: A fully free and open-source ITAM solution, with both on-premises and cloud deployment options. Paid support services are available.
• Spiceworks Inventory: A free, ad-supported cloud-based ITAM tool suitable for small businesses.

This table provides a clear overview to help SMBs select an ITAM tool that aligns with their deployment preferences, budget, and feature requirements.

Detailed Insights by Tool

1. AssetLoom

Overview: AssetLoom is an emerging cloud-based IT asset management solution designed to offer intuitive, real-time asset tracking, automation, and easy scalability for SMBs. It is expected to launch in 2026.

Key Features:

• Real-time Asset Discovery: Automatically detects and tracks all assets on your network, including hardware, software, and cloud assets.
• QR Code Generation: Each asset receives a unique QR code that simplifies tracking and improves physical asset management.
• Automation Workflows: Automate critical processes like asset allocation, maintenance reminders, and report generation.
• Integration with Tools like Jira: Helps streamline workflows and improve cross-departmental collaboration.
• Why It's Great for SMBs: AssetLoom offers ease of use and powerful automation, which helps SMBs manage their assets more efficiently without investing in complex or expensive solutions. The cloud-based design also ensures scalability as the business grows. With a free trial available, businesses can test the tool before committing to a paid plan.

2. ManageEngine AssetExplorer

Overview: ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a comprehensive IT asset management solution that combines hardware, software, and license management. It supports both cloud and on-premises deployment, making it flexible for businesses with varying needs.

Key Features:

• Asset Tracking: Track both hardware and software assets throughout their lifecycle with robust reporting.
• License Management: Stay compliant with automatic license tracking and alerts for renewal or expiration.
• Network Discovery: Automatically scans and detects network-connected devices, ensuring you don’t miss an asset.
• Incident Management: Built-in IT service management (ITSM) features help manage service requests and incidents related to assets.

Why It's Great for SMBs: AssetExplorer is ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one asset management solution with ITSM capabilities. Its strong reporting features and compliance management make it particularly beneficial for SMBs in regulated industries. The flexible deployment options (cloud and on-premises) provide adaptability to different business environments.

3. Lansweeper

Overview: Lansweeper(NLP) is a versatile and highly scalable asset management tool that offers pay-per-asset pricing. It's designed to cater to businesses that need both IT asset discovery and management, as well as the flexibility to scale as the business grows.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Asset Discovery: Automatically detects and classifies network assets, including devices, software, and services.
• Cloud and On-Premise Deployment: Lansweeper can be deployed either in the cloud or on-premises, providing greater flexibility.
• Customizable Reporting: Offers extensive reporting options to track and analyze asset data.
• Integration with ITSM Tools: Integrates with popular IT service management tools to provide a seamless workflow.

Why It's Great for SMBs: Lansweeper's pricing model makes it highly adaptable for SMBs of various sizes. The flexibility to scale and add more assets as needed makes it a great choice for growing companies. With both cloud and on-premises deployment options, it accommodates different infrastructure preferences.

4. Snipe-IT (Cloud Hosted)

Overview: Snipe-IT is an open-source IT asset management tool that is particularly effective for tracking hardware assets. It can be hosted on the cloud or on-premises, and its affordability makes it an excellent choice for SMBs that want to manage their assets with minimal cost.

Key Features:

• Asset Tracking: Ideal for managing physical assets like computers, phones, and other hardware.
• License Management: Tracks software licenses and helps maintain compliance.
• Audit & Reporting: Customizable reports for asset audits and compliance checks.
• User Interface: Simple and intuitive, making it easy for non-technical users to adopt.

Why It's Great for SMBs: Snipe-IT is a budget-friendly, open-source solution that’s perfect for businesses focused on managing physical assets. Its low cost, combined with ease of use, makes it a great choice for SMBs with limited budgets or those just starting with asset management.

5. Atera

Overview: Atera is a comprehensive IT management platform that combines asset management with remote monitoring and management (RMM). It is particularly suited for SMBs looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their IT assets alongside proactive system monitoring.

Key Features:

• Remote Monitoring: Offers real-time monitoring of asset health, ensuring that systems are running smoothly.
• Ticketing System: Helps SMBs manage IT issues and support requests related to assets.
• Automation: Includes automation tools to handle routine tasks like maintenance and updates.
• Reporting and Analytics: Provides actionable insights into asset usage and system performance.

Why It's Great for SMBs: Atera’s ability to combine asset management with remote monitoring and IT service management tools makes it an excellent all-in-one solution. For SMBs that need proactive monitoring of their IT environment alongside asset management, Atera is a robust option.

6. Freshservice

Overview: Freshservice is a cloud-based IT service management (ITSM) platform that includes IT asset management as one of its key features. It is ideal for SMBs that need to integrate asset management with other ITSM processes such as incident and change management.

Key Features:

• Asset Lifecycle Management: Tracks assets throughout their lifecycle—from procurement to disposal.
• Incident & Problem Management: Helps resolve IT issues tied to assets using an integrated ticketing system.
• Compliance & Reporting: Includes tools to generate compliance reports and track asset status.
• Customizable Dashboards: Provides customizable views of asset data for various teams and stakeholders.

Why It's Great for SMBs: Freshservice is an excellent choice for SMBs that require more than just asset management. Its strong ITSM features, combined with its ability to manage IT assets, make it a comprehensive solution for businesses that need a holistic approach to IT operations.

7. GLPI

Overview: GLPI (Gestionnaire Libre de Parc Informatique) is an open-source IT asset management tool that is free to use. It offers extensive asset management and ITSM features, making it suitable for SMBs that are tech-savvy and looking for a customizable, no-cost solution.

Key Features:

• Inventory Management: Tracks both hardware and software assets, with detailed records.
• Ticketing System: Includes a built-in ITSM module for managing support requests and incidents.
• Customizable Dashboards: Customizable reports and dashboards to monitor assets and incidents.
• Free and Open-Source: Free to use, with options for paid support services.

Why It's Great for SMBs: GLPI is a powerful open-source solution for SMBs that need a no-cost, customizable IT asset management system. While it may require more setup and technical expertise, it provides a wealth of features at zero cost, making it an ideal solution for budget-conscious SMBs.

8. Spiceworks Inventory

Overview: Spiceworks Inventory is a free, ad-supported IT asset management tool that helps SMBs track their hardware and software assets. It’s easy to deploy and offers a simple solution for smaller businesses.

Key Features:

• Automatic Asset Discovery: Automatically detects and inventories hardware assets on your network.
• Software Tracking: Tracks installed software to help ensure compliance and licensing.
• Reporting: Provides basic reporting for asset audits and inventory management.
• Free Forever: Completely free with ad support.

Why It's Great for SMBs: Spiceworks Inventory is an excellent choice for SMBs that need a simple, free solution for managing their assets. It offers easy deployment and basic functionality without any upfront costs, though it does come with ads.

Conclusion

AssetLoom joins ManageEngine AssetExplorer, Lansweeper, Snipe-IT, Atera, and Freshservice as top ITAM tools for SMBs due to its anticipated affordability, real-time tracking, and automation. SMBs should leverage free trials (e.g., AssetLoom, ManageEngine) to ensure the tool fits their growth plans and IT needs.