The 10 best hardware monitoring tools for IT pros in 2024

Hardware monitoring is one of an IT professional’s most important tasks. Regular and comprehensive monitoring maximizes equipment lifespans, minimizes the risk of unexpected failures, and ensures systems run smoothly.

Hardware monitoring tools are essential to this process. They provide real-time data on various hardware components so IT professionals can proactively monitor and maintain their systems. 

Investing in hardware monitoring tools is a no-brainer—but what are the best options?

This article reviews the 10 best hardware monitoring tools available to IT professionals. It also provides information on hardware monitoring’s core elements, the different types available, and insights into its essential nature so you can make the best decision for your organization.

What is a hardware monitoring tool?

A hardware monitoring tool digitally tracks and reports various physical parameters of computers, servers, and network devices. They monitor the performance and health of critical components such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard, storage drives, power supply, and cooling systems.

Hardware monitoring capabilities often belong to a more comprehensive network monitoring tool. A few solutions in today’s market include hardware monitoring as part of an all-in-one IT management system. Atera numbers among such solutions, with a robust platform that provides detailed data on hardware, performance, and software inventory.

Types of hardware monitoring tools

A wide range of hardware monitoring options exist; each one offers a different set of capabilities. Because the needs of individual IT departments vary, it’s essential to explore different options before investing in one. Here, we’ll explore the various tools available so you can determine what works best for your organization. 

Computer hardware monitoring software

Computer hardware monitoring software plays a vital role in maintaining the health and performance of your systems. These tools provide real-time insights into key hardware parameters like CPU usage, memory consumption, storage capacity, fan speeds, and temperature levels. By continuously tracking these metrics, users can detect potential hardware issues before they lead to system failures or reduced performance.

Many of the best hardware monitoring tools not only focus on individual components but are also integrated into broader network monitoring solutions, allowing for centralized control and visibility across an entire IT infrastructure. This comprehensive approach ensures that both local machines and network-wide hardware performance can be efficiently managed, helping to prevent costly downtime and optimize system efficiency.

Network monitoring tools

Network monitoring tools enable users to monitor the hardware and performance of network devices such as PCs, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and SNMP-enabled devices. These tools often come equipped with real-time monitoring and alerting, customizable threshold profiles, network inventory, and reporting.

More often than not, best RMM software includes network monitoring capabilities. For example, Atera’s RMM tool hosts advanced network monitoring features.

Cloud-based hardware monitoring tools

Cloud-based hardware monitoring tools provide real-time insights into the health of hardware components, making it easy for users to remotely monitor large IT environments.

Cloud-based tools often have strong third-party integrations to extend functionality. For example, Atera’s cloud-based IT management solution integrates with numerous third-party tools.

Unified IT management tools

Unified IT management tools offer an all-in-one solution for managing IT infrastructure. Typically, they monitor networking hardware’s performance, exchange, services, and processes. The key capabilities of these tools include a strong RMM, PSA, remote access, automated patching, network discovery, and reporting.

Atera stands as a strong example of a unified IT management solution. Its all-in-one platform brings various IT management tools into one place so IT professionals can better achieve their support objectives.

Why do you need a hardware monitoring tool?

Investing in a hardware monitoring tool has many benefits. It prevents hardware failures, optimizes system performance, extends hardware lifespan, enables proactive troubleshooting, and ensures compliance and reporting—all of which are crucial to helping keep an organization’s tech running smoothly. Here are more details about each of these outcomes.

1. Hardware failure prevention

Hardware monitoring tools continuously track the performance and health of components such as motherboard temperature, hard disk usage, and fan speed. When an issue arises, users receive automatic alerts that allow them to take prompt corrective action and resolve it.

2. Optimized system performance

The best hardware monitoring tools provide insights into how system resources—such as CPU, GPU, and memory—are utilized. That information allows users to (re)allocate resources according to needs and usage patterns. This improvement prevents overspending while increasing a system’s performance and IT efficiency.

3. Extended hardware lifespan

Regular monitoring and proactive troubleshooting help optimize hardware components’ performance, ultimately extending the lifespan of a laptop. The top hardware monitoring tools offer automated patch management so users can maintain a regular patch schedule for OS and third-party applications. 

4. Proactive troubleshooting

Hardware monitoring tools offer real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities to support proactive troubleshooting. Users can set threshold-based alerts to track hardware parameters and receive notifications when they’re exceeded. Of all the options available in today’s market, the troubleshooting capabilities of a few solutions stand out. One is Atera, which provides AI-powered device troubleshooting suggestions in real time. 

5. Comprehensive reporting

The best IT monitoring tools can generate detailed reports on system performance, security, network utilization, and more. These reports provide insight into an IT infrastructure’s performance and delineate areas for improvement. They can also assist in complying with regulatory requirements.

The 10 best hardware monitoring tools for IT pros in 2024

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of hardware monitoring tools, we’ll review the best options in today’s market. Whether you work in an IT department or as an MSP, the solutions below can help ensure your organization’s hardware stays up-to-date and running smoothly.

1. Atera

Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform has a built-in network monitoring tool that allows users to view detailed data on hardware, performance metrics, and software inventory. The hardware metrics include hard disk usage, motherboard temperatures, motherboard fans, and more. The performance metrics include CPU load, memory usage, and network bandwidth.

Aside from comprehensive network monitoring, Atera’s key capabilities include RMM, PSA, remote access, network discovery, asset management, automated patching, scripting, and reporting. By using Atera’s all-in-one platform, IT teams can streamline processes and save costs by eliminating overlapping software.

Atera is the first IT management powered by ActionAI™ through Atera Copilot. As an all-in-one platform, it improves nearly all aspects of IT management, leading to tenfold increases in technician efficiency. Atera Copilot includes AI capabilities such as remote session summaries, instant ticket summaries, script and command line generation, and real-time device troubleshooting.

Features and capabilities

Network monitoring is part of Atera’s RMM tool, which provides detailed data on hardware and performance metrics. Atera enables users to monitor and manage various IT components such as PCs, laptops, mobile devices, servers, switches, routers, and other SNMP-enabled devices.
Atera provides a comprehensive approach to IT troubleshooting. The platform allows users to set threshold-based alerts that notify them when hardware parameter limits are exceeded. Users can then troubleshoot the issue with real-time device suggestions provided by Atera Copilot. They can also use Atera’s AI-powered script generator to automatically generate scripts for issues such as slow device performance or recurring application crashes.

Atera’s AI Script Generator

User interface and usability

Atera was created with the user’s interests in mind. Its intuitive dashboards and simple interfaces are easy to use and require minimal ramp-up time.
IT departments can effortlessly set up new technician profiles, and MSPs can quickly create new customer profiles. Atera’s network discovery tool streamlines the onboarding process by automatically discovering network devices.

Atera’s Network Discovery tool

Atera’s admin dashboard enables users to configure thresholds to receive alerts when hardware parameters exceed their set limits.

Atera Threshold profiles

Atera’s IT automation profiles are also easy to configure. Users can modify the settings to their liking and schedule the automation to run at specific intervals.

If users encounter any challenge whatsoever with navigating Atera, 24/7 customer support is available. 

Pricing and value for money

Unlike most IT management pricing plans, Atera uses a transparent, pay-per-technician pricing model. Users are charged based on how many technicians use the platform, allowing optimal scalability. Most Atera competitors use a pay-per-endpoint pricing model, meaning the price increases based on the number of endpoints/devices managed.

Atera’s pricing plans for IT departments range from $149 to $219 per month. For MSPs, the range is $129 to $209 per month. Enterprise customers can receive a custom quote.

Atera G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (600+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2:

A G2 user observes that the pay-per-endpoint pricing model used by most MSP software and RMM solutions doesn’t make sense in his situation. Atera’s pay-per-technician pricing—combined with strong ticketing, remote access, and patching tools—appealed more to the reviewer. He experienced onboarding with Atera as a seamless process, and found the easy and quick customer service “refreshing.” 

Atera Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (380+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

A Capterra user cites Atera as a highly beneficial all-in-one IT management with its RMM, PSA, remote access, and other robust capabilities. The reviewer also appreciates Atera’s cloud-based capabilities which allow for remote monitoring of IT environments. Another boon is Atera’s ticketing, time tracking, and project management features.

Atera pricing:

Atera’s pricing plans for IT departments:

• Professional: $149 per month, per technician
• Expert: $169 per month, per technician
• Master: $219 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Atera’s pricing plans for MSPs:

• Pro: $129 per month, per technician
• Growth: $179 per month, per technician
• Power: $209 per month, per technician
• Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Get started with Atera’s free 30-day trial, no credit card required.

2. Paessler PRTG

Paessler PRTG is a network monitoring solution for computers and server hardware. It grants users access to key system information—such as CPU performance and temperature, hard disk health, and memory usage—for each managed device. The solution also features predictive capabilities for early detection of issues.

Paessler has received mostly positive feedback on its hardware monitoring functionality. However, G2 users report that its alerting system could use improvement. They struggled to set up email alerts and didn’t find issue descriptions detailed enough.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Paessler PRTG pricing:

• Prices start at $2,149 per year for monitoring up to 500 aspects of devices within a user’s network.

3. SolarWinds

SolarWinds NPM (one of SolarWinds’ products) offers a centralized solution for network monitoring. Users can monitor network devices, servers, routers, and switches. They can also measure key performance metrics such as bandwidth usage and latency. Like Atera, this solution offers a built-in alerting system for early issue detection and notification.

SolarWinds is widely considered a powerful tool for hardware and performance monitoring. However, it lacks features such as a strong RMM, PSA, and remote access. If these capabilities are crucial to your organization, you may consider another hardware monitoring tool.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (70+ reviews)

SolarWinds NPM pricing:

• Custom quotation. Prices start at $1,856; for an exact estimate, request a custom quotation from their website.

4. ManageEngine OpManager

One of ManageEngine’s products, OpManager, is a network monitoring solution for IT departments and MSPs. Its Professional and Enterprise plans allow users to monitor the hardware components of servers, computers, and other network devices. They can also monitor the CPU, memory, and disk to receive insights on the status.

Like Atera, ManageEngine offers a mobile app so users can manage their IT environment on the go. OpManager integrates with other ManageEngine products for extended functionality. For example, ManageEngine Endpoint Central grants access to comprehensive endpoint management tools.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (90+ reviews)

ManageEngine/OpManager pricing:

• Custom quotation. To get the pricing, contact ManageEngine’s sales team on their website.

5. Zabbix

Zabbix is an open-source IT management solution that offers network monitoring functionalities. Users can monitor a variety of health metrics such as temperature sensors, CPUs, memory, availability, and fan states. As with Atera, Zabbix automates the device onboarding process through an automated discovery tool.

Due to Zabbix’s open-source nature, it lacks free customer support. Users who don’t want to pay for premium customer support can rely on its community hub, YouTube videos, knowledge base articles, and blog posts. Many IT teams consider this a deal breaker since the industry norm is 24/7 customer support (such as that offered by Atera). 

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (180+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

Zabbix pricing: 

• Free of charge; however, additional services such as customer support come at an additional cost.

6. New Relic

New Relic is an infrastructure monitoring tool that enables users to monitor their entire tech stack—including applications, servers, containers, and cloud environments. They can also monitor hardware metrics such as hard disk usage, motherboard temperatures, CPU, and more. As with Atera, New Relic offers AI capabilities for troubleshooting IT issues. 

Users seeking PSA and remote access capabilities need to integrate New Relic with third-party solutions. Some users consider the increased cost associated with this approach a drawback, especially when compared to all-in-one solutions like Atera’s.

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (400+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (150+ reviews)

New Relic pricing:

• Pricing is based on usage; 100GB of free data and $0.35/GB thereafter.

7. NinjaOne

NinjaOne is an endpoint management solution that supports monitoring of SNMP devices’ hardware and performance. It constantly monitors a user’s SNMP-enabled devices (such as printers) and alerts IT staff when abnormalities are detected. Alerts can arrive via SMS or email. NinjaOne provides reports and analytics for tracking performance and data-driven decision-making.

NinjaOne’s main drawback is its pricing system. It utilizes a pay-per-endpoint pricing model that charges users based on the number of endpoints/devices managed. Atera—which uses a pay-per-technician pricing model— may be more advantageous for IT teams.

G2 rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (1,000+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

NinjaOne pricing:

• NinjaOne is priced per endpoint and does not publicly disclose its pricing. To get a custom quotation, visit their website.

8. Dynatrace

Dynatrace offers an infrastructure monitoring solution for monitoring servers. Users can observe a server’s CPU, memory, and network health metrics. The system automatically discovers new servers and starts monitoring them as soon as they are installed. Dynatrace integrates with third-party tools for more functionalities. 

As is the case with Atera, Dynatrace offers an AI-powered tool for detecting and analyzing the root cause of IT problems—however, the similarities stop there. Atera extends its AI to other areas, including ticketing, scripting, command line generation, and knowledge base management.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (1,200+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (50+ reviews)

Dynatrace pricing:

• Pricing is determined by usage; it starts at $0.08 per hour for an 8 GiB host for full-stack monitoring.

9. Datadog

Datadog is an infrastructure monitoring software for IT professionals in various industries. To access its hardware monitoring capabilities, users need to install its agent on the physical or virtual servers. The agent collects data on metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, and network traffic.

Datadog enables IT teams to set up alerts based on predefined thresholds. It also stores historical data to generate reports on hardware performance and trend analysis over time.

G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (500+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (240+ reviews)

Datadog pricing:

• Free: Starting at $0/month, up to 5 hosts
• Pro: Starting at $15 per host, per month
• Enterprise: Starting at $23 per host, per month
• DevSecOps Pro: Starting at $22 per host, per month
• DevSecOps Enterprise: Starting at $34 per host, per month

10. Datto RMM

Datto RMM enables real-time monitoring of devices such as servers, VMs, PCs, laptops, and other network devices. It also offers patch management, scripting, IT automation, software management, and remote access capabilities. One of Datto RMM’s most notable features is its integration with Microsoft 365.

Datto has released many other IT management products. For example, MSPs requiring service desk capabilities may want to explore Autotask PSA. Datto’s products are designed to work together; however, users on G2 report limitations in their ability to do so.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (400+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (20+ reviews)

Datto pricing:

• Custom pricing available; contact Datto’s sales team for more information.

Atera’s all-in-one approach to IT management 

If you’re looking for an IT management tool that can:

• Monitor various hardware and device performance metrics
• Convert alerts into tickets and respond to end-user support inquiries
• Proactively troubleshoot issues through automated patching and scripting
• Create reports to make data-driven decisions and comply with regulations

Then Atera might be the right solution for you. Atera’s many standout features—including AI-powered tools, pay-per-technician pricing, and network discovery—make it an industry favorite. No competitor can match our feature set (and few can match our price). To experience our platform firsthand, sign up for a free 30-day free trial.