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Insights

15 best hardware monitoring software for SMBs in 2025

Discover the top 15 hardware monitoring tools for SMBs in 2025—featuring TeamViewer, Atera, PRTG, and more—to boost uptime and system health.

Insights overview

When your servers start acting up at 2 AM, you need to know about it before your customers do. That's what hardware monitoring software is made for. It acts as your digital watchdog, continuously tracking system performance and alerting you to problems before they escalate.

As modern work environments become increasingly complex, teams are spread across home offices, co-working spaces, and traditional corporate settings, accessing company resources through various devices. To prevent costly downtime and keep business operations running smoothly, you need a reliable monitoring tool.

This guide reviews the 15 best hardware monitoring tools to help you find the right one for your needs. Whether you're an IT admin, a managed service provider, or an internal support lead, keep reading till the very end, as we might have a perfect solution just for you.

What to look for in hardware monitoring software

Hardware monitoring software is a tool that continuously tracks system performance metrics, provides alerts for anomalies, and helps IT teams maintain optimal device performance across their infrastructure.

In order to make the right choice, you have to consider the following criteria.

Essential features to prioritize

Not all computer hardware monitoring software is created equal. While vendors may tout dozens of features, focusing on these core capabilities will ensure you choose a solution that delivers real value rather than impressive-sounding functionality you'll never use.

  • Real-time metrics: Your monitoring solution should provide live data on CPU usage, memory consumption, disk space, network traffic, and system temperatures. Look for customizable dashboards that let you focus on the metrics that matter most to your environment.

  • Intelligent alerting: Set thresholds for critical metrics and receive notifications via email, SMS, or integrated messaging platforms. The best tools offer customizable alerts that reduce false positives while ensuring you never miss genuine issues.

  • Remote access integration: When problems arise, you need immediate access to affected devices. Solutions that combine monitoring with remote support capabilities save precious time during troubleshooting.

  • Cross-platform compatibility: Your monitoring tool should work seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Universal device monitoring ensures no system falls through the cracks.

Looking for an all-in-one solution?

Go beyond hardware monitoring

Real-world applications for small and medium businesses

Rather than playing whack-a-mole with system crashes, effective monitoring helps you identify resource usage patterns and bottlenecks before they affect end users. This proactive approach transforms IT from a reactive cost center into a strategic asset that enables business continuity.

  • System stability: Prevent crashes and performance degradation by monitoring resource usage patterns and identifying bottlenecks before they impact users.

  • Proactive troubleshooting: Use historical data to identify recurring issues and implement preventive measures. This approach reduces reactive support tickets and improves overall user satisfaction.

  • Performance optimization: Analyze system performance trends to make informed decisions about hardware upgrades, software deployments, and capacity planning.

Choosing between cloud and on-premise solutions

One of the most significant decisions you'll face is where your monitoring infrastructure should live. Each deployment model offers distinct advantages depending on your organization's specific needs and constraints.

Cloud-based monitoring offers the fastest path to implementation, with automatic updates and elastic scalability that grows with your business. For SMBs with limited IT resources, these solutions eliminate the overhead of maintaining monitoring infrastructure while providing enterprise-grade capabilities.

On-premise solutions make sense when you need complete control over your data or operate in highly regulated environments. They're also worth considering if your internet connectivity is unreliable or if you have specific integration requirements with existing systems.

Making the right choice

The most effective hardware monitoring program combines comprehensive system visibility with integrated remediation capabilities. Instead of juggling separate tools or relying on multiple third-party tools that don't communicate well together for monitoring, alerting, and remote support, look for platforms that unify these functions into a cohesive workflow. This integration not only simplifies your IT toolkit but also reduces the time between problem detection and resolution.

Remember, the best monitoring software is the one your team will actually use. Prioritize solutions with intuitive interfaces, clear documentation, and responsive support because even the most feature-rich platform is worthless if it sits unused due to complexity or poor user experience.

The 15 best hardware monitoring software in 2025

We've evaluated the top hardware monitoring tools based on features, security, ease of use, and value for SMBs. Each tool serves different needs, from basic system monitoring to comprehensive remote management platforms. This comparison helps you identify the right solution for your specific requirements and budget.

Tool
Ideal for
Pricing

TeamViewer Remote + Monitoring

SMBs wanting unified monitoring and remote support

$50.90 per month / billed yearly

Atera

MSPs with high device-to-technician ratios

$149/month per technician

Paessler PRTG

Network-heavy environments

Free (100 sensors), paid starts from $1,799

Zabbix

Technical teams with customization needs

Free (open-source)

HWiNFO

Windows diagnostics and hardware analysis

Free/Commercial licenses

HWMonitor

Basic monitoring on individual systems

Free/$22.40 Pro

Datadog

Cloud-native organizations

$15/host/month

SolarWinds

Large enterprises with complex infrastructure

Custom pricing

Nagios

Traditional IT environments

Free core/paid starts from $1995

Site24x7

Web-focused businesses

$9/month

SpeedFan

Temperature monitoring and fan control

Free

AIDA64

System diagnostics and benchmarking

$219.90 Business license

Icinga

Modern monitoring with open-source flexibility

Free/Commercial support

ManageEngine

Comprehensive IT management suite

Various pricing models

NinjaOne

Modern MSPs wanting good usability

Custom per-device pricing

TeamViewer combines powerful hardware monitoring with industry-leading remote access in a single, intuitive platform. This integration means you can identify issues through monitoring and immediately access affected devices for resolution—no tool switching required.

Ideal for: SMBs and IT service providers seeking comprehensive remote support with integrated monitoring capabilities.

Key features:

  • Universal device coverage: Monitor and access Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi devices from one dashboard

  • Enterprise-grade security: AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, and GDPR/HIPAA compliance protect your monitoring data

  • Integrated monitoring & remote access: Seamlessly transition from monitoring alerts to remote troubleshooting without switching tools

  • Real-time performance metrics: Track CPU usage, memory consumption, disk health, and network performance across all devices

  • Unattended access: Monitor and manage devices during off-hours without user intervention

  • Asset inventory management: Comprehensive tracking of hardware and software across your environment

Atera offers RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) capabilities with per-technician pricing rather than per-device costs. This pricing model makes it attractive for service providers managing large device counts.

Ideal for: MSPs and IT service providers managing multiple client environments.

Pros:

  • Unlimited device monitoring

  • Integrated ticketing system

  • Automated patch management

  • Remote access included

Cons:

  • Primarily Windows-focused

  • Limited mobile device support

  • Can be complex for smaller teams

Pricing: Starting at $149/month per technician.

PRTG excels at network monitoring with over 250 built-in sensors for various devices and services. It provides comprehensive visibility into routers, switches, and other network devices, making it particularly strong for organizations with complex network infrastructure.

Ideal for: Network-focused monitoring with comprehensive infrastructure oversight.

Pros:

  • Extensive sensor library

  • Excellent network monitoring

  • Customizable dashboards

  • Strong reporting capabilities

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve

  • Pricing increases with sensor count

  • Limited endpoint monitoring

Pricing: Free for up to 100 sensors, paid plans start at $1,799.

Zabbix provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities through an open-source platform. It's highly customizable but requires technical expertise to implement effectively.

Ideal for: Organizations wanting open-source flexibility with enterprise features.

Pros:

  • Open-source and free

  • Highly customizable

  • Strong scalability

  • Active community support

Cons:

  • Requires technical expertise

  • Complex initial setup

  • Limited out-of-the-box functionality

Pricing: Free (open-source), added support and professional services available commercially.

HWiNFO provides comprehensive hardware information and real-time monitoring for systems running Windows. It tracks detailed metrics including clock speeds, voltages, and CPU core temperatures, making it particularly valuable for hardware diagnostics and system analysis.

Ideal for: Detailed hardware analysis and diagnostic reporting.

Pros:

  • Detailed hardware information

  • Free for personal use

  • Extensive sensor support

  • Portable version available

Cons:

  • Windows-only

  • Limited remote monitoring

  • No centralized management

Pricing: Free for personal use, commercial licenses available.

HWMonitor offers straightforward system monitoring with minimal resource usage, tracking essential components like CPU temperatures, memory modules, and system voltages. It's ideal for basic monitoring needs without complex setup requirements.

Ideal for: Simple, lightweight monitoring for individual systems.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and simple

  • No installation required

  • Real-time monitoring

  • Free version available

Cons:

  • Limited features

  • No remote monitoring

  • Windows-focused

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version at $22.40.

Datadog provides comprehensive monitoring for modern, cloud-based environments with strong integration capabilities and advanced analytics.

Ideal for: Large organizations with complex, cloud-native infrastructure.

Pros:

  • Excellent cloud integration

  • Advanced analytics and AI

  • Comprehensive monitoring

  • Strong API support

Cons:

  • Expensive for smaller teams

  • Complex pricing model

  • Overkill for simple environments

Pricing: Starting at $15/host/month.

SolarWinds offers a comprehensive suite of monitoring tools designed for enterprise IT environments with complex infrastructure requirements, including Windows Server environments and multi-platform deployments.

Ideal for: Traditional IT environments with extensive infrastructure monitoring needs.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive monitoring suite

  • Strong network monitoring

  • Established vendor with support

  • Enterprise-grade features

Cons:

  • Expensive licensing

  • Complex deployment

  • Resource-intensive

Pricing: Custom pricing based on requirements.

Nagios has been a monitoring standard for decades, offering reliable infrastructure monitoring with extensive plugin support.

Ideal for: Organizations wanting proven, open-source monitoring with extensive customization.

Pros:

  • Proven reliability

  • Extensive plugin ecosystem

  • Open-source core

  • Strong community

Cons:

  • Outdated interface

  • Requires technical expertise

  • Limited modern features

Pricing: Free core version, commercial versions start at $1995.

Site24x7 specializes in website and web application monitoring while providing broader infrastructure monitoring capabilities.

Ideal for: Web-focused monitoring with comprehensive coverage.

Pros:

  • Strong web monitoring

  • Cloud-based deployment

  • Good mobile support

  • Reasonable pricing

Cons:

  • Limited desktop monitoring

  • Less comprehensive than specialized tools

  • Basic reporting

Pricing: Starting at $9/month.

SpeedFan focuses specifically on temperature monitoring through core temperature sensors and fan control, making it useful for system builders and hardware enthusiasts.

Ideal for: Temperature monitoring and fan control on individual systems.

Pros:

  • Free software

  • Detailed temperature monitoring

  • Fan control capabilities

  • Long-established tool

Cons:

  • Windows-only

  • Limited modern hardware support

  • No remote monitoring

Pricing: Free.

AIDA64 provides detailed information, diagnostics, and benchmarking capabilities with monitoring features for hardware enthusiasts and IT professionals.

Ideal for: Comprehensive system diagnostics and benchmarking.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive system information

  • Built-in benchmarking

  • Good reporting

  • Stable and reliable

Cons:

  • Primarily Windows-focused

  • Limited remote monitoring

  • More diagnostic than monitoring

Pricing: Starting at $219.90 for Business license.

Icinga builds upon Nagios foundations with modern interface improvements and enhanced usability while maintaining monitoring reliability.

Ideal for: Modern take on traditional monitoring with improved usability.

Pros:

  • Modern interface

  • Open-source

  • Good scalability

  • Active development

Cons:

  • Requires technical setup

  • Limited out-of-box functionality

  • Smaller community than Nagios

Pricing: Free open-source, commercial support available.

ManageEngine provides a suite of IT management tools including monitoring, with good integration across their product ecosystem.

Ideal for: Comprehensive IT management with integrated monitoring.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive IT management

  • Good integration between tools

  • Reasonable pricing

  • Strong support

Cons:

  • Can be complex

  • May require multiple products

  • Learning curve

Pricing: Various products with different pricing models.

NinjaOne offers modern RMM capabilities with intuitive interface design and comprehensive monitoring features for MSPs and IT teams.

Ideal for: Modern RMM with good usability and comprehensive features.

Pros:

  • Modern, intuitive interface

  • Good automation capabilities

  • Comprehensive RMM features

  • Strong support

Cons:

  • Relatively new platform

  • Per-device pricing

  • Limited customization

Pricing: Custom pricing based on device count.

Why IT professionals choose TeamViewer over other hardware monitoring software

TeamViewer Remote combines hardware monitoring with remote access capabilities, providing IT teams with a complete solution that eliminates tool switching and streamlines troubleshooting workflows. Below are just a few reasons as to why IT admins and business leaders prefer TeamViewer to monitor computer systems.

Combined remote access and hardware monitoring

When monitoring alerts trigger, you don't want to waste time switching between tools. TeamViewer's integrated approach means you can identify issues through monitoring and immediately access affected devices for resolution. This seamless workflow saves valuable time during critical incidents.

Universal device coverage

Your monitoring solution should work where your team does. TeamViewer supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even embedded devices like Raspberry Pi. This comprehensive coverage ensures no system falls through the monitoring cracks, whether it's a desktop computer, mobile device, or specialized hardware.

Industry trust and security compliance

SMBs across healthcare, education, and legal industries trust TeamViewer for their most sensitive environments. GDPR and HIPAA compliance, combined with end-to-end encryption, means your monitoring data remains secure and meets regulatory requirements.

Intuitive experience

Your team shouldn't need extensive training to use monitoring tools effectively. TeamViewer's interface prioritizes usability, allowing IT professionals to focus on solving problems rather than learning complex software. Setup is straightforward, and the learning curve is minimal.

Hardware monitoring in a remote-first world

The shift to hybrid work has changed how IT teams approach system monitoring. Critical business systems now operate across home offices, co-working spaces, and multiple locations. This distributed reality demands fundamentally different strategies to hardware and software monitoring.

Centralized monitoring for hybrid workforces

Centralized monitoring provides visibility into this distributed infrastructure, ensuring consistent performance regardless of device location. Distributed monitoring capabilities allow IT teams to track system health across multiple sites while maintaining unified oversight.

Key benefits:

  • Unified visibility: Monitor all devices from a single dashboard

  • Consistent performance: Maintain service levels across locations

  • Simplified management: Reduce complexity with centralized tools

  • Cost efficiency: Eliminate the need for on-site IT support

Preventing downtime through proactive monitoring

Reactive IT support is expensive and disruptive. Proactive monitoring identifies potential issues before they impact users, allowing you to schedule maintenance during convenient times rather than dealing with emergency situations.

Proactive strategies:

  • Set intelligent thresholds for critical metrics

  • Monitor trends to identify gradual performance degradation

  • Implement automated responses for common issues

  • Use historical data to predict maintenance needs

‼️ Reactive IT ‼️

✅ Proactive RMM ✅

Automation and AI support

Modern monitoring tools incorporate artificial intelligence to reduce false alerts and identify patterns that might escape human observation. TeamViewer's AI-powered Session Insights automatically document support sessions and identify recurring issues, helping you optimize your IT processes over time.

Key benefits:

  • Automatic session summaries save documentation time

  • Pattern recognition identifies recurring problems

  • Predictive analytics help prevent issues

  • Integration with business tools improves workflow efficiency

Take action today

The best hardware monitoring software for your SMB depends on your specific needs. For MSPs, Atera or NinjaOne offer good multi-tenant capabilities with per-technician pricing, while HWiNFO or HWMonitor can cover basic system monitoring needs.

However, solutions that combine monitoring with remote access capabilities offer maximum value by streamlining IT workflows and reducing tool complexity. Proactive monitoring combined with immediate remote access capabilities keeps your systems running smoothly and your team productive.

Looking for a single tool that combines secure remote access and comprehensive system monitoring?

Try TeamViewer Remote free for 14 days →

and experience the difference integrated monitoring and remote support can make for your business. 

Frequently asked questions

Hardware monitoring software is a type of application that tracks and displays real-time information about your computer's physical components and their performance. These programs continuously monitor various hardware metrics to help you understand how your system is operating. Key features typically include temperature monitoring, performance metrics (such as CPU load and memory utilization), fan speeds, system health, and more.

The best system monitoring software will depend on your needs, the complexity of your IT infrastructure, and your budget. However, TeamViewer Remote + Monitoring offers the best value for SMBs by combining hardware monitoring with remote access capabilities. This integration eliminates the need for separate tools while providing enterprise-grade security and universal device coverage. The solution scales with your business and includes features like automated alerts, asset management, and compliance certifications.

Remote hardware monitoring requires software that can track system metrics across network connections. TeamViewer Remote enables you to monitor CPU usage, memory consumption, disk health, and network performance from any location. The cloud-based platform provides real-time alerts and allows immediate remote access when issues arise, making it ideal for hybrid work environments.

Essential features include real-time performance metrics, intelligent alerting, cross-platform compatibility, and remote access integration. Security features like encryption and compliance certifications are crucial for business use. Look for solutions that offer customizable dashboards, historical reporting, and scalability to grow with your business needs.