Top 8 Software License Tracking Tools to Consider in 2026

Managing software licenses is more than just keeping a list of your software assets. It also involves maintaining compliance, identifying unused licenses, and maximizing your software investments.

Without a reliable license tracking tool, these tasks can quickly spiral out of control, leading to wasted resources and unexpected expenses.

But with so many options available today, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. Each solution offers different features, pricing, and levels of support. This makes it hard to determine which one fits your needs.

In this article, we’ll review the top eight license tracking tools. We’ll provide a clear comparison to help you make the best choice for your organization.

Different Types of License Tracking Solutions

Understanding the different types of license management tools is a crucial part of choosing the right tracking solution for your business. Let’s discuss the main license types below:

On-Premises Tracking Tools

On-premises tracking tools are installed and run directly on your company’s servers. They offer greater control over data and security, which can be important for organizations that follow strict regulatory requirements.

However, these tools typically require more IT resources for maintenance and updates. They are a better fit for larger enterprises with extensive IT departments.

Cloud-Based License Management

Cloud-based solutions provide flexibility and ease of access. They enable your team to manage software licenses from anywhere with an internet connection.

These tools often come with automated workflows and lower upfront costs since they eliminate the need for dedicated hardware. They suit businesses that value scalability and want to minimize their IT overhead.

Open-Source License Tracking

Open-source license tracking systems offer a free and cost-effective solution. They allow you to edit the source code and customize all the features of the tool to match your needs.

They are a great option if you prefer full control over your software environment without the constraints of vendor-specific limitations. The only downside is that they can be more time-consuming to set up and require a high level of technical expertise.

Top 8 Software License Tracking Tools Compared

Below is a detailed comparison of the best license tracking tools. We’ll discuss their key features, integrations, and pricing details.

1. ezOnboard

 

ezOnboard by CloudView Partners is a software solution that connects your HR system with Microsoft Active Directory (Entra ID). Although it’s not a typical licensing tracking tool, it can be useful for your SAM strategy.

ezOnboard automatically reclaims unused licenses when employees leave your company. It frees up your IT team to focus on more important tasks while maintaining data security.

It can also allocate underused software licenses to other users with minimal human intervention. This saves you valuable time and resources.

ezOnboard even offers full visibility and control over AD changes. It can instantly generate custom reports and notifications so you can stay ahead of license compliance issues.

Features

• Instant software license reclamation
• Real-time tracking and reporting
• Custom notifications for AD changes
• Automated onboarding and offboarding
• Available on-premises or in the cloud

Integrations

ezOnboard integrates seamlessly with Active Directory and popular HR management platforms, such as Paycor and Oracle HCM.

Pricing

ezOnboard offers flexible pricing plans tailored to your organization’s size and needs. The software license is typically paid annually, with options for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Basic pricing information is available on their ROI calculator page. For a more detailed quotation, you can send an email to info@cloudviewpartners.com.

2. ManageEngine AssetExplorer

Source: ManageEngine.com

ManageEngine AssetExplorer is a web-based IT asset management tool that offers extensive software license tracking capabilities. 

It helps you manage and monitor software licenses throughout their entire lifecycle. This makes it easier to meet compliance and optimize software usage.

Features

• Real-time license monitoring and tracking
• Asset lifecycle management
• Purchase orders
• Configuration management database
• Cost evaluation

Integrations

AssetExplorer integrates with several IT management tools, including ManageEngine’s own suite of products.

It also offers APIs for integration with third-party applications to enable seamless data flow across different systems within an organization.

Pricing

AssetExplorer offers three editions: Free, Trial, and Professional.

The free version includes all functionalities, but it only allows up to 25 nodes. It is a great option for smaller businesses.

The trial plan lets you try the full features of AssetExplorer for free for up to 30 days. It can handle up to 250 nodes.

The pricing for the professional edition is hidden. However, it supports customizable nodes based on the number of licenses purchased.

3. AssetSonar

Source: EZO.io

AssetSonar by EZO is an IT asset management (ITAM) tool that specializes in tracking software licenses.

It can instantly detect unlicensed software and reallocate resources accordingly. It also provides instant alerts for upcoming license renewals and expirations.

These features help you maintain compliance and reduce costs.

Features

• Hardware and software asset management
• Automated licensing alerts
• Vendor management platform
• Advanced reports and analytics
• Customizable dashboards

Integrations

AssetSonar offers seamless integrations with popular IT service desks, such as Jira and Zendesk.

It can also connect to Azure Active Directory, Okta, Microsoft Intune, and Google Workspace, among other software apps.

Pricing

AssetSonar offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of assets managed, devices, and admins. 

The software requires a subscription fee, which can be billed monthly or annually.

However, detailed pricing information is hidden from the website.

4. Snow SaaS Management

Source: Flexera.com

Snow SaaS Management is part of Flexera’s broader software asset management solution. It offers detailed insights into software usage and license allocation to help you gain control of IT spending.

It works by deploying the SSO connector and browser extension to retrieve usage data from SaaS applications. This can instantly generate actionable insights to eliminate the complexity of compliance and software optimization.

Features

• Extensive SaaS discovery
• Software usage metering
• API connectors
• Advanced analytics and optimization insights

Integrations

Flexera’s Snow SaaS Management product offers out-of-the-box integrations with top vendors, such as Microsoft 365, ServiceNow, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

It also has a Web API that allows for further customization and integration with other business-critical applications.

Pricing

Flexera hides the pricing information for its different software solutions, including Snow SaaS Management.

5. Freshservice

Source: Freshworks.com

Freshservice is an intuitive IT service management platform from Freshworks. It features asset management capabilities that let you track software assets in real time. 

It also has a mobile app where you can optimize and manage software licenses from your phone.

Freshservice can even schedule scans and auto-assign tasks. This reduces operational inefficiency, minimizes mistakes, and ensures compliance with licensing terms.

Features

• Software asset management
• Mobile app
• Automated workflows
• Contract management

Integrations

Freshservice integrates with both on-premises and cloud software applications. These include Microsoft Teams, Slack, AWS, Google Workspace, and more.

It also offers flexible APIs and pre-built connectors, which support custom integrations and workflows.

Pricing

Freshservice offers a tiered pricing structure based on the level of features and the number of agents required.

The cheapest plan, Starter, starts at $29 per agent every month. 

The Growth version is priced at a monthly fee of $59 for every agent. This is designed for growing businesses.

Advanced teams that need additional license features can opt for the Pro plan. It requires a monthly payment of $119 per agent.

Lastly, the Enterprise version is designed for large enterprises. However, exact pricing details are not publicly available.

6. Zluri SaaS Management

Source: Zluri.com

Zluri is a SaaS management platform with license tracking features. It gives you full visibility and control of your organization’s software app ecosystem.

It can also reclaim unused and inactive licenses without human intervention. This helps you save valuable time and resources while maintaining compliance.

Features

• 360° visibility into software apps
• Automatic license reclamation
• Contract and vendor management
• Audit logs and threat analysis

Integrations

Zluri integrates with over 800 SaaS applications, including major platforms like Slack, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace. The platform also has open APIs for custom integrations.

Pricing

Zluri offers customized pricing based on the business size and the features included. However, the actual software cost is hidden.

7. Snipe-IT

Source: SnipeITapp.com

Snipe-IT is an open-source asset management tool that includes license tracking features. It can send email notifications when software licenses are expiring, which can help you avoid legal penalties. It also conducts regular audits to identify compliance issues with licensing agreements.

Features

• License management
• Email alerts
• Quick and easy auditing
• Low-inventory and expiring license reports

Integrations

Snipe-IT supports integration with various third-party tools through its REST API. This allows you to connect to JAMF, Google Apps Scripts, JupiterOne Graphing, and more.

Pricing

Snipe-IT is free to download and use when self-hosted. This suits organizations that need complete control over the software and tight budgets.

For those who prefer a hosted solution, SnipeIT offers different subscription plans that include hosting, backups, updates, maintenance, and support. The pricing ranges from $39.99 to $249.99 per month.

8. SolarWinds Service Desk

Source: SolarWinds.com

SolarWinds Service Desk is a cloud-based ITSM solution that keeps track of all licensed software assets owned by your company.

It automatically scans your network for hidden or missing licenses to avoid unidentified liabilities. Then, it provides complete visibility over the entire lifecycle of software licenses, from procurement to retirement. This helps you make informed decisions to optimize usage and reduce costs.

Features

• IT asset management
• Configuration management database
• AI-powered incident tracking
• Structured approval processes for asset changes

Integrations

SolarWinds Service Desk seamlessly connects to other SolarWinds software solutions. It can also integrate into Microsoft Teams and Slack to ensure fast incident responses.

Pricing

SolarWinds Service Desk is available in three pricing tiers to suit various needs.

The Essentials plan, priced at $39/month per technician, is useful for growing organizations.

The Advanced version costs $79/month per technician, which suits mature IT companies.

For those who seek full customizability, the Premier plan is available for $99/month per technician.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Software License Tracking Tool

You should consider several factors when looking for the best software license management and tracking tool. Below are the key criteria to evaluate:

Software Asset Management

Effective software asset management (SAM) is the core feature of any license tracking tool.

It should provide a clear software inventory and list relevant licensing information. These include current software versions, renewal dates, license costs, and terms and conditions.

SAM also helps you track software usage and status. This allows you to optimize costs by reallocating underused software assets or discontinuing unused licenses.

Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

Real-time monitoring helps you stay on top of license expiration dates, renewals, and compliance deadlines.

A good license management tool should offer customizable alerts that notify you of critical events, such as end-of-contract deadlines or non-compliance risks.

This feature empowers you to take proactive steps before issues lead to disruptions or penalties. It can help you maintain smooth business operations.

Software License Compliance Management

Staying compliant with end-user licensing agreements is non-negotiable. This allows you to continue using software assets and protects your reputation.

The right software license management tool should help you ensure license compliance. It needs to track license usage against vendor agreements, making sure users don’t exceed installation limits or violate terms.

At the same time, it should detect and prevent copyright infringement, illegal use, piracy, and unauthorized software modification.

Look for tools that provide detailed audit trails and built-in reporting capabilities. These features make it easier to prove compliance during audits and avoid serious consequences like lawsuits or fines.

Integration Capabilities

A license tracking tool should integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure. These may include asset management systems, financial software, and directory services like Microsoft Active Directory (Entra ID).

This integration enables data to flow smoothly across systems, which reduces manual data entry and minimizes human errors.

You should choose a license tracking tool that offers different integration options and APIs to fit into your existing workflows.

Pricing and Plans

Evaluate the cost structure of each tool, including upfront fees, subscription costs, and any additional charges for features or support.

Consider whether it offers a scalable pricing model that aligns with your organization’s growth.

You may find that some license tracking solutions offer flexible plans based on the number of licenses or users. These tools allow you to adjust license costs as your needs evolve.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support can be a game-changer, especially when dealing with complex software management tools. It can help you successfully implement the tool and maximize all its features.

You should look for vendors with extensive support options, such as live chat, phone, and email.

Having a comprehensive knowledge base is also an advantage. This allows your team to seek information or solutions about the tool without delay.

Don’t forget to check user reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of support provided.

Automate License Reclamation With ezOnboard

ezOnboard provides an automated solution for reclaiming software licenses and optimizing your savings.

It connects Active Directory (Entra ID) with your HR software to give you full visibility of user activities. When employees are deleted or changed in the HR platform, ezOnboard automatically reclaims licenses and revokes access rights.

ezOnboard also helps you control SaaS spending while delivering smooth user onboarding and offboarding.

To get started, request a demo or check the ROI calculator to see how much money ezOnboard can save you.

FAQs About Software License Tracking Tools

How are software licenses tracked?

Software licenses are tracked using a software license manager or tracker. These digital tools help IT teams monitor installations, usage, and compliance across all devices.

They work by scanning systems to detect both current and past software assets. This makes it easier for IT teams to avoid violations and manage renewals on time.

What is a SAM tool?

A software asset management (SAM) tool helps businesses control and optimize software use. It works like a software license manager by tracking license types, usage, and compliance. SAM tools also identify unused or duplicate licenses and provide actionable insights to reduce waste and lower costs.

How to check software licenses?

To check a software license, you can use a built-in license manager, your SAM tool, or vendor portals. These options show license keys, expiration dates, and contract agreements.

What are the four types of software licenses?

Software licenses are usually divided into four main types or categories. These include proprietary licenses, open-source or permissive licenses, free licenses, and copyleft or restrictive licenses.