Side by side
BatteryBar vs smartmontools
Both stand on hardware monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
BatteryBar provides taskbar battery monitoring and estimated remaining time, with Pro adding alerts and configuration options. Check the listed Windows requirements and whether the battery reports rate data before relying on those readings.
Visit BatteryBar Free plan LinuxMacWindows
smartmontools provides command-line health checks and daemon-based monitoring across a wide range of listed systems. Its scope is focused on SMART reporting, tests, and warnings.
Visit smartmontoolsThe facts
| BatteryBar | smartmontools | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | BatteryBar Pro: $4, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | osirisdevelopment.com | smartmontools.org |
| On hardware monitoring software | #17 of 59 | #45 of 59 |
BatteryBar: what it does well
- Free version is available.
- Displays battery details in the taskbar popup.
- Uses historical data to estimate remaining time.
- Pro adds low and critical battery alerts.
- Pro includes 20 configurable settings.
What to know first
- Listed supported systems are Windows XP, Vista, or 7.
- A system battery is required.
- Windows XP requires .NET Framework 2.0.
- Some batteries do not report charge or discharge rates.
smartmontools: what it does well
- Reports SMART health status and device attributes.
- Starts self-tests and reads their logs.
- smartd can schedule tests and send warning emails.
- Supports several disk and tape interfaces.
What to know first
- Functions focus on SMART monitoring and testing.
- A failing health status can predict failure within 24 hours.
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