Side by side
Glances vs SpeedFan
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 Open source AndroidAPILinux+4
Glances covers a broad set of system metrics and offers several ways to monitor remotely or export statistics. Check its Python requirement and optional dependency setup against the features you need.
Visit Glances Free plan Windows
SpeedFan combines hardware monitoring, disk-health readings, and conditional fan control at no cost. Its power-user focus and hardware compatibility requirements make careful configuration important.
Visit SpeedFanThe facts
| Glances | SpeedFan | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | SpeedFan |
| Website | nicolargo.github.io | almico.com |
| On hardware monitoring software | #2 of 59 | #50 of 59 |
Glances: what it does well
- Monitors CPU, memory, network, disks, sensors and uptime.
- Remote checks available through terminal, Web UI or API.
- Exports statistics to files, databases, brokers or REST.
- Documents Docker and Podman monitoring support.
- Free and open source under LGPL version 3.
What to know first
- Glances 4 requires Python 3.10 or later.
- Web interface dependencies are not included by default.
- Features such as exports and MCP need optional dependencies.
SpeedFan: what it does well
- Free Windows software
- Monitors voltages, fans, and temperatures
- Reads S.M.A.R.T. disk information
- Online analysis uses millions of reports
- Supports custom events
What to know first
- Fan control needs compatible motherboard circuitry
- Latest listed version is 4.52
- Maker cautions against unattended configurations
- Hardware access may not suit every system
Alternatives to Glances Alternatives to SpeedFan The whole list