Side by side
Libre Hardware Monitor vs Open Hardware Monitor
Both stand on hardware monitoring tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APISelf-hostedWindows
Libre Hardware Monitor offers broad Windows sensor monitoring as free, open-source software. Its separate library supports integration, while permissions and hardware differences can affect readings.
Visit Libre Hardware Monitor
Free plan LinuxWindows
Open Hardware Monitor offers broad sensor coverage and several display options at no cost. Its Beta status, older listed release, and platform prerequisites should be considered before installation.
Visit Open Hardware MonitorThe facts
| Libre Hardware Monitor | Open Hardware Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | openhardwaremonitor.org |
| On hardware monitoring tools | #8 of 59 | #50 of 59 |
Libre Hardware Monitor: what it does well
- Monitors temperatures, fans, voltages, load, and clocks
- Supports many CPU, GPU, drive, and network devices
- Includes a graphical Windows Forms application
- Library available through NuGet
- Remote monitoring is supported
What to know first
- Some sensors require administrator privileges
- Windows is the listed supported platform
- Hardware manufacturers can affect reading accuracy
- No published security advisories are listed
Open Hardware Monitor: what it does well
- Monitors temperatures, fans, voltages, load, and clocks
- Supports Intel, AMD, Nvidia, and SMART sensors
- Displays readings in window, gadget, or tray
- Publishes data through Windows Management Instrumentation
- Free and open source
What to know first
- Still in Beta
- Windows requires .NET Framework 4.5 or later
- Linux requires Mono with WinForms
- Administrator rights needed for most sensors
Alternatives to Libre Hardware Monitor Alternatives to Open Hardware Monitor The whole list