Side by side
pcGauge vs WidgetSpark
Both stand on desktop widget software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Windows
pcGauge focuses on customizable desktop monitoring with lightweight history views and unobtrusive widgets. The trial lets Windows 10 and 11 users try it before the one-time purchase.
Visit pcGauge Free plan Windows
WidgetSpark offers flexible widget placement and individual customization for Windows desktops. The free tier is limited and ad-supported; the full catalogue and additional effects require Pro.
Visit WidgetSparkThe facts
| pcGauge | WidgetSpark | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | pcGauge: 10 CHF, paid once | Pro yearly: $19.99 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | pcgauge.com | widgetspark.com |
| On desktop widget software | #27 of 29 | #23 of 29 |
pcGauge: what it does well
- Monitors CPU, GPU, memory, network, and disk
- Unlimited widget creation
- 60-second sparklines and session peaks
- Click-through widget mode
- 15-day free trial
What to know first
- Windows only
- No free plan
- One-time price is listed in different currencies
- Support reply times are not guaranteed
WidgetSpark: what it does well
- More than 130 widgets across varied categories.
- Widgets can appear on four desktop surfaces.
- Layouts and settings return after restart.
- Media Player controls YouTube and Spotify playback.
- No user account is required.
What to know first
- Free tier contains only a subset of widgets.
- Free app displays an ad banner.
- Live data widgets need an internet connection.
- Audio visualizers and desktop effects require Pro.
Alternatives to pcGauge Alternatives to WidgetSpark The whole list