Selecting the right Software License Management software (or Software License Management tool) can be tricky, but it’s a critical decision for any IT team.
The right solution helps you stay compliant, cut unnecessary costs, and gain full control over your software usage — all key goals of effective Software License Management.
To make the decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of 10 top Software License Management tools to help you find the best fit for your organization.
Key features to look for in Software License Management tools
When evaluating Software License Management tools, it’s important to focus on the features that will actually make a difference in your day-to-day operations. Here are the most valuable capabilities to look for:
- Centralized license inventory – Maintain a complete, up-to-date record of all software licenses across the organization, including types, usage rights, purchase details, and expiration dates.
- Real-time usage tracking – Monitor who’s using what, when, and how often to identify underused or unused licenses and redistribute them efficiently.
- Compliance Management – Stay audit-ready with tools that automatically flag over-deployment, track license entitlements, and generate detailed compliance reports.
- Cost optimization analytics – Use actionable insights to eliminate waste, avoid overspending, and plan renewals based on actual usage data.
- Automated alerts and notifications – Get proactive reminders for upcoming renewals, expirations, or compliance risks to prevent surprises.
- Software metering – Measure software usage in real-time to inform license purchasing decisions and reduce shelfware.
- Vendor and Contract Management – Keep track of license agreements, vendors, support terms, and renewal conditions in one place to simplify negotiations and budgeting.
- Integration with existing systems – Look for tools that connect seamlessly with your ITSM, ITAM, procurement, or identity management platforms for more accurate and automated license tracking.
- Flexible license model support – Whether it’s subscription-based, perpetual, user-based, or concurrent licensing, the tool should support a wide variety of license types.
- Custom reporting and dashboards – Generate tailored reports and dashboards to monitor license KPIs and share insights across departments or with auditors.
The more of these features your tool supports, the easier it will be to gain visibility, stay compliant, and optimize software spend across your organization.
10 best Software License Management tools
#1: InvGate Asset Management
How to Manage Software Licenses with InvGate Asset Management
#2: Zluri
Zluri is a cloud-native SaaS Management Platform (SMP) that helps organizations discover, manage, and optimize their entire SaaS stack — with strong Software License Management capabilities at its core.
It focuses on automating SaaS operations by centralizing license visibility, tracking usage, and reducing spend. Zluri is especially suited for IT teams managing a high volume of cloud-based apps, offering deep discovery, compliance support, and vendor control.
Zluri features
- SaaS license discovery – Automatically identifies all SaaS applications in use, including those acquired without IT approval.
- Usage monitoring and optimization – Tracks user activity and app utilization to identify underused licenses and reduce costs.
- Renewal and Contract Management – Sends renewal alerts and stores vendor agreements to avoid missed deadlines and improve negotiation leverage.
- Shadow IT detection – Flags unsanctioned or risky apps, helping enforce security and compliance policies.
- License compliance reporting – Generates audit-ready reports to demonstrate compliance with SaaS vendor agreements.
Zluri pros
- Cloud-native platform tailored specifically for SaaS environments.
- Offers over 800 native integrations for in-depth app tracking and license visibility.
- Easy to adopt thanks to its no-code interface and fast onboarding.
Zluri cons
- Limited to SaaS only — does not support on-premise software license tracking.
- Custom reporting and dashboarding can be restrictive for advanced users.
- Pricing scales quickly with user count or number of applications managed.
Zluri reviews and comments
Gartner Peer Insights: 4.7 out of 5.
"The interface of this tool is very simple and easy to use. Managing the licenses and analyzing them becomes easier and automated."
Gartner Peer Insights
Zluri pricing
Zluri uses a custom pricing model based on the number of users or employees monitored. There is no public pricing available, and all plans require a personalized quote.
A free demo is available upon request, and onboarding assistance is included with every plan. Volume discounts may apply for larger organizations or longer contract commitments.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is an on-premise IT Asset Management tool developed by Zoho Corporation as part of the broader ManageEngine suite.
While primarily known for its hardware and asset tracking capabilities, AssetExplorer also includes a built-in Software License Management module that helps IT teams maintain compliance, optimize license usage, and manage software assets effectively.
It's ideal for organizations seeking a centralized on-premise solution to control both hardware and software inventories under one roof.
#3: ManageEngine AssetExplorer features
- License tracking and compliance – Tracks all software installations, usage, and entitlements, helping ensure you stay within license limits and avoid penalties.
- Software inventory discovery – Scans your network to detect installed software and automatically updates the centralized software inventory.
- License types and allocation – Supports various license types (volume, individual, OEM, concurrent) and maps them to installations and users.
- Contract and Renewal Management – Allows IT teams to track software contracts, set reminders, and maintain visibility over upcoming renewals.
- Audit readiness – Generates detailed compliance reports to help prepare for vendor audits or internal assessments.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer pros
- Offers strong out-of-the-box compliance tracking for a wide range of license types.
- Deep integration with the broader ManageEngine ecosystem, including ServiceDesk Plus and Endpoint Central.
- Includes a free edition for small teams managing up to 25 nodes.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer cons
- Only available as an on-premise deployment, which may not suit cloud-first organizations.
- User interface feels outdated compared to modern cloud-native tools.
- Limited third-party integrations outside of the ManageEngine/Zoho environment.
ManageEngine AssetExplorer reviews and comments
Gartner Peer Insights rating: 4.0 out of 5 (3 ratings).
“Through using AssetExplorer, it made it far easier to prepare for audits by having key hardware and software details in order. Its capability to generate a checklist using past records was beneficial in internal and external compliance a lot.”
Capterra reviews
ManageEngine AssetExplorer pricing
ManageEngine AssetExplorer is available in three tiers to accommodate different organizational needs.
- The Free Edition supports up to 25 assets, making it a solid choice for small teams.
- The Trial Edition offers a fully functional 30-day trial for up to 250 assets.
- For larger environments, the Professional Edition starts at approximately $95 per month, with final pricing depending on asset volume and selected features.
Quotes can be obtained through ManageEngine’s online store or sales team. A demo is available upon request or via pre-recorded webinars.
#4: FlexNet Manager Suite - Flexera
Flexera offers one of the most comprehensive and enterprise-grade Software License Management solutions on the market.
Delivered through its FlexNet Manager Suite or as part of the broader Flexera One platform, this tool is purpose-built for large organizations managing complex software environments across desktops, data centers, and the cloud.
Flexera is especially known for its strong vendor-specific optimization (Oracle, IBM, Microsoft), audit-ready compliance reporting, and deep analytics that support proactive cost reduction and risk mitigation.
Flexera features
- License entitlement repository – Centralized license management with automated interpretation of vendor-specific rights (e.g., secondary use, downgrade rights) to ensure accurate entitlement tracking.
- Automated compliance & Effective License Position (ELP) – Real-time reconciliation of usage and entitlement, factoring in complex metrics like IBM PVUs and Oracle core licensing.
- Advanced license optimization analytics – Identifies unused software, recommends cost-saving license models, and supports forecasting via financial dashboards.
- Vendor-specific optimization modules – Built-in support for major software vendors' licensing rules, including datacenter and virtualization nuances.
- Automation and integrations – Connects with inventory tools, ERPs, ITSM platforms, and more. Automates license reclaim workflows and provisioning tasks.
Flexera pros
- Handles complex licensing environments at enterprise scale, from desktops to cloud.
- Provides audit-ready compliance with deep license intelligence and risk visibility.
- Offers vendor-specific modules for Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, and others.
Flexera cons
- High cost of ownership, making it better suited for large enterprises with sizable software budgets.
- Steep learning curve and long implementation timeline for full deployment and tuning.
- Interface can feel dated or overwhelming, particularly in the on-premise version.
Flexera reviews and comments
Gartner Peer Insights rating: 4.2 out of 5.
"It has intuitive user interface, which makes it easier for both technical and non-technical users to navigate, track assets, and manage software licenses."
Gartner Peer Insights
Flexera pricing
Flexera’s pricing is fully custom and depends on the number of devices, selected modules (e.g., datacenter, SaaS), and deployment preferences (Flexera One SaaS or FlexNet Manager on-premise).
While exact figures vary, Flexera is known to be a premium solution. There is no free version, but Flexera may provide a proof-of-concept or limited-scope trial during the evaluation process. Pricing proposals are tailored per client.
#5: Altair Software Asset Optimization (SAO)
Altair SAO is a niche but powerful Software License Management solution designed specifically for engineering and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
Unlike traditional IT Asset Management tools, Altair SAO focuses on monitoring and optimizing expensive technical software licenses (like CAD, CAE, or EDA tools), helping organizations understand usage patterns, eliminate waste, and forecast future needs.
It’s especially useful for industries like manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and electronics where engineering software represents a major IT cost center.
Altair SAO features
- Detailed usage reporting – Provides over 70 customizable reports based on real-time license server data (e.g., FlexLM, Reprise, Dassault SLM) to track license usage by user, team, or time.
- License optimization analytics – Highlights underutilized licenses by team or region, helping reallocate resources and reduce unnecessary purchases.
- Scenario planning with SAO Predict – Allows simulation of license pool changes (“What-if” analysis) to inform right-sizing decisions and ensure coverage during peak demand.
- Alerts and administrative tools – Tracks license expirations, vendor contracts, and usage thresholds; supports user/group permissions and custom notifications.
- Broad third-party integration – Supports over 20 license managers and integrates seamlessly with Altair’s own workload managers and license tools.
Altair SAO pros
- Strong focus on engineering and simulation software licensing, with insights tailored to complex usage patterns.
- Advanced forecasting and “what-if” planning features help avoid both overspending and license shortages.
- Compatible with most major license managers used in technical environments (e.g., FlexLM, Reprise, MATLAB).
Altair SAO cons
- Not suitable as a general-purpose IT Asset Management or business software license tool.
- Requires integration with license servers and proper setup, which may demand technical expertise.
- Higher cost, typically aimed at large enterprises managing significant software spend.
Altair SAO pricing
Altair SAO is available via custom quote, typically offered as a subscription (hosted or on-premise). Public pricing is limited.
There is no free version, but organizations can request a trial or pilot to evaluate ROI. Altair positions SAO as a strategic investment for companies with high-value technical software, where even a small optimization can offset the entire cost of the tool.
#6: AssetSonar
AssetSonar is a cloud-based Software License Management and IT Asset Management tool developed by EZO, the team behind EZOfficeInventory.
It’s an active, standalone product tailored for IT and Software Asset Management (SAM) use cases, giving organizations real-time visibility into software and hardware assets. It helps teams track license entitlements, stay compliant, and manage renewals — all from a centralized platform.
With built-in integrations and automated discovery, AssetSonar bridges the gap between IT inventory and license control for growing organizations.
AssetSonar features
- Automated software discovery – Scans devices to detect installed software, builds a normalized inventory, and keeps it up to date with agent-based tracking.
- License tracking & normalization – Logs purchased licenses, assigns entitlements, monitors usage, and matches installations with proper license types (per-user, per-device, etc.).
- Compliance alerts and audit reports – Flags over-deployment and unauthorized software, and generates detailed reports for audits or renewals.
- Integrations and automation – Offers native integrations with tools like Zendesk, Jamf, Intune, Okta, and SCCM, plus API access for custom workflows.
- Contract & Renewal Management – Tracks license terms, vendors, and renewal dates, sending alerts to avoid missed deadlines or overspending.
AssetSonar pros
- Clean and easy-to-use UI with customizable fields for licenses and assets.
- Supports strong integration and agent-based tracking for real-time visibility.
- Robust license and asset management features at a mid-range price point.
AssetSonar cons
- Lacks built-in remote access or software deployment capabilities.
- Report builder interface could be more intuitive for complex customizations.
- Minor UX issues with filtering and mobile app have been reported by some users.
AssetSonar reviews and comments
Capterra: 4.6/5
“It is good tool as a whole. Generic capabilities are available including reporting and batch upload using csv file.”
Capterra reviews
AssetSonar pricing
AssetSonar is offered as a SaaS subscription with pricing based on asset volume and features. There is no free version, but a 15-day free trial is available. Subscription includes updates, support, and hosting — making it a cost-effective solution for small to mid-sized teams.
#7. Snow License Manager
Snow License Manager is a robust Software License Management solution developed by Snow Software. It’s part of the broader Snow Atlas platform but also operates as a standalone SAM (Software Asset Management) tool.
It supports large organizations in tracking software usage across on-premises and cloud environments, managing license compliance, and optimizing software costs.
With advanced discovery capabilities, normalization services, and support for complex licensing models (including Oracle, IBM, Microsoft), it’s a strong choice for enterprises with extensive IT estates.
Snow License Manager features
- Unified license inventory & discovery — Consolidates data from Snow’s discovery tools and integrations to deliver a full view of installed software, entitlements, and usage across all environments.
- Automatic software recognition and normalization — Matches raw inventory data to clean product names and licensing models using Snow’s extensive Software Recognition Library.
- Effective License Position (ELP) & Compliance Management — Continuously compares usage vs. entitlements using vendor-specific rules to determine over- or under-licensing and generate audit-ready compliance reports.
- Cost optimization and analytics — Tracks usage data to identify unused software, optimize license types, and highlight cost-saving opportunities with rich dashboards and reports.
- Automation and ecosystem integration — Supports integration with tools like SCCM, Intune, vCenter, and major ITSM platforms. Automates data imports and licensing through a vast SKU catalog and supports cloud service tracking.
Snow License Manager pros
- Accurately manages complex vendor rules, including IBM sub-capacity and Microsoft CALs, without requiring heavy customization.
- Offers actionable dashboards and executive-ready reports for tracking compliance and spend trends.
- Tracks SaaS usage alongside on-premises software, helping consolidate all license data into a single platform.
Snow License Manager cons
- Designed for enterprise use; may be too feature-heavy or costly for smaller teams.
- Requires SAM expertise to configure properly and maintain data quality.
- Can be slow when handling large datasets or running complex queries in very large environments.
Snow License Manager reviews and comments
- Gartner Peer Insights — 4.4/5
"Quite a solid solution for a License Manager. Has some functionalities limitations that decrease overall experience and opinion."
IT Manager, Gartner Peer Insights
Snow License Manager pricing
Snow License Manager is sold via annual subscription, typically priced per device, user, or total software spend. Snow does not disclose public pricing.
There is no free version, but Snow may offer a trial or proof of concept for qualified prospects. Pricing includes support and maintenance, and the platform is often tailored to enterprise-scale SAM strategies with significant ROI potential from cost avoidance.
#8. Reprise License Manager
Reprise License Manager (RLM) is a lightweight yet powerful Software License Management toolkit developed by Reprise Software.
Unlike traditional SAM platforms used by IT departments, RLM is embedded within software products by independent software vendors (ISVs) to control access, enforce licensing terms, and track usage.
Created by the original developers of FLEXlm, RLM is especially popular among vendors looking for a flexible and cost-effective way to implement license models like trials, floating licenses, or node-locks.
Reprise License Manager features
- Support for diverse license models — Enables ISVs to offer trials, subscriptions, feature-based licenses, and more, all with minimal coding.
- Hardware locking and copy protection — Licenses can be tied to machine host IDs or MAC addresses, helping prevent unauthorized use.
- Concurrent license Server Management — Lets vendors or customers deploy license servers to manage floating licenses and track active usage.
- License usage tracking and reporting — Logs license check-ins/outs, denials, and durations, providing usage data for ISVs and customers.
- API and SDK for integration — Lightweight toolkit with APIs in multiple languages for quick integration and customization.
Reprise License Manager pros
- Easy integration for software developers.
- Flexible and feature-rich for license enforcement.
- High customer satisfaction and ROI (for ISVs).
Reprise License Manager cons
- Narrow scope (not an IT management tool).
- Requires software vendor involvement to benefit end-users.
- Not a full analytics platform.
Reprise License Manager reviews and comments
- Capterra — 4.9/5.
Pros- The software is very powerful. Has a lot of features, which covers most licensing cases. Their support is very good. They respond really fast. Included sample programs cover a lot of ground and can be used as a template. Cons- The documentation is vast. Their quick start guide could be made a lot simpler, especially with regards to the license servers. Some screen shots and diagrams would help. It is also a little outdated. A good help website would go a long way as compared to having to sort through the large PDF manuals.
Capterra reviews
Reprise License Manager pricing
RLM is sold to software vendors through a licensing model based on SDK purchases and optional runtime royalties. ISVs can choose between flat-fee, royalty-free licenses or per-deployment royalties, depending on their needs. There’s no free version, but the total cost is considered highly competitive compared to other embedded licensing frameworks.
#9. Ivanti License Optimizer
Ivanti License Optimizer is part of Ivanti’s Software License Management portfolio and is now integrated into the Ivanti Neurons platform. Originally developed from LANDesk’s ITAM capabilities, it helps organizations maintain software compliance, optimize licensing costs, and reduce overspending.
While it’s sometimes referred to as “legacy” due to its transition to Neurons, it remains an actively supported solution for managing on-prem and SaaS licenses across enterprise environments.
Ivanti License Optimizer features
- Automated discovery and inventory — Discovers installed software across endpoints, data centers, and SaaS apps to build a unified inventory.
- License Compliance Management — Tracks entitlements and reconciles them against usage to calculate your Effective License Position.
- Unused license reclaim & cost optimization — Identifies underused licenses for reallocation, simulates cost savings, and avoids unnecessary purchases.
- Vendor license model support — Manages licenses across major vendors like Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe, handling various license metrics.
- Analytics & predictive insights — Forecasts license needs, anticipates true-ups, and provides insights to support smarter procurement strategies.
Ivanti License Optimizer pros
- Cost-focused approach — Helps reduce software spend by reclaiming unused licenses and providing optimization insights.
- Supports diverse vendors/models — Works across a wide range of publishers and license types, making it a flexible SAM tool.
- Integration with Ivanti ecosystem and others — Seamlessly connects with Ivanti ITSM, UEM, and discovery tools for full ITAM visibility.
Ivanti License Optimizer cons
- Less market presence & community — Smaller adoption compared to competitors like Flexera or Snow means fewer external resources.
- Maturity of advanced features — May lack depth in complex scenarios involving SAP or Oracle licensing.
- Legacy interface and transition to Neurons — Some users may face migration friction or interface inconsistencies during the platform shift.
Ivanti License Optimizer pricing
Ivanti License Optimizer is typically sold via annual subscription, either per device or per managed software title. Enterprise packages vary based on scope and included modules.
While there’s no free version, Ivanti may offer trials as part of broader Neurons bundles. For mid-sized organizations, pricing is considered moderate — competitive for the value it provides, especially when integrated into existing Ivanti environments.
#10. License Dashboard
License Dashboard is a UK-based Software License Management solution developed from real-world SAM consulting experience. It’s a dedicated platform (not part of a broader IT suite) focused on helping organizations monitor, manage, and optimize software licenses, contracts, and subscriptions.
Designed for flexibility and depth, it offers full Lifecycle Management — from software discovery and inventory to entitlement tracking, compliance validation, and optimization insights. It is widely used by internal IT teams and SAM service providers alike.
License Dashboard features
- Comprehensive SAM platform — Combines discovery, entitlement management, analytics, and self-service workflows into a unified interface.
- Procurement and Contract Management — Tracks vendors, purchase orders, renewal dates, and cost centers to link licensing with procurement insights.
- Automated data normalization — Includes a built-in SKU library and normalization engine for clean, accurate compliance calculations.
- Compliance and optimization dashboards — Offers real-time views of under/over-licensed software, audit readiness, and reclaimable licenses.
- Integration and API — Connects to ITSM, CMDB, HR, and inventory tools to support cross-system data exchange and workflow automation.
License Dashboard pros
- All-in-one SAM solution — Built for practitioners, it delivers end-to-end functionality without requiring multiple tools.
- User-friendly interface — Dashboard-driven UI with clear visuals and guided workflows makes it accessible and fast to onboard.
- Strong reporting and analytics — Comes with robust built-in and customizable reports to support audits and optimization.
License Dashboard cons
- Smaller vendor, lesser known — Has a limited global footprint and fewer public reviews compared to larger players.
- Focus on SAM only — Lacks built-in hardware or ITSM modules, so must be integrated if broader ITAM is needed.
- Pricing transparency — Pricing isn’t publicly detailed beyond a general starting point, so quotes must be requested.
License Dashboard pricing
License Dashboard is offered via annual subscription, with pricing typically based on the number of assets or software titles managed. The vendor offers flexible pricing models and may tailor quotes based on whether the organization uses consulting services or just the software.
There is no free version, but trials or pilots may be available via partners. The solution is considered cost-effective for mid-market organizations seeking a scalable, specialist SAM platform.
