Top Smartmontools Alternatives for Disk Health Monitoring
The smartmontools package, containing utility programs like smartctl and smartd, is a powerful tool for controlling and monitoring storage systems using Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART). While incredibly effective for providing advanced warnings of disk degradation and failure, smartmontools primarily operates via command-line and might not be the ideal solution for every user or system. This article explores some of the best smartmontools alternative software options that offer similar or enhanced functionality, often with more user-friendly interfaces.
Best smartmontools Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a graphical user interface, cross-platform compatibility, or specific features, these alternatives provide excellent ways to keep an eye on your hard drive and SSD health.
CrystalDiskInfo
CrystalDiskInfo is an excellent open-source HDD/SSD utility for monitoring S.M.A.R.T. values, disk temperature, and other crucial information. Available for Windows, it's a fantastic free and portable smartmontools alternative, offering features like multiple language support, hardware monitoring, and detailed TBW (Terabytes Written) information.
HD Tune
HD Tune is a versatile hard disk/SSD utility, serving as a robust smartmontools alternative for Windows users. It's available as freemium software and excels at measuring drive performance, scanning for errors, and checking health status (S.M.A.R.T.). Key features include linear read and read latency benchmarks, quick/slow surface scans, and comprehensive temperature monitoring.
GSmartControl
GSmartControl provides a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) for smartctl, making it a powerful and free open-source smartmontools alternative. It supports controlling hard drive Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms, offering vital S.M.A.R.T. data support and temperature monitoring.
Hard Disk Sentinel
Hard Disk Sentinel is a commercial SSD and HDD health monitoring and analysis utility available for Windows, Linux, and MS-DOS. It's a comprehensive smartmontools alternative for diagnosing and repairing hard drive issues, offering robust support for S.M.A.R.T. data and temperature monitoring.
HDD Guardian
HDD Guardian provides a free and open-source Windows front-end for smartctl, making it a convenient smartmontools alternative. It monitors your hard drive(s) and SSD(s) for health status, leveraging S.M.A.R.T., and includes features like hardware monitoring and portability.
Disks
Disks, a GNOME utility, is a free and open-source smartmontools alternative specifically for Linux users. It’s a comprehensive tool for dealing with storage devices, allowing you to create and restore disk images, perform low-level copies, and attach disk images, all while supporting S.M.A.R.T. data monitoring.
SeaTools
SeaTools is a free diagnostic tool for Windows that helps determine the condition of disk drives. While primarily focused on Seagate drives, it can be a useful smartmontools alternative for general hardware monitoring and quick diagnostics.
DriveDx
DriveDx is an advanced commercial drive health diagnostic and monitoring utility for Mac users. Unlike many utilities, it goes beyond basic S.M.A.R.T. status, providing in-depth analysis and making it a powerful smartmontools alternative for Apple systems, complete with robust hardware monitoring.
Macrorit Disk Scanner
Macrorit Disk Scanner is a free and portable third-party disk surface tool for Windows. It provides better options and performance than native Windows tools for scanning disk bad sectors, making it a valuable smartmontools alternative for hardware monitoring and portable diagnostics.
Choosing the right smartmontools alternative depends on your operating system, preference for GUI versus command line, and specific monitoring needs. Each of these tools offers unique strengths in keeping your storage devices healthy and preventing data loss. Explore them to find the best fit for your setup.