Alternatives · Utilities
CPU-Z alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded CPU-Z alternative is HWiNFO (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
CPU-Z compared with 5 alternatives: HWiNFO, Core Temp, SpeedFan, iStat Menus and Stats.
CPU-Z is free to use. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
Price against what you get
CPU-Z has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 3 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
HWiNFO scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from CPU-Z
HWiNFO
Windows hardware information and real-time sensor monitoring
- HWiNFO is free.
Suits: Checking temperatures and loads on a PC while it runs
Core Temp
Per-core CPU temperature monitor for Windows PCs
- Core Temp starts at $25 per machine (commercial license).
Suits: Checking CPU core temperatures on a Windows PC
SpeedFan
Free Windows monitor for temperatures, fan speeds and voltages
- SpeedFan is free.
- SpeedFan also covers workflow automation.
- SpeedFan does not cover reports, which CPU-Z does.
Suits: Older Windows PCs with supported monitor chips
iStat Menus
System monitor that lives in the Mac menu bar
- iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
- iStat Menus has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike CPU-Z.
- iStat Menus also lists a macOS app.
- iStat Menus lists no Windows app, which CPU-Z has.
- iStat Menus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Mac users who want CPU, memory, network and temperature readings always visible
Stats
Free, open-source system monitor for the Mac menu bar
- Stats is free.
- Stats also lists a macOS app.
- Stats lists no Windows app, which CPU-Z has.
- Stats is open source, according to its own site.
- Stats also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who want system readings in the menu bar without buying a license
Limits worth knowing in CPU-Z
- Windows only; this page covers the x86/x64 edition and no Mac or Linux version.
- Its detail pages mostly report static hardware data; temperature and fan monitoring are handled by the vendor's separate HWMonitor.
- The site is supported by ads and asks users with ad blockers to consider donating.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to CPU-Z?
The alternatives to CPU-Z in this directory are HWiNFO, Core Temp, SpeedFan, iStat Menus and Stats. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with CPU-Z.
Is there a free alternative to CPU-Z?
Yes. HWiNFO, SpeedFan and Stats are free to use. Core Temp has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which CPU-Z alternatives work on macOS?
The CPU-Z listing does not include a macOS app. iStat Menus and Stats list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to CPU-Z?
Stats is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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