UK asset tracking software splits into three types: asset registers such as Asset Panda and Snipe-IT, QR code cloud trackers such as GoCodes (from around £500 a year), and IT asset management tools such as ManageEngine. Snipe-IT is free to self host and AssetTiger has a free tier. The right type depends on whether assets sit still or move between sites.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 1 SEPTEMBER 2026
- Snipe-IT is free to self host; AssetTiger offers a free tier with unlimited users.
- GoCodes QR tracking starts from around £500 a year for 200 assets and three users.
- Pick by failure mode: registers for audits, QR for moving tools, IT tools for laptops.
UK asset tracking platforms by type
| Platform | Type | Pricing (approx) | Best for |
| Asset Panda | Asset register | Custom quote | Flexible, mobile first lifecycle tracking |
| Snipe-IT | Asset register (open source) | Free self host; hosted from ~£32/mo | Technical teams tracking IT hardware |
| EZOfficeInventory | Asset register | Per asset tiers | Equipment checkout and reservations |
| AssetTiger | Asset register | Free tier, unlimited users | Small businesses on a budget |
| Sortly | Asset register (visual) | Monthly tiers | Teams wanting a simple photo and QR tracker |
| GoCodes | QR code cloud tracker | from ~£500/yr (200 assets) | Trades and tools moving between sites |
| ManageEngine AssetExplorer | IT asset management | from ~£760/yr (250 assets) | Mid market IT departments |
Source: Provider published pricing, early 2026
KEY FACTS
- Snipe-IT is free to self host; AssetTiger offers a free tier with unlimited users.
- GoCodes QR tracking starts from around £500 a year for 200 assets and three users.
- ManageEngine AssetExplorer starts from around £760 a year for up to 250 assets.
- Asset registers handle audits and depreciation; QR trackers handle tools that move between sites.
- Business assets may qualify for capital allowances; GOV.UK sets the rules.
Three types of asset tracking
| Type | Examples | How it works |
| Asset register | Asset Panda, Snipe-IT, Sortly | Database of assets, check in and out, audits |
| QR code cloud tracker | GoCodes | QR labels geo stamped on each scan |
| IT asset management | ManageEngine, ServiceNow | Network discovery and software licence tracking |
| Continuous GPS | Samsara | Always on location for vehicles and heavy plant |
Source: Provider information, 2026
Three types that do not compete
Asset tracking software covers three distinct products. Asset registers such as Asset Panda, Snipe-IT, EZOfficeInventory and Sortly are database first tools built around a record of every asset, with check in and out workflows, depreciation and audits. QR code cloud trackers such as GoCodes attach durable QR labels that geo stamp each scan, updating location only when someone scans. Continuous trackers such as Samsara use always on GPS for vehicles and heavy plant. Picking the wrong type is the most expensive mistake in the evaluation.
Free and low cost options
Cost varies widely. Snipe-IT is genuinely free if you can self host it, with a hosted version from around £32 a month for teams without the technical resource. AssetTiger offers a free tier with unlimited users, QR generation and reporting, suited to small businesses. GoCodes starts from around £500 a year for 200 assets and three users, bundling the labels and app. Asset Panda does not publish pricing and is quote based, aimed at organisations wanting deep configuration.
IT assets specifically
Tracking laptops and IT equipment is a distinct problem. ManageEngine AssetExplorer, from around £760 a year for 250 assets, and ServiceNow at the enterprise end add network discovery to find every connected device and software licence compliance tracking. Lansweeper specialises in agentless network scanning. For a small IT team, Snipe-IT or GoCodes deploy in hours, where an enterprise tool such as ServiceNow needs dedicated administrators and a multi month rollout.
How to choose
Match the tool to the failure mode. If laptops vanish, an IT asset register such as Snipe-IT or ManageEngine. If tools move between job sites, a QR tracker such as GoCodes. If people reserve shared equipment, EZOfficeInventory. If the team dislikes software, the visual simplicity of Sortly. Remember that business assets may qualify for capital allowances, so an accurate register also supports the tax position, not just operations.
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free asset tracking software
Snipe-IT is free if you can self host it, and AssetTiger offers a free tier with unlimited users. Both suit small teams comfortable with a register based approach.
How much does asset tracking software cost
It ranges from free (Snipe-IT self hosted, AssetTiger) to around £500 a year for GoCodes and £760 a year for ManageEngine, up to enterprise agreements for ServiceNow.
What is the difference between an asset register and a GPS tracker
A register is a database of assets with check in and out and audits. A QR tracker geo stamps each scan, and a GPS tracker gives continuous location for vehicles and heavy plant.
Which tool is best for tracking tools between job sites
GoCodes is built for trades and industrial teams whose tools move between sites, using durable QR labels and a mobile scan app.
Do tracked assets affect my tax
Business assets may qualify for capital allowances, so an accurate asset register supports your tax position as well as day to day operations. GOV.UK sets the rules.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: capital allowances – accessed 1 September 2026
- ICO: UK GDPR guidance – accessed 1 September 2026
