Compare software

smartmontools vs SeaTools: catalog facts
smartmontoolsSeaTools
Free

Free and open source under the GNU GPL version 2.

Free

Free download from Seagate.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows
  • Often gives advance warning of disk degradation before data is lost
  • smartd monitors on a schedule and notifies you, rather than waiting to be asked
  • Official diagnostic tool from a drive manufacturer
  • Quick health check for hard drives and SSDs
  • Command-line only; interpreting the attribute values takes some learning
  • Attribute meanings vary by manufacturer and are not always documented
  • Aimed mainly at Seagate drives
  • Offers diagnostics rather than repair or recovery
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: GPL-2.0 License: Proprietary
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.