Did you know that nearly 49% of software licenses in businesses go unused, costing companies billions annually? For business owners juggling multiple tools and subscriptions, keeping track of licenses isn’t just challenging—it’s expensive and risky.
Failing to manage software licenses properly can lead to overspending, compliance issues, and even legal trouble.
The good news? Software license management solutions are designed to tackle these headaches head-on.
These solutions help businesses monitor usage, avoid unnecessary renewals, and stay compliant with licensing agreements—all while saving time and money.
In this article, we’ve curated the 12 best software license management tools to simplify your operations and boost efficiency.
Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large enterprise, these tools are game-changers.
Types of Software Licenses
1. Perpetual License: A perpetual license allows businesses to make a one-time payment to access the software indefinitely. This type of license is ideal for organizations seeking a long-term solution without recurring costs. However, it may not include ongoing updates or support unless purchased separately.
2. Subscription License: Subscription licenses operate on a recurring payment model, typically monthly or annually. They are commonly used in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, offering users regular updates, cloud-based accessibility, and support. This model provides flexibility but can become expensive over time compared to a perpetual license.
3. Concurrent User License: With a concurrent user license, the number of people who can access the software simultaneously is limited, regardless of the total number of users registered. This type of license is beneficial for businesses where multiple employees share software tools but do not need constant access.
4. Open-Source License: Open-source licenses grant users access to the software’s source code, allowing for modification, customization, and redistribution. While many open-source licenses are free, they often come with conditions, such as maintaining proper attribution or adhering to specific usage terms.
5. Proprietary License: Proprietary licenses restrict access to the software’s source code, granting only the usage rights under strict terms. These licenses often prohibit sharing, modification, or reverse-engineering of the software. They are typically used for commercial software and prioritize security and control.
Key features of a Software License Management Tools
List of Top 12 Software License Management Tools
1. Zluri
Zluri is a powerful software as a service, SaaS management platform. It facilitates efficient management of software licenses.
Zluri gives you complete control over the software and licenses used by your company, so you don’t have to rely on any secret IT infrastructure.
You can monitor your software licenses with this program. You can check how much software has been sold, who is using it, what licenses they have, and how much it costs.
Zluri’s Renewal Calendar makes it incredibly simple to renew licenses. It helps users avoid interruptions and missed deadlines by reminding them when it’s time to pay.
Top Features:
- Keeps track of important contract info and files.
- Lets you monitor software use and manage renewals all in one place.
- Gives real-time stats for detailed reports.
Pricing:
Available on request
2. AWS License Manager
Amazon Web Services (AWS) includes AWS License Manager. Whether they are on-premises or in the cloud, it assists developers and software firms in managing their licenses.
Finding, monitoring, and reporting on licenses is made simple by its neat automation function. You can make better financial decisions if you monitor your software licensing.
By optimizing license utilization, imposing usage restrictions, and halting new launches when necessary to comply with regulations, AWS License Manager helps you save money.
It integrates seamlessly with Amazon RDS and other AWS services. This makes it easy to manage your licenses and view the big picture because you can monitor how much CPU your RDS instances are using.
Top Features:
- Makes it easy to stick to the rules and stop any problems before they start.
- Automatically finds licenses you already have.
- Helps manage licenses for individual users.
- Connects smoothly with AWS.
Pricing:
Available on request
3. Appsero
An effective tool for WordPress developers is Appsero. It makes it simple for them to launch and maintain their WordPress plugins and themes.
It simplifies plugin development, management, and user growth with its abundance of capabilities and seamless integration with other programs.
Developers may manage all of their plugin tasks via Appsero’s primary dashboard. In addition to managing themes and plugins, they may view real-time reports on the performance of their products.
This aids them in making data-driven judgments. Appsero’s seamless integration with well-known code hosting services like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab is one of its amazing features.
Top Features:
- Connects with marketing and CRM tools like Mailchimp and HubSpot.
- Makes it easy to send out updates and releases.
- Automates tasks like renewing licenses.
- Works with different types of licenses (like subscriptions).
- Keeps your work safe from unauthorized use.
Pricing:
| Free | Starter | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $11/mo | $8.80/mo |
4. Freemius
Freemius is a comprehensive software package designed to help WordPress plugin and theme developers generate revenue, market their products, and efficiently manage their inventory.
It offers several solutions that manage many aspects of business operations, including software licensing, billing, subscriptions, and analytics analysis.
Freemius is very beneficial for developers who want to go from earning money from specific projects to having a consistent revenue stream from subscriptions.
It ensures that every piece of data processed by its platform is secure and complies with industry standards, such as the GDPR for European consumers. This provides developers and users with security and privacy assurance.
Top Features:
- Offers different types of licenses, like free, trial, freemium, and paid versions of products.
- Automatically sends out updates so customers always get the latest features and bug fixes.
- Gives advanced analytics and insights to see how users behave, engage, and convert.
- Helps manage users, licenses, refunds, and talking with customers.
- Supports affiliate programs to bring in and deal with affiliates.
Pricing:
Pay as you go
5. FlexNet Manager
Flexera Software created FlexNet Manager, a solution for managing software licensing. It is helpful for anyone who has to deal with licenses, not only coders.
It assists you in determining the number of licenses or packages that your company can purchase.
FlexNet Manager helps developers see how software is being utilized and whether licenses are being used effectively.
This enables developers to examine how their program is being utilized and identify areas for improvement.
Top Features:
- Handles different types of licenses.
- Has a big library with 45,000 applications.
- Comes with tools to manage assets throughout their life.
- Uses smart methods to sort out license issues.
Pricing:
Available on request
6. Snow License Manager
Both developers and users can benefit from Snow License Manager. It helps users make sure they abide by licensing regulations.
It monitors software usage and notifies you of potential problems, providing reports and notifications to keep you on course.
By ensuring that they are adhering to licensing agreements and not overspending on software, this feature helps businesses save money.
Snow License Manager automatically maintains software inventory for developers. This eliminates the need for human tracking and guesswork.
This capability gives developers a clear picture of their product and simplifies software management.
Top Features:
- Shows all software assets in one place.
- Manages lots of software and devices from one spot.
- Finds parts of your software that aren’t being used so you can use them.
- Keeps an eye on compliance and warns you about any possible issues.
Pricing:
Available on request
7. LicenseSpring Fulfillment
Creating license keys and subscription plans for Shopify apps is simple with LicenseSpring Fulfillment.
It all comes down to ensuring that Shopify apps are approved and safe from piracy. It is a new tool for Shopify licensing management that was initially created by Chromatic Wave Software.
It has some fantastic characteristics, therefore it will soon become well-known.
Top Features:
- Works seamlessly with Shopify Admin.
- Prices are based on users, with no monthly fees.
- Connects with lots of different Shopify apps.
- Simple to set up how long app licenses last.
- Gives APIs for developers to use.
Pricing:
| Free | Standard | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $99/mo | Custom |
8. Reprise License Manager
One of the best licensing managers for companies is Reprise Licensing Manager (RLM). With a dashboard that simplifies licensing management, it’s user-friendly.
Making decisions about your license plans is simple when you review reports.
It functions flawlessly with several well-known programs. This implies that teams can adhere to license regulations while making effective use of their technologies. They can utilize the necessary software without violating any regulations.
Top Features:
- Works well with many popular software programs.
- Tracks how licenses are used for better decisions.
- Makes sure licenses are used properly automatically.
- Easy to turn licenses on and off.
- Can set up licenses the way you want.
Pricing:
Available on request
9. License Dashboard
A useful tool for managing software assets is the License Dashboard. With clever automation, it makes managing software licenses easier for businesses.
You may maximize the return on your software investments in this way.
It highlights any areas of your program that you haven’t used yet and displays how you are using your licenses.
Additionally, it alerts you if you’re breaking the rules to help you avoid overspending. It is compatible with numerous other helpful tools and applications, just like the other utilities.
Top Features:
- Smart automation to manage licenses smoothly.
- Helps you save money by spending your software budget wisely.
- Tracks how licenses are used to make the most of your investment.
- Check if you’re following the rules automatically.
- Sends reminders about renewing licenses so you don’t miss anything.
Pricing:
Available on request
10. Soraco
Soraco Technologies’ Quick License Manager is a feature-rich software license manager. It is specifically designed for small businesses.
Individual PCs and mobile devices are linked to their licensing keys. This implies that your software is only usable by the appropriate individuals.
It also enables you to establish trial licenses with a time limit. In this manner, prospective clients can test out your program before purchasing it.
Additionally, the tool offers a seamless subscription product procedure. It provides users with a seamless experience and simplifies license management.
Top Features:
- Makes secure license keys.
- Lets you create trial licenses with time limits.
- Sets up an automated process for subscription products.
- Makes it simple to activate licenses online or offline.
- Helps gather data with application analytics.
Pricing:
| Express | Professional | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| $200/yr | $699/yr | $999/yr |
11. Ivanti License Optimizer
For asset managers, Ivanti License Optimizer offers insights to save expenses and lower the risk of audits in IT settings.
It supports efficient asset management and licensing optimization by giving users insight into both their software and the underlying hardware.
Asset managers and IT specialists in businesses trying to maximize software licenses, cut expenses, and guarantee licensing agreement compliance are the target audience for Ivanti License Optimizer.
Top Features:
- Cost Optimization
- Effective License Position
- Data Gathering and Curation.
Pricing:
Available on request
12. ManageEngine AssetExplorer
Businesses may easily monitor multiple software licenses with ManageEngine AssetExplorer.
Managing all software license contracts is made simple by this amazing licensing solution.
Additionally, Manage Engine Asset Explorer enables companies to comply with all software license regulations.
The technology is useful since it enables businesses to centralize license data, improving the effectiveness of the license tracking and administration procedure.
Top Features:
- The tool helps businesses optimize software usage smartly.
- Businesses can identify underutilized licenses timely.
- It helps businesses reallocate resources and manage costs efficiently.
Pricing:
Quote available on request
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping track of software licenses may be very difficult, particularly when companies expand and employ more technologies.
It is simple to overspend, forget renewals, or run the risk of noncompliance if the proper framework is not in place. Software licensing management tools can help with that; they streamline the procedure, reduce expenses, and maintain the smooth operation of your company.
There is a solution that meets your demands whether you are running a major corporation or managing a small business because each of the 12 tools we have covered has special capabilities.
Spend some time analyzing your needs and selecting the one that best suits your objectives. Software licensing management can be made a smooth aspect of your business operations with the correct tool.
FAQ
How do software license management tools work?
These tools track all your software licenses in a centralized dashboard. They monitor usage, provide alerts for renewals or expirations, and generate reports for compliance. Many also integrate with your IT systems to automate inventory and identify underused licenses.
What are the risks of not managing software licenses?
Without proper license management, businesses risk overspending on unused software, incurring fines for non-compliance, and facing operational disruptions due to expired licenses. Additionally, poor tracking can lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources.
Are software license management tools suitable for small businesses?
Yes, software license management tools are beneficial for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can use them to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure compliance as they scale, while larger businesses can manage complex licensing environments more effectively.
