EtreCheckPro vs hw-probe
EtreCheckPro
etrecheck.comhw-probe
github.comSide by side
| Figure | EtreCheckPro | hw-probe |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · System Information Software | 8.1 (#9) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Integrations | The free app supports command-line use from Terminal or ssh. | The project provides AppImage, Docker, Snap, Flatpak, Live CD/USB, and native Linux package installation options. |
| Privacy | Etresoft says it aims to collect the minimum personal information needed and that online submissions that may transfer personally identifiable information are preceded by a notice. | The project says it attempts to mask private information before upload, warns this can fail in edge cases, and uploads data over HTTPS. |
| Purpose | EtreCheckPro is a macOS diagnostic tool used to investigate Mac problems. | hw-probe snapshots computer hardware and logs, checks device operability, and returns a permanent URL for viewing the probe. |
Plans
In their own words
EtreCheckPro
EtreCheckPro is a macOS diagnostic tool for investigating problems on a Mac. It detects more than 70 specific problems, distinguishes major from minor issues, and produces an anonymous text report for sharing online. It can identify security configuration problems and detect and remove malware. The app also shows storage use and helps address storage problems, but those functions require Full Disk Access. The free version supports command-line use from Terminal or ssh and can run from the Downloads folder without installation. It works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 10.13 through macOS 27. The optional Power User package adds computer-generated step-by-step solutions and detailed views of hardware, operating system, storage, networking, software, and performance, plus system Analytics and Insights charts. The free download costs nothing and includes basic reports and diagnostics. The Power User package costs $19.99, paid once and covers up to six different computers. Technical support is provided by email, with the company striving to respond within 48 hours.
hw-probe
hw-probe is a free hardware probing tool for Linux and BSD systems, aimed at debugging computer problems and managing hardware inventory. It captures a snapshot of hardware state and logs, then provides a permanent URL to view the probe. If a device lacks a driver, it can suggest a Linux kernel version or third-party driver using LKDDb data. Users can create an inventory ID and mark probes to locate their computers on Linux-Hardware.org. Its monitoring command schedules a daily cron probe and emails alerts about operating-system failures, configuration changes, and hardware degradation. Optional tests check graphics, drive read speed, CPU performance, and RAM. Installation options include AppImage, Docker, Snap, Flatpak, Live CD/USB, and native packages. Uploads use HTTPS; selected logs can be disabled, and private details are decorated before upload, though edge-case failures are acknowledged. MAC addresses and serial numbers are represented by prefixes of salted SHA-512 hashes. The tool is dual-licensed under LGPL-2.1-or-later and BSD-4-Clause. The Snap package runs in a sandbox with limited functionality.