Top 5 ServiceNow Competitors & Alternatives (2025)

With more than 200 good options in the IT service management (ITSM) market, choosing or changing your current solution can be hard. If your organization needs more than traditional IT service management, your options for ServiceNow competitors become limited. This includes tools like Configuration Management Database (CMDB), IT Asset Management (ITAM), and automated discovery.

In this blog, we’ll cover the top ServiceNow competitors for 2025, focusing on discovery, service mapping, and CMDB capabilities. We will also look at why some organizations use tools like Virima with ServiceNow. This helps improve ROI and makes IT operations easier.

Why do companies look for ServiceNow alternatives?

ServiceNow has a strong and flexible platform. However, many organizations look for other options because their CMDB and ITOM Discovery modules can be costly and complex. Licensing ServiceNow’s ITOM Visibility and Discovery features can be expensive, particularly for mid-market IT teams or organizations with limited resources.

Even enterprise buyers complain that maintaining a healthy CMDB in ServiceNow requires significant manual upkeep, siloed integrations, or additional tools.

According to a 2023 Gartner report, “More than 70% of CMDB initiatives fail to meet expectations, primarily due to data quality and integration issues.”

This encourages teams to look for other CMDB, discovery, and service mapping solutions that can be easily integrated with ServiceNow or other ITSM platforms altogether.

Back in the ’80s, everyone felt safe buying IBM. Today, the same applies to ServiceNow. It’s a dominant enterprise ITSM solution with deep capabilities. But its high price tag and complexity lead many to explore ServiceNow competitors.

Cost and complexity

ServiceNow’s licensing structure is expensive. To unlock full value—especially CMDB automation—you need additional ITOM discovery and visibility licenses. These add more deployment, support, and maintenance costs. That’s why organizations seek alternatives or complementary tools like Virima to maximize value.

CMDB and discovery challenges

A major reason companies look for ServiceNow competitors is ServiceNow’s high cost and licensing complexity, which often deters IT teams. It happens especially when aiming to automate CMDB functions for maximum ITSM ROI.

To unlock automated discovery and CMDB visibility, organizations must purchase additional ITOM Discovery and Visibility licenses on top of standard ServiceNow ITSM costs. These extra licensing fees, combined with longer deployment and maintenance cycles, drive up the total cost of ownership.

Many customers begin to question the return on investment, and that’s when they explore ServiceNow competitors or complementary tools like Virima. Virima’s seamless integration with ServiceNow offers a cost-effective alternative for automated discovery and service mapping, without the added licensing burden.

Top ServiceNow competitors for 2025

1. Ivanti Neurons for ITSM

Ideal for: Mid-size to large enterprises seeking a modular, flexible ITSM platform with lower TCO.

Ivanti Neurons is a prominent name among ServiceNow competitors. It provides a strong set of ITSM features. It is unique because of its modular design, good automation, and flexible deployment options.

Key features

• Modular ITSM architecture: Begin with core features. Then, add modules for IT Asset Management (ITAM), CMDB, change management, and more.
• Hyper-automation: Ivanti Neurons leverages machine learning and automation to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve IT issues—reducing mean time to resolution (MTTR).
• No-code/low-code customization: Build workflows, dashboards, and service catalogs without needing developer resources.
• Flexible deployment options: Available as cloud-based, on-site, or a mix of both. This is great for organizations with strict rules or mixed infrastructure needs.
• Self-healing capabilities: The platform can automatically take action on endpoint issues, like patching or restarting services, reducing support volume.
• Virima Integration: When used with Virima, Ivanti gets automated IT discovery. It also provides near real-time CMDB updates and ViVID maps. These features help visualize and improve the accuracy of service dependencies.

Benefits over ServiceNow

Ivanti competes head-to-head with ServiceNow in core ITSM features but offers several practical advantages:

• Lower cost of ownership: Ivanti’s licensing is easier to predict and more flexible. This helps companies save money if they don’t need the whole suite right away.
• Faster time to value: Deployments usually take less time and need fewer consulting resources. This is especially true when using Virima for discovery and CMDB automation.
• Simplified admin experience: With no-code interfaces, organizations avoid the complexity of ServiceNow’s scripting-heavy customization.
• Ivanti offers flexible hybrid deployment options. This gives it an advantage in regulated industries and places with strict data rules.
• Virima-enhanced CMDB: Virima adds advanced automated discovery and near real-time service mapping to Ivanti—capabilities that ServiceNow often locks behind ITOM licensing tiers.

These benefits make Ivanti a strong choice for companies looking for ServiceNow alternatives. It offers similar power but with more agility and lower costs.

Limitations

Despite its strengths, Ivanti has a few trade-offs:

• Smaller ecosystem: Compared to ServiceNow’s extensive third-party app marketplace, Ivanti has a more limited integration ecosystem.
• Fewer certified consultants: ServiceNow dominates in available certified professionals and implementation partners, which may matter for global rollouts.
• Some users think that Ivanti’s interface is not as modern or easy to use as ServiceNow’s design. This is especially true when comparing different modules.

2. Atlassian Jira Service Management

Ideal for: Agile IT teams, DevOps-driven organizations, and fast-growing businesses.

Jira Service Management (JSM) is a top choice among ServiceNow competitors. It is great for teams that want speed, flexibility, and strong DevOps integration. Built by Atlassian, it’s designed to bridge IT operations and software development.

Key Features

• DevOps-native integration: Deep ties with Jira Software, Bitbucket, and Confluence help IT teams collaborate with developers seamlessly.
• Modern, agile workflows: Supports Kanban, Scrum, and custom workflows. Easily adapt to fast-changing business needs.
• Affordable licensing: Transparent pricing and user-based tiers make it budget-friendly, especially for small to mid-size teams.
• Built-in automation rules: Use simple triggers, conditions, and actions to automate repetitive tasks.
• Self-service portal: Intuitive interface for employees to report issues and track progress.
• Virima integration: Adds full IT asset discovery, near real-time CMDB updates, and ViVID™ visuals with service mapping to extend Jira’s native capabilities.

Benefits over ServiceNow

Many organizations choose Jira Service Management over ServiceNow due to:

• Lower total cost of ownership: No need for expensive ITOM licensing. Affordable pricing across all tiers.
• Faster deployment: JSM is easier and quicker to configure. Smaller teams can go live in days, not months.
• Simplicity with power: Agile teams appreciate the balance of lightweight design and powerful automation.
• DevOps alignment: ServiceNow lacks native support for developer tools. Jira wins in environments where IT and Dev teams work closely.
• Extended CMDB with Virima: The basic native CMDB can be improved. Integrating Virima allows for automated CI discovery and service dependency mapping. This rivals ServiceNow’s ITOM suite but is less complex.

These advantages make Jira one of the most agile and cost-effective ServiceNow competitors, especially when enhanced with Virima.

Limitations

Despite its popularity, Jira Service Management may fall short in some enterprise environments:

• Limited enterprise ITIL features: JSM focuses more on speed and agility than comprehensive ITIL support.
• Basic CMDB functionality: Without tools like Virima, its CMDB lacks depth and automation.
• Scaling challenges: In large companies with strict rules or special customization needs, ServiceNow may provide better controls and governance.
• Jira is good for DevOps. However, it has fewer built-in connections with traditional IT monitoring and asset management tools.

3. HaloITSM

Ideal for: Small to mid-size organizations seeking full ITSM without high costs or complexity.

HaloITSM is rapidly gaining traction as one of the most accessible and cost-effective ServiceNow competitors. It offers a complete ITIL-aligned suite. The pricing is clear, and deployment is easy. This makes it popular with smaller teams that have big goals.

Key features

• Complete ITIL suite: Covers all core ITSM processes—incident, problem, change, release, and service request management.
• Built-in asset & CMDB management: Unified configuration and asset tracking tools ensure full IT visibility.
• AI-powered automation: Streamlines ticket triage, resolution, and routing with smart suggestions.
• Self-service portal: A Customizable portal empowers end users and reduces service desk load.
• Knowledge management: An easy-to-maintain knowledge base supports faster resolutions and deflection.
• Virima integration: Adds powerful discovery automation, near real-time CMDB updates, and dynamic ViVID™ with service mapping.

Benefits over ServiceNow

Organizations consider HaloITSM a standout among ServiceNow competitors because of:

• One-price model: All features included—no complex licensing or costly add-ons.
• Rapid implementation: Deploy in days, not months. Ideal for lean IT teams.
• Low learning curve: Intuitive interface and workflows require minimal training.
• Full ITSM + CMDB without complexity: Achieves what many seek in ServiceNow at a fraction of the cost.
• Discovery with Virima: Adds automated asset detection and deep infrastructure mapping that rivals ServiceNow’s ITOM—without extra licensing.

These features make HaloITSM a highly practical and budget-conscious alternative for IT teams looking beyond ServiceNow.

Limitations

While HaloITSM offers compelling benefits, it does have some tradeoffs:

• Scalability: May lack advanced governance and controls for complex enterprise IT environments.
• Smaller ecosystem: Fewer native integrations and community extensions compared to ServiceNow’s marketplace.
• Basic reporting: Out-of-the-box reporting may require enhancement for enterprise-level analytics.

4. Freshservice by Freshworks

Ideal for: Fast-growing IT teams that value simplicity, fast deployment, and modern design.

Freshservice is widely recognized as one of the more user-friendly ServiceNow competitors. It has a simple interface, built-in IT asset management, and a configuration management database. It also includes native AI features. All of this comes at a much lower total cost than ServiceNow.

Key features

• Freddy AI engine: Automates ticket categorization, response suggestions, and analytics.
• Integrated ITSM + ITAM: Manages services and assets in a single platform.
• CMDB + Device42 integration: Supports configuration and relationship tracking.
• Drag-and-drop workflow automation: No coding or scripting needed.
• Self-service portal: Helps deflect tickets and empowers end users.
• Omnichannel support: Tickets from email, chat, phone, and portal converge in one place.
• Virima integration: Enables near real-time IT discovery, CMDB enrichment, and ViVID™ with service mapping.

Benefits over ServiceNow

Freshservice stands out among ServiceNow competitors for several reasons:

• Cost-effective licensing: All modules are available under a simple pricing model.
• Rapid deployment: Most teams go live within weeks, not months.
• Easier for non-technical teams: Minimal training required; ideal for lean IT departments.
• Better UI/UX: Modern, intuitive interface reduces friction and increases adoption.
• Smarter discovery with Virima: Adds advanced visual CMDB mapping and automation that ServiceNow lacks without ITOM add-ons.

Limitations

Freshservice has a few trade-offs when compared to enterprise-scale tools like ServiceNow:

• Limited for complex environments: May fall short for large enterprises with high customization needs.
• Device42 dependency: Built-in discovery depends on Device42, which lacks dynamic mapping like Virima’s ViVID™. Teams exploring advanced CMDB features often evaluate Device42 competitors that offer more visual, real-time capabilities.
• Basic reporting: Reporting and analytics can be limited without external tools or premium tiers.

5. Xurrent (formerly 4Me)

Ideal for: Enterprises and MSPs looking for enterprise service management (ESM) speed, simplicity, and strong service collaboration.

Xurrent, rebranded from 4Me, is a modern ESM platform designed to support cross-enterprise workflows and managed service providers. As one of the emerging ServiceNow competitors, Xurrent emphasizes collaboration, fast performance, and effortless scalability.

Key features

• SIAM and ESM support: Designed for service integration and management (SIAM) across departments and third-party providers.
• 350ms global response time: Offers exceptional speed and uptime across regions.
• Built-in SLA tracking: Real-time SLA monitoring and compliance without custom scripts.
• Self-service portal: Consumer-style portal improves user experience and satisfaction.
• Mobile-first design: Fully responsive interface for IT teams on the go.
• AI ticket routing: Automatically assigns tickets to the right support groups.
• REST APIs & Webhooks: Makes integrations with tools like Virima and Jira seamless.

Benefits over ServiceNow

Among ServiceNow competitors, Xurrent stands out for:

• Rapid deployment: Go live in weeks instead of months—no need for a full admin team.
• Built-in ESM & SIAM: Supports shared service environments natively, without requiring custom builds.
• Lower overhead: No-code customization and built-in SLAs reduce dependency on external consultants.
• Superior user experience: Faster UI response time and intuitive design.

Limitations

Xurrent may not fit every organization’s needs:

• No native discovery or CMDB automation: Unlike other ServiceNow competitors, it lacks integrated discovery tools today.
• Advanced integrations are still evolving: Some automation and observability features require third-party integrations.
• Smaller market presence: Less brand recognition and community support than established players like ServiceNow or Ivanti.

6. BMC Helix ITSM

Ideal for: Large enterprises seeking AI-powered automation, ITIL alignment, and hybrid cloud deployment.

BMC Helix is one of the well-known ServiceNow competitors. It offers a strong ITSM suite that helps modernize complex service environments. With a deep legacy in IT management, BMC Helix combines traditional ITSM with next-gen technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

Key features

• AI-powered service management: Built-in cognitive automation and chatbot support.
• Multi-cloud service delivery: Works seamlessly across AWS, Azure, GCP, or on-premise.
• Native discovery and CMDB: Helix Discovery maps assets, dependencies, and services.
• ITIL v4 certified: Fully aligned with industry best practices.
• Predictive service management: Uses historical data to predict and prevent incidents.
• Proactive problem management: Auto-identifies root causes and suggests remediation.
• Virima integration: Enhances service mapping with ViVID™ visual maps and near real-time CMDB updates.

Benefits over ServiceNow

BMC Helix stands out among ServiceNow competitors in several areas:

• Flexible deployment: Supports SaaS, on-prem, and hybrid—ideal for complex IT estates.
• Built-in AI capabilities: Eliminate the need for expensive add-ons to achieve automation.
• Advanced discovery: Native Helix Discovery is strong, and Virima integration adds further granularity.
• Customization options: Offers robust configuration without compromising upgradeability.
• Lower TCO for large deployments: Licensing can be more cost-effective at scale compared to ServiceNow.

Limitations

Despite its strengths, BMC Helix isn’t a perfect fit for every organization:

• Steeper learning curve: Interface and admin console are more complex than newer platforms.
• Longer deployment times: Large-scale deployments can take months.
• Higher upfront investment: Cost-effective over time, but initial setup and consulting fees can be high.
• UI less intuitive: Compared to newer ServiceNow competitors, it may feel dated.

7. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

Ideal for: Mid-sized organizations seeking an affordable, all-in-one ITSM and ITAM solution.

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is one of the most established ServiceNow competitors in the mid-market space. It offers a complete ITSM platform. This includes asset management, a built-in CMDB, and automation. All of this is available at a much lower cost than ServiceNow.

Key Features

• Unified ITSM + ITAM platform: Incident, problem, change, and asset management in one tool.
• Built-In CMDB: Tracks CMDB configuration items and their relationships.
• Workflow automation: Drag-and-drop builder simplifies approvals and escalations.
• Self-service portal: Intuitive user interface with a knowledge base.
• On-prem or cloud options: Choose the deployment that fits your environment.
• Virima integration: Adds powerful discovery, CMDB auto-updates, and dynamic service mapping.

Benefits over ServiceNow

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus offers several advantages that position it as a leading ServiceNow competitor:

• Lower total cost of ownership: Budget-friendly licensing for ITSM, ITAM, and CMDB features.
• Faster time to value: Easier to configure and deploy—ideal for smaller IT teams.
• Integrated asset management: No need for third-party ITAM tools.
• CMDB automation with Virima: Enables near real-time visibility and ViVID™ service mapping.

Limitations

While it’s a top-tier alternative, ManageEngine also has some constraints:

• Less suitable for large enterprises: Lacks the scale and advanced features of enterprise-level platforms.
• Basic native discovery: Discovery tools are limited unless enhanced with Virima.
• Customization limits: Advanced customization can be challenging compared to ServiceNow.

Which ServiceNow features are overkill or underdelivered?

ServiceNow is a strong player in the ITSM market. However, many organizations say that some of its best features do not meet expectations. They also find that these features need a lot of investment to provide full value. These issues often drive organizations to evaluate ServiceNow competitors that can deliver targeted functionality with less cost and complexity.

1. ITOM discovery and service mapping – high cost, low ROI

ServiceNow’s CMDB is powerful on paper, but customers often find it underdelivers without expensive add-ons. To make the CMDB useful, you need to buy and set up ServiceNow ITOM Discovery and Service Mapping. These tools require separate licenses and can be complex to implement.

“We had to spend more on professional services than on the license just to get our CMDB partially operational. Even then, it still doesn’t give us a clear map of service dependencies.”

— Gartner Peer Insights Reviewer, Large Financial Services Firm (source)

Many people choose ServiceNow competitors like Virima, Ivanti, or HaloITSM. These options provide automated discovery and service mapping at a lower cost. They do not need extra modules or long deployment times.

2. Licensing complexity – overwhelming for IT teams

ServiceNow has a modular pricing strategy. This means that features like Change Management, ITOM, CMDB, and Asset Management are licensed separately. This à la carte model often leads to big budget overruns. Teams realize what is not included in their basic ITSM purchase.

In contrast, ServiceNow‘s competitors like Freshservice, Jira Service Management, and ManageEngine have clearer pricing. They bundle most ITSM features together. This simpler approach is attractive to mid-sized organizations and IT teams seeking predictability in cost and scope.

3. Implementation time – long and resource-heavy

ServiceNow implementations can take 6–12 months or longer, often requiring a dedicated team or third-party consulting partners. According to Forrester, average ServiceNow deployment timelines exceed 9 months for enterprise-level CMDB and ITOM implementations (source).

Some ServiceNow competitors, like Xurrent, HaloITSM, and JSM, provide full deployment. This includes discovery and CMDB visualization in less than 60 days.

4. Overengineered for mid-market use cases

Many organizations discover that ServiceNow is more than they need. Its workflows, data models, and integration frameworks are built for highly regulated, global enterprises. Mid-market IT teams often report that they use less than 30% of ServiceNow’s capabilities, yet pay for all of them.

“We spent nearly $500K per year on ServiceNow, but 80% of our tickets were handled through basic workflows. We switched to Ivanti and Virima, saving over $300K annually with no loss in functionality.”

— IT Director, Manufacturing Firm (via Virima case archive)

That’s why ServiceNow competitors like Freshservice, ManageEngine, and Jira Service Management are gaining popularity, especially when paired with Virima to add advanced discovery, CMDB management, and service visualization.

Why use Virima with ServiceNow?

Virima supercharges ServiceNow with automated discovery, real-time CMDB updates, and visual service mapping. It fills the gaps in ServiceNow’s ITOM suite at a lower cost and with faster implementation. If you’re struggling with CMDB accuracy or discovery coverage, Virima is your go-to ServiceNow companion.

How Virima complements ServiceNow?

ServiceNow is powerful, but it often requires expensive ITOM modules and manual processes to realize its full value. That’s where Virima Discovery and Service Mapping come in.

“We see teams spending too much time trying to make the CMDB work manually. With Virima, our ServiceNow clients get clean data and visual context, fast.”
— Virima Product Team

Architecture diagram showing Virima integration with ServiceNow. Virima auto-discovers assets across IT and cloud environments, sends discovery and service mapping data to ServiceNow CMDB via API.

Key benefits

1. Automated discovery without ITOM licensing

Virima provides agentless and agent-based discovery of infrastructure, software, and cloud assets. Unlike ServiceNow, it doesn’t require costly ITOM licenses to get started.

2. Near real-time CMDB updates

Virima synchronizes directly with ServiceNow’s CMDB. Changes to assets or relationships are reflected automatically, keeping data clean and actionable.

3. Virima Visual Service Mapping (ViVID™)

Virima’s ViVID diagrams give visual insights into app dependencies and service relationships. This complements ServiceNow’s static CMDB views.

A digital diagram showcasing Virima’s service mapping.

4. Faster implementation, lower TCO

Virima deploys in weeks, not months. Its licensing model is transparent, and it delivers strong ROI compared to ServiceNow Discovery.

5. Enhances governance and compliance

With Virima’s consistent visibility and audit trails, IT leaders improve risk management, audits, and incident resolution—all within their existing ServiceNow environment.

Feature comparison: Virima + ServiceNow vs. ServiceNow

Making the most of ServiceNow competitors with Virima

Choosing the right ITSM platform isn’t just about replacing ServiceNow—it’s about finding smarter, more cost-effective solutions that align with your business needs. Whether you’re considering Ivanti, Jira Service Management, HaloITSM, Freshservice, or BMC Helix, many ServiceNow competitors offer compelling value with easier deployment, lower costs, and greater flexibility.

But no matter which platform you choose, one challenge remains universal: keeping the CMDB accurate and your IT operations visible in real time.

That’s where Virima stands apart. Whether you’re using ServiceNow or evaluating its alternatives, Virima’s automated discovery, dependency mapping, and visualization tools strengthen your CMDB and deliver operational clarity. By integrating with ServiceNow and top ServiceNow competitors alike, Virima ensures your environment stays aligned, agile, and audit-ready.

Ready to simplify CMDB management and maximize ITSM ROI?
Book a demo with Virima today and see how we complement ServiceNow and its leading competitors with intelligent discovery and mapping.

FAQs: Common questions about ServiceNow competitors and Virima

Q1: What are the top ServiceNow alternatives for CMDB and discovery?
A: Ivanti, Jira Service Management, ManageEngine, Freshservice, and Virima are leading options. Many pair Virima with ServiceNow to improve CMDB accuracy.

Q2: Does Virima replace ServiceNow?
A: No. Virima complements ServiceNow by improving discovery and CMDB performance, especially for teams not using expensive ITOM modules.

Q3: How is Virima better than ServiceNow Discovery?
A: Virima offers broader discovery, real-time updates, ViVID visual maps, and lower licensing costs.

Q4: How long does it take to integrate Virima with ServiceNow?
A: Most implementations complete in 2–4 weeks, including discovery and CMDB syncing.

Q5: What does Virima cost compared to ServiceNow ITOM?
A: Virima is significantly more cost-effective. It avoids per-user or CI-tiered licensing that can drive up ServiceNow costs.