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Utilities · head to head

CrystalDiskInfo vs GParted

CrystalDiskInfo logo

CrystalDiskInfo

Utilities

Free Windows tool that reads S.M.A.R.T. data from drives and warns before they fail

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GParted logo

GParted

Utilities

Graphical partition editor for disks

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CrystalDiskInfo many USB enclosures do not pass S.M.A.R.T. commands through, so external drives often report nothing at all and users read that as a healthy result.; GParted partition operations risk data loss, and a backup before use is not optional advice
  • They diverge on capability: CrystalDiskInfo covers S.M.A.R.T. reporting, GParted covers Graphical partitioning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 31 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CrystalDiskInfo and GParted actually diverge.

Attributes where CrystalDiskInfo and GParted differ
AttributeCrystalDiskInfoGParted
PlatformsWindowsLinux, Live USB

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Open source, no licence fee), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Utilities).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CrystalDiskInfo

  • S.M.A.R.T. reporting
  • NVMe support
  • Threshold alerts
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Standard and Shizuku editions
  • MIT licensed

Only in GParted

  • Graphical partitioning
  • Wide filesystem support
  • Live boot image
  • Queued operations

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CrystalDiskInfo

  • Checking the true condition of a second-hand drive before trusting data to itnot GParted
  • Watching SSD endurance on write-heavy machines such as build servers and video workstationsnot GParted
  • Getting early warning of mechanical failure while a backup can still be takennot GParted
  • Auditing power-on hours and wear across a small fleet of machines one at a timenot GParted

GParted

  • Resizing a system partition, booted from the live imagenot CrystalDiskInfo
  • Preparing disk layout before installing an operating systemnot CrystalDiskInfo
  • Recovering space or repairing partition tables on a failing disknot CrystalDiskInfo

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CrystalDiskInfo

  • Many USB enclosures do not pass S.M.A.R.T. commands through, so external drives often report nothing at all and users read that as a healthy result.
  • It is Windows only, and there is no central console, so checking a fleet means visiting each machine or scripting an alternative.
  • A good status is not a prediction: drives fail suddenly with clean attributes, and treating the summary as an assurance leads people to skip backups.
  • The Shizuku edition ships anime artwork and voice packs, which is unsuitable on company machines and is often downloaded by mistake because it is the more visible option.
  • Vendors define raw attribute values inconsistently, so the same number means different things on different drives and the detailed view needs interpretation to be useful.

GParted

  • Partition operations risk data loss, and a backup before use is not optional advice
  • Cannot safely modify mounted partitions, so system drives require booting the live image
  • Large move and resize operations can take hours and must not be interrupted
  • The interface is functional rather than reassuring, which matters for an operation this consequential

Pricing, plan by plan

CrystalDiskInfo

Free
  • CrystalDiskInfoFree
    • MIT licensed
    • Commercial use permitted
    • All features in the free download

GParted

Free
  • GPartedFree
    • Full functionality
    • No usage limits
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose CrystalDiskInfo if

  • You need s.m.a.r.t. reporting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want nvme support.
CrystalDiskInfo review

Choose GParted if

  • You need graphical partitioning.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Live USB.
  • You also want wide filesystem support.
GParted review

Questions people ask

Is CrystalDiskInfo or GParted better?
Neither clearly leads. CrystalDiskInfo starts at Free and GParted at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CrystalDiskInfo or GParted?
CrystalDiskInfo starts at Free and GParted at Free.
Does CrystalDiskInfo or GParted run on more platforms?
CrystalDiskInfo runs on Windows. GParted runs on Linux, Live USB.
Can I use CrystalDiskInfo for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is CrystalDiskInfo best used for?
CrystalDiskInfo is most often used for checking the true condition of a second-hand drive before trusting data to it, watching ssd endurance on write-heavy machines such as build servers and video workstations, getting early warning of mechanical failure while a backup can still be taken, auditing power-on hours and wear across a small fleet of machines one at a time. Of those, checking the true condition of a second-hand drive before trusting data to it and watching ssd endurance on write-heavy machines such as build servers and video workstations are not what GParted is typically brought in for.
What can CrystalDiskInfo do that GParted cannot?
CrystalDiskInfo covers S.M.A.R.T. reporting, NVMe support, Threshold alerts, Temperature monitoring. GParted covers Graphical partitioning, Wide filesystem support, Live boot image, Queued operations.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CrystalDiskInfo: Can I use it in a business?

Yes. It is MIT licensed with no personal-use restriction, which distinguishes it from several other free Windows utilities.

GParted: Is GParted free?

Yes, open source under the GPL.

CrystalDiskInfo: Why does my external drive show no data?

Most USB bridge chips do not pass S.M.A.R.T. commands through. Connecting the drive directly by SATA or NVMe usually reveals the attributes.

GParted: Can GParted resize my system drive?

Not while it is mounted. Boot the GParted live USB image, which runs independently of the installed system.

CrystalDiskInfo: Does a caution status mean I should replace the drive immediately?

It means an attribute has crossed a vendor threshold, most often reallocated sectors. Back up now, then decide. It is a warning, not a countdown.

GParted: Is it safe?

The operations are consequential and interruption during a move or resize can lose data. Back up before using it, every time.

CrystalDiskInfo: What is the difference between the editions?

Function is identical. The Shizuku edition adds themed artwork and voice packs; the standard edition is the plain one you want on a work machine.

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