We’ve looked at the leading review sites, weighed the pros and cons of top RMM software vendors, and evaluated them using a unique formula to develop this guide of the top RMM software in the market today.
What is remote monitoring & management (RMM) software?
Remote monitoring and management, or RMM in short, is software widely used by many managed services providers (MSPs) today. As its name suggests, an RMM allows your organization to gather information from multiple endpoints and networks remotely and perform various remote IT management tasks on them without disruption.
The benefits of an RMM are priceless, especially as more and more teams become remote and distributed. One study by Upwork suggested that an estimated 32.6 million Americans, or around 22% of the workforce, will be working remotely by 2025. Given this, it makes sense that your IT department needs to evolve as well to combine many of its core functions into a single solution.
Still, finding the right RMM solution for your MSP requires research. Keep in mind that no two RMMs are the same, and the most ideal software is one that can successfully address your business requirements. This article will help you navigate the complexities of each solution available today and understand which features are included in the top RMM solutions.
Table of Contents
Best RMM software
5 Important components of RMM software solutions
RMM software is an effective way for MSPs of all sizes to streamline and organize their IT management. RMM solutions revolutionized how IT technicians work, enabling them to actively monitor and manage IT assets, wherever they are in the world. This proactive management allows them to fix issues before they become bigger problems.
Important components of the top RMM software include:
Remote access and support
Your RMM needs to be remote – and efficient in being so. Ideally, an RMM solution should enable secure remote access to your IT network (and all the endpoints, routers, switches, servers, and virtual machines within that infrastructure) so your IT technicians can easily detect issues and troubleshoot. Most importantly, these actions need to be done in the background so that your end users are never disturbed as they complete their own tasks.
A good RMM should also be fast, even as you continually add devices to your network. When conducting your vendor risk assessment, it’s a good idea to check how well your intended solution performs with multiple device types. One of the most common mistakes many MSPs make is assuming that they need the same solution all the time. Keep in mind that as your business grows and evolves, your RMM should do the same.
Patch management
Arguably, patch management is the most important function of an RMM. Patch management involves identifying, acquiring, testing, and installing patches in all the applications each endpoint has. The goal of patching is to fix bugs, enhance security, and ensure all devices are updated with the latest software. This is particularly important if you’re currently managing multiple endpoints and want to avoid redundancy or missed software updates.
Your RMM should have a reliable and consistent patch management policy that allows you to automate patching and gives you some control over the patch management process.
Protect your systems with the #1 patch management solution by NinjaOne.
Integrations and API support
A great remote monitoring and management solution supports multiple integrations with the tools and technologies commonly used by MSPs, from professional services automation (PSA) to endpoint security integrations. This helps you avoid hodgepodge-like solutions that may overlap and force you to pay more for the same offering. Rather than speaking with multiple third-party vendors for everything that you need, your RMM should offer an all-in-one solution that allows customization and integration with existing workflows.
While not a core function, you should also consider your intended RMM’s business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Having a backup and recovery plan for all your integrations allows you to work with more confidence, as you know that you can work without disruption, even during emergencies.
Automated workflow
One of the main goals of an RMM is to automate repetitive, tedious tasks so that your IT technicians can focus on other projects. By limiting the need for manual intervention, you not only reduce human error and free your IT technicians to perform higher-level tasks.
These automations are usually common IT tasks, such as installing patches, running scripts, and creating and responding to tickets. Moreover, these automated workflows should allow you to actively manage third-party endpoint security products and backup solutions.
Scalability
An effective RMM should help you grow. As mentioned earlier, it is always important to consider your business trajectory and your possible future needs. Keep in mind that a specific product may look great at the beginning but may no longer be as effective or efficient in the future. When considering a vendor, it’s best practice to ask them about their support down the line. Your chosen vendor should be invested in your growth, and offer a custom, scalable solution.
Other things to consider
Recall that the overall goal of an RMM tool is visibility: Your IT technicians need comprehensive insight into your IT environment. This helps them proactively manage and resolve IT issues so that they can allocate their time more wisely to higher-value tasks.
“Proactive” must be emphasized here: Your chosen RMM must provide the tools you need to pre-emptively address threats and keep your IT network as healthy as possible.
As such, when looking for an RMM solution, you should always prioritize how your chosen solution fits into your overall IT strategy. It’s also wise to research on how much RMM software can cost so that you can make a more informed decision for your organization.
Keep this in mind when browsing through these top 10 RMM solutions for MSPs.
Compare the top remote monitoring & management (RMM) solutions
G2 & Capterra data as of August 2024
1. NinjaOne RMM
NinjaOne is an endpoint management company trusted by 17,000+ customers worldwide. NinjaOne’s RMM solution simplifies work by managing and securing all your Windows, macOS, and Linux devices in a single pane of glass.
By automating the hardest parts of IT to deliver visibility, security, and control over your IT estate, NinjaOne has a proven track record of providing radical efficiency from day one.
With its healthy obsession with your success (helping it consistently rank #1 in customer support), you can realize better business outcomes with a hands-on team that is passionately single-minded in building your future with you.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 98 CSAT (customer satisfaction score)
- 95% of Ninja customers experience increase IT efficiency with automation.
- 94% of clients reduced ticket volumes and ticket resolution times.
- 93% saved time on software deployment.
- 93% saved time on patching.
- 70% reduced vulnerabilities in their environment by 75%.
- 30-minute average first-response time (compared to 12+ hours average from competitors).
What users say
Corey Harris, director of IT at Hogan Technology, expressed concerns about their current RMM solution and his team’s administrative burdens. Sean Hogan, President of Hogan, heard that their existing RMM “wasn’t worth the investment” and knew he needed to make a change. With Harris’ suggestion, Hogan turned to NinjaOne and said that his IT team improved efficiency in just 30 days—with zero disruptions to their clients.
“With our previous solution, I could never be sure that our devices were fully patched and updated,” said Harris. “With NinjaOne, I know exactly what’s going on in our network, and I know 100% that the data I’m giving my team is accurate.”
Read more NinjaOne customer stories.
Manage and monitor your Windows devices
NinjaOne reviews on G2
| Category | NinjaOne Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,205) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.6 |
| Quality of Support | 9.4 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 |
NinjaOne reviews on Capterra
| Category | NinjaOne Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (213) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 93% |
2. Hexnode
Hexnode is a well-known unified device management solution that offers a wide range of remote management and monitoring tools for IT enterprises of all sizes. According to its website, it works with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, tvOS, and Fire OS devices.
Many business leaders choose Hexnode for its complete management of multiple devices in a centralized dashboard. Because of its zero-touch enrollment methods, IT companies can enroll their devices in bulk and easily integrate ABM or ASM to enroll Apple devices.
Use cases
- Unified policy management
- Zero-touch deployment
- Remote troubleshooting
Shortcomings
- Some G2 users have stated that Hexnode could improve its customer support.
- According to G2 users, Hexnode is less intuitive than other vendors on this list.
- Hexnode is better suited for more experienced IT personnel.
Hexnode reviews on G2
| Category | Hexnode Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (189) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.2 |
| Quality of Support | 9.3 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.1 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 |
Hexnode reviews on Capterra
| Category | Hexnode Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (115) |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.6 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 90% |
3. Pulseway
Pulseway markets itself as an all-in-one RMM software that helps IT technicians monitor and manage all devices from a smartphone, tablet, or browser.
Designed for IT companies of all sizes, Pulseway helps you monitor and manage your servers, workstations, and network devices in a single console. It provides customizable and real-time alerts to reduce security vulnerabilities and help IT professionals immediately remediate threats.
Use cases
- Centralized management
- IT automation
- Patch management
Shortcomings
- Pulseway could improve the performance of some of its functionalities, such as its background scripting.
- According to some G2 users, Pulseway has a steep learning curve, especially for macOS and Linux devices.
- Its remote access tool could be further enhanced.
Pulseway reviews on G2
| Category | Pulseway Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (60) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 8.3 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.1 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 |
Pulseway reviews on Capterra
| Category | Pulseway Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (182) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 90% |
4. GoTo Resolve
GoTo Resolve (formerly GoTo Assist) is a unified RMM built specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. It considers itself an affordable solution with a zero-trust architecture.
Its platform leverages automation to improve operational efficiency. GoTo Resolve automates workflows and task management processes, requiring no scripting knowledge, so almost anyone can use it. This makes it suitable for startups. It can also run the most common automated tasks with pre-developed step types.
Use cases
- Zero-trust architecture
- Ticketing
- Automation
Shortcomings
- G2 users have said that the software performs slowly, especially when adding more endpoints.
- GoTo Resolve could improve its remote access tool.
- According to G2 users, GoTo Resolve has multiple technical issues, from random screen freezes to glitches.
| Category | GoTo Resolve Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.4 out of 5 (436) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.8 |
| Quality of Support | 8.7 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 |
GoTo Resolve reviews on Capterra
| Category | GoTo Resolve Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.4 out of 5 (198) |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1 |
| Features | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 85% |
5. OptiTune
OptiTune is a cloud-based RMM that allows users to deploy apps, install updates, check for malware, and view performance data, among other things. It is generally targeted toward small- to medium-sized businesses.
Running on the cloud, OptiTune can be accessed from any device and wherever there is internet access. It works even with devices behind firewalls and proxies as long as they can make an outgoing HTTPS connection to any of OptiTune’s global servers.
Use cases
- Remote support
- Real-time monitoring and alerting
- Patch management
Shortcomings
- Based on some user comments, OptiTune could revamp its user interface.
- It also has limited Mac support.
- OptiTune takes time to learn and master.
OptiTune reviews on G2
| Category | OptiTune Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3 out of 5 (5) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.3 |
| Quality of Support | 10 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.4 |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 |
OptiTune reviews on Capterra
| Category | OptiTune Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3 out of 5 (14) |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 |
| Customer Service | 4.1 |
| Features | 4.1 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 82% |
6. Auvik
Auvik is a cloud-based network management platform designed specifically for IT teams. Its solution includes automated backup, device lifecycle information, preconfigured and custom alerts, and remote firewalls.
Its cloud-based software uses automation to perform various tasks from a single dashboard. With this end-to-end visibility of your IT network, Auvik allows you to identify, catch, and resolve issues before they offer any organizational impact.
Use cases
- Single pane of glass
- Automatic backups
- Centralized syslog
Shortcomings
- According to G2 users, Auvik has a steep learning curve.
- Its platform could improve its mobile support.
- Some G2 users have stated that Auvik’s alerting tool can become complex for new users.
Auvik reviews on G2
| Category | Auvik Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (315) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 8.9 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.7 |
| Ease of Use | 8.7 |
Auvik reviews on Capterra
| Category | Auvik Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (73) |
| Ease of Use | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 4.6 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 88% |
7. Syncro
Syncro (Servably, Inc.) provides an integrated business platform that combines RSA, RMM, and a remote access tool in one dashboard. It markets itself toward “modern MSPs” who want to scale their business.
As an all-in-one tool, it is suitable for MSPs with a limited IT budget. Business leaders have stated in Capterra that Syncro helps them easily monitor and manage their fleets. Nevertheless, based on reviews from both G2 and Capterra, Syncro encounters some challenges when adding more endpoints to a network.
Use cases
- Patch management
- Remote access
- PSA
Shortcomings
- Syncro could add more integrations, as recommended by several G2 users.
- Some G2 users have said that the company could also improve its customer support.
- Its mobile support could be revamped.
SyncroMSP reviews on G2
| Category | SyncroMSP Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (139) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 8.3 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 8.9 |
SyncroMSP reviews on Capterra
| Category | SyncroMSP Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (76) |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 91% |
8. Action1
Action1 is relatively new to the market but is already making waves with its simple-to-use RMM solution. The company also allows users to monitor and manage their Windows endpoints from the cloud for free for up to 50 systems.
One of its more robust features is its unified patch management of third-party software, OSs, and custom apps. Using real-time assessment of missing patches and compliance status, Action1 users can keep their IT networks safe and secure without needing a VPN for remote, off-site patching.
Use cases
- Patch management
- Vulnerability remediation
- Software repository
Shortcomings
- Action1 could add more features, such as Mac support and mobile device management (MDM).
- According to some G2 users, its remote access tool could be improved.
- Some G2 users have stated that Action1 is less intuitive than expected.
Action1 reviews on G2
| Category | Action1 Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.9 out of 5 (240) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.6 |
| Quality of Support | 9.4 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 |
Action1 reviews on Capterra
| Category | Action1 Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.9 out of 5 (115) |
| Ease of Use | 4.8 |
| Customer Service | 4.9 |
| Features | 4.7 |
| Value for Money | 4.9 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 96% |
9. Atera
Atera offers an all-in-one RMM solution that enables IT enterprises to monitor, analyze, and access their clients’ devices, computers, and systems in one dashboard. It provides a wide range of features, including ticketing, reporting, helpdesk, and patch management.
Atera is a widely known RMM that supports multiple IT companies worldwide. It allows businesses to monitor unlimited devices, requiring only 5 minutes to onboard. In addition, its RMM platform offers full visibility and control so that IT teams can proactively manage their endpoints with a single tool.
Use cases
- Helpdesk and ticketing
- Real-time monitoring and management
- Patch management
Shortcomings
- G2 users have stated that Atera could improve its customer support.
- It’s better suited for smaller organizations.
- Atera features are not as customizable as expected.
Atera reviews on G2
| Category | Atera Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (591) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.2 |
| Quality of Support | 9.0 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.0 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 |
Atera reviews on Capterra
| Category | Atera Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (374) |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 4.6 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 89% |
10. Naverisk
Naverisk offers an all-in-one platform IT services automation suite either on-premises or through the cloud. Its RMM solution offers full support for Windows, Linux, macOS, and SNMP devices.
Specifically for RMM, Naverisk helps you identify and resolve issues before they become bigger problems. It provides tools for device and network monitoring, alerting, auditing, patching, reporting, workflow, automation, and scripting, among other tasks. It also integrates with leading remote tools to proactively manage and maintain your IT fleet.
Use cases
- Real-time monitoring and alerting
- IT services automation
- Integrations
Shortcomings
- Some G2 users have said that Naverisk’s search functionality could be further improved.
- According to G2 users, its ticketing tool can become complex to use and understand.
- Its user interface could be enhanced.
Naverisk reviews on G2
| Category | Naverisk Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (66) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.5 |
| Quality of Support | 9.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.2 |
| Ease of Use | 9.1 |
Naverisk reviews on Capterra
| Category | Naverisk Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (92) |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.8 |
| Features | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.8 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 91% |
Comparison of RMM software solutions for MSPs (G2)
| Category | NinjaOne | Hexnode | Pulseway | GoTo Resolve | OptiTune | Auvik | Syncro | Action1 | Atera | Naverisk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,205) | 4.6 out of 5 (189) | 4.5 out of 5 (60) | 4.4 out of 5 (436) | 4.3 out of 5 (5) | 4.5 out of 5 (315) | 4.6 out of 5 (139) | 4.9 out of 5 (240) | 4.6 out of 5 (591) | 4.7 out of 5 (66) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.6 | 9.2 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 9.1 | 9.1 | 9.6 | 9.2 | 9.5 |
| Quality of Support | 9.4 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 10 | 8.9 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 | 9.1 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
Comparison of RMM software solutions for MSPs (Capterra)
| Category | NinjaOne | Hexnode | Pulseway | GoTo Resolve | OptiTune | Auvik | Syncro | Action1 | Atera | Naverisk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (213) | 4.7 out of 5 (115) | 4.7 out of 5 (182) | 4.4 out of 5 (198) | 4.3 out of 5 (14) | 4.6 out of 5 (73) | 4.7 out of 5 (76) | 4.9 out of 5 (115) | 4.6 out of 5 (374) | 4.8 out of 5 (92) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Likelihood to Recommend | 93% | 90% | 90% | 85% | 82% | 88% | 91% | 96% | 89% | 91% |
Final scores and summaries of the top RMM software solutions
| Vendor | Final Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| NinjaOne | 2.174 | NinjaOne is a market leader in remote monitoring and management and with good reason. Countless users have experienced a significant improvement in their productivity with a solution that grows with them. |
| Atera | 1.695 | Atera is an excellent tool that many users have lauded for its cost-effectiveness. Still, it does have its limitations, particularly with its integration capabilities and customization options. |
| GoTo Resolve | 1.335 | A great RMM for businesses looking for a well-known solution. Many users have stated that they have used GoTo Resolve for years, and can still meet their business needs even today. |
| Action1 | 1.127 | Many users love that Action1 is easy to deploy and use. While the solution can experience some random technical glitches, it does not take away from its overall performance. |
| Auvik | 1.106 | Auvik is a comprehensive platform built for larger IT enterprises. While it is robust enough, it does not offer many out-of-the-box features and may charge extra for add-ons and integrations. |
| Hexnode | 1.038 | A decent solution for MSPs of all sizes offers many features that help IT technicians do their tasks more efficiently. |
| Pulseway | 0.969 | The solution may be suitable for MSPs looking for an easy-to-use and feature-rich RMM. However, the cost can be on the high side, especially for SMBs. |
| SyncroMSP | 0.947 | The solution is a reliable tool that is relatively fast for most tasks. Nevertheless, it may be better suited for smaller MSPs that do not require that many features. |
| Naverisk | 0.906 | Naverisk is still a decent option to consider, though it may fall short on its functionality and customer support. |
| Optitune | 0.696 | Though lacking in reviews, OptiTune’s solution is considered by its users to be an impressive tool that is both flexible and customizable. |
Our top RMM rankings formula
To derive the final score for each vendor, we employed a weighted formula that takes into account various metrics. Here’s how it breaks down:
Final Score = w1 * G2 Overall Star Rating + w2 * Capterra Overall Star Rating + w3 * G2 Good Partner in Doing Business + w4 * Capterra Likelihood to Recommend + w5 * G2 Total Number of Reviews (Scaled) + w6 * Capterra Total Number of Reviews (Scaled) + Other Factors
Where:
w1 = 0.15 (Weight for G2 Overall Star Rating)
w2 = 0.15 (Weight for Capterra Overall Star Rating)
w3 = 0.2 (Weight for G2 Good Partner in Doing Business)
w4 = 0.2 (Weight for Capterra Likelihood to Recommend)
w5 = 0.1 (Weight for G2 Total Number of Reviews, Scaled)
w6 = 0.1 (Weight for Capterra Total Number of Reviews, Scaled)
Other Factors include additional metrics like ease of use, each multiplied by their corresponding weights:
w7 = 0.05 (Weight for G2 Ease of Use)
w8 = 0.05 (Weight for Capterra Ease of Use)
Choosing from the top RMM solutions
As with any software, selecting the right RMM requires diligent evaluation of your business needs. Some products may look good on paper but may not be what you actually need. That’s why you should always take advantage of free trials to experience the specific features of every RMM you are considering for yourself.
NinjaOne’s IT management software has no forced commitments and no hidden fees. If you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.
