Businesses increasingly depend on various technologies, from specialized applications to complex networks. This growing reliance on technology also comes with a surge in vulnerabilities, creating numerous opportunities for errors to be exploited. Businesses must take proactive measures to secure their IT environment, and one effective way is through the use of patch management software.
Why you need patch management
Patching minimizes security vulnerabilities in software and systems. By proactively addressing flaws, you improve the stability and performance of your IT network and maintain compliance with many regulatory and industry standards.
Poor or insufficient patch management can expose your organization to several significant risks, including:
- Security breaches. The most recent data from IBM’s cost of data breaches report found that the global average total cost of a data breach is $4.45 million—a massive 15% increase over 3 years.
- Non-compliance fees. In the same study, it was found that breaches cost almost $220,000 more on average when noncompliance with regulations is a factor in the event. This is why 47% of risk executives are “very concerned” about their company’s ability to mitigate compliance and regulatory risk, according to the latest PwC Pulse Survey of CROs and Risk Management Leaders.
- Ransomware attacks. Cybercrime and security data from Statista suggests that ransomware attacks on US enterprises caused business interruptions for an average length of 24 days. Aside from noting any possible financial impact these interruptions could contribute to more dissatisfied clients, compliance fines, and privacy concerns—all of which could cause irreparable damage to your organization’s reputation.
- Software running on previous versions. The benefits of software updates cannot be overstated. Software updates are, essentially, refinements or enhancements of a software program. These updates are designed to rectify any bugs, improve security features and functionality, and optimize performance.
To navigate the complex landscape of IT vulnerabilities, it’s crucial to understand what features make for the best patch management software for your specific business needs. Read on to learn how patch management software can provide robust solutions for risk management and simplify the patching process.
Important features for patch management software
Modern patch management solutions supply a variety of helpful features to assist you in patching your systems, devices, and IT infrastructure. Important features of patch management software include:
Operating system support
This could potentially be considered one of the most important features to initially take into account when searching for a patch management solution. Whether your devices use Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems, you’ll want to make sure that the patch management software you choose supports the existing systems in your IT environment. The ability to tackle all patching, whether it’s various types of OS or third-party applications, using a single solution helps to reduce complexity and costs.
Automation
IT operations teams have a high number and volume of tasks they complete each day. Patch management should be a high priority, but according to Microsoft, 68% of organizations impacted by ransomware attacks did not have an effective patch management process in place. Automation can ensure it’s a task that never gets forgotten. Let the software do the manual work required for patch management by setting up automatic scanning for vulnerabilities and automatic patch deployment. This will make the patching process less prone to human errors and result in more consistency and reliability
Customization
IT systems vary widely across businesses. Patch management software solutions that offer customization give you the opportunity to create a unique patch management system for your organization. Customization for when the software scans for vulnerabilities, responds to the scan results and deploys patches can help reduce the unique security risks your organization faces.
Rebooting
Options for rebooting systems can be another helpful feature. Depending on the level of the patch, many patches require a reboot of the system after applying a patch to the software because they cannot be modified while they are either open or in use. Patch management software can provide options for when this reboot happens. It can force a reboot, tell a system to not reboot, or postpone and schedule when the reboot should occur.
Auditing & Reporting
Assess the performance of the patch management solution and evaluate your organization’s patch management process using patch management audits and reports. This feature gives you insight into how effective the software is across the IT environment and helps you identify areas that could use improvement.
How to consider your needs for patch management software
As you navigate the process of choosing the right patch management software, it’s important to have a well-rounded understanding of your organization’s specific needs. This isn’t just a technical checklist; it’s a holistic view of your operational landscape. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive into key considerations that should be on your radar. These include the variety of devices in your network, the number of remote employees you have, how to handle third-party application patching, what to look for in terms of reliability, the quality of customer support, and finally, the software’s ease of administration and use. Each of these elements plays a vital role in ensuring you select a patch management solution that’s not just compatible but truly effective for your IT environment.
Device Mix
Does your IT environment consist of devices running exclusively on Windows OS, or does it include a mix of Windows, macOS, and Linux? Make sure that the patch management software you choose has the ability to apply patches to all devices in your organization’s IT environment.
Number of field/remote employees
Does your workforce only work at a single location, or are they spread out and work remotely? If you only have an on-prem patching solution, it’s not as ideal for remote and distributed employees compared to a remote patching solution. Enable patching to all devices, no matter their location, by choosing a remote patch management software solution that’s agent-based and doesn’t require a VPN.
Third-party application patching
What third-party applications are you running on your devices? Unfortunately, bugs or vulnerabilities aren’t limited to the operating system and original manufacturer apps. They can also occur in third-party applications that are installed on your endpoints, which is why it’s essential to find patch management software that has third-party patching capabilities.
Reliability
It’s important that the chosen patch management vendor is viewed as a reliable business partner. The vendor’s capability to provide timely and effective software updates is a key factor to consider. Additionally, the vendor’s reputation, their commitment to customer service, and their ability to adapt to the changing technological landscape should not be overlooked. This approach will ensure that the selected vendor is not just a provider, but a partner in maintaining the security and efficiency of one’s IT infrastructure.
Quality of support
The selection of a patch management vendor ought to be approached with a comprehensive evaluation of the support offered. Research has highlighted that the capability of a vendor to distribute software updates promptly and efficiently is of paramount importance (FDIC). The degree of responsiveness and communication concerning vulnerabilities from the vendor also plays a significant role in risk management comprehension (NIST). In addition, it’s recommended that the depth of the vendor’s understanding of the organization’s IT environment be assessed meticulously. Vendors who have shown progress in the quality of their patches ought to be considered favorably.
Ease of administration and use
When evaluating patch management software, it’s important to weigh the ease of administration against your specific operational requirements. Software with a user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and strong support can streamline the task of maintaining system security. Since patch management is an ongoing, often urgent activity, a straightforward administrative process can accelerate the deployment of patches across various systems, minimizing vulnerabilities. Make sure to assess how the software’s management features fit with your team’s skill level, the intricacy of your IT landscape, and the resources available for patch management.
Best patch management software solutions for MSPs
1. NinjaOne Patch Management
NinjaOne Patch Management has patch reporting and activity tracking and provides remote patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux. allowing you to effectively secure all types of operating systems within your IT environment. The intuitive patching dashboard also gives you full visibility over all your devices and lets you know each device’s patching status at a glance across all types of OS.
With patching automation capabilities that let you designate which groups or devices are patched and when they’re patched, you can patch vulnerabilities up to 90% faster. Automated patching also enables more accurate patching since it essentially eliminates human error in the patching process.
For businesses operating in highly regulated industries, NinjaOne is an indispensable tool for meeting regulatory standards. NinjaOne also provides actionable, comprehensive patch compliance reports that enable you to identify vulnerable devices and systems or show off your patching successes.
What users say
Ashley Watson, IT Manager at NWF Agriculture, says that NinjaOne patch management saved her team over 30 hours per month in manual labor. She applauds that NinjaOne is an integrated platform with many out-of-box features that allow her to be more productive and efficient.
Watson writes, “NinjaOne provides 100% reporting on all patches and updates, giving us real-time visibility into our network. With our old tool, we received notifications when patches failed, but it took hours to find those out-of-date devices and software. NinjaOne gives us a detailed report with every endpoint and patch update – it makes my job so much easier.”
Read more NinjaOne customer stories.
Patch Microsoft Office on all Windows Machines
Patch Microsoft Office on all macOS Machines
NinjaOne reviews on G2
| Category | NinjaOne Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,689) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 | 8.8 |
NinjaOne reviews on Capterra
| Category | NinjaOne Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (236) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
2. GoTo Resolve
GoTo Resolve offers a patch management solution designed primarily for small—to medium-sized organizations focusing on IT support and customer service. This platform streamlines IT operations with automation features and by consolidatinges remote management, help desk, and remote access functionalities to streamline IT operations.into a single dashboard.
Use cases:
- Patch management: GoTo Resolve allows IT teams to detect new or missing patches and deploy them at scale to all their endpoint devices.
- Automation: Users can utilize GoTo’s automation to automate repeatable tasks such as distributing patches and updates.
- Remote support: GoTo Resolve allows technicians to establish a connection and control devices remotely to troubleshoot issues.
Shortcomings:
- Slow performance: The GoTo Resolve software uses up a lot of the device’s resources which leads to slow response times or the platform freezing.
- Remote connection issues: According to reviews, GoTo Resolve’s remote control of macOS devices and devices with multiple monitors can be unstable.
- Limited reposting: Users say that GoTo Resolve’s reporting lacks customization options, limiting the types of reports they can generate.
GoTo Resolve reviews on G2
| Category | GoTo Resolve Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.4 out of 5 (438) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 8.6 |
GoTo Resolve reviews on Capterra
| Category | GoTo Resolve Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.4 out of 5 (204) |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2 |
| Features | 4.4 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
3. Datto
Datto, a Kaseya company, is an IT management business that offers RMM, network management, PSA, and data protection solutions. Datto allows IT departments and MSPs to manage their businesses and provide IT services from a single platform. Additionally, Datto solutions are scalable and customizable to adapt to IT environments.
Use cases:
- Patch management: With Datto, IT administrators can automate patch deployment across their Windows endpoints.
- Backup: Datto allows IT teams to secure sensitive data and ensure fast restoration in case of cyberattacks or other disasters.
- RMM: IT teams can monitor, manage, and secure their endpoint devices from anywhere in the world.
Shortcomings:
- Unintuitive interface: Some reviewers find that navigating Datto’s platform is difficult.
- Customer service: Users say that customer support can be inconsistent as sometimes the support specialists cannot provide answers.
- Lack of non-Windows support: Datto’s patch management focuses on Windows devices, so technicians will have to use workarounds through their component scripts to patch macOS and Linux devices.
Datto reviews on G2
| Category | Datto Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (556) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Use | 8.8 | 8.8 |
Datto reviews on Capterra
| Category | Datto Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3 out of 5 (26) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Customer Service | 4.0 |
| Features | 4.1 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
4. Atera
Atera is an RMM platform designed to help IT teams automate and customize their workflows for greater IT efficiency. With Atera, users gain access to RMM, remote access, helpdesk and ticketing, patch management, and network discovery. The software enables IT professionals to gain insight and control over their digital environments.
Use cases:
- Patch management: Atera allows users to distribute patches and updates with automation tools that speed up workflows.
- Help desk: Atera allows technicians to provide remote support with a ticketing system that leverages automation to boost efficiency.
- RMM: Users can keep track of remote endpoint devices from anywhere and easily manage them from a single hub.
Shortcomings:
- Customer service: Reviews state that customer support can take some time to respond, which can be frustrating for users.
- Ticketing system: According to reviews, Atera’s ticketing system has a challenging learning curve.
- Patching needs improvement: Some users find Atera’s patch management needs improvements to make it easier to deploy patches.
Atera reviews on G2
| Category | Atera Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (761) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 | 8.8 |
Atera reviews on Capterra
| Category | Atera Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (401) |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 4.6 |
5. N-able N-central
N-able N-central is an IT management solution by N-able that allows organizations to manage, monitor, and secure their endpoints. N-central provides RMM, patch management, data backup, and IT automation features that enable IT professionals to streamline processes and gain control over their entire IT infrastructures. From the N-central platform, users can integrate their PSA solutions in order to manage both their businesses and IT environments.
Use cases:
- Remote support: N-Able offers remote access capabilities, allowing users to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly.
- RMM: With N-Able, users can manage and monitor their endpoint devices remotely.
- Automation: N-Able’s automation tools allow users to streamline processes to reduce manual workloads.
Shortcomings:
- Documentation: N-Able’s steep learning curve is compounded by how the documentation can be unclear for some users.
- Integrations: N-Able has few integrations available, and it can be challenging to remove them.
- Lacks Apple support: According to reviews, N-Able lacks support for iOS and macOS devices.
N-able N-central reviews on G2
| Category | N-able N-central Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.4 out of 5 (432) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 7.9 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 7.9 | 8.6 |
N-able N-central reviews on Capterra
| Category | N-able N-central Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3.9 out of 5 (49) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5 |
| Customer Service | 3.2 |
| Features | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 3.5 |
6. Kaseya VSA
Kaseya Virtual System Administrator (VSA) is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management software (RMM) designed with technicians in mind. VSA helps IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) manage endpoint devices from anywhere and protect them from security threats with threat detection. Automation capabilities allow users to set up repeatable IT processes, auto-remediation of issues, and software patches.
Use cases:
- Patch management: Kaseya allows users to keep their Windows and macOS devices consistently updated with the latest security patches.
- Remote monitoring: Users get real-time information on the managed devices within their IT environment, allowing technicians to resolve issues.
- IT automation: Kaseya frees up IT administrators to work on strategic projects by automating patch management and other IT operations.
Shortcomings:
- macOS and Linux support: Managing and patching macOS devices can be more difficult. Linux devices receive less support and there are no patch management functions.
- Steep learning curve: Reviewers find that the initial setup can be challenging, and the platform demands extensive time and resources from users to fully understand it.
- User-friendliness: Users have said that Kaseya’s user interface is complex, and it can be difficult to navigate the platform.
Kaseya VSA reviews on G2
| Category | Kaseya VSA Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0 out of 5 (308) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 7.6 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 7.4 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 7.6 | 8.6 |
Kaseya VSA reviews on Capterra
| Category | Kaseya VSA Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0 out of 5 (203) |
| Ease of Use | 3.6 |
| Customer Service | 3.6 |
| Features | 4.1 |
| Value for Money | 3.7 |
Comparison of patch management software solutions for MSPs (G2)
| Category | NinjaOne | GoTo Resolve | Datto | Atera | N-able N-central | Kaseya VSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,689) | 4.4 out of 5 (438) | 4.5 out of 5 (556) | 4.6 out of 5 (761) | 4.4 out of 5 (432) | 4.0 out of 5 (308) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.65 (1,377) | 8.8 (164) | 9.0 (362) | 9.4 (668) | 8.5 (280) | 7.6 (194) |
| Quality of Support | 9.3 (1,494) | 8.7 (304) | 8.4 (455) | 9.0 (639) | 7.8 (327) | 7.4 (229) |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 (1,405) | 8.9 (174) | 8.9 (389) | 9.0 (487) | 7.9 (291) | 7.8 (202) |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 (1,561) | 9.0 (354) | 8.8 (532) | 9.2 (688) | 7.9 (349) | 7.6 (248) |
Comparison of patch management software solutions for MSPs (Capterra)
| Category | NinjaOne | GoTo Resolve | Datto | Atera | N-able N-central | Kaseya VSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (236) | 4.4 out of 5 (204) | 4.2 out of 5 (26) | 4.6 out of 5 (401) | 3.9 out of 5 (49) | 4.1 out of 5 (203) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
Best patch management software solutions for IT departments
1. NinjaOne Patch Management
NinjaOne Patch Management is a completely cloud-based patch management solution that offers full automation for patching functions. You can remotely patch any endpoint with an internet connection, whether employees are in the office, working remotely, or in the field.
The software also offers robust third-party patching to minimize vulnerabilities from business software. Using NinjaOne you can automatically install and patch over 135 common business applications.
Detailed patch compliance reports also provide actionable information about unmanaged devices, vulnerable systems, and failed patches so you can know what needs to be secured.
NinjaOne reviews on G2
| Category | NinjaOne Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,689) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Quality of Support | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 | 8.8 |
NinjaOne reviews on Capterra
| Category | NinjaOne Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (236) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
2. Microsoft Intune
Microsoft InTune offers cloud-based endpoint management with comprehensive support for Microsoft product integration. Intune allows managed service providers (MSPs) and IT teams to set up laptops and mobile devices, manage corporate devices, and enforce security policies. It offers features such as app management, data protection, device configuration, and software updates, all from a single cloud-based platform. With Intune, customers can remotely secure their data and ensure device compliance with company security policies.
Use cases:
- Centralized endpoint management: Intune consolidates all the tools IT administrators need to configure, monitor, and manage their devices.
- Integrations: Since Intune is part of the Microsoft ecosystem, it seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Azure Active Directory.
- Mobile device management (MDM): Intune allows users to manage and monitor their mobile fleet,
Shortcomings:
- Slow performance: Reviewers on G2 have said Intune struggles with slow response times, which can frustrate users.
- Cross-platform support: Intune offers fewer features for non-Windows and reviews say that macOS devices are particularly challenging to configure.
- Learning curve: According to users, Intune’s advanced configurations take a lot of time and resources to fully learn and understand.
Microsoft Intune reviews on G2
| Category | Intune Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (202) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Quality of Support | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Setup | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 8.6 | 8.7 |
Microsoft Intune reviews on Capterra
| Category | Intune Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (36) |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 |
| Customer Service | 3.8 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
3. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus offers vulnerability assessment as well as OS and third-party patch management for 850+ applications. This platform centralizes patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoint devices. In addition, ManageEngine’s automation capabilities allow IT administrators to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.
Use cases:
- Patch management: ManageEngine enables IT teams to identify and distribute any missing security patches and updates across multiple operating systems.
- IT automation: With automation, users can streamline patch management workflows by automating scanning for missing patches and scheduling patch deployment.
- Reporting: ManageEngine can generate reports that provide detailed information on patch deployment status and also allow organizations to prove patch compliance.
Shortcomings:
- Agent issues: Users have reported challenges with ManageEngine’s agent, such as difficulties with configurations and uninstalling them.
- Custom patching: ManageEngine can only patch third-party applications that are part of its catalogue, and users cannot deploy custom files for patching.
- Patching issues: According to reviews, ManageEngine has issues with patching, such as delayed deployments and inconsistent detection. Users have said that they cannot make use of the platform to distribute custom installation files.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus reviews on G2
| Category | ManageEngine Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (170) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 8.5 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.1 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 8.8 | 8.6 |
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus reviews on Capterra
| Category | ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (315) |
| Ease of Use | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
4. Pulseway
Pulseway is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that provides IT Teams and MSPs with real-time data on devices, servers, VMs, and networks. Technicians can utilize Pulseway’s automation to push out regular patch updates, multi-level auto-remediation workflows, and generate custom reports. Remote control and remediation make it easy to resolve any issues.
Use cases:
- Patch management: Pulseway offers automated patching for operating systems and third-party applications. It enables IT teams to schedule and push out updates.
- Real-time monitoring: Users gain comprehensive visibility over their endpoint devices, servers, and networks.
- Remote support: Pulseway consolidates RMM with helpdesk and remote control, allowing technicians to troubleshoot and resolve issues remotely.
Shortcomings:
- Support for non-Windows endpoints: Users have stated that Pulseway offers fewer features for managing and patching their Linux and macOS endpoints.
- Remote access performance: According to reviews, Pulseway’s remote control features struggle with connectivity and interface speed issues.
- Automation: Learning how to fully use Pulseway’s automation can take some time. Some users have said that the platform could use more pre-built scripts to simplify processes.
Pulseway reviews on G2
| Category | Pulseway Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6 out of 5 (113) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 | 8.6 |
Pulseway reviews on Capterra
| Category | Pulseway Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (306) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
5. Automox
Automox is a cloud-native endpoint management solution that offers automated patch management and configuration of endpoints across multiple OS. Automox provides managed service providers (MSPs) and IT teams visibility of all endpoints. It allows organizations to automate software patch deployment, create custom scripts for Windows, MacOS, and Linux endpoints, and support third-party software.
Use cases:
- Patch management: Automox centralizes patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoint devices.
- Automation: With automation tools, Automox reduces the need for manual intervention and frees up IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
- Third-party patching: Automox streamlines the deployment of security patches and updates for 500+ third-party software.
Shortcomings:
- Limited reporting: Reviews have said that Automox’s reporting features are lacking as they don’t provide enough insight into patch compliance and status.
- Slow performance: For rapidly growing businesses, Automox’s slow loading times when managing several devices simultaneously can become an issue as more devices are added.
- Stability: According to reviews, users struggle with devices being disconnected from the platform.
Automox reviews on G2
| Category | Automox Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (179) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 8.9 | 8.6 |
Automox reviews on Capterra
| Category | Automox Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (9.4) |
| Ease of Use | 4.8 |
| Customer Service | 4.8 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
6. SolarWinds Patch Manager
SolarWinds patch operating systems and software on Windows servers.
It also adds additional functionality for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), allowing users to manage Microsoft update packages, approvals, and group policies. Automation tools allow users to streamline the WSUS patch management process and keep Windows devices consistently updated.
Use cases:
- Windows patch management: SolarWinds enhances the patch management of WSUS and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), making it easier to deploy updates for third-party applications.
- Automation: Automation tools simplify the patching process by allowing users to schedule updates and even scan devices to determine if they have any missing patches.
- Remote monitoring: SolarWinds provides full visibility of the managed devices in an IT environment, allowing technicians to discover vulnerabilities and resolve them quickly.
Shortcomings:
- Windows-only support: SolarWinds focuses on extending WSUS’s capabilities; it does not offer support for macOS and Linux patching. This means that IT teams with diverse infrastructures may have to add another tool to their tech stack.
- Limited reporting: According to reviews, SolarWinds’ reporting functions can be lacking and may not be as detailed.
- Difficult to learn: Users have said that SolarWinds’ interface is complex and its initial set up can take more time and resources.
SolarWinds Patch Manager reviews on G2
| Category | SolarWinds Rating | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0 out of 5 (54) | |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 7.9 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.2 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 7.6 | 8.9 |
SolarWinds Patch Manager reviews on Capterra
| Category | SolarWinds Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3 out of 5 (18) |
| Ease of Use | 3.7 |
| Customer Service | 4.4 |
| Features | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
Comparison of patch management software solutions for IT departments (G2)
| Category | NinjaOne | Microsoft Intune | ManageEngine | Pulseway | Solarwinds | Automox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (1,689) | 4.5 out of 5 (202) | 4.5 out of 5 (170) | 4.6 out of 5 (113) | 4.0 out of 5 (54) | 4.5 out of 5 (179) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.5 (1,377) | 8.9 (103) | 9.0 (120) | 9.4 (36) | 7.9 (29) | 9.1 (136) |
| Quality of Support | 9.3 (1,494) | 8.5 (105) | 8.9 (127) | 9.1 (91) | 7.7 (26) | 9.0 (147) |
| Ease of Admin | 9.3 (1,405) | 8.5 (105) | 9.1 (127) | 9.3 (85) | 8.2 (29) | 8.9 (137) |
| Ease of Use | 9.3 (1,561) | 8.3 (144) | 8.5 (125) | 8.5 (125) | 7.8 (41) | 8.7 (137) |
Data from G2 published in Winter 2024.
Comparison of patch management software solutions for IT departments (Capterra)
| Category | NinjaOne | Microsoft Intune | ManageEngine | Pulseway | SolarWinds | Automox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (236) | 4.6 out of 5 (36) | 4.6 out of 5 (315) | 4.7 out of 5 (306) | 4.3 out of 5 (18) | 4.8 out of 5 (94) |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 4.8 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
Data from Capterra published in Winter 2024.
Final scores and summaries of patch management solutions
Understanding the final vendor rankings: Our metrics
As we conclude this comprehensive guide on the best patch management software solutions, let’s take a moment to delve into the metrics that shaped the final vendor rankings you’re about to see. These aren’t just arbitrary numbers; they’re calculated based on a variety of factors that matter most to IT professionals and MSPs. We’ve sourced data from trusted platforms like G2 and Capterra, focusing on key aspects such as overall star ratings, ease of use, and customer service. To add another layer of reliability, we’ve also factored in the total number of reviews each vendor has received. After all, a high rating coupled with a high review count often signifies a tried-and-true solution.
| Vendor | Final Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| NinjaOne | 2.502 | A market leader that shines across all metrics. Its high number of reviews adds substantial credibility to its already excellent ratings. A solid choice for those who want a tried-and-true solution. |
| Atera | 1.727 | Performs exceptionally well in ease of use and customer support. Though it has fewer reviews, its high scores make it a strong contender in the market. |
| Datto | 1.115 | Offers a moderate overall rating but needs improvement in ease of use. A decent number of reviews adds some credibility. |
| GoTo Resolve | 1.108 | Offers a balanced performance across most metrics, and its high number of reviews indicates a fairly reliable solution. |
| ManageEngine | 1.034 | A robust solution known for its ease of admin and overall value. The high number of reviews adds weight to its already strong performance. |
| Pulseway | 0.9874 | A new entrant on review sites like G2 and Capterra but, already ranks highly in key metrics. While it has fewer reviews, its strong ratings indicate it’s a solution to watch. |
| Kaseya VSA | 0.9872 | Lower ratings in key metrics and a moderate number of reviews make this a less favorable option compared to others on the list. |
| N-able N-central | 0.981 | Similar to Kaseya VSA, this vendor falls short in overall ratings and support for Apple devices. |
| Automox | 0.835 | Scores high in ease of use and overall ratings, though a lower number of reviews slightly dampens its score. Still, a strong option for those prioritizing user-friendly solutions. |
Our 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 Customer Service + 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 Customer Service)
- 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)
Patch vulnerabilities in your IT environment
With the right tools, your business can take the proper actions to secure your business’s software and systems. Patch management software actively monitors and enhances the security of your organization’s IT environment. Consider the unique needs of your IT environment to select which patch management software is right for you.
NinjaOne Patch Management software offers 100% cloud-based Windows, Max, and Linux OS patching. The remote patch management system provides full automation with identification, approval, and deployment, which gives peace of mind knowing the software is actively working to protect your IT environment around the clock. Sign up for a free trial or free demo to find out if NinjaOne is right for you.
