Comparing the Best RMM Software and Tools: Which One is Right for Your Business?
- Manoj Kumar
- May 24, 2023
- Blog
- 0
For IT companies, having several clients onboard is a boon. However, managing the IT infrastructure of all these clients is one of the biggest challenges for IT companies. IT service providers have to spend hours on end managing the IT infrastructure of their clients and streamlining their IT services.If you’re facing such issues, fret not!
We have the best solution to curb your problems, and that is through the best RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) Software and Tools. If you are new to this term, let us explain that RMM software is an advanced IT management tool widely used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT experts.
Why Use RMM Software?
With the best RMM software and tools, IT experts can remotely manage the servers, network devices, and workstations of their clients. With technical advancements and features like network discovery, remote access, software deployment, etc, RMM software helps boost the efficiency of IT service providers. It happens because the software cuts the downtime and helps the experts achieve better results.
However, there is a wide variety of the best RMM software and tools available in the market, and selecting the best one may be overwhelming. To streamline the process for you, we did some homework to list down the top 5 RMM software for you. You can go through the information below and take a pick! We hope that by the end of this article, you will be able to make a choice.
1. ConnectWise Automate
The last one on the least is this high-performing software from the house of ConnectWise – ConnectWise Automate. The software was founded in 2004 and since then it has been used for proactive management, support, and monitoring of client networks.
Besides the basic RMM tools like patch management, endpoint management, IT automation, remote monitoring, etc., the software also offers new and improved features. With the feature of asset discovery, IT professionals can detect and analyze all connected devices and how they behave. So, when new devices enter the network without warning, you can play it safe and prevent cyberattacks.
You can manage your everyday tasks and workflows with its automation and scripting features. The scripting languages supported by the software are Batch Scripting, PowerShell, and VBScript. You can also use this software for reporting and analytics.
Pricing:
You can start using the software with a free trial. After that, there are no fixed pricing models as they offer custom quotes based on your business needs.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There is an option to create interface templates for the entire team as well as for individuals, which cuts down the hassle. | An advanced and confusing interface. |
| The software offers more than 100 pre-configured templates and commands. | Short and insufficient trial period. |
Contact us today to learn how ConnectWise Automate can streamline your IT operations.
2. Automox
Founded in 2015, Automox is a famous RMM software in the market. With automated patching, IT asset management, and configuration features, this software is a handy tool for IT experts.
You can use Automox to manage and secure workstations, servers, and many other endpoints with just one, centralized IT operations platform.
Automox will help users ensure that their endpoints are secure and update automatically because of its automated patching features. With this software, you can patch endpoints automatically across different operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux), browsers (Chrome, Firefox), and applications.
Whether your IT team is big or small, Automox is the best of the RMM tools with its additional features like inventory and asset management, policy-based configuration management, real-time endpoint control, etc.
Besides the basic RMM tools like patch management, endpoint management, IT automation, remote monitoring, etc., the software also offers new and improved features. With the feature of asset discovery, IT professionals can detect and analyze all connected devices and how they behave. So, when new devices enter the network without warning, you can play it safe and prevent cyberattacks.
You can manage your everyday tasks and workflows with its automation and scripting features. The scripting languages supported by the software are Batch Scripting, PowerShell, and VBScript. You can also use this software for reporting and analytics.
Pricing:
You can start using Automox for free and utilize their 15-day free trial before selecting from the Basic, Standard, and Enterprise pricing plans. Their plans start at $3 per month.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros of Automox | Cons of Automox |
|---|---|
| Centralized management for endpoints. | Limited integrations with other tools and applications |
| Quick and easy setup, and a user-friendly design. | Limited customization options |
| Cloud-based software. Does not require any on-premise infrastructure. |
3. NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM)
Another brilliant RMM software on the list is NinjaOne, a cloud-based software that helps IT experts with its excellent features and support. NinjaOne was founded in 2013, and it helps IT professionals monitor and manage the IT infrastructures of their clients from any location.
The features like automation patch management, troubleshooting, proactive real-time monitoring, alerts, asset management, and more, make this software the best bet for IT service providers. With NinjaOne, you can automate monitoring, scripting, and patching that reduces manual intervention, saving the time and effort of the experts.
Besides these features, NinjaOne has a user-friendly interface and it offers integration with third-party applications used for storage, backups, antivirus, etc.
Pricing:
You can sign up with NinjaOne for free and get its 14-day free trial. There is a simple pricing model that can be modified as per the specific needs of your business.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| NinjaOne offers customization of the dashboard for professionals to keep relevant information and metrics handy. | Limited scalability because the software may start lagging when managing a large number of endpoints. |
| The software offers comprehensive security options like EDR, antivirus, web protection, etc. | There is a lack of endpoint backups. |
| The interface of this software is easy to use and user-friendly. |
Want to get the most out of NinjaOne RMM? Contact us today — we’ll help you configure, optimize, and manage it for maximum efficiency and security.
4. Auvik
Auvik is our next favorite! Founded in 2011, Auvik has emerged as a highly competent RMM software. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can put this tool to use to enhance the control and visibility over the devices and networks of their clients.
Auvik is a cloud-based RMM platform that follows an agent-based approach to monitor remote network devices. When you install the agent, you can identify and discover network devices like servers, routers, firewalls, etc. You can also get detailed information about the status, performance, and configuration of these devices.
To collect the information, Auvik uses protocols like WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation), SSH (Secure Shell), and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
The key roles played by Auvik are configuration backup, device discovery, and firmware updates. If there are any issues with the network, you will get real-time alerts for quick action.
Pricing:
Auvik will provide you with a custom quote based on your requirement for devices to be monitored and the features you want to get. The basic monthly pricing starts at $4 per device.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software offers a customizable dashboard and reporting. | The pricing may be high and unreasonable for small businesses. |
| Real-time notifications and alerts notify the experts in time about the issues on the client’s end. It prompts a quick response. | The rich features and customization options may require a lot of time and training, making the learning curve steep. |
| The software can integrate with third-party tools like security solutions, ticketing systems, ITSM, etc. |
5. Atera
Atera is an all-in-one RMM and PSA software that helps IT professionals with remote access, scripting, patch management, IT automation, reporting, and ticketing.
It is a comprehensive solution with some competent RMM tools that IT professionals can use for managing and streamlining their client work. Atera is easy to use and has a clear interface with an intuitive design. Advanced features like shared script library, IT automation rules, and patch management come in really handy for IT professionals and MSPs. The best thing about Atera is that you don’t have to pay per device. You can rather pay per technician/professional and get access to unlimited devices.
The other features of Atera include real-time alerts and monitoring, advanced remote maintenance, and third-party integrations with apps like AnyDesk and Splashtop. The software also helps with inventory scanning, reporting, SNMP monitoring, and IT documentation.
Pricing:
The pricing for Atera is different for IT departments and MSPs. There are four options for IT departments – Professional, Expert, Master, and Enterprise. These start at $149 per month. For MSPs, the options are – Pro, Growth, Power, and Superpower, starting at $99 per month.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can set up customizable alerts and notifications so you can get notified and troubleshoot issues quickly. | A steep learning curve due to complicated and advanced features. |
| Integration with other tools allows seamless data exchange in different systems. | Suitable for small and medium enterprises only. |
| With comprehensive monitoring, Atera allows real-time visibility into the performance, issues, and availability of the system. |
6. SuperOps RMM
SuperOps RMM is another prominent cloud-based system equipped with all the tools and features to facilitate effective resource management and monitoring. Regardless of managing hundreds of assets simultaneously, the SuperOps platform is ideal for seamless resource management.
The SuperOps RMM platform has a unique agent designed to help you manage the assets of multiple clients simultaneously. This ensures all your assets are accounted for at all times. Besides that, you can even use the platform to configure custom fields for tracking asset details, files, history, associated tickets, and documents.
But the best part about the SuperOps RMM platform is the intelligent automation rules to get notifications when something breaks or if there is any unauthorized application installation. This ensures you remain updated about everything that’s going on with your assets.
Pricing:
The SuperOps RMM offers a free trial initially, and its paid plans start at $59. Furthermore, the second plan starts at $79, the third plan is worth $99, and the final plan starts at $129 for each month.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There is an intelligent automation option to facilitate continual notification for any relevant development. | Many have complained about the usability of the software’s interface. |
| The software allows you to manage multiple clients’ assets ensuring all assets remain accounted for. | Relatively short trial period. |
| You get an in-built service desk to access all mapped assets to respective tickets. |
7. N-Able N-Sight
The next favorable RMM software on the list is the N-Able N-Sight RMM tool. The platform is optimally designed to help you advance your IT capabilities with a suite of RMM features. You can use N-Able N-Sight for remote access, billing, and even ticketing in a single solution.
The N-Able N-Sight solution’s remote management and monitoring feature facilitates effective patch management, asset discovery, inventory tracking, and drag-and-drop automation. You can also use the software for live chats, use drag and drop file transfer, and access attended and unattended support.
Lastly, the N-Able N-Sight software allows you to benefit from automatic tracking and scheduling. Also, you can access the customer portal to use a brandable customer portal. Users can also use mobile apps for technicians to facilitate better asset management.
Pricing:
The N-Able N-Sight platform offers a free trial for 30 days. Besides that, the paid plan for N-Able N-Sight starts at $99 per month.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can use the RMM software for defending Apple and Windows devices with real-time remote monitoring and management. | There are certain minor bugs that need to be resolved. |
| The software allows you to keep devices compliant with and secure with flexible and real-time management and monitoring. | Switching screens is relatively complicated on the platform. |
| The software uses sophisticated encryption and multi-factor authentication for thorough security at all times. |
8. Barracuda RMM
A SaaS platform, Barracuda RMM gives MSP professionals the tools they need to track the security of the systems used by clients closely. The package provides a sample service plan that the managed service provider (MSP) can use to present choices to potential clients.
To ensure that all the services provided to that client adhere to the SLA’s standards, the plan of choice may then be activated within the platform. This enables this platform to be used as a vulnerability manager that can be used to run on-demand and scheduled scans and as an automatic software manager that can seek out patches and apply them as needed.
Barracuda RMM also offers a bunch of other options to automate tasks within the platform. Not just that, this RMM additionally includes options for remote access tools for users. Although the functionalities of this platform are superior to most other competitors, it may also be a bit pricier as compared to the rest, which can be difficult to be afforded by newly established or small MSPs.
Barracuda also offers integrated backup management, allowing MSPs to safeguard client data with automated backups, secure storage, and quick recovery options.
Pricing:
Barracuda RMM offers a free initial trial period of 14 days.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can use Barracuda for flexible deployment options such as cloud, hybrid cloud, and on-premise configurations. | It lacks sufficient data visualization in its interface for NOCs. |
| It can easily redirect DDoS attacks. | |
| It offers great integrating options for communication and ticketing |
9.ManageEngine RMM Central
You can operate your own MSP support system with the help of ManageEngine RMM Central. You can install the package for this software on your Windows in-house server or activate it as a third-party software that you can activate from either Azure or AWS marketplaces.
The best part of using ManageEngine RMM is that whenever you enroll a new client, the system automatically searches the network to discover all the connected devices and then comply with a hardware inventory without much effort. The discovery process keeps running in the background, which helps detect any new network changes.
Another great feature of this RMM is that it can immediately signal any kind of modification in the network. In order to compile a software inventory, the service additionally scans each endpoint. This helps the RMM Central bundle’s automated patch management mechanism.
Pricing:
You can get a trial period of 30 days for using MageEngine RMM Central, free for up to 5 network devices and 20 endpoints. After the trial period, you can choose to get the Enterprise edition.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It can be installed on both operating systems, Windows and Linux, making it more flexible than other on-premise alternatives. | This RMM comes with a number of tools for monitoring networks which can prove to be time-consuming to learn and understand. |
| It provides comprehensive reports that are perfect for business management or MSPs | |
| It includes an array of automated and manual monitoring tools for all kinds of helpdesk requirements. |
10. Domotz
This is a SaaS platform with endpoint management and network monitoring features. The tool can monitor multiple sites under one account and runs an agent on every network that has to be monitored. This is an excellent solution for managed service providers because it allows for creating sub-accounts for client systems.
This is an RMM because of the integrations and tools for managing the network infrastructure. An autodiscovery feature on the network monitor generates a live inventory of IT assets. Domotz also contains a switch port mapper that uses the agent’s information about Layer 2 and Layer 3 devices to create a network map.
Not just it offers users to create unlimited accounts for technicians, but it also generates live network performance reports. This platform also serves as backup management and patch management tool for your systems.
Pricing:
Regardless of the network’s number of nodes, the Domotz system comes for a monthly service membership that costs $21 per network. Additionally, it also offers custom plans for individual enterprises.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides a simple interface that makes it easy to discover and recognize dependencies and bottlenecks. | It only works well for MSPs and multi-site enterprises. |
| It can automatically generate topology maps using the location of each connected sensor. | |
| System admins can use a wide range of Bandwidth, quality of service, and accessibility controls to refine performance. |
11. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
German IT monitoring software manufacturer Paessler is the creator of the PRTG Network Monitor. For monitoring, managing, troubleshooting, and regulating networks of any size, PRTG offers an all-in-one functionality. The tool is more of a universal solution than anything designed particularly for MSPs.
It can track assets across applications, firewalls, traffic databases, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, services, the cloud, and also virtual networks like LANs, WLANs, and WANs. It provides real-time reports of network data and its running status.
PRTG uses sensor technology to handle all things. Whether it’s traffic on a single port, the CPU load, logs, HD utilization, or another metric, a PRTG sensor measures it from the network or device. One device can have numerous customized instances of these sensors.
Pricing:
The cost of PRTG is determined by the number of sensors. The license for the PRTG100, which includes a total of 100 sensors, is completely free to use. The cost of PRTG500 with the perpetual license is $1600. There are additional licensing options, pricing possibilities, and flexibility.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It makes use of WMI, packet sniffing, and SNMP simultaneously to monitor network performance while discovering new devices. | It is quite a comprehensive platform with many moving parts and features that can take a long time to learn and master. |
| It is simple to custom views and reports using the drag-and-drop editor | |
| It supports a variety of alert channels, including email, SMS, and other third-party integrations. |
12. Kaseya VSA
Another well-liked RMM program in the MSP marketplace is Kaseya VSA. It is a comprehensive cloud-based RMM system with a focus on security and automation. Kaseya VSA may be set up to automatically deploy software, execute patches and updates, and even troubleshoot system issues.
You can regulate access with two-factor authentication from a single dashboard, manage vulnerabilities, manage backup and disaster recovery, antivirus and anti-malware, and much more. IT administrators can remotely find, access, and handle an array of clients on the network with Kaseya VSA.
With immediate remote access, managers can set up automatic scans to find the network and compile a list of all endpoints. The platform’s automated monitoring system includes features like service auditing, smart responses, and a built-in alert system.
Pricing:
The pricing for Kaseya VSA is based on the total number of endpoints.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kaseya VSA does a decent job of keeping track of resource consumption and the overall health of the devices. | Remote control agents can usually take a long time to load before starting remote sessions. |
| Automated software installations can make adding new computers to the client network more efficient. | Patch management can prove to be a hassle. |
| Its interface is quite simple and customizable. | It does not offer enough free trial duration. |
13. GoTo Resolve
Endpoints can remotely manage and monitor with GoToResolve. The system also offers remote access capabilities that enable access to the desktop and the command line. A file transfer mechanism and remote execution features are also included in the program.
Each device with a Lite agent installed continually monitors its resources through the monitoring tool. Technicians can send files to such devices and run maintenance routines, giving the Professional agent far more capacities. On these endpoints, the software can also be deployed.
Additionally, the system offers a workload automation solution that technicians can configure without creating scripts. The service has the ability to schedule regular triggers for certain operations. For Windows, this system also offers a patch management option.
Pricing:
You may sign up for any of the four GoTo Resolve plans online. The first option is the free version of the software, using which you can perform remote access tasks. For GoTo Resolve’s RMM functionality, you must use the premium versions. Any of these paid programs are available for a trial period of 14 days.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides an automated system for support team management. | There are no on-premise versions available for GoTo Resolve. |
| It comes with a script creator for workload automations. | |
| It offers a scheduler for repetitive tasks. |
14. Syncro
The Syncro system is a fantastic bundle for MSPs as it incorporates professional services automation elements as well as tools for remote monitoring and management. This package includes a configurable ticketing system, remote monitoring tools, and automated management of assets solutions. Additionally, the system also has a patch manager.
The RMM system is better at maintaining Windows-based endpoints compared to any other operating system since it only has an automatic patch manager for Windows. It cannot update Unix, Linux, or macOS-based devices. Services, networks, and endpoints are all covered by the monitoring services included in the bundle.
If a performance problem occurs, the monitor generates an alert. Because a technician only needs to focus on the automated monitoring interface, they can oversee multiple sites simultaneously unless an alert gets raised by the system. It is also feasible to simply configure notifications to be sent by SMS to particular staff members.
Pricing:
Syncro offers only one subscription plan. With this all-inclusive package, you get access to all of the features offered on the Syncro platform. A 21-day free trial of the service is also available on signing up.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Syncro platform is fully hosted which means it is ideal for use by virtual offices. | It does not patch Unix, Linux or macOS-based systems. |
| It offers a unique ticketing system for task and team management. | |
| There are no limits set on the number of endpoints and it can be used without paying anything extra. |
Need help setting up or optimizing Syncro RMM for your MSP? Contact us to streamline monitoring, patching, and ticketing for your clients.
15. TeamViewer Remote Management
TeamViewer Remote Management is an RMM solution specifically designed for use by IT departments and managed service providers. The management of many locations may be consolidated using this cloud-based service, which also provides an additional multi-tenant structure that MSPs can employ to keep client data separate.
Although this RMM package is relatively new, IT software packages value experience, and the company’s background in account security and remote connection management gives the RMM a solid foundation. The RMM has a discovery mechanism that results in the creation of an asset inventory. Both endpoints and network devices can access this.
The resource inventory can be kept up to date by the continuous discovery process that SNMP enables. The service creates a software inventory that lists each application, operating system, and version number. Remote access, which is meant for maintenance, is also made possible via the endpoint agent.
Pricing:
Only one plan for the SaaS product TeamViewer Remote Management exists. An endpoint protection and backup service are two security add-ons that can be used in combination with the RMM. A 14-day free trial of TeamViewer Remote Management is also available.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is very easy to discover connected devices and create inventories using Teamviewer RMM. | TeamViewer RMM fails to create a network map. |
| It raises alerts for any problems with the status of devices. | |
| It features automated endpoint maintenance. |
Key Factors To Consider While Choosing the Best RMM Software and Tools
1. Budget
We saw in the list of options above that the pricing for RMM softwares varies from one software to another. The variation is due to factors like the number of endpoints, number of users, support options, additional features, etc. To choose the best RMM software and tools, you need to determine a budget range. You must strike a balance between your financial capabilities, the value provided by the software, and the cost of its operation. It will help you choose the best RMM tools and software.
2. Needs and Requirements
Sit down with your IT experts and discuss your needs and requirements like the number of endpoints, the complexity of your IT infrastructure, security needs, the number of professionals, monitoring capabilities you require, etc. Once you are clear about your needs and requirements, you can refine your search by shortlisting and selecting the RMM tools.
3. Scalability
You cannot rely on software with limited capabilities if you have visions of growth and expansion in the near future. With fluctuating IT needs, you may need RMM softwares that are more scalable and capable of accommodating your business’s expansion. For this, look at the maximum endpoints supported by the software and other limitations to see if the software has potential for growth or not.
4. Learning Curve
With RMM software, you want to minimize the burden on your IT experts. However, RMM tools with a complicated interface and a steep learning curve may do otherwise. Look at the interface, design, navigation options, and user-friendliness of the software before selecting it. Look for features that make the life of your experts easy and not more daunting.
5. Integration and Compatibility
An ideal RMM software should offer integration with other software and tools that are commonly used in your IT network and environment. It helps optimize workflows, streamline processes, and boost productivity. Look for software that offers compatibility with your existing stack and tools, options for customization, workflow automation, two-way data synchronization, etc.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how the best RMM software and tools make the life of IT experts and MSPs easy through remote monitoring and automation. You can choose from any of the above-mentioned software programs and head towards better workflows and productivity for your IT team.
Through our research, we have gathered this information on RMM tools for you to make an informed decision and invest in software that goes a long way with your IT business. We hope this information has helped you!