Bottom Line: In 2025, the best patch management software is one that integrates with your broader ITSM and ITAM strategy to reduce costs and complexity. This guide compares the top 10 tools to help you choose the right one at a glance.
Contents
- 1 A Buyer’s Guide to Value and Automation
- 1.1 Moving Beyond Simple Patching in 2025
- 1.2 The Top 5 Patch Management Platforms, and the next 5 Contenders
- 1.2.1 1. NinjaOne: The Automation Powerhouse
- 1.2.2 2. Atera: The All-in-One RMM
- 1.2.3 3. Action1: The Freemium Champion
- 1.2.4 4. ManageEngine: The Comprehensive Enterprise Suite
- 1.2.5 5. Anakage: The Best Value Unified AI Platform
- 1.2.6 6. Ivanti: Best for Risk-Based Prioritization
- 1.2.7 7. Automox: Best for Cloud-Native Simplicity
- 1.2.8 8. JumpCloud: Best for Integrated Identity & Device Management
- 1.2.9 9. Kaseya VSA: A Robust RMM for MSPs
- 1.2.10 10. ConnectWise Automate: The Highly Customizable Power Tool
- 1.3 Head-to-Head Feature and Value Comparison
- 1.4 Conclusion
- 1.5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Buyer’s Guide to Value and Automation
Moving Beyond Simple Patching in 2025
The search for the “best patch management software” has changed. In 2025, IT leaders know that reactive patching is no longer enough. Today’s IT world is a complex mix of servers, cloud tools, and remote devices. As a result, companies must shift from just deploying updates to using autonomous endpoint remediation.
Why This Shift is Happening Now
This change is critical for a few key reasons. First, IT teams face constant pressure to boost security and meet compliance rules. They also need to provide a great digital employee experience (DEX), all without overwhelming their staff.
The stakes are higher than ever. In fact, the patch management market is growing by over 10% each year. The Asia-Pacific region is growing even faster, with India projected to grow 15.2% annually through 2030. This growth highlights a serious business reality: attackers use unpatched systems as their main entry point. These attacks often lead to data breaches and ransomware, causing major financial and reputational harm. [Sources: 1, 2, 3]
The Problem of “Tool Sprawl”
Many companies struggle with a costly problem called “tool sprawl.” They often use a patchwork of different systems. For example, they might have one tool for patching, another for IT service management (ITSM), and still more for asset management (ITAM) and security. This fragmented approach creates friction and drives up the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
This guide analyzes the top 10 patch management solutions to help you see through the noise. We will go beyond feature lists to break down the strategic value of each platform. Ultimately, this report will give you the information you need to choose a solution that solves today’s challenges and builds a foundation for the future.
| Tool | Gartner/G2/Capterra Rating | Primary Strength | Pricing Model |
| Anakage | 4.2 / 5 (Capterra) | Unified AI Platform (ITSM, ITAM, Patching) | Custom Quote (Unified Platform/Lower TCO) |
| NinjaOne | 4.8 / 5 (G2) | Best-in-Class Automation | Per-Device (Opaque) |
| Atera | 4.6 / 5 (G2) | All-in-One RMM/PSA | Per-Technician (Transparent) |
| Action1 | 4.8 / 5 (G2) | Freemium for SMBs (200 Endpoints) | Freemium / Per-Device |
| ManageEngine | 4.6 / 5 (Gartner) | Comprehensive 3rd-Party Support | Per-Device (Add-on Heavy) |
| Ivanti | 4.4 / 5 (G2) | Risk-Based Prioritization | Per-Device/Subscription (Opaque) |
| Automox | 4.5 / 5 (G2) | Cloud-Native Simplicity | Per-Device (Transparent) |
| JumpCloud | 4.6 / 5 (G2) | Integrated Identity & Device Management | Per-User (Tiered) |
| Kaseya VSA | 4.0 / 5 (G2) | Robust RMM for MSPs | Per-Device (Opaque) |
| ConnectWise Automate | 4.1 / 5 (G2) | Highly Customizable Power Tool | Per-Agent (Opaque) |
The Top 5 Patch Management Platforms, and the next 5 Contenders
The patch management market is crowded. However, a few key players lead the way. This section analyzes the top five platforms, looking at their features, pricing, and strategic value.
1. NinjaOne: The Automation Powerhouse
Overview
NinjaOne is a clear market leader in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) space. Users praise its powerful patch automation and modern interface. Its cloud platform gives you full control over Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for both Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams.
Key Features
NinjaOne builds its patch management on automation and intelligence. The platform automates the entire patching lifecycle. For instance, it finds vulnerabilities, deploys updates, and reports on compliance. Its key features include:
- Automated Patching: It provides automated patching for operating systems and thousands of third-party apps.
- Patch Intelligence AI: This AI-driven system flags potentially unstable patches. It can also automatically pause them to prevent disruptions.
- Intuitive Dashboard: A central dashboard offers real-time visibility into patch status across all your devices.
Pricing Analysis
NinjaOne uses a per-device pricing model. Although this seems straightforward, the pricing is not public and requires a custom quote. Industry data shows that costs typically range from $2 to $4 per endpoint per month. This model can become a major financial challenge as your company grows, since every new device adds a recurring cost.
Expert Verdict
NinjaOne is an excellent tool if your main goal is best-in-class patch automation. The technology is robust, and its user interface is one of the best available.
Key Drawbacks
However, the total cost of ownership can be high. The per-device pricing model leads to escalating costs. In addition, users often report inconsistent customer support. It also lacks a native ITSM suite, which means you must buy and integrate separate solutions. This adds to the tool sprawl that modern IT teams want to avoid.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best-in-class, AI-assisted patch automation | Opaque, per-device pricing penalizes growth |
| Strong cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Inconsistent customer support reported by users |
| Modern, intuitive user interface | Lacks an integrated ITSM/PSA suite, leading to tool sprawl |
2. Atera: The All-in-One RMM
Overview
Atera has found its niche by offering a simple, transparent, per-technician pricing model. Its all-in-one platform combines RMM, remote access, and patch management. This approach is very attractive to MSPs and smaller IT teams who need predictable costs. With a strong 4.6/5 rating on G2, users often praise its ease of use and value.
Key Features
Atera’s platform is designed as a complete command center for IT. Its patch management is fully integrated into its RMM and helpdesk workflows. Notable features are:
- Unified RMM & PSA: It combines endpoint monitoring, ticketing, and billing in one platform.
- AI Copilot: Atera uses AI to help technicians by summarizing tickets and suggesting solutions.
- Automated Patching: It provides automated scheduling for OS and software patches across Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pricing Analysis
Atera’s pricing is its greatest strength. Plans range from $149 to $219 per technician per month and support unlimited endpoints. This predictability is a big advantage. However, the value can be reduced by its paid add-ons. Key functions like Network Discovery and the AI Copilot are not included in base plans. As a result, the TCO can increase and add back the complexity Atera tries to solve.
Expert Verdict
Atera offers great value for smaller IT teams and MSPs who prioritize predictable costs. The per-technician model is a breath of fresh air.
Key Drawbacks
However, this focus on breadth sometimes comes at the expense of depth. User reviews show the platform can feel sluggish. Its features also may not be as advanced as more specialized competitors. For large enterprises, Atera may lack the robust performance needed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Transparent and predictable per-technician pricing | Users report that platform performance can be sluggish |
| Good all-in-one RMM and PSA feature set | Key features like AI and Network Discovery are paid add-ons |
| Supports unlimited devices per technician | May not be as scalable or feature-rich for complex enterprises |
3. Action1: The Freemium Champion
Overview
Action1 has made a big impact with its powerful platform and its disruptive “free forever for 200 endpoints” model. This is not a limited trial. Instead, it is a fully functional solution that includes patching, remote access, and endpoint management. Its cloud-first design is perfect for distributed workforces, allowing seamless management of remote devices without a VPN.
Key Features
Action1 prioritizes simplicity and speed. You can configure the platform in minutes. It focuses on delivering essential features efficiently, including:
- Generous Free Tier: It provides full-featured patch management, remote access, and IT asset inventory for up to 200 endpoints, forever.
- Cloud-Native Architecture: It’s designed to manage endpoints anywhere, making it ideal for remote and hybrid teams.
- P2P Patch Distribution: It optimizes bandwidth by letting devices on the same network share updates.
Pricing Analysis
Action1’s pricing model is its killer feature. The free tier for 200 endpoints provides immense value. Beyond that, Action1 uses a simple and transparent flat-rate per-endpoint price. Some users have reported negotiating prices under $1 per endpoint, making its TCO very low.
Expert Verdict
Action1 is an outstanding solution for SMBs and for managing remote teams in larger companies. Its free tier is unmatched and provides a risk-free entry point to enterprise-grade patching.
Key Drawbacks
However, its strengths are also its limits. The feature set is not as deep as a full RMM or unified IT platform. Reporting is often cited as basic. In short, it solves the patching problem well but does not solve the larger issue of tool sprawl.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unbeatable free tier for up to 200 endpoints | Lacks the feature depth of a full RMM or unified platform |
| Simple, cloud-native architecture is ideal for remote teams | Reporting capabilities are considered basic by users |
| Very low TCO for small and scaling organizations | Does not offer an integrated ITSM/ITAM solution |
4. ManageEngine: The Comprehensive Enterprise Suite
Overview
ManageEngine, part of Zoho Corporation, offers a vast portfolio of tools. Its Patch Manager Plus is a powerful example of this approach. It’s often called the “Swiss Army Knife” of patching because it supports over 850 third-party applications. This robust solution is designed for large enterprises that need granular control.
Key Features
Patch Manager Plus is built for deep control and visibility. It offers both on-premise and cloud options. Key features are:
- Extensive 3rd-Party App Support: Its ability to manage patches for over 850 third-party apps is a major advantage.
- Test & Approve Workflows: This allows you to test patches in a controlled environment before rolling them out.
- Flexible Deployment Policies: It provides highly customizable policies for patch deployment.
Pricing Analysis
ManageEngine’s pricing looks competitive at first. The on-premise edition starts at $345 per year for 50 endpoints. However, the platform’s value can be diminished by its add-on-heavy model. Many advanced features are part of separate modules. This can lead to “cost creep” and a higher-than-expected TCO as your needs grow.
Expert Verdict
For large enterprises with diverse software, ManageEngine is one of the most powerful solutions. Its third-party app support is a critical advantage.
Key Drawbacks
However, this power comes with complexity. Users often describe the interface as dated and less intuitive than modern solutions. The main drawback is the TCO. Because it’s modular, achieving a truly unified experience requires buying multiple products, which can become costly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unmatched breadth of 3rd-party application support | User interface is often described as dated and complex |
| Powerful, granular control over patching policies | Add-on-heavy model can lead to significant cost creep and high TCO |
| Available in both on-premise and cloud deployments | Can be complex to configure and manage for smaller teams |
5. Anakage: The Best Value Unified AI Platform
Overview
Anakage represents the next generation of IT management. It moves beyond siloed tools to offer a unified, AI-powered platform. It is designed to eliminate tool sprawl and create a “self-healing” IT environment. Anakage treats patch management as one integrated part of a complete solution that includes ITSM, ITAM, and DEX. By unifying these functions, companies can reduce complexity and lower their TCO.
Key Features
Anakage is built around “intelligent agents” and “CoBots” that work proactively to manage and fix endpoints. This AI-first approach delivers capabilities that are different from traditional RMM tools.
- Agentic AI: The platform uses intelligent agents that act as a “digital twin” of your IT team. These agents autonomously monitor, diagnose, and fix issues.
- Truly Unified Platform: Anakage natively integrates Vulnerability & Patch Management with a full ITSM suite, ITAM, and IAM in a single solution. This directly solves the problem of tool sprawl.
- No-Code Authoring Suite: The “Agent Factory” is a low-code/no-code studio that lets IT teams create their own custom automation workflows without deep scripting knowledge.
Pricing & Value Analysis
Anakage provides custom quotes for enterprises. While a price is not public, the platform’s value is centered on delivering a superior TCO. The argument is simple: the cost of the unified Anakage platform is much lower than the combined costs of buying and maintaining 3-4 separate tools. Customer results back this claim, including a 60% average reduction in IT support costs.
Expert Verdict
Anakage offers a compelling vision for the future of IT. For companies struggling with the high costs of a fragmented toolset, its unified platform is a powerful solution. The focus on proactive, AI-driven remediation is a big leap beyond traditional patch management.
Key Drawbacks
The main challenge for Anakage is its status as an emerging player. It does not yet have the volume of public user reviews of its competitors. However, its impressive list of enterprise clients, including Sony and Daimler Mercedes-Benz serves as strong validation of its technology.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unifies ITSM, ITAM, and patching to reduce tool sprawl and TCO | Lacks the extensive public user reviews of established players |
| Proactive, “self-healing” approach powered by Agentic AI | Market presence is still growing compared to competitors |
| No-code automation empowers IT teams and speeds up time-to-value |
To give you a complete market overview, it’s important to look beyond the top five. The following five solutions offer strong capabilities. Each one has a unique focus that may be the perfect fit for your specific needs.
6. Ivanti: Best for Risk-Based Prioritization
Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management is a powerful tool for large businesses. It excels at risk-based vulnerability management. Instead of just using standard CVSS scores, Ivanti uses its own risk rating system. This system provides helpful context on known security threats. As a result, it helps IT teams prioritize the most critical patches first. The platform also provides “patch reliability” data, which helps teams avoid deploying unstable updates. However, Ivanti’s pricing is not public, and its full suite can be complex. For this reason, it is best for mature security organizations that can use its advanced risk intelligence.
7. Automox: Best for Cloud-Native Simplicity
Automox is a cloud-native platform that focuses on simple, automated patch management. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. Its lightweight agent and intuitive automation make it easy to set up and manage, especially for modern, cloud-first companies. Additionally, Automox offers transparent, per-device pricing. Plans start at just $1 per endpoint per month for OS patching. Its key strength is its simplicity. However, it lacks the integrated ITSM and ITAM capabilities of more unified platforms.
8. JumpCloud: Best for Integrated Identity & Device Management
JumpCloud is a complete cloud-based directory service. It combines identity and access management (IAM) with unified endpoint management (UEM). Patch management is a core feature within its device management tools. This allows administrators to enforce OS and browser update policies from the same console they use for user identities and Single Sign-On (SSO). Its pricing is per-user, with the Device Management package starting at $9 per user per month. Overall, JumpCloud is an excellent choice for companies looking to combine their identity provider and device management into a single solution.
9. Kaseya VSA: A Robust RMM for MSPs
Kaseya VSA is a long-standing and powerful RMM platform designed mainly for MSPs and large IT departments. It offers a deep feature set that includes discovery, monitoring, and robust automation. Its patch management module allows for policy-based automation to handle complex environments. However, many users criticize Kaseya for its complexity and expensive pricing model, with costs around $4-5 per endpoint. It is a powerful tool for organizations that need its extensive RMM capabilities and are willing to invest in its implementation.
10. ConnectWise Automate: The Highly Customizable Power Tool
ConnectWise Automate is another heavyweight in the RMM space. It is known for its extreme customizability and powerful scripting engine. It gives IT teams the tools to automate nearly any routine task, including complex patch deployment workflows. The platform belongs to the broader ConnectWise ecosystem. This depth and flexibility, however, come with a steep learning curve and a complex setup process. ConnectWise uses quote-based pricing, which is often on the higher end. For these reasons, it is best for technically skilled teams who require granular control.
Head-to-Head Feature and Value Comparison
Individual reviews provide a snapshot of each platform’s capabilities, but a direct, side-by-side comparison is essential for strategic decision-making. The following matrix compares all ten solutions across a range of critical features, from core patching functionality to platform-level capabilities and the all-important TCO model. This analysis reveals a clear distinction between traditional, siloed patching tools and modern, unified IT management platforms. The criteria have been selected to highlight the factors that have the greatest impact on long-term operational efficiency and cost.
| Feature / Criterion | Anakage | NinjaOne | Atera | Action1 | ManageEngine | Ivanti | Automox | JumpCloud | Kaseya VSA | ConnectWise Automate |
| Windows Patching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| macOS Patching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Linux Patching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| 3rd-Party App Coverage | Extensive | Extensive | Good | Good | Excellent (850+) | Extensive | Good (580+) | Limited (Browsers) | Good | Good |
| Automated Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Risk-Based Prioritization | Yes | Yes (AI) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (Advanced) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| AI-Assisted Remediation | Autonomous | Assistive | Assistive | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Integrated ITSM | Yes (Native) | No | Yes (PSA) | No | Add-on | Add-on | No | No | Add-on | Add-on |
| Integrated ITAM | Yes (Native) | No | Partial | Yes (Basic) | Add-on | Add-on | No | No | Add-on | Add-on |
| No-Code Automation Builder | Yes | No | Limited | No | No | No | Limited | No | No | No |
| Remote Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Add-on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Unified Platform | Per-Device | Per-Technician | Freemium/Device | Add-on Heavy | Per-Device | Per-Device | Per-User | Per-Device | Per-Agent |
| Reduces Tool Sprawl? | Yes | No | Partial | No | No | No | No | Partial | No | No |
Conclusion
Our Verdict at a Glance:
- Best for Enterprises: NinjaOne offers best-in-class automation, but organizations should carefully evaluate its TCO.
- Best for SMBs: Action1 provides unbeatable value with its free tier for 200 endpoints, making it ideal for smaller teams.
- Best Overall Value (Unified Platform): Anakage is the top choice for mid-to-large enterprises looking to reduce tool sprawl and TCO by unifying patching with ITSM and ITAM.
The analysis of 2025’s top patch management software shows a market at a turning point. While excellent tools exist for the single task of patching, the real challenge for IT is managing complexity. The biggest hidden cost in IT is often not a single subscription fee. Instead, it is the total cost of managing a sprawling, disconnected ecosystem of tools. This operational drag is where teams lose productivity and break budgets.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Consider your company’s size, budget, and whether you need a standalone tool or a unified platform like Anakage. A unified platform can consolidate your entire IT toolchain. Use this guide to shortlist vendors and schedule demos to see which solution best fits your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do you choose the right patch management software?
A: To choose the right software, evaluate its OS and third-party application coverage, automation capabilities, pricing model (per-device vs. per-technician), and whether it integrates with other IT tools like ITSM and ITAM to reduce tool sprawl.
Q: What is the difference between Anakage and NinjaOne?
A: NinjaOne is a best-in-class RMM tool focused on patch automation with a per-device pricing model. Anakage is a unified AI platform that natively integrates patching with ITSM, ITAM, and DEX, aiming to reduce total cost of ownership and eliminate tool sprawl.
Q: What does an AI-first approach mean for patch management in 2025?
A: An AI-first approach means using intelligent agents to move beyond simple scheduling. It involves predicting patch stability, automating remediation for failed deployments, and creating a ‘self-healing’ environment where vulnerabilities are addressed proactively with minimal human intervention.
Q: Which patch management software is best for small businesses?
A: The guide highlights Action1 as a strong choice for SMBs due to its “free forever for 200 endpoints” model, making it highly cost-effective.
This article is compiled using publicly available data, including user review sites like G2, Capterra, and Gartner, and other analyst publications. The information reflects independent market research and does not serve as an endorsement or ranking. We welcome vendors to submit verified updates for inclusion or correction. This content is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used to draw direct product comparisons without consulting individual vendor documentation.