Research Before You Deploy Your Next Patch Management Tool
EndpointRadar reviews and compares the software deployment, patch management, and endpoint management tools IT teams actually use — starting with an in-depth, independent look at PDQ Deploy and how it stacks up against the rest of the category.
PDQ Deploy
Windows software deployment
Windows-focused software deployment tool from PDQ.com, commonly paired with PDQ Inventory for scanning and targeting. PDQ Connect is PDQ's separate cloud-based, agent-based product.
- Deployment model
- On-prem console
- Platform coverage
- Windows
- Free tier
- Yes, limited — verify current terms
Hands-on, not paid placement
We use documentation, public release notes, and vendor-published material for every product we cover. Coverage isn't for sale.
Vendor-agnostic criteria
Every tool is assessed against the same category checklist — deployment model, OS coverage, patch workflow, and reporting.
Updated as products change
Software deployment and patch tools ship changes often. Pages show a last-reviewed date and get revisited over time.
Browse by category
The endpoint management category spans several overlapping workflows. Here's how we organize coverage.
Software Deployment
Pushing MSI/EXE packages, PowerShell, and custom installers to Windows endpoints.
Patch Management
Detecting, testing, and rolling out OS and third-party application updates.
Endpoint Management
Coming soonInventory, dynamic device groups, and fleet-wide visibility and control.
MSP & IT Teams
Coming soonMulti-tenant tooling, remote access, and reporting built for managed services.
PDQ Deploy vs NinjaOne
An on-prem, Windows-focused deployment tool versus a cloud-native RMM with built-in patch management. We break down deployment model, OS coverage, and where each one fits.
Best Patch Management Software for IT Teams
A category rundown of PDQ Deploy, NinjaOne, Action1, Automox, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, Atera, Intune, SCCM, and SolarWinds Patch Manager — organized by deployment model and team size.
See the full list →Common questions
What is PDQ Deploy?
PDQ Deploy is a Windows software deployment tool from PDQ.com that lets IT admins package and push installers to Windows machines on a network, typically paired with PDQ Inventory for scanning and targeting. See our full review for details.
Is PDQ Deploy free?
PDQ has historically offered a free tier alongside paid licensing tiers with additional features. Feature limits and pricing change, so confirm current terms directly on PDQ's site before deciding.
What's the difference between PDQ Deploy and PDQ Connect?
PDQ Deploy is PDQ's original on-prem, console-based deployment tool. PDQ Connect is a separate, newer cloud-based product built around a lightweight agent. They're different products under the same company.
Do I need PDQ Inventory to use PDQ Deploy?
They're sold as separate products but are commonly used together — PDQ Inventory handles scanning and device targeting, while PDQ Deploy handles the actual package deployment. Check PDQ's current packaging for exact bundling options.