EndpointRadar is reader-supported. Some links on this site are affiliate links — if you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects what we write.Learn more
EndpointRadar

Best-of guide · Last reviewed 2026-08-01

Best Patch Management Software for IT Teams

A category rundown of patch management and endpoint deployment tools — including PDQ Deploy, NinjaOne, Action1, Automox, and more — organized by deployment model.

This list is organized by deployment model and typical fit, not a ranked "#1 best" score — there's no single best tool across every environment. Pricing, endpoint limits, and feature sets change; confirm current details with each vendor.

01

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; agentless push over Windows admin shares, paired with PDQ Inventory

Read full review →Visit PDQ Deploy →
02

NinjaOne

Cloud RMM with patch management

Cloud-native remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with patch management, scripting, and endpoint management, widely used by MSPs and internal IT teams.

Deployment model: Cloud-based, agent-based

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit NinjaOne →
03

Action1

Cloud-native patch management

Cloud-native patch management and remote endpoint management platform, positioned around a simple deployment model with no on-prem infrastructure or VPN requirement.

Deployment model: Cloud-based, agent-based, no VPN required

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Action1 →
04

Automox

Cloud-native patch & endpoint management

Cloud-native IT operations platform covering OS and third-party patching, configuration, and endpoint hardening across mixed-OS environments.

Deployment model: Cloud-based, agent-based

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Automox →
05

ManageEngine Endpoint Central

Unified endpoint management

Unified endpoint management suite from ManageEngine covering patching, software deployment, and device management across desktop and mobile.

Deployment model: On-prem or cloud, agent-based

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Endpoint Central →
06

Atera

All-in-one RMM/PSA for MSPs

All-in-one RMM and professional services automation (PSA) platform aimed primarily at MSPs, bundling patch management with ticketing and billing.

Deployment model: Cloud-based, agent-based

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Atera →
07

Microsoft Intune

Cloud unified endpoint management

Microsoft's cloud-based unified endpoint management platform, tightly integrated with Entra ID and the Microsoft 365 stack, covering mobile device and app management alongside Windows management.

Deployment model: Cloud-based, agent-based, part of Microsoft 365 / Entra ecosystem

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Intune →
08

Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM)

On-prem enterprise device management

Microsoft's long-standing on-prem enterprise device management platform for large Windows fleets, often run in hybrid co-management with Intune.

Deployment model: On-prem, agent-based, often paired with co-management to Intune

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit SCCM →
09

SolarWinds Patch Manager

WSUS-extending patch management

On-prem patch management tool that extends WSUS and SCCM with third-party application patching and additional reporting.

Deployment model: On-prem, extends WSUS/SCCM

Read full review →Compare vs PDQ Deploy →Visit Patch Manager →

How to choose

  • On-network Windows fleet, want granular package control: start with PDQ Deploy.
  • Distributed or remote fleet, want RMM + patching together: look at NinjaOne, Automox, or Action1.
  • Already deep in Microsoft 365 / Entra ID: evaluate Intune, with SCCM for large on-prem estates.
  • Running an MSP with many client tenants: prioritize multi-tenant platforms like Atera or NinjaOne.