Comparison · Last reviewed 2026-08-01
PDQ Deploy vs Automox: Windows-Only Deployment vs Cross-OS Patch & Config
PDQ Deploy focuses on Windows software deployment. Automox is built for patching and configuration across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here's how they compare.
Feature sets change frequently for both products. This comparison reflects each vendor's generally published positioning — verify current specifics directly with each vendor before making a purchasing decision.
Executive summary
If your fleet is entirely Windows, PDQ Deploy and Automox both cover the core use case, but from different angles — PDQ Deploy via direct package deployment, Automox via policy-driven patch and configuration automation. The bigger differentiator shows up in mixed environments: Automox is built to manage Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints from one console, which PDQ Deploy — a Windows-only tool — simply doesn't address.
Side-by-side
| Criteria | PDQ Deploy | Automox |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment model | On-prem console, agentless push (SMB) | Cloud-native, agent-based |
| OS coverage | Windows only | Windows, macOS, and Linux (per Automox's published coverage) |
| Patch management | Via package deployment workflow | Built-in cross-OS patch and configuration policies |
| Network requirement | On-network or VPN for classic Deploy | Cloud agent — no VPN required |
| Companion inventory tool | PDQ Inventory (separate product) | Built into the core platform |
| Pricing model | Free tier + paid license tiers | Per-endpoint subscription — verify current tiers |
Choose PDQ Deploy if…
- Your environment is Windows-only and likely to stay that way.
- You want direct control over installer packages rather than a policy engine.
- You're comfortable running and maintaining on-prem management infrastructure.
Choose Automox if…
- You manage a mixed-OS fleet spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- You want patching and configuration hardening handled through unified policies.
- You'd rather not operate on-prem deployment infrastructure.
Migration considerations
If you're consolidating onto Automox specifically to bring macOS or Linux endpoints under the same tool as Windows, plan for separate validation work per OS — scripts and detection logic that work on Windows won't transfer to Unix-like systems, so each platform needs its own testing pass before a production rollout.
FAQ
Does Automox support macOS and Linux?
Yes, per Automox's published product coverage — this is one of its core differentiators from Windows-only tools. Confirm current OS version support directly with Automox for your specific fleet.
Is Automox agent-based?
Yes. Automox relies on an installed agent on each managed endpoint, unlike classic PDQ Deploy's agentless push model.