Review · Last reviewed 2026-08-01
Action1 Review: Cloud-Native Patch Management Without a VPN
An independent look at Action1's cloud-native patch management platform — deployment model, network requirements, and who it fits.
This review is independent and unaffiliated with Action1. Feature sets and pricing change over time — always confirm current details on the vendor's own site before purchasing.
What is Action1?
Action1 is a cloud-native patch management and remote endpoint management platform. Its core positioning is around removing infrastructure overhead — no on-prem management server and, per its published marketing, no VPN requirement for managing remote devices.
The platform centers on automated OS and third-party application patching, with policy-driven detection, testing, and deployment scheduling rather than a purely manual package-push workflow.
How it works
An agent installed on each endpoint connects outbound to Action1's cloud platform, similar in principle to other cloud-native RMM/patch tools. Patch policies define what gets detected, approved, and deployed, and on what schedule, rather than an admin manually pushing each package as a one-off action.
Who it's built for
- ＋Teams with remote-first or distributed workforces that don't want to maintain VPN access for management traffic.
- ＋IT teams that want automated patch detection and deployment policies rather than a fully manual push workflow.
- －Teams that want granular, package-by-package manual control over every deployment rather than policy-driven automation.
Pricing
Action1 has marketed a free tier aimed at smaller endpoint counts, with paid tiers for larger environments and additional features. Endpoint limits and included features change over time — confirm current terms directly with Action1.
See current Action1 pricing →Frequently asked questions
Does Action1 really not require a VPN?
Per Action1's published product positioning, its cloud agent model is built to avoid needing a VPN or on-prem infrastructure for managing remote devices. Confirm current architecture details directly with Action1 for your specific network setup.
Is Action1 only for patch management, or does it do general software deployment too?
Action1's core published focus is patch management and remote endpoint management. Verify current supported deployment capabilities directly with Action1 if general custom software deployment beyond patching is a requirement for you.
Looking at other options? See how Action1 compares across the category or read the head-to-head with PDQ Deploy.