Quick Overview
- 1#1: ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus - Automates patch deployment for Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 850 third-party applications across endpoints.
- 2#2: Ivanti Patch Management - Delivers unified patch management for Microsoft and extensive third-party software on endpoints and servers.
- 3#3: SolarWinds Patch Manager - Provides automated discovery, testing, and deployment of patches for Windows and third-party apps.
- 4#4: HCL BigFix - Offers real-time patch management for thousands of third-party applications with agent-based visibility.
- 5#5: Automox - Cloud-based platform for policy-driven patching of OS and third-party software across multi-OS environments.
- 6#6: NinjaOne - RMM solution with automated third-party patch management, approvals, and reporting for IT teams.
- 7#7: Kaseya VSA - Integrated patch management within RMM for Microsoft and third-party apps with scheduling and automation.
- 8#8: ConnectWise RMM - Remote monitoring platform featuring automated patching for third-party applications and compliance tracking.
- 9#9: Tanium - Converged endpoint management with real-time third-party patch deployment and vulnerability assessment.
- 10#10: Qualys Patch Management - Cloud service for vulnerability-based patching of third-party software with prioritization and automation.
Ranked based on features like cross-platform coverage, automated deployment, and real-time vulnerability detection, as well as ease of use and value, ensuring alignment with the needs of modern security teams.
Comparison Table
Third-party patching software streamlines maintaining system security through automated updates, and selecting the right tool involves assessing factors like coverage, usability, and integration. This comparison table outlines key options such as ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, Ivanti Patch Management, SolarWinds Patch Manager, HCL BigFix, Automox, and more, enabling readers to identify solutions that match their operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Automates patch deployment for Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 850 third-party applications across endpoints. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Ivanti Patch Management Delivers unified patch management for Microsoft and extensive third-party software on endpoints and servers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | SolarWinds Patch Manager Provides automated discovery, testing, and deployment of patches for Windows and third-party apps. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | HCL BigFix Offers real-time patch management for thousands of third-party applications with agent-based visibility. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Automox Cloud-based platform for policy-driven patching of OS and third-party software across multi-OS environments. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | NinjaOne RMM solution with automated third-party patch management, approvals, and reporting for IT teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Kaseya VSA Integrated patch management within RMM for Microsoft and third-party apps with scheduling and automation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | ConnectWise RMM Remote monitoring platform featuring automated patching for third-party applications and compliance tracking. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Tanium Converged endpoint management with real-time third-party patch deployment and vulnerability assessment. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Qualys Patch Management Cloud service for vulnerability-based patching of third-party software with prioritization and automation. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Automates patch deployment for Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 850 third-party applications across endpoints.
Delivers unified patch management for Microsoft and extensive third-party software on endpoints and servers.
Provides automated discovery, testing, and deployment of patches for Windows and third-party apps.
Offers real-time patch management for thousands of third-party applications with agent-based visibility.
Cloud-based platform for policy-driven patching of OS and third-party software across multi-OS environments.
RMM solution with automated third-party patch management, approvals, and reporting for IT teams.
Integrated patch management within RMM for Microsoft and third-party apps with scheduling and automation.
Remote monitoring platform featuring automated patching for third-party applications and compliance tracking.
Converged endpoint management with real-time third-party patch deployment and vulnerability assessment.
Cloud service for vulnerability-based patching of third-party software with prioritization and automation.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
enterpriseAutomates patch deployment for Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 850 third-party applications across endpoints.
Vast, automated third-party patch database covering 850+ apps with built-in testing and deployment workflows
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a robust patch management solution that automates the detection, testing, approval, and deployment of patches for Windows, macOS, Linux operating systems, and over 850 third-party applications from vendors like Adobe, Java, and Mozilla. It provides vulnerability scanning, compliance reporting, automated workflows, and rollback capabilities to ensure secure and up-to-date systems across enterprise networks. With on-premises and cloud deployment options, it integrates seamlessly with other ManageEngine tools for comprehensive IT management.
Pros
- Extensive library supporting 850+ third-party apps with frequent updates
- Advanced automation including patch testing labs and approval workflows
- Detailed reporting, compliance audits, and multi-platform support
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Agent deployment required which adds initial setup time
- Pricing scales quickly for very large environments
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams managing heterogeneous environments with diverse OS and third-party software needing automated, compliant patching.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 25 devices; paid tiers start at ~$395/year for 50 computers, scaling by device count, platforms, and features.
Ivanti Patch Management
enterpriseDelivers unified patch management for Microsoft and extensive third-party software on endpoints and servers.
PatchMyPC-powered third-party catalog with zero-touch automation and pre-tested updates for 900+ apps
Ivanti Patch Management is a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution designed for automated patching of operating systems, applications, and over 900 third-party software titles across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It integrates vulnerability scanning, risk-based prioritization using machine learning, and compliance reporting to streamline remediation processes. As part of the Ivanti Neurons platform, it offers both on-premises and cloud deployment options for scalable IT operations.
Pros
- Extensive catalog supporting 900+ third-party apps with automated testing and deployment
- Advanced automation, scheduling, and ML-driven patch prioritization for risk reduction
- Seamless integration with Ivanti's endpoint management and ITSM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial configuration for non-experts
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small to mid-sized organizations
- Full feature set requires broader Ivanti ecosystem investment
Best For
Large enterprises with heterogeneous endpoint fleets needing robust, automated third-party patching at scale.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $5-15 per endpoint/year based on volume and features; quote-based.
SolarWinds Patch Manager
enterpriseProvides automated discovery, testing, and deployment of patches for Windows and third-party apps.
Cook-down technology that optimizes patch deployment by combining multiple patches into fewer installers for efficiency
SolarWinds Patch Manager is a comprehensive patch management solution designed primarily for Windows environments, specializing in third-party application patching alongside Microsoft updates. It integrates deeply with WSUS and SCCM, enabling automated testing, approval workflows, and deployment across distributed networks. The tool provides robust reporting, compliance monitoring, and a vast catalog of patches from over 200 third-party vendors, helping IT teams maintain security without manual intervention.
Pros
- Extensive third-party patch library covering 200+ vendors
- Seamless integration with WSUS and SCCM for hybrid environments
- Advanced automation including pre-testing and scheduled deployments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Pricing scales expensively for large deployments
- Limited native support for non-Windows operating systems
Best For
Large enterprises with Windows-centric infrastructures seeking automated third-party patching integrated with Microsoft tools.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $1,500/year for 250 nodes, plus additional costs per node and technical resources.
HCL BigFix
enterpriseOffers real-time patch management for thousands of third-party applications with agent-based visibility.
Relevance-based Patch Applicability Intelligence for precise, automated detection and deployment of third-party patches without manual intervention
HCL BigFix is a comprehensive endpoint management platform renowned for its patch management capabilities, including extensive support for third-party application patching across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. It leverages a vast library of Fixlets and automated relevance-based detection to ensure patch applicability and compliance in real-time. Ideal for large-scale deployments, it provides granular control, rapid remediation, and detailed reporting to minimize vulnerabilities.
Pros
- Extensive third-party patch catalog with over 1,000 applications supported
- Real-time visibility and automated remediation across diverse endpoints
- Cross-platform compatibility and offline patching capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex console and relevance language
- High resource usage from persistent agents
- Premium pricing may deter smaller organizations
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, heterogeneous IT environments requiring robust, automated third-party patching at scale.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $25-60 per endpoint per year depending on modules and volume; custom quotes required.
Automox
enterpriseCloud-based platform for policy-driven patching of OS and third-party software across multi-OS environments.
Cloud-native patching via global CDN for rapid, VPN-free updates to remote devices
Automox is a cloud-based patch management platform designed for automated deployment of OS and third-party application patches across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, including remote and hybrid workforces. It uses a lightweight agent for policy-driven automation, enabling IT teams to schedule, deploy, and report on patches without VPN dependencies. The solution integrates with RMM and PSA tools, providing visibility into compliance and vulnerabilities.
Pros
- Fast, automated third-party patching with a vast catalog
- Multi-OS support and remote device management without VPN
- Intuitive dashboard with strong reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for small teams or low-volume users
- Limited customization for complex enterprise scripting needs
- Requires constant internet connectivity for the agent
Best For
Mid-market IT teams seeking simple, scalable third-party patching for distributed endpoints without on-premises infrastructure.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$5-10 per device/month (billed annually), with tiers like Starter, Advanced, and Enterprise based on features and scale.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM solution with automated third-party patch management, approvals, and reporting for IT teams.
Automated patch approval workflows with built-in testing and one-click deployment across thousands of endpoints
NinjaOne is an all-in-one remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with robust third-party patching capabilities, automating the detection, testing, approval, and deployment of updates for over 200 third-party applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. It integrates patching seamlessly with monitoring, alerting, and remediation tools, reducing manual IT workload. This makes it a strong choice for endpoint security in multi-client environments, though it's best leveraged as part of the full RMM suite rather than standalone patching.
Pros
- Extensive library covering 200+ third-party apps with automated workflows
- Integrated testing, approval queues, and rollback options for safe deployments
- Real-time compliance reporting and cross-platform support
Cons
- Pricing tied to full RMM suite, which may be overkill for patching-only needs
- Cloud-only deployment with no on-premises option
- Limited advanced customization compared to dedicated patching specialists
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams managing diverse endpoint fleets who need integrated RMM with reliable third-party patching.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at ~$3/device/month (billed annually), scaling with volume; includes full RMM features with custom quotes for larger deployments.
Kaseya VSA
enterpriseIntegrated patch management within RMM for Microsoft and third-party apps with scheduling and automation.
Broad third-party patch catalog covering 400+ applications with automated deployment and rollback capabilities
Kaseya VSA is a comprehensive Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that includes robust patch management for both Microsoft products and over 400 third-party applications. It enables automated patch deployment, testing, scheduling, and compliance reporting across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. As part of an all-in-one IT management suite, it integrates patching with monitoring, remote access, and automation workflows for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Extensive catalog supporting 400+ third-party apps with automatic updates
- Seamless integration with full RMM tools for monitoring and automation
- Advanced reporting and compliance tracking for audits
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-dense interface
- Higher pricing compared to standalone patching tools
- Occasional agent stability issues on diverse endpoints
Best For
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams handling large, heterogeneous endpoint fleets who need integrated RMM and third-party patching.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$3 per endpoint/month; patching included in core VSA plans with add-ons for advanced features.
ConnectWise RMM
enterpriseRemote monitoring platform featuring automated patching for third-party applications and compliance tracking.
Advanced scripting and automation engine for creating custom third-party patch policies
ConnectWise RMM is a robust remote monitoring and management platform designed for MSPs, featuring built-in patch management for Microsoft products and support for third-party patching through custom scripts, plugins, and integrations. It enables automated deployment, scheduling, and reporting of patches across Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints. While versatile within its ecosystem, its third-party patching capabilities require more manual configuration compared to dedicated solutions.
Pros
- Deep integration with ConnectWise PSA and other MSP tools for streamlined workflows
- Powerful scripting engine allows flexible third-party patch deployment
- Comprehensive monitoring and reporting alongside patching
Cons
- Limited native third-party patch library; relies heavily on community scripts and manual setup
- Steep learning curve for non-RMM users focused only on patching
- Pricing scales with full RMM features, less ideal for patching-only needs
Best For
MSPs already in the ConnectWise ecosystem seeking integrated endpoint management with patching.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at ~$1.20/endpoint/month (billed annually), bundled with full RMM; custom quotes required for larger deployments.
Tanium
enterpriseConverged endpoint management with real-time third-party patch deployment and vulnerability assessment.
Real-time, linear-chain architecture enabling instant patch deployment and compliance checks across global endpoints
Tanium is a unified endpoint management platform featuring the Tanium Patch module, which provides real-time visibility, vulnerability assessment, and automated deployment of patches across thousands of endpoints. It excels in OS patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with support for third-party applications through pre-built libraries for common software like Adobe and Java, as well as custom patch creation. While powerful for enterprise-scale operations, its third-party patching relies on integrations and is not as specialized as dedicated tools.
Pros
- Real-time endpoint visibility and querying for rapid patch assessment
- Scalable patching at enterprise levels with minimal latency
- Extensive integrations and custom third-party patch support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex query-based interface
- High cost not ideal for small organizations
- Third-party patching less automated than specialized competitors
Best For
Large enterprises needing integrated endpoint management with robust, real-time patching capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription, typically $40-70 per endpoint per year depending on modules and scale.
Qualys Patch Management
enterpriseCloud service for vulnerability-based patching of third-party software with prioritization and automation.
Risk-based patch prioritization using real-time vulnerability scan data
Qualys Patch Management is a cloud-based solution integrated within the Qualys Cloud Platform that automates the discovery, prioritization, testing, and deployment of patches for third-party applications, operating systems, and virtual appliances. It leverages Qualys' vulnerability management data to prioritize patches based on actual risk, supporting both agent-based and agentless deployment across endpoints, servers, and cloud environments. The tool excels in enterprise-scale environments with complex patch compliance needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Qualys Vulnerability Management for risk-based patching
- Broad support for third-party apps and OS patches with automation workflows
- Scalable agentless deployment for hybrid and cloud environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to the Qualys platform
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for smaller organizations
- Limited customization in reporting compared to dedicated patching tools
Best For
Large enterprises already using Qualys for vulnerability management that need integrated, risk-prioritized third-party patching.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically $2-6 per asset/year depending on scale and modules included.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed third-party patching tools, the top performers distinguish themselves through automation, coverage, and adaptability. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus leads by excelling in automating patches across Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 850 third-party applications. Ivanti Patch Management and SolarWinds Patch Manager follow closely, with Ivanti offering unified management for Microsoft and diverse third-party software, and SolarWinds renowned for automated discovery, testing, and deployment. Each tool caters to specific needs, ensuring strong protection for endpoints and servers.
Take control of your patching process—explore ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus to leverage its seamless automation and broad application coverage, ensuring your systems stay secure and updated.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.