Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tanium - Delivers real-time endpoint visibility and automated patch deployment across diverse IT environments.
- 2#2: BigFix - Provides autonomous patch management with continuous compliance and fixlet-based automation for enterprises.
- 3#3: Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager - Integrates comprehensive automated patching within a full endpoint management suite for Windows and multi-platform support.
- 4#4: Ivanti Patch Management - Offers vulnerability-based automated patching and policy-driven deployment for endpoints and servers.
- 5#5: Automox - Cloud-based platform enabling agent-driven automated patching for multi-OS environments without on-prem infrastructure.
- 6#6: NinjaOne - RMM tool with built-in automated patch management for proactive endpoint maintenance and MSP scalability.
- 7#7: Patch Manager Plus - Affordable on-prem or cloud solution for automated patch deployment across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps.
- 8#8: SolarWinds Patch Manager - Integrates with WSUS for automated third-party and Windows patch management with scheduling and reporting.
- 9#9: Kaseya VSA - All-in-one RMM platform featuring automated patch approval workflows and deployment for IT service providers.
- 10#10: PDQ Deploy - Streamlines software deployment and patch management with simple automation for Windows environments.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including automation capabilities, cross-platform support, integration flexibility, usability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced selection of top-performing solutions for varied organizational needs
Comparison Table
In the modern digital environment, automated patch management software is vital for safeguarding endpoints and ensuring system reliability. This comparison table explores key tools such as Tanium, BigFix, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, Ivanti Patch Management, Automox, and others, equipping readers to evaluate features, strengths, and optimal use scenarios.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanium Delivers real-time endpoint visibility and automated patch deployment across diverse IT environments. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | BigFix Provides autonomous patch management with continuous compliance and fixlet-based automation for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager Integrates comprehensive automated patching within a full endpoint management suite for Windows and multi-platform support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Ivanti Patch Management Offers vulnerability-based automated patching and policy-driven deployment for endpoints and servers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Automox Cloud-based platform enabling agent-driven automated patching for multi-OS environments without on-prem infrastructure. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | NinjaOne RMM tool with built-in automated patch management for proactive endpoint maintenance and MSP scalability. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Patch Manager Plus Affordable on-prem or cloud solution for automated patch deployment across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | SolarWinds Patch Manager Integrates with WSUS for automated third-party and Windows patch management with scheduling and reporting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Kaseya VSA All-in-one RMM platform featuring automated patch approval workflows and deployment for IT service providers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | PDQ Deploy Streamlines software deployment and patch management with simple automation for Windows environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Delivers real-time endpoint visibility and automated patch deployment across diverse IT environments.
Provides autonomous patch management with continuous compliance and fixlet-based automation for enterprises.
Integrates comprehensive automated patching within a full endpoint management suite for Windows and multi-platform support.
Offers vulnerability-based automated patching and policy-driven deployment for endpoints and servers.
Cloud-based platform enabling agent-driven automated patching for multi-OS environments without on-prem infrastructure.
RMM tool with built-in automated patch management for proactive endpoint maintenance and MSP scalability.
Affordable on-prem or cloud solution for automated patch deployment across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps.
Integrates with WSUS for automated third-party and Windows patch management with scheduling and reporting.
All-in-one RMM platform featuring automated patch approval workflows and deployment for IT service providers.
Streamlines software deployment and patch management with simple automation for Windows environments.
Tanium
enterpriseDelivers real-time endpoint visibility and automated patch deployment across diverse IT environments.
Real-time, linear scalability for simultaneous patching across all endpoints without queues or performance degradation
Tanium is a leading unified endpoint management platform with robust automated patch management capabilities via Tanium Patch, enabling real-time visibility, scanning, testing, and deployment across millions of endpoints worldwide. It automates patch prioritization based on vulnerabilities, integrates seamlessly with sources like Microsoft WSUS, SCCM, and third-party vendors, and supports policy-driven rollouts with pre-deployment testing. This solution drastically reduces mean time to patch (MTTP) from days to minutes, minimizing exploit risks in complex, hybrid environments.
Pros
- Unparalleled speed and scale for patching millions of endpoints simultaneously
- Advanced automation with vulnerability prioritization and pre-testing
- Deep integrations with EDR, SIEM, and existing patch repositories
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High cost unsuitable for small organizations
- Requires significant infrastructure for optimal performance
Best For
Large enterprises with distributed, high-volume endpoint fleets needing ultra-fast, scalable patch management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $40-70 per endpoint per year, quoted based on scale and modules.
BigFix
enterpriseProvides autonomous patch management with continuous compliance and fixlet-based automation for enterprises.
Real-time, 100% endpoint visibility with sub-minute refresh rates, enabling instant global patch assessments and deployments
HCL BigFix is a robust endpoint management platform renowned for its automated patch management capabilities, providing real-time visibility, assessment, and remediation across diverse operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix. It automates patch deployment for OS, applications, and third-party software, handling massive-scale environments with thousands of endpoints efficiently. BigFix uses lightweight agents and a unique Relevance query language for precise targeting, ensuring compliance and rapid vulnerability mitigation.
Pros
- Ultra-fast patching cycles, often completing global deployments in hours
- Broad cross-platform support for heterogeneous environments
- Advanced automation with Fixlets, Baselines, and custom Relevance scripting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Outdated user interface compared to modern competitors
- High enterprise-level pricing
Best For
Large enterprises managing complex, multi-platform endpoint fleets that demand rapid, scalable patch management.
Pricing
Per-endpoint subscription model; pricing upon request, typically $15-25 per device/year depending on volume and features.
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
enterpriseIntegrates comprehensive automated patching within a full endpoint management suite for Windows and multi-platform support.
Automatic deployment rings and maintenance windows for phased, zero-touch patch rollout across global fleets
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), formerly SCCM, is a comprehensive on-premises systems management tool designed for large-scale endpoint management, including automated patch deployment for Windows, macOS, and select Unix systems. It integrates with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to scan, approve, schedule, and deploy software updates, ensuring compliance and minimizing vulnerabilities across enterprise networks. MECM also supports third-party patch catalogs and offers detailed reporting on update status, superseding simpler tools with its robust inventory and deployment capabilities.
Pros
- Enterprise-scale patch deployment with automatic approvals and rings
- Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem including Intune co-management
- Advanced compliance reporting and remediation workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High hardware and licensing costs for on-premises infrastructure
- Limited native support for non-Microsoft patches without add-ons
Best For
Large enterprises with predominantly Microsoft environments needing on-premises control over patch management.
Pricing
Licensed via Microsoft Volume Licensing (per device/user); starts at ~$15/device/month bundled with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or standalone ~$100+/device annually, plus SQL Server costs.
Ivanti Patch Management
enterpriseOffers vulnerability-based automated patching and policy-driven deployment for endpoints and servers.
Patch Success Forecasting with machine learning to predict deployment outcomes and reduce failures
Ivanti Patch Management is an enterprise-grade automated patching solution that deploys and manages patches across Windows, macOS, Linux, servers, and third-party applications. It leverages machine learning for risk-based prioritization, automated testing, and deployment orchestration to minimize vulnerabilities and downtime. Integrated into the Ivanti Neurons platform, it offers unified visibility, compliance reporting, and remediation workflows for complex IT environments.
Pros
- Extensive support for multi-OS, virtual environments, and 1,000+ third-party apps
- ML-driven Patch Success Forecasting for reliable deployments
- Deep integration with Ivanti's endpoint and vulnerability management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Best suited for Ivanti ecosystem users; standalone use limited
- Enterprise pricing may overwhelm smaller organizations
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with hybrid IT environments needing integrated patch management and vulnerability remediation.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $25-60 per endpoint annually, scaled by volume and features.
Automox
enterpriseCloud-based platform enabling agent-driven automated patching for multi-OS environments without on-prem infrastructure.
Worklets: Custom scripting engine for automated remediation beyond standard patching
Automox is a cloud-native patch management platform that automates the deployment of OS and third-party application patches across Windows, macOS, Linux endpoints, servers, and IoT devices. It eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure by using lightweight agents that enable policy-based automation, scheduling, and compliance reporting. The tool offers real-time visibility into patch status, rollback options, and custom scripting via Worklets for advanced remediation.
Pros
- Cloud-based architecture with no on-prem servers required
- Broad support for third-party app patching and multi-OS environments
- Fast agent deployment and reliable automation with 90-minute check-ins
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become costly for large-scale deployments
- Limited native support for some niche applications and custom patch testing
- Occasional delays in support response for complex issues
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams managing hybrid device fleets who need simple, scalable patch automation without infrastructure overhead.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$6/device/month for workstations (billed annually), higher for servers; custom enterprise pricing available.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM tool with built-in automated patch management for proactive endpoint maintenance and MSP scalability.
Patch Confidence engine that automates testing in a sandbox environment before deployment
NinjaOne is a unified IT management platform with powerful automated patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, enabling IT teams to scan, test, approve, and deploy patches seamlessly. It integrates patching with real-time monitoring, alerting, and reporting to maintain security and compliance across distributed environments. The solution emphasizes automation to minimize manual intervention, supporting third-party applications and custom patch workflows.
Pros
- Fully automated patching workflow with testing and rollback options
- Multi-OS support including Linux with detailed compliance reporting
- Seamless integration with RMM for proactive endpoint management
Cons
- Pricing scales higher for small teams or low device counts
- Advanced customization requires scripting knowledge
- Linux patch library less extensive than Windows
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams managing diverse endpoint fleets who want integrated RMM and patching.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starting at $3/device/month (Professional edition) up to $7/device/month (Enterprise), billed annually with minimums.
Patch Manager Plus
enterpriseAffordable on-prem or cloud solution for automated patch deployment across Windows, Mac, Linux, and third-party apps.
Extensive third-party patch database and automated probe testing for safe deployment validation
Patch Manager Plus by ManageEngine is a robust automated patch management solution designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, handling both OS and third-party application patches across physical, virtual, and remote devices. It streamlines the patch lifecycle with automated scanning, testing via probe machines, approval workflows, deployment scheduling, and rollback options. The tool also offers compliance reporting, vulnerability assessments, and integration with other ManageEngine products for enhanced IT management.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for OS and over 850 third-party apps
- Advanced automation including probe testing and deployment scheduling
- Strong reporting and compliance tools for audits
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Pricing scales quickly with larger deployments
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large IT teams managing diverse multi-platform environments requiring thorough patch automation and compliance.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 computers; Professional starts at $395/year for 50 computers, with tiered pricing up to enterprise levels based on device count.
SolarWinds Patch Manager
enterpriseIntegrates with WSUS for automated third-party and Windows patch management with scheduling and reporting.
Automated patch testing and verification in virtual lab environments before production rollout
SolarWinds Patch Manager is a comprehensive automated patch management solution designed primarily for Windows environments, enabling IT admins to deploy, test, and manage patches across servers and workstations. It integrates deeply with WSUS for Microsoft updates and extends support to third-party applications through custom update libraries. The tool emphasizes compliance reporting, automated workflows, and pre-deployment testing in virtual labs to minimize risks.
Pros
- Robust integration with WSUS and SolarWinds ecosystem for seamless operations
- Advanced patch testing in isolated lab environments reduces deployment risks
- Comprehensive third-party patch support via Download Studio
Cons
- Limited native support for non-Windows platforms like macOS or Linux
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations and workflows
- Higher pricing that scales quickly with node count
Best For
Enterprise IT administrators managing large-scale Windows server and workstation fleets who need integrated patch management within a broader monitoring suite.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at approximately $3,000-$4,000 annually for 250 nodes, with per-node scaling for larger environments.
Kaseya VSA
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM platform featuring automated patch approval workflows and deployment for IT service providers.
Virtual sandbox patch testing to validate updates before deployment
Kaseya VSA is a comprehensive Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform with robust automated patch management capabilities designed for MSPs and IT departments. It automates the discovery, testing, approval, and deployment of patches for Windows OS, Microsoft apps, and over 1,000 third-party applications across endpoints. Key features include sandbox testing, scheduled deployments, rollback options, and detailed compliance reporting to ensure minimal downtime and high patch success rates.
Pros
- Extensive support for third-party patches beyond just OS updates
- Sandbox testing and auto-approval policies reduce manual effort
- Integrated reporting and compliance tools for audits
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams without volume discounts
Best For
MSPs and mid-to-large IT teams managing diverse endpoint fleets across multiple clients.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $2.25 per endpoint/month for high volumes, with tiers based on endpoints or technicians.
PDQ Deploy
enterpriseStreamlines software deployment and patch management with simple automation for Windows environments.
The community-curated package library with 200+ pre-configured packages for instant patch and software deployments
PDQ Deploy is a Windows-focused deployment tool that enables IT administrators to push software installations, patches, updates, and scripts to multiple computers across a network with minimal effort. It features a vast library of pre-built deployment packages for popular applications and Windows updates, facilitating automated patch management workflows. When integrated with PDQ Inventory, it allows for targeted deployments based on real-time system data, making it efficient for routine maintenance tasks.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Extensive community package library for common patches
- Lightning-fast deployment speeds even at scale
Cons
- Windows-only, no cross-platform support
- Lacks built-in patch scanning and vulnerability assessment
- Full automation requires pairing with PDQ Inventory (additional cost)
Best For
Small to mid-sized IT teams managing Windows environments seeking simple, reliable software and patch deployment.
Pricing
Free edition with limits; Pro: $1,349/year (250 targets); Enterprise: $1,599/year (250 targets) with automation and failover.
Conclusion
The top three tools showcase distinct strengths: Tanium leads with real-time endpoint visibility and versatile cross-environment deployment, BigFix impresses with autonomous, compliance-driven automation for enterprises, and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager integrates deeply into a full endpoint management suite for multi-platform support. For varied needs, BigFix and Microsoft offer robust alternatives, but Tanium stands out as the top choice for its real-time capabilities and broad adaptability.
Ready to enhance your patch management? Start with Tanium today to experience seamless, proactive vulnerability control and streamlined operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison