You’ve got two strong contenders in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) space: Atera and NinjaRMM. Choosing the right tool for your Managed Service Provider (MSP) or IT team can make all the difference in how you manage endpoints, automate tasks, and deliver value to your clients. I’ve been there—stuck between two powerful options, both offering robust features but with differences that could make or break your decision. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and break down how Atera and NinjaRMM stack up against each other.
Atera vs. NinjaRMM: Quick Overview
| Feature | Atera | NinjaRMM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Per Technician | Per Device |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, especially for SMBs | Intuitive, clean UI |
| Automation | Built-in scripts, automated patching | Robust automation with flexible scripting |
| Monitoring and Alerts | Customizable alerts and thresholds | Advanced monitoring and alerts |
| Integrations | Extensive integrations with IT tools | Strong integration with popular tools |
| Customer Support | Responsive, extensive knowledge base | Excellent support, strong community |
| Unique Features | All-in-one pricing, Unlimited devices | Focused on endpoint management |
| Best For | Small to mid-sized MSPs and IT departments | MSPs looking for a scalable solution |
1. Pricing Models: Technician vs. Device-Based
Atera’s pricing model is one of its standout features—it’s per technician rather than per device. This can be a game-changer for smaller teams or those with a large number of devices but few technicians. You pay a flat fee per technician, and you can manage an unlimited number of devices. That’s a big selling point if you’re looking to scale without worrying about costs spiraling out of control.
NinjaRMM, on the other hand, charges on a per-device basis. This can be more predictable for MSPs with a stable or smaller number of endpoints. However, as you scale, it can get expensive if you’re adding a lot of devices. But for those who prefer clear, straightforward costs tied to the number of endpoints they manage, NinjaRMM is easier to budget for.
Key Takeaway:
- If you’re a smaller MSP or have a high device-to-technician ratio, Atera might save you more money.
- If you prefer cost predictability and have a steady number of devices, NinjaRMM is worth considering.
2. Ease of Use: Getting Comfortable with the Dashboard
Both Atera and NinjaRMM have reputations for being user-friendly, but they cater to slightly different user experiences:
- Atera: The interface is clean, intuitive, and particularly geared toward small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). For someone who wants to get up and running fast, Atera’s simple design and guided workflows make it easy to jump in, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy.
- NinjaRMM: Its dashboard is also intuitive and is designed to give you quick access to all essential functions like patch management, remote control, and reporting. NinjaRMM’s interface is praised for its speed and responsiveness, making it a favorite for MSPs that handle large volumes of tickets or need quick insights.
Key Takeaway:
- Atera is great for SMBs and those who prefer a straightforward, user-friendly interface.
- NinjaRMM offers a polished, fast interface suited for those needing rapid access to information.
3. Automation: Keeping Your IT Team Efficient
Automation is where both of these platforms shine, but they have different approaches:
- Atera: Comes with built-in scripts and automation rules that are fairly easy to set up. You can automate patch management, software installation, and other repetitive tasks to keep your team focused on more strategic work.
- NinjaRMM: Offers more in-depth automation capabilities. You can create detailed scripting and automation workflows that can handle complex IT management needs. If your team is more advanced and wants a tool that allows deep customization, NinjaRMM provides that flexibility.
Key Takeaway:
- For simpler automation that gets the job done without needing heavy customization, go with Atera.
- If you need advanced automation capabilities with the flexibility to customize extensively, NinjaRMM is a better fit.
4. Monitoring and Alerts: Staying Ahead of Issues
Both tools provide robust monitoring and alerting systems to keep you ahead of potential problems:
- Atera: Allows for customizable alerts and thresholds, giving you control over how and when you’re notified about potential issues. It’s great for MSPs who need a flexible but straightforward alert system.
- NinjaRMM: Takes monitoring up a notch with advanced alerting capabilities and more granular control over alerts and notifications. You can set up multi-step alerting processes, integrate with ticketing systems more deeply, and create highly customized notification flows.
Key Takeaway:
- Atera offers strong, straightforward monitoring suitable for most needs.
- For more advanced monitoring and alert customization, NinjaRMM comes out ahead.
5. Integrations: Connecting with Your Ecosystem
Integrations can be a deal-breaker depending on the tools you’re already using:
- Atera: Provides extensive integrations with popular IT tools like TeamViewer, Splashtop, and various PSA and accounting software. The goal is to be an all-in-one solution, so it’s built to work with a wide range of third-party applications.
- NinjaRMM: Also offers strong integration support, especially with tools like ConnectWise, Autotask, and ITGlue. If you’re an MSP that relies heavily on these tools, NinjaRMM makes integrating your workflows easier.
Key Takeaway:
- Both tools offer robust integrations, but if you need deeper integration with specific tools like ITGlue, NinjaRMM is slightly more focused.
6. Customer Support: Getting Help When You Need It
Both Atera and NinjaRMM score highly for customer support, but with different approaches:
- Atera: Known for its responsive support and a rich knowledge base that helps users solve problems on their own quickly. They also offer webinars, training sessions, and a community forum to help users get the most out of the platform.
- NinjaRMM: Offers excellent customer support, with an emphasis on fast response times and a dedicated community that’s active and supportive. For MSPs that prioritize customer service and community involvement, NinjaRMM is a solid choice.
Key Takeaway:
- Atera provides comprehensive support and resources for self-learners.
- NinjaRMM is ideal if you value community support and fast, responsive service.
7. Unique Features and Scalability: All-in-One vs. Endpoint Focused
- Atera: The all-in-one pricing model is appealing for MSPs that want to manage unlimited devices without additional cost. It includes everything from ticketing to remote monitoring, patch management, and network discovery, making it a great choice for growing teams.
- NinjaRMM: Focuses more on endpoint management and provides a scalable solution that grows with your business. If you’re an MSP handling a large volume of endpoints, the platform’s robust endpoint management capabilities might be what you need.
Key Takeaway:
- Atera is perfect for MSPs that want an all-in-one solution without the worry of device limits.
- NinjaRMM excels in endpoint management and is better for MSPs looking for scalability.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between Atera and NinjaRMM comes down to your specific needs:
- Choose Atera if you’re a small to mid-sized MSP or IT department looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one solution with unlimited devices and simple pricing.
- Go with NinjaRMM if you need a powerful, scalable RMM with strong endpoint management, advanced automation, and detailed monitoring capabilities.
At the end of the day, both Atera and NinjaRMM are excellent tools. It all depends on your pricing preference, feature requirements, and how you envision scaling your operations in the future. Make sure to take advantage of free trials to test both platforms in real-world scenarios to see which one feels right for you.