When choosing between Atera and SolarWinds RMM, you’re comparing two heavyweights in the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) space. Both tools are designed to help MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT professionals efficiently manage their clients’ IT environments, but they cater to different needs and offer distinct features. Having experience with both Atera and SolarWinds RMM, I can break down their differences, strengths, and best-use scenarios to help you make an informed choice.
Atera vs. SolarWinds RMM: Overview
Atera is an all-in-one platform that combines RMM, Professional Services Automation (PSA), and remote access in a single, user-friendly package. It’s designed to be simple, intuitive, and cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized MSPs and IT teams. Atera’s pricing is unique because it is per technician, not per device, which can be a game-changer for many businesses.
SolarWinds RMM, on the other hand, is a more mature and feature-rich platform tailored for larger MSPs and IT departments. It offers comprehensive RMM capabilities, including patch management, automation, advanced security, and extensive third-party integrations, all built into a robust and highly customizable platform. SolarWinds RMM typically charges per device, which is a more traditional pricing model in the RMM world.
In summary:
- Atera is great for small to medium-sized MSPs looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform with transparent per-technician pricing.
- SolarWinds RMM is designed for MSPs and IT departments that need a powerful, feature-rich RMM solution with a wide range of tools for managing larger environments.
Key Differences Between Atera and SolarWinds RMM
| Feature | Atera | SolarWinds RMM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | All-in-one RMM, PSA, and remote access solution for small to medium MSPs. | Comprehensive RMM solution for larger MSPs and IT departments needing deep customization. |
| Ease of Use | Very easy to set up and use with minimal onboarding required. | Requires more setup and onboarding but offers more advanced features and flexibility. |
| Pricing Model | Per technician pricing; unlimited devices per technician. | Per device pricing; tiered plans based on the number of managed endpoints. |
| Remote Access and Control | Integrated remote access with AnyDesk and Splashtop; easy to use. | Built-in remote access with Take Control (TeamViewer or Splashtop). |
| Automation and Scripting | Basic automation capabilities; user-friendly automation options. | Advanced scripting and automation capabilities with support for PowerShell, Bash, etc. |
| Patch Management | Simple, automated patch management with basic configuration options. | Comprehensive patch management for OS and third-party apps with detailed control. |
| Security Management | Integrated with Bitdefender for endpoint protection; basic security features. | Advanced security options including AV, EDR, web protection, and integrated backups. |
| Integration | Limited but effective integrations with popular tools like Xero, QuickBooks, etc. | Extensive integrations with a variety of third-party tools and other SolarWinds products. |
| Reporting and Analytics | Easy-to-understand reports; focused on basic performance and system health. | Comprehensive reporting with deep insights into performance, security, and compliance. |
| Best For | Small to medium MSPs looking for simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. | MSPs and IT departments needing comprehensive RMM capabilities with advanced automation. |
In-Depth Comparison of Features
1. Ease of Use and Setup
- Atera: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, Atera is extremely easy to set up. Within minutes, you can have monitoring and basic management up and running. The interface is intuitive and clean, which is a big plus for small teams or MSPs that don’t want to spend time on complex configurations.
- SolarWinds RMM: Offers a more feature-rich experience, but that comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve. Setting it up and configuring it for specific needs can take some time, especially if you want to leverage its full potential with automation, custom scripts, and policies.
2. Pricing Model
- Atera: The pricing model is what makes Atera stand out. You pay per technician rather than per device, which means you can manage unlimited devices for one flat fee. This is ideal for MSPs that manage a large number of endpoints but have a smaller team.
- SolarWinds RMM: Pricing is based per device, which is a more common model in the RMM market. This can become costly if you are managing many devices, but it makes more sense for larger MSPs or IT departments where managing per endpoint is more scalable.
3. Remote Access and Control
- Atera: Comes with integrated remote access solutions like AnyDesk and Splashtop, allowing for quick and easy remote support. This is great for technicians who need to access client devices without jumping between multiple tools.
- SolarWinds RMM: Offers robust remote access capabilities with Take Control, powered by TeamViewer or Splashtop. This integration allows deep remote control and troubleshooting directly from the RMM console.
4. Automation and Scripting
- Atera: Provides basic automation capabilities. While it offers some scripting and automation features, it is generally easier and less granular compared to SolarWinds RMM. This can be a plus for users who prefer simplicity.
- SolarWinds RMM: Boasts advanced scripting and automation tools. You can write scripts in PowerShell, Bash, and other languages, automate routine tasks, deploy software, and perform complex workflows. This depth of automation is crucial for MSPs managing large environments or needing granular control.
5. Patch Management
- Atera: Provides straightforward, automated patch management. It allows you to set patch schedules and policies but doesn’t offer the deep control or customization that SolarWinds RMM provides.
- SolarWinds RMM: Offers robust patch management for both operating systems and third-party applications. You can approve or decline patches, schedule them based on policies, and automate deployments, giving you more control and flexibility.
6. Security Management
- Atera: Integrates with Bitdefender for antivirus and endpoint protection but doesn’t offer built-in EDR or more advanced security tools. It’s sufficient for basic endpoint security but may require additional tools for comprehensive protection.
- SolarWinds RMM: Provides a more comprehensive security suite, including antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), web protection, and integrated backups. This makes it a more complete solution for environments that need strong security measures.
7. Integration and Ecosystem
- Atera: Integrates well with popular business and accounting tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and others. However, its integrations are more limited compared to SolarWinds RMM.
- SolarWinds RMM: Offers extensive integration with a variety of third-party tools and SolarWinds products, such as N-able Backup, Mail Assure, and others. This makes it an ideal choice for MSPs that want a more integrated IT management stack.
8. Reporting and Analytics
- Atera: Provides easy-to-understand, basic reporting features that cover performance, patch status, and system health. It’s enough for smaller teams that don’t need deep data insights.
- SolarWinds RMM: Excels in reporting and analytics, offering detailed insights into device health, security status, and network performance. Reports can be highly customized, which is beneficial for MSPs needing to provide detailed reports to clients.
Pros and Cons
Atera Pros:
- Simple and intuitive interface; easy to set up and use.
- Transparent, flat-rate pricing per technician; cost-effective for managing many devices.
- Integrated PSA and RMM features in one platform.
- Good for small to medium-sized MSPs with straightforward needs.
Atera Cons:
- Limited automation and scripting capabilities compared to more advanced RMM tools.
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools.
- Basic security features; may need additional tools for comprehensive endpoint protection.
SolarWinds RMM Pros:
- Comprehensive RMM capabilities with deep monitoring, patch management, and automation.
- Advanced security features, including antivirus, EDR, and web protection.
- Extensive third-party integrations and a strong ecosystem with other SolarWinds products.
- Robust remote access and control built into the platform.
SolarWinds RMM Cons:
- Per device pricing can be expensive for environments with a large number of endpoints.
- Steeper learning curve; more complex to set up and manage.
- Requires more time and expertise to leverage advanced features effectively.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Atera if:
- You are a small to medium-sized MSP looking for an all-in-one solution that combines RMM, PSA, and remote access in a single, user-friendly platform.
- You prefer a per-technician pricing model, especially if you manage a large number of endpoints with a smaller team.
- Your focus is on simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness rather than deep customization and advanced automation.
Choose SolarWinds RMM if:
- You are an MSP or IT department that requires a powerful, comprehensive RMM solution with advanced monitoring, automation, security, and reporting capabilities.
- You need deep integration with third-party tools and other IT management solutions, particularly within the SolarWinds ecosystem.
- You have the expertise and time to set up and configure a more complex and feature-rich platform that can handle a diverse IT environment.
Ultimately, the decision between Atera and SolarWinds RMM comes down to your specific needs, budget, and the size and complexity of the environments you manage. Both tools have their unique strengths, but they cater to different types of users—Atera for simplicity and cost-efficiency, and SolarWinds RMM for depth and comprehensive IT management.