When it comes to patch management, finding the right Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool is like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s not just about picking a tool with the “patch management” feature checked off a list; it’s about getting a robust solution that handles patching efficiently, reliably, and with as little manual intervention as possible. After testing and tinkering with numerous RMM solutions over the years, I’ve narrowed down the best RMMs that excel specifically in patch management. Here’s the scoop.
What Makes a Great RMM for Patch Management?
Patch management isn’t just about applying updates—it involves identifying missing patches, assessing their relevance, testing them, deploying them without breaking anything, and verifying their success. Here’s what to look for:
- Automated Patch Deployment: Automatic discovery and deployment of patches for both operating systems and third-party applications.
- Granular Control: Ability to approve or deny specific patches based on security levels, criticality, or compliance needs.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed reporting to show what patches were applied, where they were applied, and the success/failure rates.
- Customizable Schedules: Scheduling flexibility to deploy patches during non-peak hours, minimizing downtime and disruption.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Support for various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and third-party software.
Top RMM Tools for Patch Management
1. NinjaOne
Why NinjaOne Tops the List: NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM) is known for its clean interface and user-friendly approach to patch management. It provides a robust patch management solution that allows IT teams to automate patching for operating systems and third-party applications.
Key Features:
- Automated patch management for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Configurable patch policies to approve, deny, or delay patches based on risk assessments.
- Third-party patching support for over 100 common applications (e.g., Adobe, Java).
- Flexible scheduling options to minimize impact on productivity.
- Detailed patch management reports and dashboards for easy monitoring and compliance.
Best For: IT teams seeking a straightforward, effective, and easy-to-use RMM tool for patch management with minimal setup and training.
2. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
Why ManageEngine is a Strong Contender: While not a traditional RMM, ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is an excellent option for teams that want a dedicated patch management solution. It seamlessly integrates with ManageEngine’s RMM Central for full remote monitoring and management capabilities.
Key Features:
- Automated patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
- Supports patching for over 850 third-party applications.
- Detailed patch compliance reports, vulnerability scanning, and missing patch analysis.
- Flexible deployment policies for automating patch rollouts across different departments or locations.
- Pre- and post-deployment testing to ensure patches do not cause conflicts or issues.
Best For: Teams with complex patch management needs across multiple operating systems and third-party applications.
3. ConnectWise Automate
Why ConnectWise Automate is a Powerhouse: Formerly known as LabTech, ConnectWise Automate is a feature-rich RMM that excels in automation, including comprehensive patch management. It offers deep customization options for patching policies, making it ideal for IT teams that want full control.
Key Features:
- Advanced scripting capabilities to automate patch management processes.
- Automatic patch detection and deployment across Windows, macOS, and third-party applications.
- Customizable patch approval policies to control which patches are deployed.
- Built-in patch testing and rollback capabilities to minimize the risk of failed updates.
- Extensive reporting and alerting to monitor patch compliance and status.
Best For: Larger IT environments that require a highly customizable and automated patch management process.
4. Atera
Why Atera is an Excellent Choice for SMBs: Atera is an RMM and PSA platform that offers an easy-to-use patch management solution built directly into its interface. It provides essential patch management features without the complexity of more advanced tools, making it perfect for smaller teams.
Key Features:
- Automated patch management for Windows OS and third-party applications.
- Customizable patch policies and approval workflows.
- Alerts and notifications for patch failures or pending updates.
- Ability to deploy patches on-demand or schedule them at specific times.
- Simple interface with easy-to-understand dashboards and reporting.
Best For: Small to mid-sized IT departments or Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one RMM and patch management solution.
5. Kaseya VSA
Why Kaseya VSA is a Veteran in the Field: Kaseya VSA is a long-standing player in the RMM space, known for its powerful automation and patch management capabilities. It provides a comprehensive set of features, including patching for both OS and third-party software.
Key Features:
- Automated patch management for Windows, Mac, and third-party applications.
- Custom policy settings to approve, delay, or deny patches based on criticality.
- Patch rollback options to revert changes in case of patch failure.
- Dynamic dashboards to provide visibility into patch status and compliance.
- Integration with Kaseya’s IT management suite for a broader set of IT operations.
Best For: IT departments that need a robust, scalable solution with deep automation and integration capabilities.
Comparing the Best RMM Tools for Patch Management
| RMM Tool | Best For | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| NinjaOne | Ease of use with effective, automated patch management | User-friendly interface, third-party patching support, flexibility |
| ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus | Dedicated patch management across multiple OS and apps | Comprehensive third-party patch support, integration with RMM Central |
| ConnectWise Automate | Highly customizable patch management for larger environments | Advanced automation, custom scripting, patch rollback features |
| Atera | Simple, budget-friendly RMM and patch management for SMBs | Easy deployment, customizable patch policies, clear reporting |
| Kaseya VSA | Scalable, powerful patch management for complex environments | Advanced policy controls, rollback features, extensive integration |
Conclusion
Choosing the right RMM tool for patch management can make or break your IT operations. For straightforward, automated patch management with strong third-party support, NinjaOne and ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus are top picks. If you need a more customizable approach with advanced automation, ConnectWise Automate or Kaseya VSA might be the way to go. And for small to mid-sized teams looking for simplicity and budget-friendly options, Atera is a great fit.
At the end of the day, the best RMM for patch management is the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow, minimizes manual effort, and keeps your systems secure and up to date without the headaches. Take advantage of free trials and demos to see which tool feels right for your team’s needs and scale.