If you’re an MSP (Managed Service Provider) trying to decide between N-able RMM and N-central, you’re probably looking for the best fit for your business needs. Both tools are made by N-able, a leading provider of IT management solutions, and each offers its own unique advantages. But which one should you choose? The answer depends on your business size, complexity, and specific IT management requirements.
N-able RMM vs. N-central: The Breakdown
Let’s compare N-able RMM and N-central based on their user experience, core features, automation capabilities, network monitoring, security, integration, pricing, and support to help you decide which tool is better suited for your MSP operations.
1. User Interface and Experience
N-able RMM
- Dashboard and Layout: N-able RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) offers a simple, intuitive dashboard that is designed to provide a straightforward experience for MSPs. It’s more focused on ease of use and quick onboarding.
- Ease of Use: The platform is easy to set up and use, making it ideal for smaller MSPs or those new to RMM solutions. The interface is designed for speed and efficiency, allowing you to get up and running quickly.
- Customization: While not as deeply customizable as N-central, N-able RMM provides enough flexibility for most small to medium-sized MSPs. The focus is on simplicity and usability.
N-central
- Dashboard and Layout: N-central offers a more advanced and feature-rich interface. The dashboard is comprehensive but can appear overwhelming to new users due to its depth and complexity.
- Ease of Use: While powerful, N-central has a steeper learning curve compared to N-able RMM. It’s designed for MSPs that need more control and advanced functionalities.
- Customization: Highly customizable. N-central allows for deep configuration and customization, giving you full control over how you manage devices, alerts, and policies.
Verdict: If you’re looking for simplicity and ease of use, N-able RMM is the better option. For more control and customization in a feature-rich environment, N-central is the winner.
2. Core Features and Capabilities
| Feature | N-able RMM | N-central |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Monitoring | Simplified, focused on core monitoring needs | Advanced monitoring with in-depth customization |
| Patch Management | Basic patch management | Comprehensive patch management with automation |
| Automation and Scripting | Pre-built automation rules, easy to implement | Advanced scripting and automation capabilities |
| Network Monitoring | Basic network monitoring | Deep network monitoring with NetPath and more |
| Reporting | Simple, easy-to-understand reporting | Extensive and customizable reporting options |
| Security Features | Basic integrated security tools | Advanced security management with AV and backup |
Remote Monitoring and Management
- N-able RMM: Provides basic but effective remote monitoring and management capabilities. It’s perfect for MSPs that need to monitor multiple endpoints quickly and easily without getting bogged down by complex configurations.
- N-central: Offers advanced remote monitoring capabilities, including device discovery, network topology mapping, and NetPath. It’s built for MSPs that need detailed visibility and control over large, complex networks.
Patch Management
- N-able RMM: Offers basic patch management capabilities that are easy to use and configure.
- N-central: Provides more robust patch management with advanced scheduling, approvals, and automation options. It supports third-party patch management and gives greater control over patch deployment.
Verdict: For advanced monitoring, patch management, and automation, N-central is the clear winner. For MSPs needing basic, reliable monitoring, N-able RMM is more than sufficient.
3. Automation and Scripting
- N-able RMM: Comes with pre-built automation policies that are easy to deploy. Great for MSPs who want to automate routine tasks without the need for heavy scripting.
- N-central: Offers more advanced scripting and automation capabilities. MSPs can create complex scripts and automation workflows, giving them deeper control over their managed environments.
Verdict: For comprehensive automation and scripting control, N-central excels, while N-able RMM is better for those who prefer ready-to-use, simpler automation.
4. Network Monitoring and Performance Management
- N-able RMM: Provides basic network monitoring features. It is suitable for MSPs that need general network status monitoring without diving too deep.
- N-central: Offers extensive network monitoring tools, including NetPath, which allows for detailed visualization of network paths and performance. It also supports network device monitoring and management.
Verdict: If deep network monitoring and performance management are essential, N-central is the superior choice.
5. Security and Compliance
- N-able RMM: Includes basic security features like integrated antivirus, patching, and backup. Good for small to medium-sized businesses that need fundamental security management.
- N-central: Provides advanced security capabilities, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), backup, and automated patch management. It supports multi-layered security and compliance management, making it suitable for larger enterprises.
Verdict: For advanced security management and compliance, N-central provides more comprehensive options.
6. Integration and Compatibility
- N-able RMM: Integrates well with a variety of third-party tools, including professional services automation (PSA) tools, antivirus solutions, and backup services.
- N-central: Offers even broader integration capabilities, including third-party security tools, PSA, backup, and remote access solutions. It supports a wide range of integrations, making it ideal for complex environments.
Verdict: If you need extensive integration capabilities, N-central is the more flexible choice.
7. Pricing and Licensing
- N-able RMM: Offers simpler pricing models, often based on the number of endpoints or devices managed. The pricing is more predictable and can be cost-effective for small to medium-sized MSPs.
- N-central: Typically has more complex pricing due to its extensive features. It can become more expensive as you add more functionalities and endpoints, but it offers greater scalability for larger businesses.
Verdict: For smaller MSPs, N-able RMM may be more cost-effective. For those needing advanced features and scalability, N-central justifies its higher cost.
8. Customer Support and Community
- N-able RMM: Offers solid customer support with access to an active user community, forums, and knowledge bases.
- N-central: Provides comprehensive support, including dedicated technical support, extensive documentation, and an engaged user community. Because of the complexity of the tool, support is crucial.
Verdict: Both tools offer good support, but N-central may provide more detailed assistance due to its complexity.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you’re a smaller MSP or just starting and need an RMM tool that is easy to set up, use, and cost-effective, N-able RMM is likely the better choice. It delivers the essential monitoring and management features without the overhead of complex configurations.
- If you’re a larger MSP or an IT department that needs advanced monitoring, automation, security, and deep customization capabilities, N-central is the more powerful option. It’s designed for MSPs that manage complex environments and require robust, scalable solutions.