The Top 8 RMM Solutions For MSPs
Discover the best RMM solutions for MSPs. Explore features such as client health monitoring and alerting, analytics and reporting, and patch management.
Written by Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software enables managed service providers (MSPs) to manage and monitor their clients’ networks and endpoints more effectively.
Today’s workplace is hybrid. Traditional office sites and on-premises networks have been transformed into complex off-site and hybrid cloud environments—and this is true of managed service providers as well as their clients. Because of this, MSPs need to be able to monitor and manage IT and security incidents across their clients’ disparate networks from anywhere. RMM software enables them to do that.
But as well as enabling managed service providers to remotely monitor and manage client networks, RMM tools empower MSPs to provide a more effective service by offering robust automation capabilities. The best RMM tools enable MSPs to automate routine tasks, such as onboarding, offboarding, deploying patches, and running scripts. This enables the MSP to spend more time responding to security incidents and ensuring their clients’ networks are correctly configured. So, clients benefit from powerful risk monitoring and mitigation with little downtime, and for a fixed cost which, in turn, leads to consistent revenue and customer satisfaction for the MSP.
In this shortlist, we’ll explore the best Remote Monitoring and Management solutions designed to help MSPs manage their clients’ networks. These solutions offer a range of capabilities, including automated software updating and patch management, remote troubleshooting, granular report generation, and configurable alerting. We’ll give you some background information on the provider and the key features of each tool, as well as the type of customer that they are most suitable for, to help you find the right RMM software for your business.
NinjaOne
NinjaOne is a unified IT operations solution specializing in RMM, system backups, and IT support. It offers comprehensive management capabilities for Mac, Windows, Linux, and virtual machines, enabling MSPs to manage devices remotely and efficiently.
Why We Picked NinjaOne: We appreciate NinjaOne’s built-in endpoint management tools that allow IT admins to remediate threats seamlessly. Its out-of-the-box alerts and remote access capabilities enable quick response times and minimize client downtime.
NinjaOne Standout Features: Key features include endpoint management, automated remediation and scripting, ticket and alert synchronization with PSAs, customizable alerts and reports, granular patching preferences, strong antivirus integrations, in-built endpoint protection, and integrated cloud backups. NinjaOne supports seamless integration across various operating systems and offers a mobile app for remote access.
What’s Great:
- Efficient endpoint management and threat remediation
- Out-of-the-box alerts reduce response time
- Comprehensive remote access via central console and mobile app
- Customizable alerts and reports for real-time data
- Free, unlimited training and support
What To Consider:
- Customization of alerts and reports can require initial setup time
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit NinjaOne directly.
Best Suited For: NinjaOne is ideal for small to mid-market MSPs with smaller IT departments seeking a robust RMM solution with extensive support and training.
NinjaOne
Datto RMM
Datto RMM is a cloud-based platform designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to manage and support endpoints efficiently. It offers scalable solutions that reduce costs and enhance service delivery for MSPs serving small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Why We Picked Datto RMM: We selected Datto RMM for its comprehensive patch management and robust real-time monitoring features. These allow MSPs to automate security updates and proactively manage client systems, improving efficiency and security.
Datto RMM Standout Features: Key features include flexible, automatable patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as third-party applications via Chocolatey integration. Real-time monitoring and reporting enable proactive issue resolution, while auto-response to alerts simplifies troubleshooting. The platform is fully cloud-based, ensuring scalability and accessibility, and integrates seamlessly with existing Professional Services Automation (PSA) systems and over 200 third-party tools.
What’s Great:
- Automates patching across multiple operating systems and applications.
- Provides real-time system health monitoring and reporting.
- Offers auto-response capabilities for instant issue resolution.
- Highly scalable and accessible from anywhere due to its cloud-based nature.
- Integrates well with existing PSA systems and third-party solutions.
What To Consider:
- May require initial setup time to fully leverage all features.
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit Datto’s official website.
Best suited for: Datto RMM is ideal for MSPs focused on serving SMBs, looking for a scalable, efficient solution to manage client endpoints and wishing to join a supportive MSP community.
Datto RMM
SuperOps
SuperOps.ai is a leading technology platform for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), integrating Professional Services Automation (PSA) and Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools into a single, efficient interface. This solution enhances MSPs’ capabilities in client and asset management, supported by comprehensive IT documentation and project management features.
Why We Picked SuperOps.ai: We appreciate SuperOps.ai’s seamless integration of PSA and RMM, which significantly reduces software sprawl and streamlines operations. Its compatibility with both Windows and macOS, along with easy deployment via a silent script, makes it highly accessible.
SuperOps.ai Standout Features: Key features include combined PSA and RMM functionalities, IT documentation, project management, automatic and on-demand patching, and machine learning-based anomaly detection. The platform integrates with Splashtop, TeamViewer, ConnectWise Control for remote support, Chocolatey for software management, and Webroot and Bitdefender for antivirus protection.
What’s Great:
- Efficiently combines PSA and RMM in one platform
- Easy deployment across Windows and macOS devices
- Robust patching capabilities with bulk options
- Intelligent alerts for unusual asset activity
- Seamless integration with Chocolatey for Windows software management
What To Consider:
- May require time to fully leverage all features
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit SuperOps.ai directly.
Best Suited For: SuperOps.ai is ideal for small to mid-sized MSPs seeking an integrated RMM and PSA solution to streamline client management, especially those managing numerous Windows assets.
SuperOps
Atera RMM
Atera is an AI-powered RMM platform that streamlines remote-first management for MSPs across 75 countries. It integrates RMM, PSA, remote access, and reporting into a single user-friendly interface, enhancing efficiency and enabling proactive problem resolution.
Why We Picked Atera: We appreciate Atera’s AI-driven automation capabilities, which significantly reduce response times and enable proactive issue resolution. Its comprehensive integration of RMM, PSA, and remote access tools into one platform simplifies management processes.
Atera RMM Best Features: Key features include real-time system monitoring, automated ticket summaries, actionable intelligence delivery, and automation of administrative tasks such as system scanning and patch management. Atera supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and SNMP devices. It also offers granular patch management, remote maintenance capabilities, and comprehensive activity logging. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Splashtop for continuous remote support.
What’s great:
- AI-driven automation for efficient ticket resolution
- Real-time monitoring with proactive alerts
- Centralized management of RMM, PSA, and remote access
- Comprehensive activity logging for transparency
- Broad platform compatibility including Windows, macOS, Linux, and SNMP
What to consider:
• May require time to fully leverage AI capabilities
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit Atera’s website directly.
Best Suited For: Atera is ideal for MSPs and IT service providers of any size seeking a reliable, AI-powered RMM solution to offer comprehensive remote support and streamline their management processes.
Atera RMM
Syncro
Syncro is an integrated platform designed to enhance efficiency and profitability for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It combines Professional Services Automation (PSA), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), and remote access tools into a comprehensive, affordable package.
Why We Picked Syncro: We appreciate Syncro’s all-in-one approach, integrating PSA, RMM, and remote access functionalities. Its per-user pricing model offers cost-effectiveness for MSPs managing multiple clients.
Syncro Best Features: Syncro includes PSA features like flexible invoicing, helpdesk functionality, back-office automation, and reporting. Its RMM capabilities support unlimited monitoring of PC and Mac assets with automated alert remediation, scripting, and patch management. Remote access, integrated with Splashtop, allows for efficient issue resolution. The platform also offers over 50 third-party integrations, robust reporting, asset and ticket management, customizable templates, and a script library with over 500 scripts for routine IT tasks.
What’s Great:
- Comprehensive integration of PSA, RMM, and remote access tools
- Per-user pricing model, reducing costs for MSPs
- Unlimited device monitoring without additional fees
- Intuitive user interface with customizable dashboards
- Extensive third-party integrations and script library
What To Consider:
- Some advanced features might need additional setup
Pricing: Syncro offers a contract-free, unlimited device package. For detailed pricing, visit Syncro directly.
Best Suited For: Syncro is best suited for small to midsize MSPs seeking a streamlined, cost-effective solution to manage multiple clients and devices efficiently.
Syncro
ConnectWise Automate
ConnectWise Automate is a robust RMM platform from ConnectWise, designed to enhance proactive support and system monitoring for Technology Solution Providers (TSPs). It aims to grow alongside your business, offering tools that save time and improve customer experience.
Why We Picked ConnectWise Automate: We appreciate its powerful automation capabilities that save MSPs time, and its asset discovery feature that automatically detects client network devices for efficient management.
ConnectWise Automate Best Features: Key features include automation for routine tasks, asset discovery for device management, remote monitoring for IT issue detection, endpoint management for real-time access, and patch management for Windows and third-party software. It also offers monitoring and reporting tools for auditing and technology analysis.
What’s Great:
- Saves valuable time through automation
- Enhances accountability with automatic asset discovery
- Provides robust remote monitoring and endpoint management
- Features user-friendly patch management
- Offers detailed alerts and easy-to-use scripting
What To Consider:
- Customization might be needed for specific business needs
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit ConnectWise directly.
Who it’s for: ConnectWise Automate is best suited for small to medium-sized MSPs seeking an RMM platform to enhance their service delivery and client support.
ConnectWise Automate
ManageEngine RMM Central
ManageEngine RMM Central, a division of Zoho Corporation, is a robust remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It enables comprehensive network device discovery, performance monitoring, and security management for clients across various industries.
Why We Picked ManageEngine RMM Central: We selected RMM Central for its advanced device discovery capabilities, utilizing techniques like Layer 2 mapping and subnet scanning. Its machine learning-based forecast reports and extensive analytical tools provide MSPs with proactive insights into network health and performance.
ManageEngine RMM Central Best Features: RMM Central offers automatic device discovery, real-time monitoring, and security alerts. Key features include ML-based forecast reports, over 100 analytical reports, remote troubleshooting with multi-user collaboration, patch management for multiple OS and third-party apps, and mobile device management. Integrations include support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 1,000 third-party applications.
What’s Great:
- Efficient device discovery with Layer 2 mapping and subnet scanning
- Proactive monitoring with ML-based forecasts and real-time alerts
- Comprehensive patch management across multiple platforms
- Robust remote troubleshooting capabilities
- Flexible licensing and multi-language support
What To Consider:
- The Free edition lacks some advanced features like browser security and network configuration management
Pricing: ManageEngine RMM Central is available in Free and Enterprise editions. For detailed pricing, visit ManageEngine’s website.
Who it’s for: ManageEngine RMM Central is ideal for MSPs with a global client base or those managing a largely remote workforce across multiple countries.
ManageEngine RMM Central
N-able N-central
N-able N-central is a robust RMM platform that enhances MSP efficiency and provides continuous protection for organizations scaling rapidly. It supports both cloud and on-prem deployments, compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, network devices, and virtual machines.
Why We Picked N-central: We like N-central’s integration of powerful Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities within its core RMM features, and its AI-assisted scripting for efficient device management.
N-able N-central Best Features: Key features include RMM, EDR, policy-driven automation, forensic analysis, AI engines, network topology mapping, customizable reporting, and a mobile app. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Microsoft’s MS365 and Intune.
What’s great:
- Comprehensive RMM and EDR capabilities in a single platform
- AI-assisted scripting for efficient device onboarding and management
- Clear network topology mapping for enhanced troubleshooting
- Mobile app for on-the-go IT management
- Backup and disaster recovery options for data protection
What to consider:
• May require time to fully leverage advanced features
Pricing: For detailed pricing, visit N-able directly.
Who it’s for: N-able N-central is ideal for MSPs and organizations of any size looking for an integrated RMM and EDR solution, particularly those using Microsoft’s ecosystem.
N-able N-central
FAQs
RMM Solutions For MSPs: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
RMM software, also referred to as remote IT management or network management software, enables managed service providers (MSPs) to monitor their clients’ networks for IT and security issues and respond to those issues from anywhere, without causing disruption. With RMM tools, MSPs can identify and remediate security vulnerabilities without having to visit their clients in person, reducing travel costs as well as their mean time to respond to incidents. In turn, this leads to reduced downtime, increased security, and higher client satisfaction.
To achieve this, RMM software helps MSPs by gathering data about their clients’ networks, software, and endpoints; tracking network and device health; generating alerts or tickets when an issue is identified; supplying the MSP with health, performance, and activity reports; and automating scheduled maintenance tasks such as patching. By allowing the RMM tool to take care of these tasks, MSPs can dedicate their time, energy, and resources to tasks that require more human intervention, such as consulting with their clients on how they can expand and grow their business.
When an RMM platform is deployed, an agent is installed on all of the client workstations, servers, and endpoints that the MSP wants to monitor, and a central management component is installed in the MSP’s server. The agents then feed back health and status information to the MSP, alerting them in real-time to any changes in health or performance. If a change or issue is detected, the RMM tool generates an alert or ticket, which it sends to the MSP so that they can resolve the issue. The best RMM tools add contextual information to these alerts and classify each one in terms of issue type and severity, so that the MSP can quickly identify what action they need to take and prioritize more critical issues—often before the client even realizes there’s an issue at all.
There are a few reasons why an MSP or IT service provider may want to use an RMM tool. First, RMM tools give MSPs complete remote visibility of their clients’ networks, no matter where they or the clients are based. This means that even smaller MSPs and IT teams can support and manage multiple clients, as they don’t have to travel to visit a client each time an issue arises.
Second, RMM software offers lots of automation that enables MSPs to streamline their issue detection and resolution workflows. This, in turn, allows the MSP to spend less time on manual, time-consuming tasks, so that they can support more users and endpoints—effectively allowing them to scale their support operations.
But RMM software doesn’t only enable MSPs to scale their support—it also enables them to offer better support! With a strong RMM tool, MSPs can get ahead of potential issues more quickly by proactively and continuously monitoring their clients’ networks for indicators that something’s wrong. This helps them identify and resolve problems more quickly, minimizing downtime and disruption, and boosting customer satisfaction.
Finally, the best RMM solutions make it much easier for MSPs to manage their clients’ networks by providing them with a single pane of glass from which they can view all the metrics they need. To achieve this, RMM tools integrate with PSA, backup, endpoint security, and patching software, amongst other IT tools. This means that the RMM software’s dashboard can act as a central control panel for multiple tools.
While all RMM tools offer a slightly different feature set to help you meet the specific needs of your clients, there are some features you should look out for in any strong RMM software. These include:
Remote monitoring
Your RMM tool should gather health and status information client software, hardware, and networks and feed that data back to you in as close to real-time as possible so you can stay on top of maintenance.
Remote management, remote control, and secure remote access
You should be able to configure your clients’ IT security and respond to issues remotely, so that you don’t have to add travel time to your mean time to respond. This should include the ability to manage mobile devices.
Automation
Your RMM software should automate routine tasks such as onboarding, patch management, alerting, and ticketing to save you time and allow you to focus on incident response.
Reporting and analytics
From your RMM tool’s central management console, you should be able to generate clear, customizable reports into the health and security status of your clients’ networks at a granular level.
Integrations
Your RMM software should integrate easily with your user directory for easier onboarding and offboarding. It should also integrate with your existing security tools, ticketing tools, and PSA software.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. Caitlin is an experienced writer and journalist, with years of experience producing award-winning technical training materials and journalistic content. Caitlin holds a First Class BA in English Literature and German, and provides our content team with strategic editorial guidance as well as carrying out detailed research to create articles that are accurate, engaging and relevant. Caitlin co-hosts the Expert Insights Podcast, where she interviews world-leading B2B tech experts.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA cloud, an email security provider acquired by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013, which has now been rebranded as VIPRE Email Security. Craig has extensive experience in the email security industry, with 20+ years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with innovative information security and cyber security solutions.