While there seems to be an application for everything today, not every application is right for every organization. Choosing the right patch management software for your organization requires understanding the organization's needs and selecting the software that offers the closest feature match.
The best patch management software has a wide variety of uses, depending on the scope of control needed by the organization. In this blog, let us talk about the top patch management software, their features, pricing, and more.
What is a patch management software?
Patch management software automates the process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and deploying software updates, commonly known as “patches”, to operating systems, applications, and firmware.
These patches fix bugs, close security vulnerabilities, and improve performance. Without a proper patching strategy, organizations risk data breaches, downtime, and non-compliance with industry regulations.
Patch management tools help IT teams:
Stay ahead of vulnerabilities
Reduce manual workload
Ensure compliance with standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO
Maintain system stability and performance
What features to look for in a patch management software?
Automated patch deployment: This feature enables you to detect and install patches across all your systems automatically. This saves you time, reduces manual errors, and ensures your network stays secure without constant monitoring.
Cross-platform compatibility: Look for software that supports multiple operating systems and popular third-party applications. This ensures you can protect all parts of your network, not just a subset of devices.
Vulnerability assessment: A good tool helps you identify and prioritize unpatched vulnerabilities based on risk. This lets you focus on critical issues first, reducing the chances of security breaches.
Patch testing and rollback: You want the ability to test patches in a controlled environment and roll them back if needed. This keeps your systems stable while ensuring updates don’t disrupt your operations.
Scheduling flexibility: Choose software that allows you to schedule updates at convenient times. This helps you minimize disruptions to your daily business processes while keeping your systems up to date.
Centralized management: With a central dashboard, you can monitor patch status and security health across all devices. This makes managing your network easier and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Reporting and compliance: Make sure the software can generate clear reports on patch deployment and compliance. This helps you stay audit-ready and demonstrates adherence to security standards.
Scalability and integration: Select a tool that can grow with your organization and integrate with your existing IT systems. This ensures consistent protection as your network expands and streamlines your workflow.
10 best patch management software you can try
Here is a quick overview of the top 5 patch management software:
Software | Best Features | Best Suited For |
SuperOps | AI-powered alerts, RMM, PSA, patch management for Windows/macOS, automated workflows, prioritize critical patches, community-powered scripting, integration with different apps | Managed Service Providers (MSPs), IT teams |
NinjaOne | Cross-platform patching (Windows, macOS, Linux), security scanning, automation | IT teams needing scalable, cloud-native patching solutions |
ManageEngine | Multi-OS support, 950+ third-party apps, policy-driven automation, compliance reporting | Enterprises requiring deep patching control and compliance tools |
SolarWinds | RMM, prebuilt third-party patches, centralized patch dashboard, cross-platform management | Enterprises managing complex IT infrastructure (networks, servers) |
Atera | Patch management, RMM, PSA, hardware patching, integration with third-party tools | Small to mid-sized IT teams that need simple, integrated management |
SuperOps
SuperOps is a comprehensive, right-sized platform that offers far more than just patch management. It integrates robust features such as patch management, remote monitoring and management (RMM), and professional services automation (PSA) into one centralized endpoint management solution.
Supporting both Windows and macOS, SuperOps uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its capabilities, offering intelligent alerts and proactive management of endpoint performance.
SuperOps not only automates the patch management lifecycle, from patch cataloging to deployment, but also provides customizable patch management policies and integrates with security vulnerability scanning services.
Its RMM tools streamline asset management, while its PSA features support invoicing, ticketing, IT documentation, and project management. It is a comprehensive, modern solution for large enterprises and managed service providers (MSPs) looking for an efficient way to manage endpoints and services.
Key features
1. Comprehensive OS patching
Keeping your endpoints secure and up to date can feel like a never-ending task. SuperOps Patch Management makes it simple. Whether it is Windows, macOS, or third-party applications, you can automate detection, testing, approval, and deployment, so you never have to worry about missed updates again.
Prioritize critical patches: Instantly deploy urgent updates while scheduling less critical ones to avoid disrupting users.
Patch install Windows: Choose the perfect time for updates, keeping systems secure without affecting productivity.
Granular patch overrides: Maintain complete control by approving or rejecting patches at a device, policy, or global level.
Wake-on-LAN support: Automatically wake inactive or sleeping devices to deploy critical updates, ensuring no endpoint is left behind.
2. Multi-repository software management
Managing third-party software updates manually is tedious and risky. SuperOps lets you install, update, and manage software on Windows devices through Chocolatey and Winget repositories, all from one console.
Flexible third-party patching: Keep all critical apps updated without juggling multiple tools.
Manage existing software: Update, uninstall, or control Microsoft Store apps directly from SuperOps.
Custom software bundles: Automatically deploy software bundles to new devices based on policies, saving time and ensuring consistency.
3. Patch compliance and reporting
It is one thing to patch devices; it is another to ensure compliance across your organization. SuperOps gives you full visibility into patch status so you can confidently prove compliance and take action where needed.
Customizable views: Filter patches by asset, site, approval status, or software type.
High compliance guaranteed: Achieve up to 99% patch compliance with detailed reports for every device.
Single-click actions: Approve, install, or reject patches directly from the dashboard, fast and easy.
4. Community-powered scripting
Sometimes standard patching is not enough. With SuperOps’ community-tested scripts, you can automate complex tasks confidently and efficiently.
Proven scripts: Use scripts tested by the SuperOps community, no trial and error needed.
Save time: Automate repetitive tasks and let your team focus on higher-value work.
5. Automated patch workflow
Patching does not have to be manual or time-consuming. SuperOps lets you automate the entire patching lifecycle, from discovery and testing for approval and deployment.
End-to-end automation: Automatically catalog, test, approve, and deploy patches.
Eliminate errors: Ensure patches are deployed consistently across all endpoints.
Faster security remediation: Critical patches reach devices immediately, reducing vulnerability risks and downtime.
Pricing
SuperOps offers flexible pricing based on the modules purchased, ranging from $29 to $99 per tech per month. A 14-day free trial option is also available. You can sign up here to get started.
Why SuperOps is the best choice for MSPs?
For MSPs, managing multiple clients, devices, and IT services can quickly become complex. SuperOps simplifies this with a modern, all-in-one platform designed for efficiency, scalability, and automation. It does not just handle endpoint management and patching, but redefines how MSPs manage IT operations.
All-in-one platform: SuperOps combines RMM, patch management, PSA, IT documentation, reporting, and project management in a single platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools and reducing operational overhead.
Intuitive UX/UI: With clean dashboards, customizable views, and simple navigation, SuperOps helps your team work faster, make fewer errors, and onboard new staff quickly.
Advanced patch management: Automate patching for Windows, macOS, and third-party apps across hundreds or thousands of devices, keeping endpoints secure and compliant.
AI-powered alerts: Detect performance issues before they escalate with AI-driven alerts, enabling proactive problem resolution and minimizing downtime.
Customizable workflows: Tailor automation for patch approvals, ticketing, and client billing to match your processes, reducing errors and freeing up staff time.
Scalable for any MSP: SuperOps grows with your business, handling multi-site deployments and complex IT environments without slowing down operations.
NinjaOne
NinjaOne has evolved from a straightforward RMM tool into a robust enterprise-grade patch management platform. It is designed for IT teams and MSPs that need scalable, cloud-native control over endpoints across diverse environments. Supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, VMware, and SNMP-based devices, NinjaOne offers a streamlined approach to patching, monitoring, and automation, without requiring any additional infrastructure.
Key fFeatures
Supports patching across Windows, macOS, Linux, VMware, and SNMP devices
Policy-based patching strategies and ad hoc deployments
Security vulnerability scanning with ticket logging for remediation
Automated remediation of out-of-compliance devices
Remote monitoring, control, and endpoint backup capabilities
Pricing
To get an accurate quote, contact NinjaOne. team. Pricing is based on a per-device, per-month model, with flexible options to pay monthly or annually.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Wide support for OS and network devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, SNMP) | Pricing details require direct vendor contact |
Fully cloud-native, no additional infrastructure needed | Advanced reporting may require customization |
Strong automation via policies and workflows | Linux patching features are still maturing |
Security vulnerability scanning with ticket-based remediation | Some features may be limited in lower-tier plans |
No built-in support for on-premise-only environments |
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a dedicated patching solution within a broader enterprise IT suite. It’s designed for organizations that need deep control over patching across diverse environments, whether on-premises or in the cloud. With support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and compatibility with over 950 third-party applications, it’s built to handle complex infrastructures with precision.
Key Features
Multi-OS support, including Windows, macOS, and Linux
Patches 950+ third-party apps across servers, desktops, and VMs
Policy-driven automation for scheduled and ad hoc deployments
Built-in vulnerability scanning and exception handling
Detailed audit and compliance reporting tools
Pricing
ManageEngine’s pricing depends on the deployment type and the number of endpoints. Cloud subscriptions start at $34.50 per month for 50 devices, while on-premises plans start at $245 per year for the same number of devices
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Extensive third-party app coverage | Interface may feel outdated compared to newer platform |
Available in both cloud and on-premise formats | Setup and configuration can be time-intensive |
Strong lifecycle management from detection to deployment | Advanced features may require integration with other ME tools |
Licensing model may not suit rapidly scaling teams |
SolarWinds
SolarWinds provides a comprehensive suite of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, designed to support a wide array of technology stacks, including networks, databases, applications, and servers.
Whether on-premises or in the cloud, SolarWinds enables businesses to remotely monitor and manage their technology infrastructure. Their Patch Manager tool enhances these capabilities by offering scheduled patch management and software distribution, with extensive administrator control.
Key features
Manages networks, databases, applications, and servers, both on-premises and in the cloud.
Scheduled patch management and software distribution for various platforms.
Extensive control over the patching process, including prebuilt, pretested third-party patches.
Provides visibility into patch status, compliance, and device health.
Supports both on-premises and cloud environments for monitoring and patching.
Pricing
SolarWinds Patch Manager starts at $2,006 and offers both subscription and perpetual licensing options. A free trial is available for businesses to evaluate the platform.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Comprehensive monitoring for various tech stacks | Limited features; lacks service desk support |
Prebuilt patches for third-party apps | High initial cost ($2,006+), may be pricey for small businesses |
Centralized dashboard for patch status and device health | Complex Interface compared to other platforms |
Flexible licensing options (subscription or perpetual) |
Atera
Atera offers patch management, RMM, and PSA features, supporting Windows and macOS with automated scripted policies. Known for its unique hardware patching capability, it integrates well with popular third-party tools like Acronis, Malwarebytes, and Zoom. Atera’s strong suit is its automation and ease of integration, making it a solid choice for managing endpoints and security.
Key features
Supports hardware and software patching for Windows and macOS.
Combines remote monitoring and service automation features.
Utilizes scripted policies for efficient management.
Integrates with tools like Acronis, Malwarebytes, and Bitdefender.
Built-in for comprehensive management.
Pricing
Atera uses a per-agent pricing model. Contact the vendor for detailed pricing.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Supports hardware patching | Only supports Windows and macOS |
Strong scripting and automation tools | Lacks the advanced features of some competitors |
Seamless with popular tools | Can become costly as agents increase |
Combines monitoring and automation |
ITarian
ITarian is an IT operations platform that combines patch management, remote monitoring and management (RMM), and enterprise service management. It supports both Windows and Linux systems, as well as over 400 third-party applications. ITarian automates the entire patch management lifecycle, from identifying missing patches to deployment, and offers flexible policies for scheduling patch installations based on device criticality.
Key features
Automates patch identification, testing, approval, and deployment.
Combines RMM features with enterprise service management capabilities.
Enables automated patch deployment based on device criticality and urgency.
Supports over 400 third-party applications.
Provides patch history and endpoint health monitoring.
Pricing
ITarian offers a free plan for up to 50 endpoints. After that, it charges on a per-device basis.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Free for up to 50 endpoints | Only a free plan for 50 endpoints, no full trial |
Covers the full patch lifecycle | Only supports Windows and Linux |
Policies for scheduled and urgent patching | Might be too robust for very small teams |
Kaseya
Kaseya is a full-suite IT management platform that includes patch management, RMM, service desk ticketing, billing, and other PSA features. Its patch management component, Kaseya VSA, supports multiple operating systems and automates the entire patching process, from discovery through deployment. With strong device monitoring, automation capabilities, and network visualization tools, Kaseya is built for enterprises that need comprehensive IT operations control across distributed environments.
Key features
Automates patching for on- and off-network devices.
Works across various operating systems.
Single dashboard for patch status and endpoint health.
Includes 600+ prebuilt automated repair scripts.
Visual display of endpoint alerts and network health.
Pricing
Kaseya uses modular pricing, where costs depend on which products (e.g., VSA, BMS, SOC, Compliance Manager) are selected. Pricing is quote-based and varies significantly depending on the features included.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Includes patching, RMM, PSA, and more | Modular pricing can be confusing and expensive |
600+ automated repairs and runbooks | Requires selecting and paying for multiple modules |
Broad compatibility across systems. | Relies on reactive monitoring |
ConnectWise
ConnectWise offers a comprehensive IT management platform, including ConnectWise Automate for patch management and RMM. It provides automated patch deployment, remote control, service desk integration, and asset discovery- all from a centralized console. Designed for MSPs and IT teams, it helps reduce manual work and improve endpoint security through policy-driven automation.
Key features
Automates patch detection, approval, and deployment.
Full RMM capabilities with endpoint visibility.
Deploy patches based on device type, urgency, or group.
Native integration with ConnectWise PSA tools.
Identifies and manages endpoints across the network.
Pricing
ConnectWise offers custom pricing based on business size and required features. You must contact the vendor for a quote. A free demo is available.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Integrates PSA, RMM, and patching | Complex for new users |
Reduces manual patching workload | No public pricing; must request a quote |
Built-in ticketing and support | Especially for small businesses |
Ideal for growing MSPs |
Automox
Automox is a cloud-native patch management platform focused on simplicity, speed, and cross-platform compatibility. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with third-party applications. Designed with modern IT teams in mind, Automox emphasizes automation, remote deployment, and real-time compliance tracking—all managed from a lightweight, browser-based interface.
Key features
No on-prem infrastructure needed; works from anywhere.
Patches Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party apps.
Schedule and automate patch deployment.
Monitor patch status and endpoint health.
Easy to set up and use via browser dashboard.
Pricing
Automox starts at $1/month per endpoint, with tiered pricing based on features. A 15-day free trial is available.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Minimal setup with a clean UI | Focuses strictly on patching |
Broad compatibility | Cloud-based, so full connectivity is a must |
Low entry cost for small teams | May lack depth for complex organizations |
Always up to date |
Ivanti
Ivanti offers an enterprise-grade patch management solution as part of its broader IT service and asset management suite. Ivanti Patch supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and thousands of third-party applications. Its strength lies in deep vulnerability management, compliance enforcement, and integration with security operations.
Key features
Windows, macOS, Linux, and 3,000+ third-party apps.
Aligns patching with real-time threat intel.
From detection to deployment.
Built-in dashboards for audits and compliance.
Works with tools like SCCM, Qualys, and more.
Pricing
Ivanti offers custom, quote-based pricing depending on deployment size and modules. Free trials and demos are available upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
Designed for large-scale environments | Requires configuration and expertise |
Goes beyond basic patching | Might not be ideal for small organizations |
Works with many tools | No public pricing info available |
How to select the best patch management software
Selecting the best patch management software can significantly impact the efficiency of your IT operations, especially when managing endpoints across diverse environments. To ensure you choose the right tool for your business or managed service provider (MSP), here are the key factors to consider:
Tip #1: Ensure it supports the operating systems and devices you use (Windows, macOS, Linux, VMware, SNMP, etc.).
Tip #2: Look for tools that automate patching workflows (identification, testing, deployment) and allow customizable policies and scheduling.
Tip #3: Choose software with built-in vulnerability scanning, automated security patching, and AI-driven alerts for proactive issue resolution.
Tip #4: Ensure the software can scale with your business, whether you have a few endpoints or thousands across multiple locations.
Tip #5: Check if the software integrates with your existing systems, such as RMM, PSA, ticketing, backup solutions, and security tools.
Tip #6: Opt for tools with robust reporting features to track patch status, compliance, and endpoint health, especially for regulatory purposes.
Tip #7: Choose a platform with an intuitive interface and centralized dashboard for managing endpoints and systems easily.
Tip #8: Make sure the software fits within your budget while still providing the necessary features to meet your needs.
Tip #9: Look for vendors offering strong customer support, along with helpful resources like documentation and training materials.
Tip #10: Select a platform that offers a free trial or demo to test the software before committing to a purchase.
SuperOps - the best option for modern brands
SuperOps is an all-in-one platform that combines patch management, remote monitoring (RMM), and professional services automation (PSA) to help businesses streamline IT operations. It supports both Windows and macOS and uses AI for proactive endpoint management, delivering intelligent alerts when issues arise.
The platform automates the entire patch management lifecycle- from identification to deployment and provides customizable policies and seamless integration with security tools. SuperOps also offers full remote access, ticketing, invoicing, and project management features, all integrated into one easy-to-use platform.
With flexible pricing plans and a 14-day free trial, SuperOps is perfect for businesses and MSPs looking for a comprehensive, scalable solution to manage endpoints and IT services efficiently.
Get started with SuperOps today
Frequently asked questions
What is the leading patch management solution?
SuperOps is considered one of the top patch management solutions, offering a comprehensive platform with AI-powered alerts, automated patching, and seamless integration across multiple endpoints.
What is the difference between WSUS and SCCM patch management?
WSUS is a simpler, free tool for patching Windows devices, while SCCM offers more advanced features like remote management, software distribution, and detailed reporting, making it better for larger organizations.
Does Microsoft have a patch management tool?
Yes, Microsoft offers WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) for patch management, allowing administrators to manage updates and patches for Microsoft products in a Windows environment.
What is another name for patch management?
Patch management is also referred to as "software update management" or "vulnerability management," focusing on keeping software secure through timely updates.
What is the best practice for patch management?
The best practice includes automating patching, testing patches before deployment, prioritizing critical updates, and maintaining a centralized patch management system for consistent monitoring and reporting.
What are the disadvantages of patch management?
Patch management can be time-consuming, especially with complex environments. It may also cause system disruptions if patches are not thoroughly tested or deployed improperly, potentially leading to compatibility issues or downtime.