More than 80% of US employees now work in a remote or hybrid model, and most expect it to stay that way. That puts pressure on managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams grappling with the task of managing increasingly complex and decentralized systems.
A core technology for supporting remote and hybrid environments is remote monitoring and management (RMM). RMM solutions allow MSPs to remotely monitor endpoints, automate updates and routine maintenance, and respond to issues, all from afar. RMM solutions are especially important for MSPs who need to effectively manage multiple clients and keep hundreds, if not thousands, of endpoints secure across a variety of IT environments.
However, choosing the best RMM solution for your MSP can feel daunting. To help, we’ve rounded up the top RMM tools available.
Key takeaways
- The best RMM tools for MSPs should help your techs proactively manage client environments with less manual burden and without additional headcount.
- The best MSP RMMs centralize endpoint management with features like automated patch management and network monitoring and management.
- Consider how the RMM solutions integrates with third-party applications and other solutions in your tech stack to support scalability and ease of operations.
- Look for RMM software that includes AI-powered automation and intelligent alerting to save time and keep client networks more secure.
- Assess pricing beyond the price per agent. Factor in the long-term return on investment (ROI) and hidden add-ons that can have a bigger impact on your bottom line.
How to choose the right RMM software for your team
Leading RMM software enables MSPs to proactively identify and resolve network issues, wherever they happen. When selecting the most valuable RMM solution for your business needs, it’s vital to weigh the following:
- Integration capabilities: The best RMM software for MSPs and IT professionals ideally makes life easier, not harder. To that end, consider the value of implementing RMM software that integrates easily into existing business management solutions. More specifically, search for an RMM solution that eliminates the need for double data entry. Look for solutions that combine monitoring and alerting with ticketing, analytics, or integrated NOC support to reduce vendor sprawl and eliminate duplicate data entry.
- Price: Cost is a key priority when investing in any new tool. Evaluate both the immediate and long-term pricing. The top RMM software for MSPs accommodates the capacity to scale and helps save money long-term through automation and increased efficiency.
Pro tip: Don’t just compare price per agent—factor in automation-driven savings and avoid tools that charge extra for essentials like patching.
- Powerful (and easy to use) Scripting engine: Routine tasks can drain resources, so opt for an RMM with an accessible, AI-assisted scripting engine to automate them entirely.. As such, consider an RMM solution with a robust but accessible scripting engine. Ultimately, IT teams want to free up time to focus on more challenging, profitable initiatives rather than mundane and repetitive tasks.
- Number of client endpoints supported: Needs will be specific to the size of the businesses supported, usually measured by the total number of endpoints. However, it’s also important to ensure software limitations don’t limit potential growth.
- Automation capabilities: Look for advanced IT automation features that eliminate repetitive work, such as patching and scheduled maintenance. The right RMM should lighten team workload and improve the consistency of service delivery.
- Compliance management: Choose a solution that helps maintain compliance with industry regulations. For example, built-in tools for audit trails, system logs, and reporting templates help stay on top of documentation.
- Reporting and analytics: Effective RMM solutions offer detailed reporting and analytics that provide insights into system performance and service outcomes. Accurate reporting helps teams make smarter operational decisions.
- User-friendliness: In a competitive labor market, MSPs may benefit from a solution that teams enjoy using and is set up to make onboarding new techs easier. So, remember to evaluate remote monitoring tools based on their simplicity of use without sacrificing advanced capabilities.
- Customer support: Even the most accomplished MSPs and IT professionals may encounter hiccups and headaches when learning a new software system. So, consider a solution’s support resources, such as onboarding, consulting, chat support, documentation, coursework, and in-person or virtual training programs that can help teams find answers fast, get the support they need, and become power users.
Lastly, remember that the right RMM software ought to enrich a company. Search for a tool that provides the flexibility needed to achieve business goals. Download our RMM Buyer's Guide for MSPs for key questions to ask when evaluating RMM options.
Top RMM software for MSPs: A detailed comparison
RMM software reviews can be beneficial when investing in the right solution. Look at eight of today’s most popular RMM software solutions for MSPs.
ConnectWise RMM
ConnectWise RMM uniquely blends advanced AI-powered automation capabilities with integrated expert services to provide the only purpose-built solution for MSP growth. It was rated Channel Program's 2024 Q1 and Q2 Category Leader for RMM and is reviewed favorably for its:
- Integrated 24/7 NOC and Help Desk Services
- Supports over 100,000 devices in a single tenant, with architecture built for ongoing scale.
Built on the ConnectWise Asio platform, RMM enables MSPs and IT teams to simplify their tech stack while setting their businesses up for unlimited future growth. ConnectWise RMM can support over 100,000 devices in a single tenant, making it ideal for businesses looking for a centralized and future-proof endpoint management solution.
In addition to its capability to support MSPs at any point in their journey, from startup to empire builder, ConnectWise RMM is known for its intelligent alerting, AI-assisted script generation, and integrated expert services, which help technical teams spend more time on rewarding, profitable efforts.
ConnectWise RMM is available through three packages: Essentials, Pro, and Premium, so that teams can determine the most suitable suite of tools, including ScreenConnect Remote Access and ConnectWise SideKick for AI-generated scripting.
Check out our RMM ROI calculator to quantify the benefits of using ConnectWise RMM.
Acronis RMM
Acronis RMM is a relatively new player in the RMM space, but it leverages the brand’s longstanding reputation in data protection and cybersecurity. This unified software combines endpoint management with backup, disaster recovery, and anti-malware. Its key features and capabilities include:
- AI-assisted scripting and automation
- Anomaly-based hardware and system monitoring
- Machine learning-driven alerts and auto‑response actions
- Patch management for Windows and 320-plus third-party apps
- Passive endpoint discovery and inventory
Users highlight the value of tightly integrated backup and security. However, some note that the solution is still evolving and lacks the depth or mature automation depth found in more established RMM tools for MSPs. Others mentioned that the solution is priced higher than similar competitors.
Atera RMM
Atera is an all-in-one RMM solution for small- to mid-sized MSPs. It combines remote monitoring, professional services automation, ticketing, and billing in one tool. It’s easy to set up and offers a simple pricing structure. Its features and functionalities include:
- Real-time monitoring and threshold-based alerts
- IT automation for patching, scripting, and maintenance
- Remote access via integrated Splashtop or AnyDesk
- Asset discovery and device inventory tracking
- AI-powered script generation and ticket suggestions
- Integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Acronis
Some reviews highlight limitations in customization and reporting. Larger IT service providers and MSPs may find that the tool lacks some of the scalability and automation offered by more enterprise-focused RMMs.
Datto RMM
Datto RMM is a secure, cloud-based solution with tools for device monitoring, automated patch management, remote access, and alerting. Owned by Kaseya, it features an intuitive user interface and integration capabilities with Datto’s other products and third-party apps. Its key features include:
- Cloud-based, multi-tenant solution
- Patch automation, including Microsoft 365 and third-party apps
- Native ransomware detection and endpoint security enforcement
- Integrated inventory, alerting, and task automation workflows
- PSA and documentation integrations (e.g., Autotask, Microsoft 365, IT Glue)
Some users report concerns with agent stability. Others praise the solution’s user-friendly interface and extensive feature list.
Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA has garnered a reputation for its legacy of automation abilities. Like most RMM tools, it can:
- Automate repetitive tasks and patching
- Manage inventory and assets
- Review reporting and analytics
- Auto-remediate common challenges
- Facilitate remote access and control
- Automate deployment of updates and alert resolution
- Manage and secure mobile devices
One of the most significant advantages is that Kaseya VSA includes an on-premise installation option and integration with documentation tools. That said, Kaseya VSA’s complex features and functionalities can lead to a steeper learning curve, and it lacks some AI features that many modern MSPs and IT professionals are looking to take advantage of. In addition, Kaseya has received several customer complaints noting unresponsiveness and billing issues.
N-able N-sight RMM
N-able's full-featured RMM software is built to help MSPs and IT professionals manage devices effectively. Included among its broad capabilities are:
- Complete remote management
- Smart, automated patch management
- Flexible automation with preconfigured scripts
- Automatic ticketing and billing
- Layered security with antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and more
However, IT management experts indicate that N-able falls short in three key areas: It takes substantial time to learn, has fewer third-party integrations than some competitors, and can consume significant system resources, which may impact other applications.
Additionally, some users have complained about the lack of immediate chat support, which can be especially frustrating in an emergency.
NinjaOne RMM
NinjaOne RMM stands out for its clean, intuitive interface, making it an appealing RMM option for small to mid-sized MSPs. Users frequently praise its ease of use, responsive customer support, and streamlined design. Its key features include:
- Patch management for operating systems and third-party apps
- Built-in ticketing, alerts, and task automation
- Reporting tools for device health, patch status, and technician activity
- Integrations with major tools like Autotask, ConnectWise, and Microsoft Entra
While NinjaOne excels in simplicity, it can lack the advanced automation, deep scripting, and integration breadth needed for complex environments. MSPs and IT professionals charged with managing more complex environments may find it lacking advanced features, such as deeper automation, scripting, or integrations.
Syncro
Syncro XMM is a combined PSA and RMM solution tailored specifically for small MSPs and IT service providers. It offers endpoint monitoring, scripting, remote access, invoicing, and ticketing in a single dashboard. Key features include:
- Endpoint monitoring and asset management
- Script library for task automation and remote execution
- Built-in remote access via Splashtop
- Integrated ticketing, invoicing, and billing tools
- Third-party integrations with accounting, backup, and warranty tools
Users praise Syncro's affordability and ease of deployment. However, it is occasionally criticized for lacking enterprise-level depth or advanced reporting tools.
Why choose ConnectWise?
Among leading RMMs, ConnectWise RMM stands out for unifying automation, scalability, and expert services into one growth-ready platform, providing the tools MSPs need to run and grow their business profitably.
The ability to unify ConnectWise RMM with over 40 apps on the Asio platform—including ConnectWise PSA, MDR, and BCDR—is a game-changer, providing MSPs with comprehensive endpoint management and data protection capabilities from a single UI. Our tailored solution packages are designed to meet the needs of your specific business model, network complexity, and growth goals while providing endless room for scale.
Want to learn more about how our award-winning ConnectWise RMM software can take your MSP operations to the next level? Get a sneak peek by watching an on-demand demo or start your free 30-day trial of ConnectWise RMM today.
