7 Best Patch Management Software Solutions & Tools in 2026

Keeping systems fully patched becomes more difficult as the number of endpoints and applications grows. IT teams need to deploy updates quickly while minimizing disruption to users and critical systems.

Patch management software helps automate that process across an organization. However, platforms differ considerably in how they prioritize vulnerabilities and in how they give administrators control over remediation.

The right approach also varies by organization. Enterprises may need granular controls across thousands of endpoints, while smaller IT teams may place greater value on straightforward automation. Other organizations may want patching integrated with broader endpoint management or security operations.

I compared NinjaOne, HCL BigFix, Heimdal, Acronis, Tenable, Action1, and ManageEngine to see how each platform approaches patch management and where it fits best. The comparison examines how effectively each product helps organizations manage updates and reduce exposure across their endpoints.

Best patch management software for 2026 compared

*Tenable Patch Management supports third-party application patching on supported macOS devices but not macOS operating system patching.

NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management

Best for automated endpoint patching

Overall score: 4.7/5

• Patch automation: 4.9/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.7/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.7/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.7/5
• Usability and administration: 4.9/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.4/5

NinjaOne is a solid choice for organizations that want to automate endpoint patching without adding unnecessary complexity.

It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. Policy-based automation gives teams control over when updates are deployed, while reboot management and preemptive approvals help reduce manual maintenance.

Patching is part of NinjaOne’s broader endpoint management platform rather than a standalone capability. IT teams and MSPs can also use the platform for monitoring and remote access. Scripting provides additional options for automating endpoint administration.

This integrated approach can help organizations consolidate endpoint management instead of maintaining a separate platform primarily for patching.

User feedback highlights the straightforward interface and centralized management experience. Reviewers also value the platform’s automation capabilities. Some would like more flexibility in reporting and customization, while others note that third-party application coverage could be broader.

Pros

• Strong policy-based patch automation
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support
• Centralized, user-friendly management
• Integrated monitoring and remote access

Cons

• Reporting customization could be more extensive
• Broader endpoint platform may be more than patch-only buyers need

Pricing: NinjaOne’s published pricing starts at $1.50 per device per month for deployments of 10,000 endpoints. However, this is the starting price for the broader NinjaOne platform, not a price specific to Autonomous Patch Management. Buyers must request a custom quote based on their environment and the services they select.

Pro tip: Consider how much of NinjaOne’s endpoint-management functionality your team will use. The platform may provide greater value when patching can be consolidated with existing IT workflows.

Final verdict: NinjaOne is a practical option for IT teams that want patch management alongside other endpoint operations. It is particularly relevant for organizations looking to simplify patching without introducing another standalone tool.

HCL BigFix

Best for large and complex enterprise environments

Overall score: 4.7/5

• Patch automation: 4.8/5
• Platform and application coverage: 5.0/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.8/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.9/5
• Usability and administration: 4.0/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.0/5

HCL BigFix stands out for patch management in large, diverse IT environments. BigFix Patch, the patch management module within the broader BigFix platform, provides centralized automation with near-real-time visibility across distributed endpoints.

HCL says BigFix Patch can manage patches across hundreds of thousands of endpoints. It supports Windows and macOS, as well as multiple Linux distributions. Coverage also extends to AIX and Solaris. VMware ESXi is supported as well.

Fixlet technology plays a central role in the patching process. Endpoint agents evaluate each device to determine which updates apply before downloading and installing them. This approach helps administrators target patches based on the requirements of individual endpoints.

Customer reviews reinforce BigFix’s ability to handle complex environments from a centralized platform. Users also point to automation and broad platform support as strengths. The tradeoff is a learning curve that can make the platform less approachable for teams with simpler patching requirements.

Pros

• Exceptional scalability for large environments
• Extensive operating system coverage
• Strong centralized visibility and deployment control
• Robust automation and compliance capabilities

Cons

• More setup and administration than lightweight patching tools
• Learning curve for teams new to the platform

Pricing: In 2026, HCL BigFix uses quote-based pricing. Costs depend on the selected products or modules and the number and type of managed endpoints. Subscription length can also affect pricing.

Pro tip: Consider BigFix when your patching requirements extend beyond standard Windows endpoints. Its broad operating system support can reduce the need for separate patching workflows across mixed environments.

Final verdict: BigFix is a practical option for enterprises managing patching at substantial scale. Its granular deployment controls give administrators greater control over complex deployments, while smaller teams with straightforward requirements may prefer a simpler platform.

Heimdal Patch & Asset Management

Best for security-focused patching

Overall score: 4.6/5

• Patch automation: 4.7/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.6/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.8/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.5/5
• Usability and administration: 4.4/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.0/5

Heimdal approaches patch management as part of its broader security platform, connecting software updates with vulnerability management and endpoint protection.

Patch & Asset Management supports Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. It covers both operating system and third-party application patching. Administrators can create policies to automate software updates and deployments. Asset management adds visibility into installed applications and related vulnerabilities. On Windows, teams can view CVE and CVSS information alongside software inventory data.

Heimdal provides out-of-the-box patching for more than 350 third-party applications. Infinity Management extends deployment to proprietary software and applications outside that catalog.

Patching can also integrate with other Heimdal security capabilities. These include endpoint detection and DNS security, while additional modules provide privilege and application management.

Customer feedback tends to emphasize the convenience of automated patching and centralized endpoint visibility. The interface and customer support are also commonly cited strengths.

Pros

• Security-focused approach to vulnerability remediation
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support
• Automated OS and third-party application patching
• Integrated software asset visibility
• Broad third-party application catalog

Cons

• Custom application deployment may require Infinity Management
• Some capabilities vary by operating system

Pricing: Heimdal Patch & Asset Management is priced per device per year. Buyers can use Heimdal’s online calculator to estimate costs based on endpoint count, but final pricing is determined with a sales representative.

Pro tip: Consider which Heimdal security modules you already use or plan to adopt. Patch & Asset Management may provide greater value when its vulnerability and asset data can be incorporated into existing security workflows.

Final verdict: Heimdal is a practical option for organizations that want patch management closely connected to their security operations. Its broader platform can also reduce the need to manage patching in isolation.

Acronis RMM

Best for integrated backup and patching

Overall score: 4.5/5

• Patch automation: 4.6/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.1/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.7/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.6/5
• Usability and administration: 4.5/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.2/5

Acronis RMM provides patch management as part of the broader Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud platform.

One of its key features is fail-safe patching. Administrators can back up an endpoint before deploying an update, providing a recovery option if the patch causes problems. Vulnerability assessment helps identify systems that may require remediation, while automated approvals can reduce manual work. Administrators can also control deployment schedules and reboots. Patch stability information provides additional context when deciding whether to deploy an update.

Acronis RMM supports automated patch management for Windows and more than 320 third-party Windows applications. Vulnerability assessment extends to macOS and Linux, but RMM patch management itself is currently limited to Windows.  

Customers often point to ease of management as a strength. Some report that the initial setup can require additional effort and that costs may increase depending on the capabilities deployed. 

Pros

• Fail-safe patching with integrated backup
• Built-in vulnerability assessment
• Well suited to MSP workflows
• Supports 320+ third-party Windows applications
• Flexible deployment and reboot controls

Cons

• RMM patch management currently focuses on Windows
• Broader platform may be more than patch-only buyers need
• Pricing can increase as additional capabilities are added

Pricing: Acronis RMM is available through Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud with custom pricing. Costs vary based on the licensing model and services used. Acronis provides an online calculator to estimate pricing.

Pro tip: Consider fail-safe patching for critical endpoints that need a recovery option if an update causes problems. 

Final verdict: Acronis is a practical option for organizations and MSPs that want patch management integrated with backup and recovery.  

Tenable Patch Management

Best for risk-based vulnerability remediation

Overall score: 4.7/5

• Patch automation: 4.8/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.6/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 5.0/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.8/5
• Usability and administration: 4.5/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.0/5

Tenable Patch Management connects patch deployment directly with vulnerability findings from the broader Tenable platform.

The product works with Tenable One and other supported Tenable vulnerability management offerings rather than as a standalone platform. It correlates identified vulnerabilities with available patches, helping teams prioritize remediation based on risk. According to Tenable, Patch Management supports more than 250,000 unique patches.

Organizations can establish remediation timelines based on factors such as vulnerability severity and exploitability. Policy controls also allow administrators to define testing and approval requirements. Tenable Research provides additional intelligence to help teams evaluate potentially problematic updates before deployment.

For existing Tenable customers, the integration can bring patching into established vulnerability remediation workflows.

Pros

• Strong vulnerability-to-patch correlation
• Risk-based remediation and prioritization
• Coverage for more than 250,000 patches
• Customizable remediation SLAs and policies
• Flexible deployment and rollback controls

Cons

• Less focused on traditional endpoint management
• May require workflow changes to fully use risk-based remediation

Pricing: Tenable Patch Management uses asset-based annual subscriptions, with pricing available upon request.

Pro tip: Consider Tenable if your organization identifies vulnerabilities faster than it can remediate them. Risk-based prioritization can help teams determine which patches should receive attention first.

Final verdict: Tenable Patch Management is a practical option for organizations that want to connect patching with an established vulnerability management program. 

Action1

Best standalone/general-purpose option

Overall score: 4.7/5

• Patch automation: 4.8/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.6/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.7/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.5/5
• Usability and administration: 4.9/5
• Pricing and transparency: 5.0/5

Action1 is a straightforward option for organizations that want dedicated patch management without adopting a larger IT management or security platform.

The cloud-native platform supports operating system and third-party application patching across Windows and macOS, as well as multiple Linux distributions. Vulnerability assessment and software deployment extend its core patching capabilities. It also provides remote access and endpoint inventory.

Customers often point to straightforward deployment and patch automation as strengths. Some would like more flexibility in reporting and customization. Others report occasional performance issues with remote access.

Pros

• Full platform free for the first 200 endpoints
• Straightforward cloud-native deployment
• Automated OS and third-party application patching
• Integrated vulnerability assessment

Cons

• Pricing above 200 endpoints requires a custom quote
• Reporting could offer more customization
• More limited endpoint management than full RMM platforms

Pricing: Action1 provides its full platform free for the first 200 endpoints, with no feature restrictions or expiration. Beyond 200 endpoints, Action1 uses per-endpoint pricing available upon request via a custom quote.

Pro tip: Consider whether your team needs broader endpoint management capabilities beyond patching. Action1 may be a better fit when patch automation is the primary requirement rather than a full RMM platform.

Final verdict: Action1 offers a straightforward approach to automated patch management. Its integrated vulnerability assessment adds useful security context while keeping patching at the center of the platform.

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus

Best for flexible cross-platform patch management

Overall score: 4.7/5

• Patch automation: 4.8/5
• Platform and application coverage: 4.8/5
• Security and vulnerability management: 4.5/5
• Deployment control and reporting: 4.6/5
• Usability and administration: 4.4/5
• Pricing and transparency: 4.8/5

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus focuses on dedicated patch management rather than bundling patching into a broader endpoint security platform.

The product supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also provides patching for third-party applications. Administrators can automate patch scanning and testing. Approval workflows control which updates are deployed, while scheduling determines when they are deployed.

ManageEngine also offers flexibility in how the platform is deployed. Organizations can choose between cloud and on-premises editions based on their infrastructure requirements.

Customers often point to automation and third-party application support as strengths. Ease of use also receives positive feedback. Some users would like greater flexibility in reporting and more detail during patch failure troubleshooting, while feedback on the interface varies.

Pros

• Windows, macOS, and Linux support
• Strong third-party application coverage
• Cloud and on-premises deployment options
• Extensive patch automation and scheduling 

Cons

• Interface may take time to become familiar with
• Patch-failure troubleshooting could provide more detail
• Broader endpoint management requires other ManageEngine products

Pricing: ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Professional starts at $245 per year for 50 on-premises computers or $345 per year for 50 cloud computers. A free edition is also available for small environments. Pricing increases based on edition and deployment size.

Pro tip: Consider Patch Manager Plus if on-premises deployment is a priority. That option can be valuable for organizations that want greater control over how their patch management infrastructure is deployed.

Final verdict: Patch Manager Plus provides a focused approach to patch management without requiring organizations to adopt a broader endpoint security platform. Its combination of automation and third-party application support covers many of the core requirements IT teams expect from a dedicated patching tool.

How I evaluated the best patch management software for 2026

I evaluated each platform across six weighted categories designed to reflect the priorities of patch management buyers.

My evaluation relied primarily on current provider documentation, supplemented by third-party user reviews from sources such as G2. These reviews provided additional insight into real-world usability and administration. They also helped identify recurring concerns that may not be apparent from vendor documentation.

Patch automation received the greatest individual weight because reducing manual work is a core function of these platforms. Security and platform coverage also received higher weight. Deployment capabilities were evaluated separately to account for the level of control administrators have over the patching process.

Final scores reflect documented capabilities and user feedback. They should be viewed as comparative editorial assessments rather than results from extensive hands-on testing.

Evaluation criteria

Patch automation (25%): I evaluated how well each product automates patch discovery and deployment. Scheduling and reboot management were also considered, along with policy-based controls that reduce manual administration.

Platform and application coverage (20%): I considered support for operating systems and third-party applications. I also evaluated each product's ability to patch remote endpoints and support diverse environments.

Security and vulnerability management (20%): I evaluated how each platform connects patching with vulnerability management. Vulnerability detection and CVE context were considered, along with each product's ability to prioritize remediation based on risk.

Deployment control and reporting (15%): I considered the extent of administrators' control over patch deployment, including testing and approval requirements. I also evaluated rollback capabilities and the visibility provided through reporting.

Usability and administration (10%): I considered initial setup and day-to-day administration. Interface design and the complexity of configuring automation were also evaluated. Recurring feedback from customer reviews provided additional context.

Pricing and transparency (10%): I considered the availability of public pricing and how licensing scales with environment size. Free tiers and trial options were also evaluated, as well as how easily buyers can estimate costs before speaking with a sales team.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Patch management platforms take different approaches depending on the environments and workflows they are designed to support.

NinjaOne emphasizes patch automation within a broader endpoint management framework, while BigFix is designed for large, diverse enterprise environments. Heimdal integrates patching with endpoint security. Acronis connects it with backup and cyber resilience. Tenable takes a risk-based approach that links vulnerability findings directly to remediation.

Action1 and ManageEngine focus more specifically on dedicated patch management. Action1 provides a cloud-native platform with a generous free tier, while ManageEngine gives organizations the option of cloud or on-premises deployment.

The right choice depends on what you need to patch and how much control you need over deployment. Also consider whether patching needs to connect with existing security or IT management workflows rather than operate as a separate function.

Ultimately, effective patch management is about more than deploying a large number of updates. A platform should help your organization focus on the patches that matter most. It should also deploy them reliably and verify that remediation was successful. 

Choosing the right software is only part of the equation. Learn how to create a patch management process that supports effective deployment and remediation.

Syxsense Manage

Best for Small Businesses in Need of Comprehensive Security

Syxsense Manage is a cloud-based platform that offers patch management and endpoint visibility inside the network and out, and covers all major operating systems and third-party applications too. It includes a wealth of automation features and offers endpoint intelligence with OS, hardware, and software inventory details. The system scans and sets security and patching priorities based on risk. It’s available as SaaS or a managed service.

Key features

• Patch management: Deploy operating system, third-party patches, and Windows 10 Feature Updates for Microsoft, Mac, and Linux devices automatically
• Visibility: Provides endpoint visibility across major OS and IoT devices
• Advanced threat detection: Scan for software vulnerabilities, security compliance violations, and potential security threats with the ability to respond in real-time using advanced threat detection
• Syxscore: The  security assessment tool Syxscore provides NIST and vendor severity assessments of the endpoints in your environment
• Patch supersedence: Automatically exclude superseded patches and include newer ones, saving time and network bandwidth
• Remote control: Admins can access employees’ devices remotely and resolve issues

Pros

• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android)
• Allows targeted deployment
• Patch rollback in case a patch is buggy
• Three-hour turnaround for the testing and delivery of new patches

Cons

• Some users report a steep learning curve
• Lack of documentation for some advanced features

Pricing

Pricing information is unavailable on the vendor’s website, but Syxsense Manage previously started at $600 a year for 10 devices. Syxsense provides a custom demo and a 14-day free trial period with access to all product features.

Also read: Patch Management vs Vulnerability Management: What’s the Difference?

Tanium Patch

Best for Distributed Enterprise Networks

Tanium Patch enables organizations to deploy the latest critical updates and security patches across their entire IT environment. IT and security teams can determine which systems need patching, identify potential conflicts, and deploy patches at scale without disrupting user productivity. With Tanium Patch, IT operations teams can keep systems up to date with automated patching across the enterprise at speed and scale, as well as monitor patch status across devices. Tanium is well-liked by users but aimed primarily at the large enterprise market. It is pricier than many other solutions and is often included as part of a larger Tanium endpoint suite.

Key features

• Real-time patch visibility and control: Tanium allows users to manage hundreds of endpoints and deploy patches at scale
• One client: This tool allows users to patch multiple endpoints without the need for additional infrastructures such as a secondary relay, database or distribution servers
• Customized patch scheduling and workflows: Deploy a single patch to a computer group and use advanced rule sets and maintenance windows to deploy patches to other groups at scheduled times
• Patching effectiveness tracking: Tanium Patch provides quick feedback on deployment success or failure, patch histories for individual machines, endpoint reboot status and access to vendor knowledge base articles (KBAs)
• Create dynamic lists, rules, and exceptions with custom workflows, and schedule patches based on advanced rules

Pros

• Serves users in a range of verticals, including government (federal, state and local), education, financial services, retail and healthcare
• Enables collaboration between IT security and management personnel to allow them to optimize network security and performance
• Consolidates all historical data on device endpoints, security drivers, firmware, and software version gaps
• Indicates the percentage of outstanding critical patches, which ones should be deployed first to minimize risk, and which endpoints need protection until a patch is available

Cons

• The user interface could be improved
• Users report high CPU utilization

Pricing

While Tanium doesn’t publish pricing, we’ve seen subscription pricing around $7 a month per endpoint. Interested buyers should contact the vendor for custom quotes. They offer a two-week free trial.

Automox

Best for Automation

Automox is a cloud-based patch and configuration management platform that enables users to quickly and easily automate and manage device security and compliance across their IT environment. Automox is a SaaS product backed by investment from leading endpoint security vendor CrowdStrike. Primarily a patch management tool, Automox is gradually expanding its offering as it transforms into an endpoint hardening platform that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux from a single console. It enables continuous connectivity for local, cloud-hosted, and remote endpoints without needing on-premises infrastructure or tunneling back to the corporate network.

Key features

• Integration: Automox integrates with third-party technology such as Rapid7, ServiceNow, SentinelOne, Freshworks, CrowdStrike, and Splunk
• Automated policy enforcement: Set policies to manage or blocklist software, enforce password settings, and lock USB access
• Extensive OS patching tools: Patch, configure and track inventory to quickly remediate vulnerabilities before adversaries can exploit them, plus report the vulnerability status of all devices
• Unified console: Automox allows you to automate cross-OS patch management, enforce patches, security configurations, software deployment, and custom scripting across your Windows, Mac and Linux systems from one console

Pros

• Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Automated continuous patching of OS and third-party applications
• Good integration with CrowdStrike products
• User-friendly interface
• Remotely execute PowerShell based on schedule or group
• Enables seamless collaboration between SecOps and ITOps

Cons

• Knowledgebase could be improved
• Reporting functionality could be better

Pricing

Automox offers three pricing plans, and rates are determined by the number of devices in your environment. All plans are eligible for a 15-day free trial.

Basic: $3 per month per device, billed annually

Standard: $5 per month per device, billed annually (eligible for 10% discounts for over 550 devices)

Complete: $7 per month per device, billed annually (eligible for 10% discounts for over 550 devices)

Also read: Automated Patch Management: Definition, Tools & How It Works

BMC Helix Automation Console

Best for Compliance Automation

BMC Helix Automation Console (previously BMC Helix Vulnerability Management) simplifies patching, remediates security vulnerabilities, and ensures compliance using automation and analytics. It is a hybrid solution deployed in the cloud and uses an automation engine located on-premises for remediation. BMC Helix Automation Console also works with change management to form a closed-loop change management solution. It can manage compliance with regulations and policies and automate remediation of out-of-compliance conditions. The console is built using microservices and containers.

BMC Helix Automation Console integrates with a variety of vulnerability scanners to collect data for IT resources, both on-premises and in the cloud.  After consolidating the vulnerability scanner data collected, it uses analytics to transform that data into actionable information, maps vulnerabilities to assets and patches, helps determine risks and priorities and automates patch acquisition and deployment to remediate security exposures. It also works with BMC Discovery for blind spot detection and change automation with BMC ITSM.

Key features

• Automated remediation: Maps vulnerabilities to servers and patches, identifies severity level and business services affected, schedules remediation, and takes automatic corrective action
• Visibility: Offers real-time insight into security flaws, unmapped assets, missing patches, and misconfigured resources
• Compliance: Ensures that regulations and internal policies are consistently followed to ensure audit preparedness
• Policy-based patching: Reduce patching complexity by utilizing policy-based patching to decrease the required number of patch deployment jobs

Pros

• Intuitive user interface
• Risk scoring for vulnerability prioritization
• Integrates with vulnerability scanners to collect data for on-premises and cloud IT resources; works with discovery solutions to identify blind spots to scan
• Provide insight into vulnerabilities, severities, SLAs, trends, and remediation progress through patch dashboards

Cons

• Reporting feature could be improved
• Advanced features documentation could be better

Pricing

BMC doesn’t publish pricing for Helix Automation Console. Quotes are available upon request.

Ivanti Patch

Best All-in-One Solution

Ivanti Patch offers a solid patching solution, although its product portfolio has gotten a little complex following the acquisition of Shavlik, MobileIron, and Lumension. There are a few options for patching solutions:

• Ivanti Patch for Endpoint Manager (formerly LDMS) can detect vulnerabilities in Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and hundreds of third-party apps, as well as deploy pre-tested patches
• Ivanti Security Controls provides PowerShell and REST APIs to allow for extensive automation of critical workloads
• Ivanti Patch for MEM provides an extensive catalog of updates and has a rapid time to implementation as well as quick discovery from inventory or vulnerability assessments
• Ivanti Neurons for Patch Intelligence: This is a supplemental analytics solution that extends all three of Ivanti’s patch management solutions and helps you achieve faster SLAs for vulnerability remediation efforts via supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms

Key features

• Patch management: Patch OS, third-party apps, physical and virtual servers, and systems that aren’t always connected
• Patch virtual systems: Patch online and offline VMs, hypervisors, templates, and third-party applications
• Dynamic allowlisting: Develop policies that are both adaptable and proactive to guarantee that only approved and trusted software can be run on a system
• Third-party application patching: Allows users to access their most vulnerable apps, including Acrobat Flash, Java, and multiple Internet browsers
• Remote patching: Users can patch remote devices regardless of the location or status

Pros

• Vulnerability detection and remediation for various OSes, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as scan and report on AIX, CentOS, and HP-UX vulnerabilities
• Dashboard and reports to assess vulnerability and patch status
• Patch devices anywhere via Wake-On-WAN, booting, do-not-disturb events, and maintenance windows

Cons

• The reporting feature could be improved
• Steep learning curve

Pricing

Ivanti Patch does not advertise pricing on its website, but we’ve seen subscription pricing starting in the $4 to $7 range depending on volume. Prospective buyers should contact the sales team to inquire about product options and receive a custom quote.

Red Hat Satellite

Best for Linux Environments

Red Hat Satellite is an infrastructure management product specifically designed to keep Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments and other Red Hat infrastructure running efficiently, with security, patching, and compliance. Patching is only one small part of a broader platform. But for those operating Linux environments, whether physical, virtual, or cloud, it will often make the shortlist.

Red Hat Satellite can help organizations track, manage, and deploy software updates across their environment and monitor, report on, and diagnose system issues. Red Hat Satellite can manage the life cycle of Red Hat infrastructure and configuration content such as Red Hat data services, virtualization, directory server, certificate system, OpenShift container platform and other software available as an RPM.

Key features

• Ability to define and manage SOE: Ensure SOE (standard operating environment) through security patching, updates, and enhancements 
• Automated patch: Patch hundreds or thousands of systems at once
• Deploy and track Red Hat and third-party software: Deploy all Red Hat and third-party software via Satellite, which provides improved security and tracking of deployed systems

Pros

• Red Hat Satellite Capsule Server instances make this tool highly scalable
• Significantly improves system-to-administrator ratios by automating patch and configuration management, and provisioning
• It allows the admin to identify and quickly respond to vulnerabilities like Shellshock, Heartbleed, and GHOST

Cons

• The user interface can be made better
• Reporting features could be improved

Pricing

Red Hat does not advertise pricing for its Satellite product on its website. Interested buyers should contact a sales representative in their region for custom quotes. Alternatively, potential buyers can fill out the contact form on the website, and a sales representative will get back to them.

Kaseya VSA

Best for Remote Monitoring & MSPs

Kaseya VSA is a cloud-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform designed to help IT service providers automate IT management and security processes across multiple devices in an organization. It provides an integrated view of the entire IT infrastructure and delivers actionable insights to help IT professionals proactively monitor and manage IT systems.

Kaseya VSA can help IT teams automate common IT management and security tasks such as patching, asset tracking, and audit and inventory. It also provides features such as remote access and remote control, policy-based scripting, and more.

Kaseya VSA is focused on the MSP market. The suite includes comprehensive IT management, IT automation, and security features. Security includes automated software patch management and vulnerability management, access control via 2-factor authentication, management of backups, and antivirus/anti-malware management from a single interface.

Key features

• Policy-based patch management: Simplify software maintenance with automated, standardized policies, streamlining patch deployment and approvals, scheduling, and installation
• Rapid distribution on and off-network: VSA’s agent endpoint fabric optimizes the delivery of installer packages, eliminating the need for centralized file share or LAN cache
• Scan and analysis: Schedule periodic network scans and analysis to automate software updates without user disruption
• Scheduling control: Its Blackout Windows allow users to suspend operation for a specified period
• Patch override: Deny a patch, KB (knowledge base), or block an update to specific machines, overriding the default patch classification

Pros

• Feature-rich
• Manage multiple devices, including mobile and business IoT
• Support various environments, including on-premise, cloud and hybrid
• Enhances threat detection with EDR, managed SOC, DDoS, WAF, AV and more
• VSA remotely connects and manages various devices, including printers, firewalls, switches, and routers, with one click

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• One user reported that the live connect feature infrequently disconnected

Pricing

Kaseya VSA does not disclose pricing on its website, and potential buyers can contact sales for custom quotes. Those interested in the product can also sign up for a 14-day free trial to test out the product and get a better sense of how it works and what it offers.

Also see the Best Patch Management Service Providers

BigFix

Best for Endpoint Management

IBM sold BigFix to HCL in 2019. The functionality still survives, although the patching side is largely buried among a huge list of other applications and features. HCL BigFix is an endpoint management platform that enables IT and security teams to automate discovery, management, and remediation, whether on-premises, virtual, or cloud—regardless of operating system, location, or connectivity. However, BigFix Patch is offered as a low-cost automated patching tool.  

Key features

• Automate patching: Patches hundreds of thousands of endpoints regardless of type, location, connection, or status.
• Scalability: BigFix manages up to 300,000 endpoints per management server
• Visibility: Provides insight into patch compliance with flexible, near-real-time monitoring and reporting
• Unify patching: Patches almost 100 different operating systems and variants with one platform using HCL-provided content

Pros

• Allows patching across Windows, UNIX, Linux and macOS endpoints
• Remotely wipe a lost device
• Achieves 98% first-pass success rate
• Free trial up to one month

Cons

• Support could be improved
• Reporting functionality could be better

Pricing

BigFix does not advertise pricing on its website, but BigFix Patch can be had for about $3 a client per year. Potential buyers can contact sales for custom quotes, and those interested in trying out BigFix can sign up for a free 30-day trial or book a free demo.

See the Top Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

Micro Focus ZENworks Patch Management

Best for Endpoint Patching

ZENworks Patch Management automates the collection, analysis, and policy-based delivery of patches to endpoints. It provides pre-tested patches for more than 40 different Windows and non-Windows operating systems. It is part of the comprehensive ZENworks endpoint management suite and covers systems, applications, and devices across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.

Key features

• NIST-based: Uses the NIST common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) database to identify and mitigate risk through manual or automated patch deployment
• Policy-based patching: Patching policies can automate patch delivery in defined maintenance windows once compliance rules are set
• Interactive dashboards: Allows users to customize their dashboards to track devices, individual CVE, or software patch status and trends
• OS and third-party apps: Patch Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. It also extends OS update management to iOS and Android with endpoint device management

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Automated job execution
• Scan schedule allows users to control scan time and frequency

Cons

• The user interface could be improved
• Users report that ​​product updates and fixes take time

Pricing

ZENworks Patch Management pricing is not published, so interested buyers should contact a sales representative.

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance

Best for IT Asset Tracking

Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance is an IT systems management solution designed to help IT administrators to manage their entire IT infrastructure, from desktop to server, in an automated and secure way. It provides a platform for managing all aspects of IT, including patch management, software distribution, asset inventory, security, compliance, reporting and more. With this solution, IT administrators can quickly and easily deploy and manage IT systems, maintain compliance with industry standards and keep their IT infrastructure secure and up-to-date.

The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance is another worthy contender, but it’s a broader endpoint management tool. It covers various endpoints, including laptops, servers, IoT devices, and printers. It goes beyond patch management to include service desk capabilities, server monitoring, and inventory and asset management, among other features.

Key features

• Inventory and IT asset management: KACE SMA provides hardware and software inventory for Windows, Mac, Linux and UNIX systems, as well as OS and hardware inventory for Chromebooks, using Google APIs
•  Server management and monitoring: Easily configure and integrate KACE SMA’s server log monitoring for Windows, Mac, Linux & UNIX with their service desk and KACE Go mobile app. Expand capabilities with threshold monitoring for CPU, memory and disk metrics, plus monitor for requested applications.
• Patch third-party apps: Patch applications such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Adobe Reader
• Software license management: KACE SMA software license management lets users swiftly blacklist apps (like games or those with known vulnerabilities), blocking end users from running them and avoiding security or productivity issues. Generate reports to detect illegal apps, then uninstall them.

Pros

• Supports Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX, Chrome, iOS and Android
• User-friendly
• Users find the scripting functionality valuable

Cons

• Software distribution is not available on UNIX platforms
• A user reported the KACE Go Mobile App is sometimes glitchy

Pricing

Interested buyers should contact the sales team for quotes. They also offer a 14-day free trial.

See the Top IT Asset Management (ITAM) Tools for Security

SecPod SanerNow

Best for Remote Patching

SecPod SanerNow Patch Management is an automated security solution for businesses and organizations that helps protect against cyber threats. It provides continuous vulnerability assessment, asset discovery, patch management, and compliance reporting. It also features user access control, data protection, and threat detection and response capabilities.

SecPod SanerNow is designed to automate patching. From detection to deployment, it takes care of all aspects of patching on Windows. MAC and Linux, as well as third-party applications. Its pre-tested patches are made available within 24 hours of being released by the vendor.

Key features

• Compliance: Regulate devices with HIPAA, PCI, ISO, and NIST benchmarks
• Automate reporting and provides audit-ready reports: SanerNow offers automated, customizable asset reports for anytime audit-readiness, tracking and reporting IT asset metrics in real-time
• Endpoint health metrics: Allow users to monitor and assess over a hundred endpoint health metrics, such as  settings and configurations, in real-time
• Control: Uninstall apps, block devices, start or stop services, apply security controls, configure kernel and firewall, deploy software, run scripts, and quarantine devices
• Asset discovery: Detect malicious or vulnerable assets across all enterprise devices with an IT asset discovery app, whitelist approved apps and blacklist malicious or outdated assets

Pros

• Supports all major OS platforms such as Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Supports over 400 third-party applications
• Allows role-based access control
• Its database contains over 160,000 vulnerabilities

Cons

• Users reported that the admin dashboard needs improvement
• Documentation could be improved

Pricing

SecPod SanerNow pricing is not publicly available. Contact their sales team for quotes..

NinjaOne

Best for Unified IT Management

NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM) can patch endpoints in large numbers. Its automated features can be set up based on the time to deploy or based on various categories. This application combines patching with remote control, scripting, and antivirus.

Key features

• Cross-platform: Patch Windows, Mac, and Linux servers, workstations, and laptops from a centralized platform
• Patch automation: Patch endpoints with zero-touch patch identification, approval, and deployment
• Networkless wake-for-patch: Automatically wake the device before patch scans and updates without the need for wake-on-LAN
• Patch reporting: Report on patch compliance status, failed patch deployments, and known endpoint vulnerabilities

Pros

• Unified management from a single pane of glass
• Efficient support team
• Advanced automation

Cons

• Reporting functionality could be improved
• Documentation could be better

Pricing

NinjaOne uses a pay-per-device pricing model. Prospective buyers should contact NinjaOne sales for custom quotes.

What are Key Features of Patch Management Software?

Patch management tools need certain capabilities to be effective; here are some of those key features.

• Automation: Patching tools need to automate the process of installing multiple patches in a great many systems simultaneously.
• Patch testing and rollback: Patches from vendors should be tested before they are deployed. Left as an in-house function, this is often the bottleneck that prevents timely deployment of patches. Some vendors now offer testing as part of their service. And if a patch goes bad, a rollback feature returns the enterprise to the previous state.
• Cloud functions: Patching tools should at least be cloud-enabled if not cloud-based.
• Discovery: Detection of available updates based on inventory. The system should self-assess and offer guidance on what to install in which sequence.
• Prioritization: There are always more updates than organizations feel they can respond to effectively, so prioritization based on more than vendor severity is critical.
• Cross-platform support: Management of all endpoints from one centralized location, including cross platform support, for Windows, MacOS, and the many versions of Linux.
• Reporting: Most want to understand the compliance of their environment and see overall insights on patching needed to show that SLAs are being achieved.

Also read: Patch Management Policy: Steps, Benefits and a Free Template

How Do You Select Patch Management Software?

Choosing new or replacement patch management software can be challenging. Many vendors appear to offer similar features, and many are also part of larger IT management suites. Here are a few tips to ease the selection process.

• Cloud or on-premises: If the application is installed inside the corporate firewall, additional hardware and software may be involved. On-premises systems may struggle to patch devices outside the firewall.
• Maintenance & support: Some vendors charge extra for maintenance, others roll it into one SaaS price. And check support quality and any limitations.
• Bandwidth: It is important to test solutions to determine how much bandwidth a patch consumes. If a lot of systems are being patched, some tools can strain network capacity.
• Agents: Most patch management tools use agents to establish a connection between the endpoint and the management cloud/server. It is important to understand how the agent functions and to research any performance overhead it may create. Some poll the server every 60 minutes, which can delay the completion of urgent tasks. Others have an always-open connection.
• OS & app support: Check to see what operating systems the tool supports, whether Windows, Mac, or Linux, as well as cloud platform and application support.

Bottom Line: Patch Management Tools & Software

Patch management is not an optional cybersecurity practice, and the companies that are best at it perform patch management continuously. That’s not easy for a company that doesn’t have the staff or sophistication for an intensive process, so choose the patch management tool that best makes the job easier for your organization.

Read next:

• Patch Management Best Practices & Steps
• Top Vulnerability Management Tools
• Top Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) Vendors

Drew Robb contributed to this research report