4 best Action1 alternatives

Action1 is an endpoint management solution founded in 2018. It’s attracted many IT pros with its overall ease of use and free option for small fleets — but it’s still a relatively young company, and many users report room for growth.

Why consider an Action1 alternative? 

Action1 is hard to beat if you oversee fewer than 200 devices and have little to no budget for a solution. But sysadmins may look elsewhere if they have a larger fleet or need a mature solution with more reliable speed, robust remote access features, or clear pricing.

Maturity

As a fairly young company, Action1 is still actively developing its product. That means the features some customers look for may be lacking despite frequent service releases. 

Performance 

While many users say Action1 features are reliable, some report experiencing occasional performance issues. 

Remote desktop 

Some users report that Action1’s remote control lacks file transfer capabilities and copy/paste functionality — and doesn’t support keyboard shortcuts. While some say Action1’s remote desktop feature is sufficient, others say it’s “buggy.” 

Pricing 

Action1 offers the first 200 endpoints for free, but you’ll need to request a quote to learn pricing information for a larger fleet. And some users report that the quoted costs are prohibitive.

1. PDQ Connect 

PDQ Connect is a quick, easy Action1 alternative developed by a well-established brand. With a reputation for products built for sysadmins, by sysadmins, it’s no surprise that IT pros looking for agent-based Windows device management flock to PDQ Connect for its robust yet intuitive features. 

Features 

• Automated patching 

• Vulnerability management & remediation

• Prebuilt & custom device groups

• Detailed, customizable reporting 

• Asset management 

• Remote desktop with file transfer, multiple monitor support, unattended access, and more 

• Robust Package Library

• Seamless integration 

Pros 

• Well-established company 

• Intuitive interface 

• Fast performance 

• Transparent pricing 

• Powerful remote desktop capabilities 

• Granular custom scan profiles 

• Intuitive yet flexible 

Cons 

• Historically focused on Windows (but macOS is on the roadmap) 

What makes PDQ Connect the top Action1 alternative?

When comparing PDQ Connect vs. Action1 patch management software, PDQ Connect stands out in several key areas that matter to sysadmins. 

Speed 

PDQ Connect is built for speed — that’s why it’s called PDQ (pretty damn quick). In contrast, some Action1 customers report slow performance or lag, particularly with the product’s remote desktop feature.

Robust remote desktop 

While PDQ Connect includes a robust remote desktop feature with file transfer, multiple monitor support, unattended access, and more, Action1’s remote desktop feature is missing several key features, including file transfer and chat capabilities. 

Next-level report customization 

While PDQ offers robust prebuilt reports along with plenty of custom options, some users say Action1’s reporting is lacking. 

2. Heimdal Patch Management 

This patch management solution emphasizes automation to improve productivity and compliance. However, Heimdal’s main focus is cybersecurity, so its device management capabilities may be more limited in scope than those of a remote monitoring and management (RMM) software, like Action1.

Features 

• Configurable patch schedules 

• Automated patching 

• Vulnerability management 

• Cross-platform support 

Pros 

• Lightweight 

• Responsive support 

• Easy-to-use interface 

• Automatic updates 

Cons 

• Complicated initial setup 

• Confusing module setup 

• Unclear pricing 

• Minimal dashboard customization 

3. ConnectWise Automate 

ConnectWise offers IT tools built primarily for managed service providers. ConnectWise Automate falls into the RMM category, specifically targeting anyone looking to automate routine tasks across multiple endpoints. That said, some users report frustrations with its complexity and clunkiness.

Features 

• IT automation 

• Asset discovery 

• Patching 

• AI scripting 

• Remote desktop 

• Monitoring 

Pros 

• Robust integrations 

• Convenient scripting 

• Abundant automations 

Cons 

• High learning curve 

• Complex implementation 

• Excessive alerts 

• Intermittent connection issues 

• Clunky & cumbersome interface 

4. ManageEngine Endpoint Central

ManageEngine offers a robust device management suite. IT pros looking for standard features like software deployment and automation often look at ManageEngine Endpoint Central, but you might also consider ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus. And that’s part of the challenge. With so many product offerings, figuring out the right options for you can be confusing and expensive. 

Features

• Automated patching 

• Remote access 

• Software deployment 

• Asset inventory management 

• Mobile device management (MDM) 

• OS imaging and deployment 

Pros

• Centralized control

• Multi-OS support 

• Scalable design 

• Robust integrations 

Cons

• Complex user experience 

• Intermittent performance issues 

• Inconsistent customer support 

• Complicated pricing 

Action1 alternative FAQs 

What is Action1? 

Action1 Corporation, founded in 2018, provides cloud-native endpoint management solutions. Its platform primarily focuses on patch management, software deployment, and vulnerability management. 

What should I look for in an endpoint management tool? 

When assessing an endpoint management solution like Action1, you’ll likely want some of the following features to make tackling missing updates as easy as possible:

• Scalable design 

• Real-time monitoring and reporting 

• Secure remote access and control 

• Built-in security and compliance features 

• Fast, easy deployment options 

• Reliable vendor support 

You might also look for autonomous endpoint management features, like automated patch management, device targeting, and configurable triggers.

What should I consider when reading Action1 reviews? 

When reading Action1 reviews, consider how your specific needs align with other users’ experiences. Some users mention that Action1’s remote desktop capabilities feel limited compared to dedicated remote access tools, so if remote control is a top priority for you, look for another tool. 

Additionally, while Action1 offers strong cloud-native patch management, its relative youth compared to longer-established competitors can be a drawback for sysadmins who prefer a more mature platform. 

What is the best Action1 alternative for me? 

Finding the best Action1 alternative starts with understanding what you like and don’t like about Action1. If you appreciate its strong cloud-based patch management but find areas like remote desktop access or broader device control lacking, you’ll want a tool that builds on those strengths without introducing new gaps. 

Consider your team’s size, technical skills, security needs, and whether you prefer a lightweight tool or a more feature-rich platform. Also, think about how much you value fast setup, integrations with your other systems, and customer support responsiveness. The best alternative should fit your environment naturally without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.