PDQ: The well-established alternative to Action1
PDQ Connect is a mature Action1 alternative that offers fast, easy agent-based device management for your Windows machines. Maintain your fleet through an intuitive interface that makes device management simple, secure, and pretty damn quick.
Trusted by thousands of companies, big and small
Simplify your IT with PDQ
Easy
Keep your Windows devices secure and up to date, no matter where they are.
Fast
Automate patches and software deployments, then get automatic reports.
Clear
Maintain a live view of your entire fleet with custom scanners and prebuilt reports.
Secure
Detect, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities — all from one easy-to-use console.
PDQ Connect vs. Action1
Action1
Action1 is a light remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution focused on SMBs. While it has common device management features, some sysadmins report room for growth — particularly in reporting customization and remote access.
Shortcomings:
Can be slow
Limited remote access features
Minimal report customization
Unclear pricing
PDQ Connect
PDQ Connect is a Windows device management solution built for sysadmins, by sysadmins. Developed by an established brand with decades of experience in the IT software space, this easy-to-use platform lets you tackle device management quickly and easily. Inventory your fleet, generate reports, deploy applications, scan and remediate vulnerabilities, and automate IT tasks — no matter where your devices are located.
PDQ Connect vs. Action1: Feature breakdown
Feature | PDQ Connect | Action1 |
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Cloud-based (agent-based) solution |
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Easy setup |
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Minimal learning curve |
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Well-established brand |
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Transparent pricing |
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Accessible, per-device pricing |
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Starting price | $12 per device/year | Free (first 200 endpoints) |
Automated asset discovery |
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Granular custom scan profiles |
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Real-time inventory data |
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Custom reporting |
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Prebuilt, ready-to-deploy packages |
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Automated patch management |
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Custom device grouping |
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Dynamic device grouping |
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Silent deployments |
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Vulnerability scanning |
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Prioritization based on your environment |
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One-click remediation |
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Public API |
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Entra ID |
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File transfer |
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PDQ Connect vs. Action1 FAQs
What’s the difference between PDQ Connect and Action1?
PDQ Connect is a purpose-built alternative to Action1 that focuses on fast, intuitive device management. While Action1 includes RMM and compliance tools, PDQ Connect delivers reliable patching, deployments, reporting, and vulnerability management without the extra layers or guesswork.
Is PDQ Connect a good alternative to Action1?
Yes, PDQ Connect is a reliable and well-established alternative to Action1. It’s ideal for IT teams that want fast, secure patching and software deployment with a clean, easy-to-use interface.
Why are IT teams switching from Action1 to PDQ Connect?
IT teams are switching to PDQ Connect for its speed, ease of use, and transparency — making it a better fit for teams who want to move fast without compromising control.
What does PDQ Connect do better than Action1?
PDQ Connect outperforms Action1 in remote desktop functionality, speed, and report customization. It also provides clearer, more transparent pricing with self-serve purchase options and easier setup, making it a better fit for sysadmins who need power without complexity.
Which is easier to use: PDQ Connect or Action1?
Some users find PDQ Connect easier to use thanks to its intuitive UI and lightweight, flexible setup. With PDQ Connect, you can patch, deploy, and support devices without extra configuration or training.
Does PDQ Connect offer more transparent pricing than Action1?
Yes, PDQ Connect provides transparent, up-front tiered pricing at $12 per device per year. In contrast, Action1 requires a quote for fleets over 200 devices, and some users find the pricing prohibitive — especially in education and nonprofit sectors. With PDQ, there are no surprises.
What kind of reporting does PDQ Connect offer compared to Action1?
PDQ Connect offers customizable, real-time reporting, making it easy to generate detailed insights without extra configuration or third-party tools. In contrast, some Action1 users say reporting options are limited.
Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself.
PDQ is not affiliated with or endorsed by Action1. The use of Action1 on this page is for comparison purposes only.
Information last updated: 2/20/2025