PDQ: The efficient alternative to Atera
PDQ Connect is a simple yet efficient Atera alternative that offers streamlined Windows device management, whether your fleet is remote, on-prem, or hybrid. Deploy software, patch vulnerabilities, and experience unmatched visibility into your environment.
Trusted by thousands of companies, big and small
Manage your devices with PDQ Connect
Easy
Deploy software and patches to your Windows devices — no matter where they are.
Fast
Automate patches and software deployments with just a few clicks, then get automatic reports.
Clear
Maintain a live view of your entire fleet with custom scanners and prebuilt, customizable reports.
Secure
Detect, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities — all from one easy-to-use console.
PDQ Connect vs. Atera
Atera
Atera is a remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool that offers a piecemeal approach to device management. Atera dabbles in virtually every common IT task, but accessing the entire feature suite requires a higher-level subscription or third-party integrations.
Shortcomings:
Built mainly for midsized IT teams
Expensive pricing model for small teams and environments
Inflexible patch management capabilities
Lack of prebuilt, ready-to-deploy packages
Many features require third-party integrations or an upgraded subscription
Limited report customization
PDQ Connect
PDQ Connect is a Windows device management solution built for sysadmins, by sysadmins. Connect laser-focuses on patch management, vulnerability management, inventory management, and software deployment for Windows devices, giving you unmatched control and flexibility to create seamless workflows. And with straightforward pricing starting at $12 per device per year, even the smallest IT teams can make device management simple, secure, and pretty damn quick.
PDQ Connect vs. Atera: Feature breakdown
Feature | PDQ Connect | Atera |
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Starting price | $12 per device/year | $129–$149 per admin/month |
Accessible, per-device pricing |
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Volume-based pricing |
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Free trial |
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IT automations |
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Custom asset grouping |
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Exportable reports |
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Unlimited in-house custom & prebuilt reports for all customers |
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Prebuilt, ready-to-deploy packages |
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Cloud deployments |
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Automated patch management |
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Automated asset discovery |
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Custom asset grouping |
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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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Deployment automation |
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Vulnerability automation |
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Schedule based |
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Criteria/action based |
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Policy based |
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OTHER |
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Intuitive design |
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Easy setup |
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PDQ Connect vs. Atera FAQs
What’s the difference between PDQ Connect and Atera?
PDQ Connect focuses on what sysadmins actually need: fast patching, software deployment, inventory, remote desktop, and vulnerability remediation. Atera is an all-in-one IT platform, offering more tools but locking key features behind higher-tier plans, costly add-ons, and third-party integrations.
Is PDQ Connect a good alternative to Atera?
Yes — PDQ Connect is a good Atera alternative, especially for teams looking for more focused features. PDQ Connect simplifies device management with built-in automations, remote desktop, one-click remediation, and transparent pricing that scales with your fleet, not your head count.
Why are IT teams switching from Atera to PDQ Connect?
Teams switch to PDQ Connect for faster performance, a focused feature set, and pricing that makes sense. Atera’s sluggish performance, hidden costs, and patchwork of features can slow you down. PDQ keeps things lean, powerful, and actually built for sysadmins.
What does PDQ Connect do better than Atera?
PDQ Connect delivers built-in patching, deployments, remote desktop, vulnerability scanning and remediation, and customizable reporting without the need for add-ons. While Atera offers a broad tool set, Connect focuses on doing the essentials exceptionally well — and getting you up and running fast.
Which is easier to use: PDQ Connect or Atera?
Which tool is better for patch management: PDQ Connect or Atera?
PDQ Connect leads the way with automated patching and prebuilt packages. While Atera supports patching, some users say it’s unreliable. In contrast, Connect is purpose-built to simplify updates across distributed fleets — no extra tools or workarounds required.
Can PDQ Connect replace Atera for Windows device management?
Absolutely — PDQ Connect can replace Atera for managing Windows devices. It’s built specifically for patching, deployment, inventory, and vulnerability remediation, with a lightweight agent and streamlined workflows that help you get in, get out, and get on with your day.
Does PDQ Connect offer more transparent pricing than Atera?
Yes — PDQ Connect’s pricing is simpler and more predictable pricing than Atera’s pricing. With per-device plans and no surprise add-ons, it’s easy to understand and scale. Atera’s pricing is transparent but more complex, with per-technician billing and extra costs for certain features.
Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself.
PDQ is not affiliated with or endorsed by Atera. The use of Atera on this page is for comparison purposes only.
Information last updated: 2/12/2025