PDQ: The quick & easy alternative to ManageEngine
PDQ Connect is a fast ManageEngine alternative that offers easy-to-use agent-based device management for your Windows devices. Secure your fleet with the focused features sysadmins need without the steep learning curve or costly add-ons.
Trusted by thousands of companies, big and small
Simplify your IT with PDQ
Easy
Deploy software and patches to your Windows devices — 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. ManageEngine
ManageEngine
ManageEngine offers a large suite of enterprise IT management solutions and add-ons. While the broad feature set may appeal to those who will actively use all the bells and whistles, it complicates deciding what you need and learning how to use the platform.
Shortcomings:
Steep learning curve
Complex interface
Can be slow and glitchy
Limited customer support
Complicated pricing due to add-ons
PDQ Connect
PDQ Connect is a Windows device management solution built for sysadmins, by sysadmins. This easy-to-use platform has everything most sysadmins need without unnecessary fluff complicating the UX and driving up the price. Quickly inventory your fleet, deploy applications, scan and remediate vulnerabilities, and automate IT tasks — no matter where your devices are located. And our friendly, responsive support team is here to help if you encounter any hurdles along the way.
PDQ Connect vs. ManageEngine: Feature breakdown
Feature | PDQ Connect | ManageEngine Endpoint Central |
Cloud-based (agent-based) solution |
|
|
Easy setup |
|
|
Minimal learning curve |
|
|
|
| |
Transparent pricing |
|
|
Accessible, per-device pricing |
|
|
Starting price | $12/device | $795/admin (max 50 devices) |
Clear feature set |
|
|
|
| |
Automated asset discovery |
|
|
Custom scan profiles |
|
|
Real-time inventory data |
|
|
|
| |
Prebuilt, ready-to-deploy packages |
|
|
Automated patch management |
|
|
Custom device grouping |
|
|
Dynamic device grouping |
|
|
Silent deployments |
|
|
Custom packages |
|
|
|
| |
Vulnerability scanning |
|
|
Prioritization based on your environment |
|
|
One-click remediation |
|
|
|
| |
Public API |
|
|
Entra ID |
|
|
|
|
Our customers love us
PDQ Connect vs. ManageEngine FAQs
What’s the difference between PDQ Connect and ManageEngine?
PDQ Connect is a lightweight, cloud-native endpoint management tool, while ManageEngine offers a broad suite of enterprise IT solutions. If you’re focused on patching, deploying software, tracking inventory, managing vulnerabilities, and supporting users without the complexity, PDQ Connect is the simpler, faster choice for small and midsized organizations.
Is PDQ Connect a good alternative to ManageEngine?
Yes, PDQ Connect is a strong alternative to ManageEngine for IT teams looking for fast, reliable patching and software deployment. With an intuitive interface, quality customer support, focused features, and pricing that scales predictably, PDQ Connect is ideal for teams managing remote and hybrid devices.
Why are IT teams switching from ManageEngine to PDQ Connect?
IT pros often switch to PDQ Connect because it’s easier to set up, use, and maintain. Unlike ManageEngine, which may require server infrastructure and ongoing configuration, PDQ Connect works out of the box and takes minutes to get up and running, handling remote devices with minimal overhead.
What does PDQ Connect do better than ManageEngine?
Compared to ManageEngine, PDQ Connect offers a cleaner UI, shorter onboarding time, quality customer support, and focused features designed to save sysadmins hours every week.
What are the biggest drawbacks of ManageEngine?
ManageEngine’s tools can be overly complex. Many users report steep learning curves, long setup times, limited customer support, and challenges navigating the product’s layered interface. Licensing can also be confusing, with different features split across editions and modules.
Which is easier to use: PDQ Connect or ManageEngine?
PDQ Connect is easier to use than ManageEngine, especially for teams that need to get started quickly. It requires no infrastructure setup, works instantly over the cloud, and includes a clean, modern interface that doesn’t overwhelm new users.
Which tool is better for patch management: PDQ Connect or ManageEngine?
PDQ Connect offers a faster, more intuitive patch management experience than ManageEngine. It’s designed for quick deployment to online devices without jumping through hoops — ideal for small teams needing reliable results without an enterprise-level learning curve.
Is PDQ Connect better for managing remote devices than ManageEngine?
Yes, PDQ Connect is better suited for managing remote or hybrid fleets than many ManageEngine products. Because PDQ Connect is cloud based, it communicates directly with remote endpoints. You don’t need VPNs or local servers like you might need with some ManageEngine products. And because it's an all-in-one tool with remote desktop built right in, you don’t have to jump between platforms or select from a wide array of product offerings.
What kind of reporting does PDQ Connect offer compared to ManageEngine?
Unlike ManageEngine — where users often encounter clunky interfaces, failed scheduled reports, or limitations that require SQL or custom workarounds — PDQ Connect delivers what you need out of the box and takes the mystery out of endpoint management. Real-time patch status, device health, CVE coverage, and customizable reports are all accessible in just a few clicks, with no scripting, SQL, or extra modules required.
Does PDQ Connect offer more transparent pricing than ManageEngine?
PDQ Connect offers transparent, tiered per-device pricing. ManageEngine pricing can be opaque, often requiring custom quotes and bundling multiple modules. With PDQ, what you see is what you get — no hidden fees or surprise upgrades.
Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself.
PDQ is not affiliated with or endorsed by ManageEngine. The use of ManageEngine and ManageEngine Endpoint Central on this page is for comparison purposes only.
Information last updated: 2/12/2025