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Choosing the best patch management software boils down to what your organization needs. Consider how complex your IT setup is and how much you’re willing to spend.
For instance, large companies with diverse operating systems and applications will need a more powerful and scalable patch management solution.
Take a moment to really think about your organization’s unique needs before diving into a purchase. To kickstart your search, here are the nine best patch management software & tools and software you can check out.
1. Heimdal®
Heimdal®’s Patch and Asset Management makes meeting Compliance goals, closing known vulnerabilities, deploying updates, and installing software an easy task.
This patch management solution is also scalable and fully customizable.
You can deploy patches, cover patching from anywhere in the world, according to your own schedule, and update automatically any Microsoft and Linux OS, 3rd-party, and proprietary software.
Heimdal’s Top Patch Management Features
- Vulnerability inventory and CVSS/CVE scores included.
- Admin managed in-app software center.
- Un-installation of supported software.
- Clean, test, and patch in less than 4 hours.
- Https micro-downloads from Heimdal® CDN with LAN P2P.
- Scheduling of updates according to the PC clock.
Heimdal’s Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use dashboard.
- Flexible and easy-to-integrate solution.
- Strong services expertise.
- Completely automated processes.
Heimdal’s Cons
For a while, Heimdal did not provide support for MacOS patching. However, things changed starting October 2023, we also covers this area.
Heimdal Pricing
Heimdal offers pricing models that suit businesses both big and small. Whether you’re an emerging startup or an established corporation, we provide budget-friendly options tailored for you.
Our pricing tiers cover a broad range from seat counts of 1 to over 20,000 and servers from 1 to more than 100.
The cost of the license varies based on subscription duration: monthly, annually, for 3 years, or for 5 years.
If you want to see our product at work, check out the 30-day free trial.
2. Ivanti
Ivanti`s patch management solution is an add-on for their Endpoint Management platform. The product manages devices running Windows, macOS, and Linux and runs on Windows Server.
It integrates and automates prevention, detection, and response methods while focusing on the most significant areas of vulnerability.
Ivanti Patch for Endpoint Manager finds vulnerabilities in Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and third-party apps like Acrobat Flash/Reader, Java, Web browsers, etc.
Ivanti`s Main Features
- patches online and offline virtual machines
- uses a unique interface to manage software updates
- covers compliance management
- can schedule patches
Ivanti Pros
- easy to configure
- easy to generate reports
- good end-user training
Ivanti Cons
- could improve auto scan and inventory management
- some reviewers found the platform hard to learn for a beginner
Ivanti Pricing
- offers free trial
- doesn`t disclose pricing
3. Atera
Atera offers patching for operating systems, software, and hardware drivers. It’s compatible with third-party applications like Chrome, Zoom, Java, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, and various Adobe tools.
System Administrators can establish automated routines for patch installations or updates on a large scale. Choosing not to apply certain patches is also available.
Atera`s Main Features
- automated patch management processes
- can schedule patches as needed
- vulnerability scanning available
- patches cloud packages
Atera Pros
- user-friendly interface
- lightweight and cloud-based
Atera Cons
- doesn`t offer phone support
- reviewers said sometimes computers don`t restart after patching
Atera Pricing
- offers a 30-day free trial
- professional, Expert, and Master subscription plans available
4. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is available both in the cloud and on-premises. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, and offers support for server and desktop systems, virtual machines, and roaming devices.
Patch Manager Plus supports about 850 third-party applications most of which are Windows software.
The software is available in three versions: Free, Professional, and Enterprise. The Free one can support up to 20 devices and 5 servers.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus`s Main Features
- offers multi-platform support
- automated third-party patching
- allows administrators to test patches before deployment
- offers vulnerability management
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Pros
- easy to manage
- good on reporting
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Cons
- reviewers asked for better visibility into failed patches without log-diving
- could do better on integration options for the Cloud
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Pricing
- offers a 30-day free trial
- offers a free version
- cost depends on the subscription plan
- on-premises and cloud versions have different prices
5. Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA covers patch management for devices and infrastructure. The solution works on Windows, Mac, and 3rd Party Software.
Kaseya patch management software enables security teams to keep servers, workstations, and remote computers updated. It provides a unified way to manage an organization`s software. Additionally, it allows denying a certain patch or blocking an update for a subset of machines.
Kaseya VSA`s Main Features
- real-time visibility of the patching process for on-and-off network devices
- vulnerabilities monitoring
- offers vulnerability management
- automated patch management
Kaseya VSA Pros
- works well for remote monitoring and management
- unified user interface
- good reporting capabilities
Kaseya VSA Cons
- not available for Linux
- navigation is not intuitive enough
Kaseya VSA Pricing
- 14-days free trial
- offers a free version
- cost depends on the subscription plan
- on-premises and cloud versions have different prices
6. ITarian
ITarian provides various IT management and security solutions, including a patch management tool. The solution allows you to monitor vulnerabilities, and prioritize and automate the patching process. ITarian also allows remote updating for operating systems.
ITarian`s Main Features
- patches online and offline virtual machines
- a unique platform for software update management
- patch testing available
- checks patch compliance organization-wide
ITarian Pros
- unified console to view assets, patching, software deployment
- reliable Remote-Control application
- free script writing for procedures
ITarian Cons
- should improve technical support
- reduced reporting capabilities
ITarian Pricing
- The ITarian Basic version, which only includes PSA, SD, and RC modules, is free for up to 1000 endpoints
- other versions and modules range from $4.50 to $12.50 per endpoint/yearly
- discount rate available for MSPs
7. Automox
Automox is a cloud-native platform for endpoint management. It offers a unified solution for IT administrators to automate the hardening and patching of their devices on-prem, in the cloud, or remote.
It is one of the patch management solutions that works for automating OS patching on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
Automox`s Main Features
- third-party software patching
- full policy automation
- automated patching of remote devices
- vulnerability management
Automox Pros
- no VPN needed to push software packages
- user-friendly and intuitive interface
- responsive technical support
Automox Cons
- the console doesn`t offer detailed reports on all actions
- could improve the authentication module
- needs more integration
Automox Pricing
- 15-day free trial available
- prices start from $2/mo per device
8. NinjaOne Patch Management
NinjaOne is a cloud platform designed for remote management and monitoring. Its Patch Management solution allows administrators to handle patching for various OSs and about 135 third-party Windows applications.
Administrators can use the platform to control patch deployments, set schedules, and establish patching policies for endpoints. It provides real-time data on patch statuses, helping to identify vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the system enables the creation and sharing of detailed endpoint compliance reports.
NinjaOne Patch Management`s Main Features
- works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- automated OS and third-party application patching
- full hardware and software inventories
- remote device management
NinjaOne Patch Management Pros
- intuitive IT management platform
- reduces ticket volumes
- easy to set up
NinjaOne Patch Management Cons
- occasional service disruptions
- some reviewers asked for better report customization
NinjaOne Patch Management Pricing
- offers free trial
- pay-per-device pricing model
9. Avira Software Updater
Avira Software Updater is a patch management solution that covers updates for over 150 frequently used applications. They monitor updates for Chrome, Firefox, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, and CCleaner, among others.
Although Avira doesn’t specify all supported applications, it streamlines the update process by scanning your system for outdated software.
The tool can scan for outdated drivers too, but I advise you to avoid this feature. Driver updates rarely bring substantial security benefits that are not already covered by Windows. On the other hand, incorrect driver updates can destabilize the way your PC works. As a rule, it`s better to let Windows handle driver updates.
Avira Software Updater`s Main Features
- scans third-party software for updates
- automated patching
- driver updates available
Avira Software Updater Pros
- provides detailed analysis of outdated software scan
- offers great visibility for all applications on your device
- easy to install
Avira Software Updater Cons
- the free version doesn`t offer automatic update options
- scheduling not available
Avira Software Updater Pricing
- offers free version
- monthly plan cost is 1.95 EUR/device
- annual plan cost is 19.95 EUR/device
But after discussing the best patch management solutions, it’s essential to step back and understand the foundational concept.
What Is Patch Management Software?
Patch management software keeps all software on all devices up to date. Patch management solutions are designed to identify, deploy, and manage software updates.
Keeping software up to date helps protect against security threats, like known vulnerabilities. It also ensures compliance with regulations and improves functionality across the organization.
Benefits of Using Dedicated Patch Management Tools
In a nutshell, a good patch management software should:
- Reduce the risk of security breaches
Patching keeps you safe from known vulnerabilities that threat actors can exploit to launch a cyberattack. They use flaws to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or compromise system integrity.
- Enhance software stability
Patches often include bug fixes that improve software stability. Apply updates regularly to minimize crashes, errors, and performance issues.
- Ensure Compliance
Many industries and regulations require organizations to maintain software up to date to protect sensitive information. Patch management helps maintain compliance with these standards.
- Automate the patching processes
Automated patch management is much faster and more efficient than manual updates. It reduces the window of exposure to threats because the devices are consistently and swiftly patched.
The Ultimate List for Patch Management Software Features
Each patch management tool comes with its own set of features, pros and cons. After going over hundreds of reviews for various patch management software, here`s what I`ve learned:
- there`s no use paying for tons of additional features that don`t actually add value
- outstanding ongoing technical support really pays off
- you should carefully evaluate your organization`s digital assets, compliance requirements, and work processes to make the best choice. One size never actually fits all.
In addition, there is a set of essential features that top patch management software should have:
- Cross-platform support
The software should support various OSs, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux while covering all devices in an organization.
- Automated patching
The tool should offer automatized detecting, downloading, and installing updates without requiring any manual intervention.
- Scheduling & customization
Administrators should be able to schedule patch deployments for specific times. Peak usage hours can vary depending on the organization`s activity field, geolocation, and so on. A top patch management tool should be flexible enough so that patching does not disrupt business operations.
- Real-time monitoring & reporting
The software should provide real-time insights into the patch status of all devices. Most reviews show an increased interest in detailed reports highlighting vulnerabilities, patch success rates, and compliance levels.
- Centralized dashboard
Both cybersecurity threats and tools get more complex every day, so a unified interface that eases asset management and monitoring is mandatory. Having your whole system and toolkit on the same page is gold.
In a centralized dashboard, admins can see and manage the whole patching process on a single screen. They can also detect faster what system vulnerabilities pose higher risks, and act on time.
- Rollback capabilities
Sometimes, despite testing, patches can cause downtimes. So, the patch management software you choose should have the ability to revert to a previous state. This ensures system stability and minimizes downtime.
- Integration & compatibility
The tool should seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructure and tools. Compatibility with third-party applications and systems is also a must.
How can companies benefit from Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management?
Heimdal’s Patch & Asset Management makes sure all your software is always fresh and updated. It`s also on the lookout for newly disclosed vulnerabilities, so it can swiftly close security gaps. Beyond the must-have patch management perks, there`s also an amazing support team ready to help you out.
This top patch management tool offers businesses several advantages:
- It allows you to view your software assets, their versions, and the number of endpoints they work on from a single dashboard.
- Allows you to generate inventory reports for evaluations and to show compliance.
- Is extremely flexible and allows you to update, downgrade, or remove specific software.
- You can easily install any chosen software across your systems, or even let users do it themselves.
- You can send custom software to any endpoint globally.
- Scheduling enables you to deploy patches whenever it best suits you.
Using Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management is a proactive step to simplify IT operations and bolster security. With Heimdal`s solution, your business will stay agile, compliant, resilient, and, most importantly, safe from cyberattacks.
Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management Software
- Schedule updates at your convenience;
- See any software assets in inventory;
- Global deployment and LAN P2P;
- And much more than we can fit in here...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best patch management software?
Heimdal`s Patch and Asset Management exceptional capabilities make it the best patch management software. The solution was endorsed by its winning the Risk Management Award at the prestigious Security Excellence Awards. Heimdal Patch & Asset Management provides all the key features that you might expect from a top patch management product. Users also praised Heimdal`s fast and effective technical support service.
2. How does patch management software prioritize updates?
Most patch management tools use systems that categorize updates based on the vulnerability`s severity: critical, high, medium, or low. This ranking system considers the urgency and impact of the vulnerability being addressed.
Administrators can then prioritize and deploy the most urgent updates to make sure they apply critical patches first.
3. What is the best practice for patch management?
Patch management best practices include:
- Automating the patching process
- Risk assessment
- Establishing a Patch Management Policy
- Creating an asset inventory
- Patch testing before deploying patches
- Pre and Post-Patching results analysis
4. Which company produces comprehensive patch management software?
Heimdal produces comprehensive patch management software to ensure that systems are consistently updated against vulnerabilities and to streamline the process of deploying patches across various applications.
5. What are three types of patch management?
The three predominant patch categories include security patches, patches for bugs, and updates for features:
- Security Patches: With tech moving at lightning speed, staying on top of security patches is a must.
- Patches to Address Bugs: essential for rectifying software glitches.
- Patches for Performance Enhancements and New Features: these ensure the software remains up-to-date with the latest functionalities.
