9 PDQ Deploy Alternatives for Better Patch Management

If you’re looking for PDQ Deploy alternatives, you’re either aware of the product’s limitations or exploring your options.

As one user puts it:

While PDQ Deploy & Inventory consistently meets our needs, the primary driver for exploring alternative solutions was the requirement to manage remote endpoints beyond our on-premises network. This limitation, rather than any inherent deficiency in PDQ itself, motivated our search for a more comprehensive solution.

For many businesses, the need to manage remote endpoints effectively is a key factor in evaluating alternatives. As hybrid and fully remote work environments become the norm, IT teams need solutions that go beyond on-premises networks.

Additionally, PDQ Deploy primarily supports Windows environments. So, organizations with diverse operating systems may find themselves looking for a more flexible and scalable tool.

Here’s a list of nine top PDQ Deploy alternatives to see what else is on the market.

Key takeaways

• Heimdal is a cross-platform patch management tool covering Windows, macOS, and Linux updates.
• Ivanti – a cloud-native IT management platform with automated endpoint tracking and SCCM integration.
• ManageEngine – a centralized IT asset management tool with automated patch deployment for over 350 apps.
• Jamf – a patch management solution for businesses managing macOS and iOS devices.
• TeamViewer – a remote access tool with built-in patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Quest KACE – an IT administration tool offering real-time inventory management and patch automation.
• NinjaOne – a cloud-based IT management platform with remote monitoring and automated software deployment.
• SecOps Solution – a security-focused patching tool with real-time vulnerability remediation.
• Automox – a cloud-native patch automation platform with multi-OS support and policy-driven updates.

Heimdal

I’ll start with Heimdal’s Patch & Asset Management, which offers remote endpoint management, cross-platform support, automation, and security-enhancing features. The solution’s ability to patch devices across Windows, Linux, and Mac OSs makes it a superior choice for large businesses.

Unlike PDQ Deploy, which primarily focuses on Windows, Heimdal ensures that all your endpoints get their updates in time.

What makes Heimdal the best alternative to PDQ Deploy

Heimdal’s centralized, hyper-automated patch management comes with a series of benefits:

• continuous compliance
• better productivity
• quick vulnerability patching to reduce security risks

Here’s what differentiates Heimdal from PDQ Deploy:

• Cross-platform support – Patch Windows, Linux, and Mac
• Manages over 350 third-party applications – PDQ Deploy only supports 200 apps.
• Minimal bandwidth consumption – Intelligent update distribution prevents network slowdowns.
• Unified patch and asset management – Gain full endpoint visibility in one platform.
• Fast patching – Get updates from vendor to end-user in less than 4 hours, including testing and deployment.

Every patch, update, and security fix are rigorously tested, sanitized, and repackaged in the sandbox before installing. With robust encryption, your data stays protected at every stage.

What do our customers say

Heimdal’s patching and deployment software is the easiest and most flexible solution we have used so far. I like the fact that it can do deployment and update of Microsoft and 3rd party software but also our own in-house, which is rare to find. We use its automation features with scheduling and can deploy to our employees anywhere they are, which is also a great benefit because our employees are 80% of the time working remotely.

Source

Heimdal’s main capabilities

• Automated, cross-platform patch deployment

Supports Microsoft Windows, Linux Ubuntu, Apple macOS, and over 350 third-party applications. The system stays safe with minimal manual intervention.

• Customizable scheduling & deployment

Allows administrators to schedule updates and force-push critical patches. You can also uninstall unstable software versions and focus on specific user groups.

• Real-time software inventory management

Continuously tracks installed software versions, providing a clear overview for efficient management and compliance reporting.

• Infinity Management 

Enables deployment of in-house software and patches not covered in the standard catalog.

• Fast, secure patch delivery

The solution tests, sanitizes, encrypts, and deploys patches in under 4 hours via secure HTTPS transfers.

• Comprehensive reporting & compliance management

Provides in-depth security insights and facilitates compliance demonstrations through detailed inventory reports.

• Low bandwidth consumption with P2P distribution

Uses local peer-to-peer patch deployment. Thus, it reduces bandwidth usage and eliminates  the need for a client-server model.

Heimdal pricing

Heimdal offers customized Pricing that fits various business requirements and usage patterns. To see Heimdal in action watch the video below and book a custom demo.

Heimdal’s patching tool, which I use for our devices, helps apply available patches automatically. Once the vendor releases an update, we apply it. Through the Heimdal dashboard, I can check the vulnerabilities of an app, how high their severity score is based on CVSS, and whether there’s a patch available to close the vulnerability. I also don’t need to manually install or test the patch. Being able to do all of that in one click through the Heimdal dashboard saves lots of time.

 Alex Panait, System Administrator

Ivanti

Ivanti Endpoint Manager is a cloud-native IT management solution for tracking hardware and software. It helps managing endpoints and automates patch distribution. It supports patching for Windows, Linux, and third-party applications. Invanti also integrates with SCCM for streamlined patch management.

Ivanti main capabilities

• Unified endpoint management with patching
• Automated security compliance
• Cloud-based and on-premise deployment options

Cons 

• Can be complex to set up and manage
• Higher pricing compared to competitors

Pricing

Ivanti’s pricing is not public. Costs vary based on deployment type and number of endpoints.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine Endpoint Central streamlines software deployment and inventory management. The solution offers detailed asset visibility, license compliance, and usage tracking. It automates patch deployment and supports over 350 third-party applications.

ManageEngine main capabilities

• Patch management across Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Centralized dashboard for IT asset management
• Customizable automation for software updates

Cons

• User interface can feel outdated
• Limited customer support responsiveness

Pricing

Pricing depends on the specific modules selected. Contact ManageEngine for a custom quote.

Jamf

Jamf is the go-to solution for businesses managing Apple devices. It’s specialized in patch management processes for macOS and iOS.

Its automated deployment feature simplifies patching, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities. Apple-centric environments’ IT administrators can enforce compliance policies and manage devices remotely.

Jamf main capabilities

• Best for macOS and iOS device management
• Automated patching for Apple environments
• Integration with Apple Business Manager

Cons

• Limited support for Windows and Linux
• Can be expensive for small businesses with fewer endpoints

Pricing

Pricing varies based on the number of devices managed. Contact Jamf for details.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is more known for its remote access capabilities. Yet, it also offers patch management. Its multi-platform support allows businesses to patch Windows, Mac, and Linux devices remotely. The platform also includes real-time monitoring and alerts.

TeamViewer main capabilities

• Remote management with built-in patching
• Cross-platform support
• Secure access controls

Cons

• Primarily a remote access tool, not dedicated to patching
• Performance issues with large-scale deployments

Pricing

TeamViewer offers subscription-based pricing based on usage.

Quest

Quest KACE streamlines IT administration with automated software deployment, patching, and updates. This solution offers real-time inventory management, detailed reporting, and analytics. The user gets better endpoint visibility and control.

Quest main capabilities

• Endpoint security and patch automation
• Supports hybrid cloud environments
• Asset discovery and tracking

Cons

• Higher learning curve
• Limited third-party integrations

Pricing

The price is not public for this solution. Contact their sales team for a quote.

NinjaOne

NinjaOne provides visibility into software inventory, tracking installed applications across devices. It offers remote monitoring, patch management, and automated software deployment.

NinjaOne main capabilities

• Cloud-native IT management
• Automated software deployment
• Endpoint monitoring and remediation

Cons

• Does not support offline patching
• Some advanced automation features need add-ons

Pricing

NinjaOne offers tiered pricing based on endpoint count.

SecOps Solution

SecOps Solution is an agentless vulnerability and patch management tool. It helps organizations to identify, prioritize, and remediate security risks across their infrastructures.

SecOps main capabilities

• Cybersecurity-focused patching
• Automated vulnerability remediation
• Real-time security insights

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Higher cost compared to traditional patch management tools

Pricing

Pricing varies based on the features and security level required.

Automox

Automox is a cloud-native platform that streamlines software deployment, patching, and inventory management. It’s (not so) secret ingredients? Automation and simplicity. Automox works cross-platform and comes with a centralized dashboard.

Automox main capabilities

• Cloud-based patch automation
• Multi-OS support
• Policy-driven endpoint management

Cons

• Does not support driver patching
• Does not support offline patching

Pricing

Starts at $3 per endpoint per month. Enterprise pricing varies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best alternative to PDQ deploy?

Heimdal’s Patch & Asset Management outperforms PDQ Deploy with cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Also, it manages over 350 third-party apps, while PDQ covers 200. Heimdal is lightweight – it minimizes bandwidth use with intelligent update distribution. With updates tested and deployed in under four hours, Heimdal is the best PDQ Deploy alternative.

Is there a free PDQ Deploy alternative?

Some tools like ManageEngine and Automox offer free trials. But full-featured solutions come with a price.

What are the key considerations when choosing a patch management tool?

Consider factors like OS and third-party app support, automation capabilities, security features, and cost.

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Livia Gyongyoși

Communications and PR Officer

Livia Gyongyoși is a Communications and PR Officer within Heimdal®, passionate about cybersecurity. Always interested in being up to date with the latest news regarding this domain, Livia's goal is to keep others informed about best practices and solutions that help avoid cyberattacks.