Best MSP Software Shortlist
Here’s a shortlist of the very best MSP software on the market:
- N-able - Best for growing businesses
- SolarWinds - Best for comprehensive services
- ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus - Best for IT service management
- NinjaRMM - Best for managing endpoints
- Auvik - Best for network management
- LogicMonitor - Best for hybrid IT environments
- Kaseya - Best for large enterprises
- IBM - Best for cybersecurity
- ConnectWise - Best for automating IT tasks
- SuperOps - Best for one-stop-shop MSP services
- Datto - Best for backup and disaster recovery
- Pulseway - Best for real-time monitoring
A managed service provider (MSP) offers outsourced IT services to businesses. This helps them access professional IT services without the high cost of hiring a full-time IT employee.
They offer services like monitoring network performance, managing software updates, and resolving IT issues promptly. By outsourcing IT management to an MSP provider, you can benefit from proactive support and expertise in emerging technologies. Their experienced staff can handle complex IT challenges and provide strategic guidance to align technology with your business objectives.
MSPs also provide data backup and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring that valuable information is protected. Additionally, they offer scalability options, allowing businesses to easily adjust their IT resources as needed.
Therefore, choosing the right MSP software provider is essential for you. You’ll find my top 12 selections with their features, pricing, and integrations to help you decide which one’s the perfect solution for you.
What Is MSP Software?
MSP software helps companies remotely manage a customer's IT infrastructure, software, and end-user systems. MSP services include network monitoring, backup and recovery, cybersecurity, cloud services, help desk support, and software deployment and management.
Overviews of the 12 Best MSP Software
Here’s a review of the best MSP software solutions on the market, including their features, integrations, and pricing.
1. N-able - Best for growing businesses
N-able is a cloud-based software that helps MSPs monitor, manage, and secure their customers' IT infrastructure from a centralized platform.
Why I picked N-able: As businesses scale, they require IT resources for handling networks, security, and backups — all of which N-able provides. I put N-able on this list because it offers a complete suite of IT services. You can automatically discover and map customer networks, perform patch management, and reduce the risk of data loss with backup and recovery tools.
N-able Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I found valuable are efficient ticket organization, where you can design workflows and routing rules, create agent queues so the right technician handles the ticket, and email customers from the ticket itself. You can also remotely monitor and manage customer IT infrastructure, reducing the need for on-site visits.
Integrations are available natively for Able Ninja, Acronis, Auvik, Barracuda, Cisco Meraki, Datto RMM, and Kaspersky.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 15-day free trial
Pros
- Identify and combat advanced endpoint threats with AI
- Protect networks with DNS filtering
- Customizable reports
Cons
- Limited support for non-Microsoft environments
- Workflow automation can be clunky
2. SolarWinds - Best for comprehensive services
SolarWinds offers IT management tools for MSPs and IT professionals. Its solutions are designed to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and protect against cybersecurity threats.
Why I picked SolarWinds: I picked SolarWinds because of its rich set of MSP-related offerings. It allows remote monitoring and management and provides backup and recovery solutions in case of disasters. SolarWinds also has a service desk which is a centralized platform for managing client tickets and requests.
SolarWinds Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that impressed me are its automatic patch updates to devices to ensure they are up-to-date and secure. With network monitoring, you can troubleshoot network issues to keep clients connected and productive. With its reporting and analytics, you get insights into key metrics such as network availability, resource consumption, and service performance.
Integrations are available natively for Dameware, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Orion, Slack, and Zendesk. Zapier connections are available.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 14 or 30-day free trials available
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Provides advanced security features to protect against cyber threats
- Provides automation capabilities to increase efficiency
Cons
- Limited mobile functionality
- Offers limited customization options for workflows and processes
3. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus - Best for IT service management
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is an IT service management solution with a robust feature set for organizations looking to streamline their service desk operations.
Why I picked ManageEngine: I selected ManageEngine because it comes with a comprehensive suite of IT service desk features. It has everything from incident, asset, and project management to service catalogs and criteria-based workflows. You also get essential service desk tools like a self-service portal, live chat, and knowledge base.
ManageEngine Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I found valuable are that you can automatically queue tickets into an agent’s dashboard based on their availability and expertise with load-balancing or the round-robin method. It lets you add your own custom domain to self-service portals. ManageEngine also offers iOS, Android, and Windows native mobile apps.
Integrations are available natively for ADManager Plus, Zia virtual assistant, and Zoho Survey, and business integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, Teams, and Jira. APIs are also available.
Pricing: $10/technician/month (billed annually)
Trial: 30-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Custom email and SMS alerts for ticket resolutions
- Multi-level escalations
- Automatic data archives to keep your IT help desk clean
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Does not have many integrations with third-party applications
4. NinjaRMM - Best for managing endpoints
NinjaOne is a remote monitoring and management software that tracks devices in real-time to handle client endpoints at scale.
Why I picked NinjaOne: I put NinjaOne on this list for its unified device management — you can monitor and control all your clients’ virtual machines, servers, and devices. There’s also patch management for Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints. You can also automatically detect and resolve endpoint issues like missed reboots and open ports.
NinjaOne Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I want to highlight are that NinjaOne can automatically send alerts to technicians when an issue arises. All endpoint tasks like device setup, maintenance, app installs, and even patching can be automated.
Integrations are available natively for SentinelOne, TeamViewer, Slack, Splashtop, and Okta.
Pricing: Pay for what you use
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Mobile app for endpoint management
- Self-service portal
- Native IT documentation
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to other endpoint management solutions
- Can be complex to use and navigate
5. Auvik - Best for network management
Auvik is a cloud-based MSP that has powerful scalability and security features. It can be configured in under an hour and helps with MSP network monitoring.
Why I picked Auvik: I chose Auvik because it comes with 50 pre-configured alerts. If there’s a network issue, you’ll receive real-time notifications. Auvik archives the network data so you can use that data for planning or analysis in the future.
Auvik Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I found noteworthy are its VPN monitoring which helps you understand if you are reaching the threshold for VPN sessions to avoid downtime. It consolidates syslog for your network devices so you get more information about network issues. It can also check your ISP for latency and dropped packets.
Integrations are available natively, including ArcusTeam, Autotask PSA, BrightGauge, ChatGenie, ConnectWise, Freshdesk, Teams, Opsgenie, and Slack. APIs are also available.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 14-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Automatic backup and recovery
- 2FA, permissions and roles, and audit logs
- IT asset management
Cons
- May not be as effective for smaller networks
- Steep learning curve for less tech-savvy users
6. LogicMonitor - Best for hybrid IT environments
LogicMonitor provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities for IT infrastructures, with automation and AI-driven predictive insights that help MSPs identify problems before they impact their clients.
Why I picked LogicMonitor: I appreciate that LogicMonitor supports both public and private cloud infrastructure and on-premises and hybrid environments. It offers multi-tenant support, allowing MSPs to manage and monitor multiple clients from a single dashboard. You can create custom dashboards with pre-built templates for each client for a more visual and personal experience.
LogicMonitor Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I liked during my evaluation are that it provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities for IT infrastructures, including servers, containers, databases, synthetic websites, virtual machines, networks, storage, and applications. The platform sends alerts and notifications to MSPs when issues arise, ensuring they can quickly address any problems.
Integrations include 2,000+ native options like PagerDuty, Redis, BigPanda, ServiceNow, ConnectWise, Citrix, and Juniper Mist.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 14-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Comprehensive support and training resources
- Logs and metrics to track performance
- Can monitor productivity tools like Zoom and Slack
Cons
- Can be complex to set up and configure for specific environments
- Some users report issues with customer support response times
7. Kaseya - Best for large enterprises
Kaseya provides a centralized IT management solution with backup, disaster recovery, and network management tools.
Why I picked Kaseya: What makes Kaseya best-suited for large enterprises, in my opinion, is its expansive suite of offerings. It offers remote management solutions for any device, endpoint, and environment. It automates network monitoring, patching, and ticketing workflows and is specially designed to keep ransomware at bay.
Kaseya Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that impress me are that it offers a range of products like RapidFire, a compliance solution; IT Glue, an IT documentation tool; RocketCyber, a SOC platform; and Connect Booster, an automated accounts receivable solution that lets you automate collection notices.
Integrations include native options like Acronis, Binox MSP, BrightGauge, Cyberfish, QuickBooks, Kaspersky, and Xero.
Pricing: Flexible pricing models
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Mobile device management available
- Provides antivirus protection
- Provides identity and access management
Cons
- Interface can be overwhelming
- Limited customization
8. IBM - Best for cybersecurity
IBM's Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) program is designed to address the evolving threat landscape and help organizations build a strong security posture.
Why I picked IBM: I chose IBM’s MSSP program because it offers robust capabilities for threat detection, investigation, and response. You can use its suite of technologies for security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), security information and event management (SIEM), and network detection and response (NDR) to speed up incident response processes.
IBM Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I particularly liked are its ability to monitor network activity in real time where it profiles your assets constantly to spot hidden threats and compromised devices. It also uncovers unusual lateral movements and can query historical network activity to help you take proactive steps. Security operations center (SOC) teams can receive critical alerts, use AI to automate case investigation, and leverage its threat timeline and contextual threat intelligence to create root-cause analysis.
Integrations are available natively for Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Red Hat, and ServiceNow. APIs and software development kits (SDKs) are available.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: Free demo available
Pros
- Identity and access management solutions available
- In-depth analytics on incidents, attacks, and breaches
- Strong focus on compliance and regulations
Cons
- May require advanced technical expertise to implement
- Sheer number of solutions offered by IBM can make it difficult for businesses to choose the best ones for their needs
9. ConnectWise - Best for automating IT tasks
ConnectWise is known for its automation capabilities that enhance MSP workflows and help maximize efficiency.
Why I picked ConnectWise: I appreciate that ConnectWise has tools for time tracking, CRM, and billing and invoicing to automate billing processes. It also has a ticketing system to manage client issues. It consolidates issues from email, phone, and live chat and offers automated escalations.
ConnectWise Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I found helpful are that it offers project management functionalities so MSPs can track progress on client tasks. There’s also real-time visibility into business metrics, remote monitoring and management, inventory management, and contract management.
Integrations are available natively for Bitdefender, Acronis, Veeam, Connect Booster, AlertOps, Auvik, LogMeIn, Slack, and IT Glue. APIs and SDKs are available.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 7-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Can create and maintain a knowledge base
- Can automate repetitive workflows
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Certain customization options are limited
- Setup can be complex
10. SuperOps - Best for one-stop-shop MSP services
SuperOps is a PSA (professional services automation) platform designed for MSPs to help them easily manage clients, projects, and resources all in one place.
Why I picked SuperOps: I like SuperOps’s comprehensiveness. Remote monitoring and management, service catalog, asset management, customizable dashboards, and integrated security solutions — SuperOps has it all. It also has a modern service desk to manage issues and tickets.
SuperOps Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I want to spotlight are its CRM which helps you streamline client management, contract management to simplify invoicing, automated patch management, and rule-based alerts. You can also use its IT documentation features to organize knowledge.
Integrations are available natively for TeamViewer, QuickBooks, Stripe, Hudu, SentinelOne, and Acronis.
Pricing: From $59/user/month (billed annually)
Trial: 21-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Can do project management and collaboration
- Runbooks for quicker technician onboarding
- Time tracking available
Cons
- Limited integrations
- Limited mobile app functionality
11. Datto - Best for backup and disaster recovery
Datto's disaster recovery solutions provide rapid restoration of critical business systems, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of operations.
Why I picked Datto RMM: I chose Datto because it provides an all-in-one business continuity solution that simplifies IT resilience. You can choose features like ransomware protection, agentless backup technology, autoverify, and server image backup.
Datto RMM Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I liked are that it takes screenshots to verify backups. It also offers rapid rollbacks, backup insights, endpoint protection, and backup solutions for Windows 7,10, and 11 devices. Its offering, “Datto Workplace,” is a secure enterprise file sync and share solution.
Integrations are native options like ConnectWise, Microsoft 365, Splashtop, Webroot, IT Glue, OpsGenie, and BrightGauge. APIs are available.
Pricing: Price available on request
Trial: 14-day free trial + Free demo available
Pros
- Offers hybrid cloud options for additional security
- User-friendly interface
- Can scale to fit any business size
Cons
- Minimal support for macOS and Linux
- Can be difficult to set up initially
12. Pulseway - Best for real-time monitoring
With Pulseway, you can monitor all your systems and applications in real-time, allowing for enhanced visibility and control over your IT infrastructure.
Why I picked Pulseway: I like that Pulseway's real-time monitoring allows for constant tracking of the performance and status of devices, including CPU usage, memory usage, disk space, network usage, and more. Pulseway's monitoring capabilities extend to web applications, cloud services, and network devices.
Pulseway Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that stand out for me are that you can get real-time notifications about IT issues via SMS, email, or push notifications on your mobile devices. You can also get detailed reports on system performance, usage, and health. You can automate multi-step tasks and workflows using Pulseway's advanced automation feature.
Integrations are available natively for Autotask, Zendesk, PowerShell, PagerDuty, Slack, IT Glue, and ConnectWise. APIs are available.
Pricing: From $22/month (for 20 endpoints)
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Mobile-first design
- Multi-platform support
- Remote access and control capabilities
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party applications
- No built-in backup and recovery options
Other MSP Software Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the top list. However, if you need additional suggestions for handy MSP software, check these out:
- ITarian - Best for free services
- Ntiva - Best for customized managed IT services
- Syxsense - Best for patch management
- Atera - Best for advanced reporting
- Syncro - Best for managed security
- IT Glue - Best for documentation management
- Domotz - Best for infrastructure management
- OptiTune - Best for remote desktop management
Selection Criteria For MSP Software
Upon thoughtful evaluation, I have concluded that the following are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the optimal MSP software.
Core Functionalities
MSP software have to provide the following core functionalities to make it onto my list:
- Allow you to remotely manage your clients' IT infrastructure from a central location
- Enable you to create, track, and manage service requests
- Allow you to track your clients’ hardware and software assets
- Provide you with reporting and analytics capabilities to track KPIs
Key Features
I examined these key features for my best MSP software shortlist:
- Patch management: Involves keeping up with the latest updates for clients' systems, installing them, monitoring their effectiveness, and testing patches before deployment.
- Automatic software updates: Ensures that all devices on a network are running the latest versions of software.
- Network discovery and mapping: Involves identifying devices connected to a network and creating a visual representation of the network.
- Reporting and analytics: Involves tracking the overall system health and performance for improved decision-making.
- Integration with other tools and platforms: Improves productivity and team collaboration.
- Backup and disaster recovery solutions: Keeps your clients’ data secure and available.
Usability
The purpose of MSP software is to ease your IT processes. If it’s too difficult to use its interface, it’s going to be a hassle. That’s why, for this list, I checked for usability factors like customizable workflows and easy-to-navigate interfaces. I validated that it’s easy to find the tools and features you want to use. I also checked if software options that involve complex navigation have extensive documentation, video tutorials, guides, and free demos.
People Also Ask
Here are some FAQs I get asked about MSPs:
What services and benefits do MSPs provide?
What is the difference between an MSP and a regular IT company?
What size businesses benefit from MSPs?
How does MSP software handle data backups and disaster recovery?
Conclusion
MSP software can help you manage your clients more efficiently by automating many daily tasks. This includes everything from monitoring network performance to tracking software licenses and managing requests.
With an MSP solution, you can also reduce the risk of downtime and data loss, as the software can detect and remediate issues automatically. I hope my list of the best MSP software help you find the right solution for your company.
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