Best Patch Management Software · 2026

Automox logoAutomox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory logoPDQ Deploy & Inventory

Automox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: on our data-weighted scoring, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (7.9 vs 7.7/10). Automox starts at $3/endpoint/mo and is best for cloud-native cross-os patch + config automation for lean it teams; PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote and is best for windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment. Choose PDQ Deploy & Inventory for the stronger overall track record; consider Automox if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.

Automox

8.3/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
$3/endpoint/mo
Reviews
4.5/5 (~90 G2 reviews)
Free trial
14 days
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
Cloud-native cross-OS patch + config automation for lean IT teams
Visit Automox →
Our pick

PDQ Deploy & Inventory

8.4/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
Custom quote
Reviews
4.7/5 (~60 G2 reviews)
Free trial
14 days
Deployment
On-prem
Best for
Windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment
Visit PDQ Deploy & Inventory →

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Strengths at a glance

Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →

EditorialUser reviewsAdoptionAffordabilityFeature breadthEase of trial
AutomoxPDQ Deploy & Inventory
CriterionAutomoxPDQ Deploy & Inventory
Editorial 7.7 7.9
User reviews 9.0 9.4
Adoption 5.2 4.7
Affordability 7.8 5.0
Feature breadth 5.0 5.0
Ease of trial 6.0 6.0

Automox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: head-to-head

Automox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory — specs and pricing
AutomoxPDQ Deploy & Inventory
Starting price $3/endpoint/mo Custom quote
Pricing model per endpoint per machine
Free trial / tier 14 days 14 days
Best for Cloud-native cross-OS patch + config automation for lean IT teams Windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment
Deployment Cloud On-prem
G2 rating 4.5/5 (90) 4.7/5 (60)
Capterra rating
Our score 7.7 7.9

Choose Automox if…

You need cloud-native cross-os patch + config automation for lean it teams.

Pros

  • True cross-OS parity
  • No on-prem infrastructure
  • Flexible automation via Worklets

Cons

  • No free tier
  • Per-endpoint cost adds up
  • Reporting depth trails enterprise suites

Automox pricing · review

Choose PDQ Deploy & Inventory if…

You need windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment.

Pros

  • Fast and reliable on Windows
  • Huge ready-made package library
  • Loved by sysadmins

Cons

  • Windows-only
  • On-prem (agentless on LAN)
  • Pricing not fully public

PDQ Deploy & Inventory pricing · review

In depth

Pricing: PDQ Deploy & Inventory vs Automox

PDQ Deploy & Inventory bills on a per machine model from Custom quote (14 days trial), while Automox uses a per endpoint model from $3/endpoint/mo (14 days trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.

Features & deployment

PDQ Deploy & Inventory ships 5 headline capabilities (Pre-built application library, Custom package deployment, Inventory + reporting, Scheduling + targeting) and deploys On-prem. Automox ships 5 (Cross-platform patching (Windows/macOS/Linux), Third-party app patching, Worklets automation, Cloud-native (no VPN/agents infra)), deploying Cloud.

Ratings & verdict

PDQ Deploy & Inventory holds 4.7/5 (~60 G2 reviews); Automox holds 4.5/5 (~90 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (7.9 vs 7.7/10). Pick Automox instead when cloud-native cross-os patch + config automation for lean it teams. See PDQ Deploy & Inventory alternatives or Automox alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Automox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: which is better?
Automox vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: on our data-weighted scoring, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (7.9 vs 7.7/10). Automox starts at $3/endpoint/mo and is best for cloud-native cross-os patch + config automation for lean it teams; PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote and is best for windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment.
Is Automox cheaper than PDQ Deploy & Inventory?
Automox starts at $3/endpoint/mo and PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of June 16, 2026. Sources: automox.com, pdq.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.