ConnectWise Automate
6.7/10
MSP Compared score
- Starting price
- Custom quote
- Reviews
- 3.9/5 (~450 G2 reviews)
- Free trial
- —
- Deployment
- Cloud + on-prem
- Best for
- Larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration
Best RMM Software · 2026
ConnectWise Automate vs 
Datto RMM ConnectWise Automate vs Datto RMM: on our data-weighted scoring, Datto RMM edges ahead (7.7 vs 6.7/10). ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and is best for larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration; Datto RMM starts at Custom quote and is best for established MSPs in the Kaseya/Datto ecosystem. Choose Datto RMM for the stronger overall track record; consider ConnectWise Automate if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
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Datto RMM
7.7/10
MSP Compared score
- Starting price
- Custom quote
- Reviews
- 4.5/5 (~700 G2 reviews)
- Free trial
- Free trial
- Deployment
- Cloud
- Best for
- Established MSPs in the Kaseya/Datto ecosystem
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 →
| Criterion | ConnectWise Automate | Datto RMM |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 6.7 | 7.7 |
| User reviews | 7.8 | 9.0 |
| Adoption | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Affordability | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Feature breadth | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of trial | 3.0 | 6.0 |
ConnectWise Automate vs Datto RMM: head-to-head
| ConnectWise Automate | Datto RMM | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom quote | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | quote | per device |
| Free trial / tier | — | Free trial |
| Best for | Larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration | Established MSPs in the Kaseya/Datto ecosystem |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | Cloud |
| G2 rating | 3.9/5 (450) | 4.5/5 (700) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 6.7 | 7.7 |
Choose ConnectWise Automate if…
You need larger msps wanting deep customization and connectwise psa integration.
✓ Pros
- Extremely customizable
- Powerful at scale
- Tight ConnectWise ecosystem
✕ Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Quote pricing
- Heavier admin overhead
Choose Datto RMM if…
You need established msps in the kaseya/datto ecosystem.
✓ Pros
- Mature and scalable
- Built-in ransomware detection
- Deep Datto/Kaseya integration
✕ Cons
- Quote/contract pricing
- Kaseya licensing complexity
- UI dated in places
In depth
In Depth
Pricing
| Aspect | Datto RMM | ConnectWise Automate |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Per-device | Quote-based |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Free Trial | Yes | Not specified |
| Transparency | Limited (contract pricing) | Limited (quote-based) |
Both solutions require direct vendor contact for pricing. Datto RMM’s per-device model is more predictable for budgeting, while ConnectWise Automate’s quote-based approach offers flexibility but demands negotiation.
Features & Deployment
Datto RMM is cloud-only and emphasizes security-first capabilities. Its standout feature is built-in ransomware detection, paired with solid patch management and scripting. Network topology visualization helps MSPs maintain visual oversight of client infrastructure. This makes it ideal for MSPs prioritizing threat prevention alongside routine maintenance.
ConnectWise Automate offers hybrid deployment (cloud or on-premises) and positions itself as a customization powerhouse. Its strength lies in scripting depth and PSA integration—particularly valuable for MSPs already invested in ConnectWise’s ecosystem. Monitoring templates provide structure, but the platform demands more hands-on configuration.
Key Difference: Datto RMM is plug-and-play with security baked in; ConnectWise Automate is a blank canvas requiring expertise to fully leverage.
Ratings & Verdict
| Metric | Datto RMM | ConnectWise Automate |
|---|---|---|
| G2 Score | 4.5/5 (700 reviews) | 3.9/5 (450 reviews) |
| Our Score | 7.7/10 | 6.7/10 |
Datto RMM wins on user satisfaction and ease of adoption. Its 4.5 G2 score reflects appreciation for maturity and reliability, while ransomware detection gives smaller-to-mid MSPs peace of mind without extensive security expertise.
ConnectWise Automate’s lower scores reflect complexity—not inadequacy. Larger MSPs with dedicated admin resources and deep ConnectWise integration needs will extract tremendous value; smaller teams may struggle with the learning curve.
Verdict: Choose Datto RMM for faster deployment, better UX, and out-of-the-box security. Choose ConnectWise Automate if you’re already in the ConnectWise ecosystem and have the bandwidth for deep customization.
Frequently asked questions
- ConnectWise Automate vs Datto RMM: which is better?
- ConnectWise Automate vs Datto RMM: on our data-weighted scoring, Datto RMM edges ahead (7.7 vs 6.7/10). ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and is best for larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration; Datto RMM starts at Custom quote and is best for established MSPs in the Kaseya/Datto ecosystem.
- Is ConnectWise Automate cheaper than Datto RMM?
- ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and Datto RMM starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of September 17, 2026. Sources: connectwise.com, datto.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.