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 
N-able N-central ConnectWise Automate vs N-able N-central: on our data-weighted scoring, N-able N-central edges ahead (7.4 vs 6.7/10). ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and is best for larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration; N-able N-central starts at Custom quote and is best for growing-to-large MSPs needing scalable RMM with deep automation. Choose N-able N-central for the stronger overall track record; consider ConnectWise Automate if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links may be affiliate or partner links. If you sign up through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes our scores or rankings. Learn more.
N-able N-central
7.4/10
MSP Compared score
- Starting price
- Custom quote
- Reviews
- 4.3/5 (~200 G2 reviews)
- Free trial
- Free trial
- Deployment
- Cloud + on-prem
- Best for
- Growing-to-large MSPs needing scalable RMM with deep automation
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 | N-able N-central |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 6.7 | 7.4 |
| User reviews | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 7.0 | 6.1 |
| Affordability | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Feature breadth | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of trial | 3.0 | 6.0 |
ConnectWise Automate vs N-able N-central: head-to-head
| ConnectWise Automate | N-able N-central | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom quote | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | quote | quote |
| Free trial / tier | — | Free trial |
| Best for | Larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration | Growing-to-large MSPs needing scalable RMM with deep automation |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 3.9/5 (450) | 4.3/5 (200) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 6.7 | 7.4 |
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 N-able N-central if…
You need growing-to-large msps needing scalable rmm with deep automation.
✓ Pros
- Scales to large fleets
- Strong automation
- Mature ecosystem
✕ Cons
- Complex setup
- Quote pricing
- UI dated
In depth
In Depth
Pricing
Both solutions operate on a quote-based model with no public pricing or free tier. N-able N-central offers a free trial; ConnectWise Automate’s trial availability isn’t specified in the data. For budget-conscious MSPs, the lack of transparent pricing is a significant friction point with both vendors—expect to engage sales for any cost assessment.
| Aspect | N-able N-central | ConnectWise Automate |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Quote | Quote |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Free Trial | Yes | — |
| Transparency | Low | Low |
Features & Deployment
N-able N-central emphasizes scalability and ease of automation:
- Scalable RMM with dedicated automation manager
- Patch management, integrated security, and remote access
- Cloud + on-prem deployment flexibility
ConnectWise Automate prioritizes depth and customization:
- Highly scriptable RMM for power users
- Patch management and monitoring templates
- Cloud + on-prem deployment
- Deep PSA integration (game-changer if you’re already in ConnectWise)
N-central’s feature set is broader and more accessible; Automate trades breadth for depth, requiring stronger technical chops to unlock its full potential.
Ratings & Reviews
| Platform | Score | Reviews | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-able N-central (G2) | 4.3/5 | 200 | Solid consensus, smaller sample |
| ConnectWise Automate (G2) | 3.9/5 | 450 | Broader feedback, more mixed |
| Our Score | 7.4 | — | N-central edges out Automate |
N-central’s higher G2 score (4.3 vs 3.9) reflects simpler deployment and clearer value, while Automate’s larger review count (450 vs 200) suggests wider adoption—but at the cost of more complaint volume. Our assessment favors N-central by 0.7 points, reflecting its better balance of power and usability.
Verdict
Choose N-able N-central if you want a modern, scalable RMM with strong automation that doesn’t require deep scripting expertise. It’s the better fit for growing MSPs seeking speed-to-value and a gentler learning curve.
Choose ConnectWise Automate if you’re already invested in the ConnectWise ecosystem, have advanced scripting/customization needs, or run a large operation where the admin overhead pays off in precision control. Expect a slower onboarding and higher skill requirements.
The 0.7-point gap in our scoring is meaningful: N-central offers better user experience and faster deployment, but Automate’s tight PSA integration can be transformative for ConnectWise-native shops willing to invest the effort.
Frequently asked questions
- ConnectWise Automate vs N-able N-central: which is better?
- ConnectWise Automate vs N-able N-central: on our data-weighted scoring, N-able N-central edges ahead (7.4 vs 6.7/10). ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and is best for larger MSPs wanting deep customization and ConnectWise PSA integration; N-able N-central starts at Custom quote and is best for growing-to-large MSPs needing scalable RMM with deep automation.
- Is ConnectWise Automate cheaper than N-able N-central?
- ConnectWise Automate starts at Custom quote and N-able N-central starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of September 17, 2026. Sources: connectwise.com, n-able.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.