Best Patch Management Software · 2026
ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs 
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus: on our data-weighted scoring, ManageEngine Endpoint Central edges ahead (8.0 vs 7.7/10). ManageEngine Endpoint Central starts at Free tier available and is best for teams wanting unified endpoint management + patching in one console; ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus starts at Free tier available and is best for budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting. Choose ManageEngine Endpoint Central for the stronger overall track record; consider ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
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Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →
| Criterion | ManageEngine Endpoint Central | ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.0 | 7.7 |
| User reviews | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 6.7 | 5.1 |
| Affordability | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Feature breadth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of trial | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| ManageEngine Endpoint Central | ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Pricing model | per endpoint | per endpoint |
| Free trial / tier | Free tier + 30 days | Free tier + 30 days |
| Best for | Teams wanting unified endpoint management + patching in one console | Budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 (350) | 4.3/5 (80) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.0 | 7.7 |
You need teams wanting unified endpoint management + patching in one console.
You need budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting.
Both tools follow a per-endpoint annual subscription model with free tiers for small teams:
| Aspect | Endpoint Central | Patch Manager Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Up to 25 endpoints | Up to 20 computers |
| Entry Price | ~$795/yr (50 endpoints) | ~$245/yr (50 computers) |
| Scaling | Custom quotes (editions vary) | Custom quotes (WAN/Enterprise) |
| Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Verdict: Patch Manager Plus is significantly cheaper for patch-only needs, while Endpoint Central’s higher cost reflects its broader UEM scope.
A unified endpoint management platform that bundles patching with MDM, remote control, OS imaging, and optional security add-ons. Best for organizations seeking a single pane of glass across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
A focused patch management solution covering OS + 850+ third-party applications with granular test-approve-rollback workflows and compliance reporting. Excels in on-premises environments where regulatory requirements demand local infrastructure control.
Key Difference: Endpoint Central is a platform; Patch Manager Plus is a specialist. Choose Endpoint Central if you need mobile device management or want to retire multiple tools. Choose Patch Manager Plus if you’re patching-focused and need the flexibility of on-prem deployment.
| Metric | Endpoint Central | Patch Manager Plus |
|---|---|---|
| G2 Score | 4.4/5 (350 reviews) | 4.3/5 (80 reviews) |
| Our Score | 8.0 | 7.7 |
Endpoint Central wins for organizations that want UEM + patching unified and can absorb the higher cost and complexity. The 4.4 G2 rating reflects confidence in its broad capabilities.
Patch Manager Plus is the smarter pick for budget-constrained teams, regulated environments needing on-prem control, and organizations content with a purpose-built patching tool. Its dated UI and smaller review count shouldn’t deter—it delivers reliable, affordable patch automation with minimal cruft.
