The Best RMM Tools for MSPs

Currently, most organizations rely on distributed IT environments, and maintaining control over sprawling networks and endpoints is becoming extremely difficult. This is where remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools come into play to simplify, organize, and improve business processes, mainly enabling technicians to oversee and maintain IT systems without physical presence. You may now think, which solutions truly deliver on their promises?

One thing is certain: managing IT infrastructure needs more than traditional reactive troubleshooting — it requires proactive oversight. Fortunately, RMM software can do the hard work with precision and accuracy. These systems are highly efficient, whether you are handling dozens or even thousands of endpoints, transforming how service providers deliver support, slashing response times and minimizing costly downtime.

Remote monitoring and management solutions successfully automate routine tasks that would otherwise have to be manually done by your IT teams; they also enable systematic patch management across distributed networks and provide actionable intelligence through detailed reporting, helping MSPs to improve service delivery and increase their client base with the available resources.

This guide cuts through vendor hype to examine what makes an RMM tool truly effective in 2025's complex threat landscape. We will explore essential features that drive operational excellence, evaluate leading platforms currently dominating the market, and provide practical selection criteria for organizations at every scale. The purpose of this guide is to answer fundamental questions, such as: Is your current approach to IT management truly optimizing resources? Could the right RMM software transform your service delivery model?

If you're ready to elevate your business to the next level, you've come to the right place. Let's make the most of our time by helping you select the ideal RMM solution for your MSP organization.

The biggest advantage of RMM software comes from delivering visibility and control across distributed networks without requiring physical presence at client locations. Therefore, it has become an essential comprehensive solution and component of any successful managed service provider structure, particularly when managing multiple clients and complex IT infrastructure.

RMM solutions operate through lightweight agents that need to be installed on endpoint devices. These agents collect critical system data and relay it to a central management platform, with the main purpose of analyzing and then identifying potential issues, enabling technicians to take appropriate actions through secure remote access and allowing IT teams to maintain oversight across dispersed environments while automating routine tasks.

RMM tools are designed to streamline IT operations through proactive monitoring of system health, automated or autonomous patch management, remote control of immediate support, and detailed reporting on network performance. The best RMM software offers endpoint security features, software management, service desk management capabilities, and integration with professional services automation platforms, allowing technicians to remotely monitor and manage multiple clients' workstations from a single interface.

The first management tools focused primarily on basic monitoring and remote access functionalities, but the latest RMM solutions now incorporate intelligent automation, robust security features, and extensive integration capabilities.

Currently these platforms emphasize cloud-based delivery models, enabling technicians to manage client systems from any remote location. Undergoing significant improvements, these tools now use AI-driven automation more frequently, handling routine tasks while providing detailed insights into performance trends and security vulnerabilities. After the COVID-19 crisis, organizations' networks became more complex and distributed, since millions of employees had to work from home. That shift demanded RMM technology to adapt with more sophisticated monitoring and management capabilities.

Managed service providers (MSPs) and businesses across various industries need RMM tools to help them reach their full growth potential. A well-implemented solution offers remote monitoring capabilities that transform reactive support into proactive management, significantly reducing downtime and improving service delivery.

RMM software successfully transforms the operational capacity of every business organization by automating routine tasks that are known to overwhelm IT teams when being executed manually, from scheduled maintenance to system updates. These systems enable systematic workflows that reduce manual human intervention while maintaining optimal performance across the organizations' networks.

Simply, a single technician using robust RMM tools can effectively manage hundreds of endpoints simultaneously, allowing managed service providers to scale operations without increasing the expenses of hiring more employees. On top of that, the best RMM solutions are equipped with customizable dashboards that provide immediate visibility into system status, enabling rapid prioritization of critical issues while the less urgent ones proceed through automation remediation channels.

RMM platforms excel at continuous monitoring of key performance indicators across client systems. Through this proactive monitoring capability, the emerging problems are being automatically identified from declining storage capacity to unusual CPU utilization patterns, preventing downtime and other operational disruptions.

RMM software employs advanced threshold-based alerts that notify IT teams when a particular system deviates from established norms. This capability directly improves service levels, enhances client satisfaction, and creates stronger business relationships for MSPs that manage hundreds or even thousands of client networks.

Every business owner's biggest fear is downtime because it directly impacts their company's profits, damages their reputation, and lowers clients' trust. Equipping your organization with remote monitoring and management solutions helps reduce these incidents through systematic oversight of critical systems. Through identifying performance bottlenecks, managing resource allocation, and implementing preventative maintenance, RMM tools keep your infrastructure operating at its peak efficiency.

These systems automates patch management processes by validating, deploying, and verifying software updates across local and remote workstations, addressing security vulnerabilities while minimizing disruption to business operations. Ensuring that all of the devices in the network are up-to-date without the resource-intensive cycles typical of manual processes.

Acronis exclusively delivers industry-leading cybersecurity integration within its RMM platform. This unique capability provides real-time security monitoring across managed endpoints, identifying potential threats before they can cause any harm to your devices. Unlike most RMM solutions that separate management and security functions, Acronis unifies these critical capabilities within a single pane of glass.

Through continuous monitoring, the platform successfully identifies suspicious activity patterns, unusual authentication attempts, and potential data exfiltration, which all indicate an upcoming cyberattack. For organizations facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, this integrated approach substantially reduces security risks while streamlining operational overhead.

Managing devices remotely can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, but RMM solutions can eliminate these barriers through secure remote access that enables addressing issues regardless of the physical location. Whether supporting branch offices or work-from-home employees across multiple locations, these tools provide immediate access to systems requiring attention.

The remote management capabilities extend beyond basic troubleshooting to encompass comprehensive system administration. From user account management to third-party software deployment, technicians can execute virtually any task as if physically present at the endpoint. This capability dramatically reduces response times while minimizing operational expenses—a compelling efficiency equation for any business managing distributed infrastructure.

It is obvious that remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools have become essential for maintaining operational efficiency and security for businesses of all sizes. But what exactly sets these tools apart? Let's break down the critical features that define top-tier RMM solutions.

The backbone of any effective RMM tool is its ability to monitor various systems in real time and alert IT teams about potential issues before they escalate. These systems are able to identify a server outage, a spike in network traffic, or even a failing hard drive. By proactively addressing these issues, businesses can minimize downtime and maintain seamless operations.

Nowadays, every single organization uses countless third-party software, and keeping all of the applications up-to-date is a challenge, especially with the increasing frequency of vulnerabilities being discovered daily. RMM tools eliminate these concerns since they automate patch management, ensuring that all devices and applications are current, eliminating security risks, and ending the constant process of tracking and deploying updates manually.

When issues arise, time can be your biggest friend or enemy. RMM tools use remote access capabilities, which allow IT teams to troubleshoot and resolve these problems from anywhere without needing a technician to physically visit your organization. This feature is fundamental for MSPs managing multiple clients across different locations.

Efficient issue resolutions demand great collaboration between monitoring and support teams. RMM tools integrate with ticketing and help desk systems to automatically create tickets for these particular issues and streamline the workflow for IT staff. The most effective solutions combine robust helpdesk functionality with monitoring capabilities, creating a seamless experience from issue detection to resolution.

Currently, businesses of all sizes and operating in different industries are obligated to follow strict regulatory requirements. RMM tools help enforce compliance with industry standards while monitoring suspicious activities and providing the necessary tools for threat remediation. This ensures that your organization adheres strictly to all regulatory requirements.

Detailed reporting and analytics provide insights into system performance, resource usage, and security trends. This information, often available through customizable reports, enables IT teams to identify areas for improvement and plan for future growth while presenting relevant metrics to both technical and business stakeholders.

For MSPs, managing multiple clients efficiently is a top priority. The best RMM tools are designed to scale effortlessly, offering centralized dashboards and tools that simplify multi-client management. This scalability ensures that MSPs can grow their business without compromising on service quality.

Effective device management starts with discovery—identifying all devices on a network—and extends to configuration management, ensuring that each device is set up correctly and adheres to security policies. RMM tools automate these processes, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.

RMM tools can be widely used in different industries to improve their workflow, help them increase their profits, enhance security, and ensure meeting regulatory standards. The benefits are countless because these tools literally take your business to a whole new level, but let's explore the most important:

MSPs seem to be mostly benefiting from using RMM tools, since they enable them to remotely monitor and manage client systems efficiently. Features like proactive monitoring, robust patch management, and remote access functionalities significantly improve an MSP’s capability to automate routine tasks, minimize downtime, and address any type of issues before they escalate. These later result in high customer satisfaction and, of course, revenue growth.

RMM solutions provide secure remote access and endpoint management, allowing IT teams to maintain system health and promptly address security vulnerabilities remotely. By leveraging RMM platforms, businesses can ensure their IT infrastructure stays secure and efficient without needing to expand their teams to manually take care of these processes, which makes it a cost-effective solution.

For organizations focused on endpoint security and device management, RMM software offers a central control panel from where they can closely monitor mobile devices, client workstations, and other endpoints. With robust security features and automated scripting, these tools help IT teams to remotely manage systems, automate software deployment, and enhance overall security posture. Simply put, RMM tools are eliminating the need to use multiple tools; they provide you with an all-in-one solution to all of your problems.

Industries like healthcare, finance, and government, which must minimize security risks almost to zero while meeting compliance with strict regulations, desperately need RMM tools. These sectors take advantage of secure remote access, patch management, and RMM capabilities, ensuring their database and all the sensitive information stored remain protected 24/7.

Large enterprises with distributed IT environments rely on RMM solutions to remotely monitor and manage all of the devices connected to their networks. Can you imagine an organization with thousands of devices being managed manually? They would need a team of a hundred technicians; fortunately, RMM software through automation does this job much faster at minimal costs.

Whether you are an MSP, a large enterprise, or a compliance-driven organization, RMM tools are a key factor in achieving seamless IT management.

Choosing the best RMM software for your business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on a few critical factors, you can find a solution that aligns with your needs and helps improve efficiency while minimizing security risks. Let’s break it down.

• Assessing Your Business Needs and IT Infrastructure

Assessing your business's needs and IT infrastructure is mandatory before making any decisions related to your organization. But when selecting an RMM tool, you need to consider several factors. What is your clients' base? Do they have distributed networks? Are you looking for remote monitoring, patch management, secure remote access, or a combination of all of them?

To make an informed and well-considered decision, you must understand your goals and needs; that will help you find the key features your RMM provider must have to take your business to new heights.

• Comparing Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise RMM Solutions

Cloud-based RMM tools definitely offer greater flexibility and scalability, making them a perfect fit for businesses with remote locations or those already leveraging cloud services.

On-premise solutions, despite having their disadvantages, may fit better for organizations with strict data requirements. It is up to you to determine which solution best fits your operational model.

• Evaluating Integration with Existing IT Tools

Your RMM software should seamlessly integrate with your current IT stack, such as professional services automation tools or endpoint security solutions. Look for platforms that support third-party software and offer native integration with cybersecurity solutions to guarantee uninterrupted workflow.

• Considering Ease of Use and Learning Curve

A user-friendly RMM platform with an intuitive interface can save time and reduce frustration for your IT teams. Consider the learning curve—will your staff need extensive training, or can they quickly adapt to the new system?

• Understanding Pricing Models and Cost Efficiency

Pricing varies widely among different RMM solutions; keep in mind that some charge per device, while others offer tiered plans. Assess the total cost of ownership, including setup fees, licensing, and potential add-ons. Does the pricing align with your budget while delivering the management capabilities you need?

• Checking Customer Support and Vendor Reputation

Customer support is as essential as other critical features RMM software provides you with. Issues can arise at the most inappropriate moment, and if things are serious, then having an expert team on your side is of utmost importance to minimize downtime and ensure swift problem resolution.

Additionally, when selecting a reliable RMM tool, make sure you research the vendor's reputation, read users' reviews, and see if they offer a free trial period to get to know the software before subscribing.

• The Ability to Natively Integrate with Cybersecurity Solutions

RMM tools must work hand-in-hand with other cybersecurity solutions. Ensure your chosen platform offers robust security features and can natively integrate with tools you already use to protect your systems from security vulnerabilities.

Having examined how RMM tools work, why they're essential for businesses of all sizes, and what features to prioritize when selecting a solution that fits your budget and requirements, let's now explore the best RMM tools available on the market.

Acronis RMM helps MSPs achieve peak performance with a natively integrated, secure, and AI-powered RMM. Using this software will enable your organization to enhance client satisfaction through delivering groundbreaking IT administration and monitoring services while at the same time improving your overall security posture. Through the automation it offers, Acronis RMM boosts technician performance by minimizing overhead and making them able to focus on more important tasks. This RMM tool offers:

• Natively Integrated PlatformShares the same agent, policy engine, and multitenant interface as Acronis security, data protection, and service delivery automation.Full-fledged alternative to legacy RMMsDeep integration of cybersecurity and data protection
• Core RMM CapabilitiesDevice Sense™ for nondisruptive network discoveryAsset inventory managementAutomated vulnerability scanningPatch management for a wide range of applicationsML-based monitoring with auto-response actionsAI scripting.Built-in, top-tier remote desktop and assistance
• Unique Integration FeaturesFail-safe patchingAI-assisted scripting for cyberattack remediation.Automatic digital signature checks during software deploymentyAnti-malware scanning of packages during deployment
• Microsoft 365 ManagementCentralized user onboarding and offboardingComprehensive Security Posture Management
• DeployPilot™Software deployment management
• Market Adoption20,000 active MSPs using some RMM capabilities for freeNearly 4,000 MSPs have adopted the premium management pack with full RMM functionality.

Atera is another efficient and helpful RMM software that offers:

• All-in-One IT Platform - Integrated solution combining multiple IT management tools
• Remote Monitoring and Management - Unlimited devices at a fixed cost, accessible anywhere
• Remote Access Options - Instant sessions via AnyDesk, Splashtop, TeamViewer, or ScreenConnect
• Helpdesk and Ticketing - AI-powered for speed and efficiency in issue resolution
• Network Discovery - Real-time security scanning for complete network visibility
• Patch Management - Automated Windows, Mac, and Linux patching for end-user devices
• Action AI™ - AI assistant that reduces response times and accelerates ticket resolution

NinjaOne is a reliable patch management tool that delivers some impressive features such as:

• Monitoring and Alerting - Real-time device monitoring with automatic notifications
• Automated Patching - Automatic OS and 200+ third-party application updates
• One-Click Device Actions - Background management without interrupting end-users
• Secure Remote Access - Four solutions for fast, secure support
• Endpoint Task Automation - Standardized automation of repetitive tasks
• Auto-Remediation - Condition-based script deployments for issue resolution
• Mobile Management - On-the-go device management via mobile app
• Self-Service Portal - End-user tools for remote access, file restores, and tickets
• Native Documentation - Built-in solution for processes and credentials
• Unlimited Scalability - Cloud infrastructure for 50 to 150,000+ endpoints
• Fast, Intuitive UI - Efficient interface that reduces unnecessary clicks
• Warranty Tracking - Automated monitoring for proactive renewal planning

Datto RMM is another solution to consider, since it provides MSPs with:

• Cloud-Managed Platform - Remote monitoring and management of all client endpoints, including cloud-hosted
• Microsoft 365 Management - Native module for unified user and endpoint management from a single pane of glass
• Security-Focused Design - Built with security as a priority, 99.99% availability, no hardware to maintain
• Rapid Innovation - Monthly releases with features like ransomware detection
• Operational Productivity - Dashboards for visualization, automation through intelligent alerts and auto-resolution
• HTML5 Remote Control - One-click web-based remote access with end-user chat capability
• Network Visibility - Topology maps for visual display of client networks
• Automated Patch Management - Proactive deployment of security patches
• Ransomware Detection - Built-in monitoring and response capabilities for ransomware threats
• PSA Integration - Seamless integration with Autotask PSA for real-time data sharing
• Powerful Integrations - Compatible with leading PSA tools, networking, and documentation solutions

Implementing Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools in your business will literally transform IT operations, improve efficiency, help your growth, and increase revenue, but only when deployed strategically. You may now wonder how to ensure that a particular RMM solution delivers maximum value while minimizing security risks and other benefits. Well, we will now break down the essential implementation steps to help answer your question.

Before deployment, it is mandatory to identify your specific pain points and operational goals and where processes can be streamlined and significantly improved. Start by asking yourself what systems require monitoring. Which tasks need automation? Prioritize your organization's needs based on the impact such a tool would have on your business. This strategic approach will help you prevent resource overload and ensure each component delivers measurable value.

The real value and power of RMM software lie in its intelligent automation capabilities; they deliver results that expand beyond your expectations. It is important to start by establishing baseline performance metrics for all monitored systems. Then, you need to configure alert thresholds and automated responses for common scenarios like disk space warnings or any type of service disruptions because effective automation requires clear escalation paths and response protocols.

RMM tools require privileged access to your systems, which, unfortunately, has made them prime targets for cybercriminals lately. To equip yourself with adequate protection, implement multi-factor authentication for all RMM access and encrypt data in transit and at rest. Last but not least, access logs should be regularly audited for suspicious activities

Even the most sophisticated RMM solution requires skilled operators. Develop comprehensive training programs that cover both day-to-day operations and emergency scenarios. Create clear documentation for common procedures and establish a knowledge-sharing system to capture team insights and solutions.

Implement KPIs that align with your initial objectives—like reduced resolution time, fewer outages, or improved compliance scores. Review these metrics monthly to identify optimization opportunities. The most successful RMM implementations evolve continuously, with regular reassessments of monitoring rules, alert thresholds, and automation workflows.

As mentioned previously, remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools have become essential for businesses looking to streamline operations, boost productivity, and protect their systems.

They are designed to keep your devices running smoothly but are just one piece of the puzzle. Solutions like endpoint detection and response (EDR) and professional services automation (PSA) focus on specific areas like cybersecurity or business operations. Understanding how these tools differ — and how they can work together — is key to building a stronger, more resilient IT strategy, so let's break it down

While RMM tools focus on efficient device management and maintenance, EDR solutions are designed to specifically monitor and target security threats that can be faced on a daily basis. EDR represents one of several key advanced security categories alongside XDR (extended detection and response), MDR (managed detection and response), and advanced anti-malware solutions.

These tools accomplish unmeasurable success at detecting, investigating, and mitigating security incidents through applying continuous monitoring and using threat intelligence. On the flip side, RMM platforms are created with the idea to handle broader operational tasks like patch management, remote support, and system monitoring.

RMM software's main responsibility is to manage the technical aspects of IT environments, while PSA platforms are deeply focused on business operations. Simply said, PSA solutions help MSPs improve their capabilities in handling project management, time tracking, billing, and customer relationships.

RMM software gives MSPs and technicians unprecedented visibility into systems' health and performance, while PSA delivers business leaders visibility into service delivery metrics, resource allocation, and profitability insights. MSPs frequently use both systems to achieve the best results.

Security has become a standard component of managed services, making integration between RMM and security tools essential. Ideally, this integration should be native rather than relying on separate systems with complex connectors. When RMM platforms integrate seamlessly with security solutions, MSPs gain significant advantages:

• Unified visibility across operational and security metrics
• Streamlined workflows from detection to remediation
• Automated responses to security incidents
• Consistent policy enforcement
• Reduced alert fatigue through consolidated monitoring
• Simplified vendor management

The most effective modern RMM solutions offer native security capabilities or seamless integration with dedicated security tools, enabling MSPs to deliver comprehensive protection while maintaining operational efficiency through a single-pane-of-glass approach.

AI-driven automation in RMM solutions is still in its early implementation and adoption stage; this technology is improving and evolving every single day. Today's RMM tools are just starting to incorporate basic AI for predictive analytics and guided remediation. But the real ground-breaking transformation lies ahead with agentic AI systems that will autonomously control different situations and incidents, prioritizing tasks and executing remediation without human intervention. AI promises to entirely free IT teams from handling routine issues manually by autonomously analyzing different situations and problems, creating its plan to fix every single issue as quickly as possible, significantly reducing attack surfaces, and taking us one step closer to cyber resilience.    

RMM platforms are currently developing groundbreaking zero-trust frameworks that will deeply analyze and verify every access attempt in your network regardless of source. Cybersecurity experts believe that next-generation RMM tools will integrate continuous authentication, least-privilege access controls, and real-time threat analysis directly into their management capabilities, making security inherent rather than added.

Currently, cloud-based RMM platforms dominate the market because they are more reliable, do not heavily affect endpoints, and are easy to implement across dispersed networks, offering unmeasured scalability and constantly developing cutting-edge features. These tools offer faster response times for critical systems while maintaining centralized management—which is particularly valuable for companies with distributed infrastructure. Cloud-based RMM solutions will continue to improve and provide top-notch features and capabilities. One thing is for sure: they will take this industry to a whole new level in the next few years.

After the COVID-19 crisis hit the world, the explosive growth of IoT devices and permanent remote work models is driving RMM tools to significantly improve their services. Tomorrow's RMM platforms are believed to seamlessly manage everything from office workstations to home routers, smart devices, and industrial sensors through a unified interface, which is easy to use and provides consistent visibility and control regardless of device type or location.

Remote monitoring management strengthens security through continuous system surveillance, automated patching, and proactive threat detection. These platforms enable centralized policy enforcement while providing immediate alerts for suspicious activities alongside comprehensive audit trails. Your organization gains visibility across the entire network infrastructure, allowing teams to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit potential weaknesses.

Modern platforms deliver extensive integration capabilities through robust APIs and purpose-built connectors. Many vendors support seamless connections with PSA systems, ticketing platforms, backup solutions, and security applications. Integration possibilities typically include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and popular antivirus products—creating unified management ecosystems where information flows automatically between critical business tools.

Basic functions remain accessible to users with fundamental IT knowledge, though maximizing platform value necessitates some technical proficiency. Vendors generally provide tiered interfaces featuring intuitive dashboards for daily operations alongside advanced configuration options for specialists. Comprehensive training resources help bridge knowledge gaps while managed service options exist for organizations seeking additional implementation support.

Cloud deployments offer rapid implementation, automatic updates, and location-independent access without significant infrastructure investments. On-premise installations provide enhanced customization possibilities, greater control over sensitive information, and functionality during internet outages. Your optimal choice depends primarily on security requirements, regulatory compliance needs, and existing technology investments within your organization.

Automated lifecycle management begins with vulnerability scanning followed by systematic testing, scheduled deployment, and verification processes. Administrators gain granular control over timing while targeting specific device groups with rollback capabilities if needed. Sophisticated solutions generate detailed success reporting, maintain compliance status monitoring, and implement automated remediation when installations fail to complete properly.

Can your IT team truly afford the time, resources and security risks of managing distributed systems without powerful RMM capabilities? The answer is clear: as we have explored throughout this article, RMM tools have significantly improved and become an essential part of every successful IT service delivery business.

An efficient RMM solution can save you time, minimize expenses, swiftly address security vulnerabilities, automate your workflow and provide client support. Through automatic routine tasks, providing proactive monitoring and enabling remote remediation, these tools significantly improve operational efficiency while reducing costs and strengthening security postures.

When selecting the best RMM tool for the specific needs of your business, remember to prioritize solutions that align with your operational model. It is mandatory to consider factors like integration capabilities with your existing tools, scalability to support your growth trajectory, security features that successfully address vulnerabilities and risk profiles, and pricing structures that match your budget.

These features and capabilities can be found in Acronis RMM, which stands out as a perfect fit for MSPs through its native integration of management and cybersecurity functions. This unified approach eliminates all security gaps and operational inefficiencies common with cobbled-together solutions. Features like Device Sense for non-disruptive discovery, AI-assisted scripting, and fail-safe patching provide tangible advantages in operational efficiency and client protection.

So do not hesitate; it is time to take care of your business if you have not equipped yourself with the RMM tool. With Acronis RMM, you can streamline every process, increase your revenue, minimize manual overhead, and grow your client base without effort. Make a wise decision and become part of the Acronis family today; you’ll have no regrets.