Compare SolarWinds RMM vs NinjaOne 2025: Choosing the right Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solution is crucial for any IT business. This comparison delves into the key features, pricing, and overall value proposition of both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne, helping you make an informed decision for 2025 and beyond. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses across various aspects, from core functionalities to scalability and security, offering a comprehensive overview to aid your selection process.
This in-depth analysis will cover pricing models, feature sets, integration capabilities, user experience, scalability, security features, and support options. By examining these critical areas, we aim to provide a clear understanding of which platform best aligns with your specific needs and budgetary constraints. We’ll also consider the long-term implications of each choice, factoring in potential growth and evolving technological landscapes.
Pricing and Licensing Models
Choosing between SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne often hinges on pricing and how the software is licensed. Both offer various tiers and licensing options, catering to different business sizes and needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision. This section details the pricing structures and licensing models of both platforms.
Pricing Comparison for Different Client Sizes
SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne employ tiered pricing systems, with costs escalating as features and managed devices increase. Direct pricing isn’t publicly available for either platform, requiring a personalized quote based on specific needs. However, general comparisons can be made based on industry observations and publicly available information. The following table offers a generalized comparison, keeping in mind that actual pricing will vary.
| Feature/Tier | SolarWinds RMM (Estimated) | NinjaOne (Estimated) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic/Starter (Small Businesses, <50 devices) | $100-$200/month | $80-$150/month | Limited features, fewer devices supported. |
| Standard (Mid-sized Businesses, 50-200 devices) | $300-$600/month | $200-$400/month | Increased feature set, higher device limits. |
| Premium (Large Enterprises, >200 devices) | $1000+/month | $500+/month | Comprehensive features, advanced support, high device limits, often includes custom pricing. |
| MSP Add-ons | Varies significantly, often percentage-based | Varies significantly, often tiered based on managed clients | Additional costs for MSP-specific features like multi-tenant management. |
Licensing Options
Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne offer various licensing models to accommodate diverse business structures.SolarWinds RMM typically uses a per-technician or per-device licensing model. Per-technician licensing grants access to the platform for a specific number of technicians, regardless of the number of devices managed. Per-device licensing charges a fee for each device under management. MSP options are available, usually involving tiered pricing based on the number of clients managed.NinjaOne primarily employs a per-device licensing model, though per-technician options might be available in some customized packages.
Their MSP program is robust, often involving tiered pricing or volume discounts based on the number of managed clients and devices.
Cost Savings and Increased Expenses
The cost-effectiveness of each platform depends on several factors. Businesses managing a large number of devices might find per-device licensing in NinjaOne more expensive than SolarWinds RMM’s per-technician model if they have a small support team. Conversely, businesses with a large support team managing a smaller number of devices might find SolarWinds RMM’s per-technician licensing more expensive than NinjaOne’s per-device model.MSPs should carefully evaluate the pricing of each platform’s MSP program.
The specific features and support included within each tier will influence the overall cost-effectiveness. Factors like the level of automation, reporting capabilities, and support offered by each platform should also be considered in the cost-benefit analysis. A thorough cost comparison considering all relevant factors is crucial for making the best decision for your business.
Feature Set Comparison: Compare SolarWinds RMM Vs NinjaOne 2025
SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne are both prominent players in the RMM space, offering robust features for managing IT infrastructure. However, their feature sets differ in several key areas, impacting their suitability for various organizations and their specific needs. This comparison highlights those core differences to aid in informed decision-making.
Remote Monitoring and Management Capabilities
The core functionality of both platforms centers around remote monitoring and management. Both offer features like remote control, patch management, and automated scripting, but their implementation and capabilities vary.
- SolarWinds RMM: Provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities, including hardware and software inventory, performance monitoring, and event logging. Its remote control functionality is generally reliable, but can be perceived as slightly less intuitive than NinjaOne’s for some users. SolarWinds also boasts strong reporting features and customizable dashboards.
- NinjaOne: Offers a more streamlined and user-friendly approach to remote monitoring. Its interface is often praised for its ease of navigation and intuitive design. NinjaOne also integrates well with other tools, enhancing its overall functionality. While its reporting is robust, some users might find it less customizable than SolarWinds’ options.
Patch Management Functionalities
Patch management is a critical security feature, and both platforms offer robust solutions, though with differing strengths.
- SolarWinds RMM: SolarWinds RMM provides automated patch deployment, allowing for scheduled updates across managed devices. It offers detailed reporting on patch compliance, identifying vulnerabilities and enabling proactive mitigation. The automation features are powerful but can require more initial configuration.
- NinjaOne: NinjaOne’s patch management is known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined workflow. While also offering automation, its approach tends to be simpler and quicker to set up, potentially sacrificing some of the granular control offered by SolarWinds. Reporting is comprehensive but perhaps less visually detailed.
Remote Control Features
The ability to remotely access and control endpoints is a fundamental aspect of RMM. Both platforms offer this functionality, but their performance and user experience differ.
- SolarWinds RMM: SolarWinds’ remote control is generally reliable and stable, though the interface might feel slightly less modern and intuitive compared to NinjaOne. Connection speed can vary depending on network conditions, but generally performs adequately.
- NinjaOne: NinjaOne’s remote control is frequently lauded for its speed, stability, and ease of use. The interface is designed for quick access and efficient troubleshooting. The connection is generally fast and reliable, contributing to a smoother user experience.
Reporting and Dashboarding Capabilities
Effective reporting and data visualization are crucial for understanding the health and performance of managed systems.
- SolarWinds RMM: SolarWinds RMM offers extensive reporting capabilities, allowing for highly customizable dashboards and reports. Users can create detailed reports on various aspects of their IT infrastructure, tailoring them to their specific needs. This level of customization can be both a strength and a weakness, requiring more technical expertise to fully utilize.
- NinjaOne: NinjaOne’s reporting and dashboarding features are more streamlined, focusing on providing key insights in a user-friendly format. While the level of customization is less extensive than SolarWinds, the pre-built reports and dashboards are often sufficient for most users. The emphasis is on clear, concise information presentation.
Integration and Automation Capabilities
SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne both offer robust integration and automation capabilities, crucial for streamlining IT management tasks and improving overall efficiency. However, their approaches and strengths differ in several key areas, impacting their suitability for various organizations and workflows. This section will delve into a detailed comparison of their integration capabilities with other popular IT management tools and their respective automation features, including scripting capabilities and example workflows.
Integration with Other IT Management Tools
Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne boast extensive integration capabilities, connecting with a wide range of third-party tools to create a unified IT management ecosystem. The breadth and depth of these integrations are key factors to consider when choosing between the two platforms. A direct comparison across all integrations is impractical, but the following table highlights integrations with some popular tools.
Note that the availability of specific integrations may depend on the licensing tier.
| Tool | SolarWinds RMM Integration | NinjaOne Integration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 | Yes, offering various levels of integration, including email monitoring and user management. | Yes, providing similar capabilities to SolarWinds RMM, with focus on user management and security. | Integration depth may vary depending on the specific features utilized. |
| Datadog | Integration available through APIs and third-party connectors. | Direct integration available, facilitating seamless data transfer and monitoring. | Direct integration often provides a more streamlined experience than API-based solutions. |
| Autotask PSA | Yes, a commonly used integration for ticketing and service desk management. | Yes, providing similar capabilities to SolarWinds RMM, facilitating ticket synchronization and automation. | This integration significantly enhances workflow efficiency across RMM and PSA systems. |
| ConnectWise Manage | Yes, another widely used PSA integration, offering similar benefits to Autotask integration. | Yes, offering comparable functionality to SolarWinds RMM, enhancing the workflow across RMM and PSA. | This integration improves workflow efficiency between the RMM and PSA systems. |
Automation Features, Compare SolarWinds RMM vs NinjaOne 2025
Both platforms provide extensive automation features, enabling administrators to automate repetitive tasks such as patching, software deployment, and remote control. SolarWinds RMM’s automation capabilities are built around its robust scripting engine and predefined automation workflows, offering a more structured approach. NinjaOne, on the other hand, emphasizes a more flexible, low-code/no-code approach to automation, making it potentially easier for less technically skilled administrators to create and manage automations.
However, this flexibility can also lead to less robust and potentially less efficient automations compared to the more structured approach of SolarWinds RMM. SolarWinds may require more technical expertise for complex automation tasks, while NinjaOne’s simplicity might limit the complexity of the automations achievable.
Scripting Capabilities
SolarWinds RMM primarily utilizes PowerShell scripting for automation. This allows for complex and highly customized workflows. NinjaOne supports scripting in PowerShell as well, but also offers a more visual, drag-and-drop interface for creating automations, reducing the need for extensive scripting knowledge. This makes NinjaOne potentially more accessible to a wider range of users. However, the power and flexibility of PowerShell remain unmatched for complex automation scenarios.
Example Workflow: Software Deployment
Let’s consider a common IT task: deploying a software update to multiple endpoints. SolarWinds RMM: A PowerShell script would be written to download the software update, check for existing installations, and deploy the update to targeted devices. Error handling and logging would be included to ensure reliable deployment. The script would then be integrated into a SolarWinds RMM automation workflow, triggering the deployment based on schedule or other criteria.
This approach allows for granular control and sophisticated error handling. NinjaOne: A similar workflow could be achieved using NinjaOne’s automation builder. While it might not offer the same level of granular control as PowerShell scripting, the visual interface simplifies the process. The workflow would involve defining the target devices, selecting the software update package, and configuring deployment settings.
While less flexible than PowerShell, this approach is quicker to implement for simpler deployments.
User Interface and User Experience
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Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne offer robust remote monitoring and management capabilities, but their approaches to user interface and user experience differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the platform best suited to your team’s technical skills and workflow preferences. This section will delve into a comparative analysis of their UI/UX aspects, focusing on navigation, design, task efficiency, learning curve, and overall user satisfaction.
Ease of Navigation and Intuitive Design
SolarWinds RMM presents a more traditional, somewhat denser interface. While functional, it can feel less visually appealing and potentially overwhelming to new users due to its many features and options presented on a single screen. Navigation relies heavily on menus and submenus, requiring a more deliberate approach to locate specific functions. NinjaOne, conversely, adopts a more modern, minimalist design.
Its interface is cleaner and more visually intuitive, prioritizing a streamlined workflow. Information is presented more concisely, making it easier to quickly grasp key metrics and navigate to necessary tools. The dashboard prioritizes actionable information, offering a quicker path to essential tasks.
Visual Design Elements
SolarWinds RMM employs a more classic, somewhat dated visual style. Its color palette is relatively muted, and the layout prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. While not unattractive, it lacks the modern, sleek design of many contemporary SaaS platforms. NinjaOne, in contrast, showcases a contemporary and visually appealing design. It utilizes a more modern color palette, cleaner typography, and a more intuitive layout, making the platform more engaging and less visually cluttered.
The use of whitespace and clear visual hierarchies contribute to a more pleasant user experience.
User Experience and Efficiency of Common Tasks
In terms of user experience, SolarWinds RMM’s functionality is powerful but can require a steeper learning curve to master its many features. Common tasks, while achievable, may involve navigating through multiple menus and screens. NinjaOne, with its simpler interface, generally allows for faster completion of common tasks. Its intuitive design and streamlined workflow enhance productivity, especially for users already familiar with modern SaaS applications.
The overall experience with NinjaOne tends to be more efficient and less frustrating, particularly for routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
Learning Curve and Training Resources
The learning curve for SolarWinds RMM is generally steeper than for NinjaOne. While comprehensive documentation and training resources are available, mastering the platform’s full functionality requires significant time and effort. NinjaOne, due to its simpler interface and more intuitive design, boasts a gentler learning curve. Its documentation and training materials are also readily accessible and user-friendly, helping administrators quickly become proficient.
The availability of online tutorials and video guides for both platforms further facilitates the learning process, but NinjaOne’s materials are generally perceived as more accessible and straightforward.
Key Differences in User Interface and Overall User Experience
The primary difference lies in the design philosophy. SolarWinds RMM prioritizes comprehensive functionality, sometimes at the expense of visual appeal and ease of use. Its interface, while powerful, can feel complex and overwhelming, requiring a substantial investment in training and familiarization. NinjaOne, on the other hand, emphasizes a user-friendly and intuitive experience, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency. Its cleaner design and streamlined workflow lead to faster task completion and a more positive overall user experience.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the team’s technical expertise and preference for a feature-rich but potentially complex system versus a simpler, more intuitive platform.
Scalability and Performance
Choosing between SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne often hinges on how well each platform handles growth. This section compares their scalability and performance characteristics, examining their architectural differences and providing a hypothetical scenario to illustrate their behavior under pressure. Understanding these aspects is crucial for businesses anticipating significant expansion in the number of managed devices and clients.SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne employ different architectural approaches that directly influence their scalability and performance.
SolarWinds RMM, traditionally known for its robust feature set, often relies on a more centralized architecture. NinjaOne, on the other hand, emphasizes a distributed architecture, aiming for greater resilience and scalability. This difference significantly impacts how each platform handles increasing loads and the overall user experience.
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SolarWinds RMM Scalability and Performance
SolarWinds RMM’s scalability is generally considered to be adequate for mid-sized businesses but may face challenges with extremely large deployments. The centralized architecture, while providing a unified management console, can become a bottleneck as the number of managed devices grows. Performance can degrade under heavy load, manifesting as slower response times and increased resource consumption on the central server.
Performance optimizations, such as database tuning and server upgrades, can mitigate these issues to some extent, but they might not fully address scalability limitations inherent in the architecture. The platform’s reliance on a single point of failure also introduces potential downtime risks in large-scale deployments.
NinjaOne Scalability and Performance
NinjaOne’s distributed architecture is designed to address many of the scalability challenges associated with a centralized approach. By distributing processing and data management across multiple servers, NinjaOne aims to improve performance even with a substantial increase in managed devices. This distributed model offers greater resilience, as the failure of a single server is less likely to impact the entire system.
The platform’s performance under heavy load is generally considered more robust than SolarWinds RMM’s, although response times might still increase with an extremely high number of managed devices. However, the distributed nature requires careful management of data synchronization and consistency across the distributed nodes.
Architectural Differences and their Impact
The core difference lies in the central versus distributed architecture. SolarWinds RMM’s centralized design offers simplicity in management but can become a single point of failure and performance bottleneck at scale. NinjaOne’s distributed architecture enhances scalability and resilience but introduces complexity in managing the distributed system. This complexity might require more advanced IT skills for optimal performance tuning and troubleshooting.
The choice between these architectures depends heavily on the anticipated growth trajectory and the IT team’s expertise.
Hypothetical Scenario: Significant Device Increase
Imagine a managed service provider (MSP) managing 5,000 devices with SolarWinds RMM. If the client base expands rapidly, adding another 10,000 devices within six months, the centralized architecture of SolarWinds RMM might experience significant performance degradation. Response times for tasks like patch management or remote control could become unacceptably slow, potentially impacting service level agreements (SLAs). In contrast, NinjaOne’s distributed architecture would likely handle this increase more gracefully.
While some performance impact might be observed, the distributed nature of the platform would prevent a complete system slowdown. The impact would be more localized, and the overall system would remain functional, although performance tuning might still be necessary to maintain optimal response times. This hypothetical scenario illustrates the potential advantages of NinjaOne’s architecture for rapid growth scenarios.
Security Features
Choosing the right RMM solution requires careful consideration of its security capabilities. Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne offer robust security features, but their implementations and strengths differ. This section compares their approaches to authentication, authorization, data encryption, and overall security posture.
Authentication and Authorization
SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne both utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security. SolarWinds offers a range of MFA options, integrating with various providers, while NinjaOne provides MFA through its own system and integrates with third-party solutions. Authorization within both platforms is role-based, allowing administrators to assign granular permissions to users, controlling access to specific functions and data. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
However, the specific configuration options and ease of use might differ between the platforms. Detailed comparison of the specific MFA options and role-based access control features would require in-depth testing of both platforms.
Data Encryption
Data encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive client information. Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne employ encryption methods during data transmission and storage. SolarWinds utilizes industry-standard encryption protocols, but specific details about the algorithms used are not always publicly available. NinjaOne similarly employs encryption, but again, specific details on encryption algorithms and key management practices may require direct inquiry with the vendor.
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A comprehensive comparison requires examining the technical documentation of each platform to understand the strength and implementation of their encryption strategies. This includes evaluating the encryption methods used for data in transit and at rest, as well as the key management procedures.
Security Certifications and Compliance Standards
SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne aim to meet various industry security standards and compliance requirements. SolarWinds often highlights its compliance with SOC 2 Type II, indicating a strong focus on security controls. NinjaOne also emphasizes its commitment to security compliance, but the specific certifications and standards met may vary and should be verified directly with the vendor. The level of compliance and the specific standards met should be a key consideration when choosing between the two platforms, especially for organizations operating in highly regulated industries.
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It’s important to check for the most up-to-date information on their respective websites or through direct contact with their support teams.
Security Protocols and Threat Protection
Both platforms implement various security protocols to mitigate common threats. These might include intrusion detection and prevention systems, regular security updates, and vulnerability scanning. The specific features and their effectiveness will differ based on the configuration and the version of the software. A detailed comparison requires reviewing the platform documentation and potentially engaging in security audits or penetration testing to assess their resilience against real-world threats.
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This will help inform your comparison of the two platforms and guide your selection process.
The effectiveness of these security measures will depend on the ongoing maintenance and updates implemented by the administrator. For example, regular patching and updates are critical to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Comparative Security Assessment
A direct comparison of SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne’s security features reveals a relatively even match in terms of core security capabilities. Both platforms offer MFA, role-based access control, and data encryption. However, the specific implementations, the depth of documentation on security protocols, and the readily available information regarding security certifications and compliance standards may differ. The best choice will depend on the specific security requirements of the organization and its risk tolerance.
A thorough assessment, potentially including a security audit or penetration test, might be necessary to make an informed decision.
Support and Community
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Choosing between SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne often involves considering the support and community resources available to users. Both platforms offer various support channels, but their strengths and weaknesses differ based on user experience and feedback. This section will compare the support options, online communities, and responsiveness of both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne.
Support Options
SolarWinds RMM provides support through several channels, including phone, email, and online documentation. Their knowledge base is extensive, offering a wide range of articles, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides. However, some users report varying levels of responsiveness depending on the support channel used and the complexity of the issue. NinjaOne, on the other hand, emphasizes its proactive support model, with a focus on quick response times and readily available resources.
They offer similar channels to SolarWinds, but their online documentation is often praised for its clarity and ease of navigation. Both platforms offer varying levels of support based on the licensing tier purchased, with higher tiers typically receiving priority support and access to more advanced features.
Online Communities
The size and activity of online communities can significantly impact user experience. SolarWinds RMM boasts a large and active community forum, where users can exchange information, ask questions, and find solutions to common problems. This forum, while large, can sometimes be overwhelming for new users to navigate effectively. NinjaOne’s community is generally considered smaller but more tightly knit, fostering a sense of collaboration and quicker responses to user queries.
While the sheer volume of posts might be less than SolarWinds, the quality and helpfulness of the responses are often noted as a significant advantage. Both platforms also utilize social media groups, though their activity levels vary considerably.
Support Team Responsiveness
User reviews highlight varying levels of responsiveness from both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne support teams. For SolarWinds, responsiveness seems to correlate strongly with the support tier purchased. Higher-tier users generally report faster response times and more personalized assistance. NinjaOne users consistently praise the speed and efficiency of their support team, regardless of licensing tier, citing quick resolution times and helpful technicians.
While both platforms aim for timely support, the overall user perception of NinjaOne’s support team is generally more positive in terms of speed and effectiveness.
Support and Community Comparison
| Feature | SolarWinds RMM | NinjaOne | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Channels | Phone, Email, Documentation, Forum | Phone, Email, Documentation, Forum | Both offer comprehensive support channels. |
| Documentation Quality | Extensive, but can be overwhelming | Well-organized and user-friendly | NinjaOne’s documentation is generally preferred for clarity. |
| Community Size & Activity | Large and active, but can be difficult to navigate | Smaller but more tightly knit and responsive | SolarWinds has a larger community, while NinjaOne’s is more focused. |
| Support Team Responsiveness | Varies based on licensing tier | Consistently praised for speed and efficiency | NinjaOne generally receives higher marks for support responsiveness. |
Final Review
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Ultimately, the choice between SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne hinges on your specific requirements and priorities. While both platforms offer robust RMM capabilities, they cater to different needs and preferences. SolarWinds RMM, with its established reputation and extensive feature set, may be preferable for larger organizations with complex IT infrastructures. NinjaOne, with its more streamlined approach and competitive pricing, might be a better fit for smaller businesses or those seeking a simpler, more intuitive solution.
Careful consideration of the factors discussed here will empower you to make a well-informed decision that optimizes your IT management efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Questions Often Asked
What is the typical onboarding process for each platform?
Both platforms offer onboarding support, but the specifics vary. Contacting sales for each vendor is recommended to get precise details for your specific needs.
How does each platform handle multi-tenant environments?
Both SolarWinds RMM and NinjaOne support multi-tenant environments, allowing MSPs to manage multiple clients from a central dashboard. However, the specific features and functionalities may differ; check their documentation for details.
What are the options for custom reporting beyond the built-in features?
Both platforms offer varying degrees of custom reporting. SolarWinds RMM generally provides more extensive options, while NinjaOne’s approach may be more focused on pre-built reports. Check their documentation for specifics on customization options and API access.
What are the disaster recovery capabilities of each platform?
Both platforms offer features to aid in disaster recovery, but the specifics (e.g., backup and restore options, failover mechanisms) differ. Review their documentation for details on disaster recovery features and capabilities.
