The 10 essential IT management tools for 2024

IT departments are the backbone of an organization. From server management, to email distribution, setting up and managing devices, and ensuring consistent internet connectivity, the IT team keeps every aspect of the business running.

However, almost none of these tasks can be done effectively without an IT management tool. Investing in an IT management tool greatly streamlines these processes, increases efficiency, and reduces operational costs.

To help you choose the right one, we reviewed the best IT management tools that IT professionals can use to manage their network infrastructures. Before we look at these tools in depth, let’s discuss what an IT management tool is, what types are available, and why you need one.

What is an IT management tool?

An IT management tool is software that helps manage IT resources and processes within an organization. IT management tools help with tasks like managing hardware, software, and network infrastructure, acquisition, deployment, and maintenance for optimal performance.

Common features of an IT management tool include remote monitoring and management (RMM), asset management, mobile device management, database management, and inventory management, network discovery, and helpdesk and ticketing.

In addition, some IT management tools provide automated solutions for routine tasks, such as AI-powered IT ticketing and automated patch management. Moreover, comprehensive Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) solutions are often integrated to enhance security by detecting and responding to endpoint threats.

Types of IT management tools

IT management tools are often categorized by their use case, and designed to solve a specific problem.

Among the most common IT management tools are:

• IT services management software
• Project management software
• Helpdesk and ticketing system
• Asset management software
• Incident response software
• Remote access and support
• Service desk software
• Database software

Since every IT task you can imagine requires its own software, the list doesn’t end here.

However, several tools offer an integrated solution that includes all the functions necessary to support an IT department’s operations. These “all-in-one” solutions, such as Atera, integrate most of the above features in a unified IT management platform for IT departments and MSPs.

Why do you need an IT management tool?

The task of overseeing the IT environment of a whole organization is not an easy feat. When you use the right IT management tool to do that, you will reap many benefits. 

Some of the most notable reasons to use an IT management tool include:

1. Increased security

Security breaches can result in downtime, data loss, and reputational damage, and that’s why cybersecurity plays such a critical role in IT management. With proper IT management, businesses know the location and status of devices, data, and other sensitive information, which helps to mitigate the risk of data breaches.

IT management platforms with patch management capabilities automatically implement Windows, Mac, and Linux updates to prevent security vulnerabilities. Other built-in security features usually include endpoint protection and vulnerability scanning, which help to counter cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

2. Productivity enhancement

With an all-in-one IT management solution, IT professionals can control their entire IT infrastructure from a single point of view. This makes it easier to manage resources efficiently, monitor system performance, and quickly address issues, thereby minimizing downtime and improving productivity.

The top IT management tools also automate routine tasks like updating operating systems, managing patches, and IT ticketing, so technicians can focus on more important parts of their job.

3. Cost reduction and savings

IT teams usually have multiple technologies working on the same process or task. When you use an IT management tool capable of more than one task, you can discontinue licenses with certain tools and churn software products that do not fulfill the organizational objectives.

In addition, IT management tools can predict potential system failures and allow proactive maintenance, preventing costly repairs.

4. Improved user experience

IT management tools centralize IT processes, making it easier and faster for users to access information and services.

If you’re an MSP,  the top IT management tools will enable you to provide faster response times, more personalized services, and a customer portal where customers can access knowledge base information, open and track tickets, and more.

5. Competitive advantage

A robust tech stack paves the way for even small businesses to compete with the big players. Many IT management tools offer advantages IT professionals cannot obtain otherwise, such as AI-powered IT (AIT).

In addition, IT management tools enable informed decision-making based on real-time information, improving business outcomes and strategic planning.

Now that we’ve covered what is an IT management tool and the benefits of using one, let’s dive into our top 10 recommendations for the best IT management tools in today’s market.

The 10 best IT management tools for IT professionals

For each IT management tool below, we explore the main functionality, who it is designed for, a roundup of user reviews, and pricing. With this information, you can make smarter decisions about which option is suitable for your business goals and IT management requirements.

1. Atera

Atera offers an complete IT management solution for IT departments and an all-in-one MSP software, including RMM, PSA, reporting and analytics, billing, patch management, and remote access capabilities. Instead of focusing on just one aspect of IT management, Atera provides a complete solution that caters to the needs of most IT support teams.

Atera is known for its intuitive software, easy onboarding process, and 24/7 live agent support. Atera also has an active IT community where customers share scripts, troubleshoot common issues, and discuss solutions. Customers can access Atera’s extensive library of resources, tutorials, and knowledge bases for self-serve support.

One of Atera’s main advantages is pricing, which is based on a pay-per-technician model. The cost is fixed to the number of IT technicians, no matter how many endpoints/devices you manage. This makes pricing simple and affordable for teams of all sizes. Atera also has transparent pricing available on the website, unlike many IT management platforms that require you to contact the sales team for a custom quote.

Features and capabilities

Atera is the only tool on our list that offers all-in-one IT management capabilities powered by AI. IT ticketing is one area where Atera’s AI is advantageous. Atera’s AI suite allows IT technicians to respond to tickets 99% faster, and approximately 50% of tickets can be resolved automatically.

Managed service providers (MSPs) who are managing dozens of endpoints, servers, and devices will find Atera’s RMM and PSA functionalities useful. Setting up new customer environments is effortless, and you can access multiple customer environments from a centralized dashboard.

IT departments can benefit from Atera’s remote access, automated patch management, helpdesk and ticketing capabilities, and Atera’s AI that eliminates Tier-1 support and provides instant response to every issue.

User interface and usability

Atera has received recognition on G2 for implementation and ease of use, regarded as one of the most intuitive IT management platforms. The learning curve is quick and easy, and new technicians are up and running within an hour. 

The needs of an MSP and IT department differ, so Atera has dedicated product offerings for both business types. For instance, billing and contracts are essential features for an MSP, so these are included in the MSP plan.

Pricing and value for money

Atera is one of the few IT management solutions that provides transparent pricing plans for both IT departments and MSPs. Enterprises can request a custom quote, but the standard pricing plans for IT departments range from $149 to $219 for IT departments and MSP pricing from $129 to $209.

Unlike most RMM pricing plans, Atera charges on a pay-per-technician basis, so no matter how many devices/endpoints you manage, you pay a fixed price. 

Atera G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (500+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2:

Atera users on G2 report that the software is easy to use, regardless of previous IT management experience. Atera provides detailed reporting and good capabilities for managing all IT assets of a company. Some reviewers mention that Atera’s interface is intuitive and fun to navigate with.

Atera Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (300+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

Some Capterra reviews note that Atera uses a pay-per-technician pricing structure, which is a fairer approach for smaller IT departments managing dozens of endpoints. Users mentioned how easy Atera’s onboarding process is, and especially appreciate the 30-day free trial. Atera provides installation files or command line instructions for each operating system, making the onboarding process simpler.

Atera pricing:

For IT departments: 

• Professional: $149 per month, per technician
• Expert: $179 per month, per technician
• Master: $219 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

For MSPs:

• Pro: $129 per month, per technician
• Growth: $189 per month, per technician
• Power: $209 per month, per technician
• Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Get started with Atera on a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

2. ManageEngine

ManageEngine’s core purpose is to help IT teams and MSPs discover, manage, secure, and monitor all their devices from a single interface. Endpoint and asset management are its main functionalities, but it also has RMM, patch management, helpdesk and ticketing, and remote access capabilities.

ManageEngine’s features are divided into different products, such as ServiceDesk Plus and Endpoint Central. If you have the resources to invest in multiple different products, ManageEngine provides a solution that can be tailored to your needs. IT teams with fewer resources may want to consider another all-in-one IT management solution.

G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 (600+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 (750+ reviews)

ManageEngine Endpoint Central Pricing:

• Professional: Starting at $104 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Starting at $124 per month, per technician
• UEM: Starting at $139 per month, per technician
• Security: Starting at $205 per month, per technician

3. Syncro

Syncro is specifically designed for managed service providers (MSPs) who need all-in-one IT management functionalities. The platform includes professional services automation (PSA), remote monitoring and management (RMM), and remote access functionality.

Some G2 customers view the available features as basic, which may be suitable for organizations that don’t require advanced capabilities. Similarly to Atera, Syncro uses a pay-per-technician pricing model, which is one of its strong points. It makes scaling easier since adding more devices/endpoints won’t increase the cost. 

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (120+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 (70+ reviews)

Syncro pricing:

• Basic: $139 per month, per user

4. N-able

N-able’s IT management features include remote monitoring and management, patch management, IT ticketing, and remote access. The features of N-able are spread across a suite of tools, not just one product.

N-able is known for its robust feature set, but you may need to pay for multiple product subscriptions to access it all. For example, you will get RMM functionality with the N-central product and IT ticketing with the MSP Manager. N-able integrates well internally, but customers have complained that the software lacks third-party integrations.

G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 (130+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 (70+ reviews)

N-able pricing:

• Pricing based on custom quotation. Visit their website to learn more.

5. NinjaOne

NinjaOne provides IT management solutions for both IT departments and MSPs. The main features of the platform include endpoint management, patch management, remote control, and helpdesk and ticketing. Similarly to alternatives like Atera, NinjaOne’s strong points include its ease of use and strong customer support.

While NinjaOne has its advantages, it also has downsides, one being its pricing model. NinjaOne charges its customers based on pay-per-endpoint, meaning the more endpoints/devices you have, the more expensive the software gets. Especially for larger companies and those looking to scale, this can get expensive quickly.

G2 rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (1,000+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

NinjaOne pricing:

• Pricing based on custom quotation. Visit their website to learn more.

6. Jira Service Management

Jira Service Management is an IT service management solution that provides IT ticketing, asset, request, change, and incident management capabilities. Jira Service Management is part of Jira’s product family and integrates well with other products within it. For example, integrating Jira Service Management with Jira Work Management expands its capabilities to include project and process management. 

IT teams seeking a general IT service management tool without advanced workflows may find Jira suitable. If you have more advanced workflows, the customization level may not be sufficient enough.

G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 (760+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (600+ reviews)

Jira Service Management pricing:

• Free: Free for up to 3 technicians
• Standard: $22 per month, per technician
• Premium: $49 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Pricing based on custom quotation. Visit their website to learn more.

7. ServiceNow

ServiceNow offers IT ticketing, asset, change, incident, and knowledge management capabilities for IT departments and MSPs. Compared to others in our list, it offers the most similar feature set to Jira Service Management and can be used for basic IT management.

The main drawback of ServiceNow is its outdated interface, which is reported by many customers on G2.  Also, if you want remote monitoring and management (RMM) or patch management capabilities, ServiceNow may not be the right solution, as it does not provide these capabilities out-of-the-box. It does integrate with different IT management tools that have them, but this comes with an extra cost.

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 (800+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

ServiceNow ITSM pricing:

• Based on custom quotation. Contact the ServiceNow team to find out more.

8. ConnectWise

ConnectWise doesn’t offer just one product; it has a suite of IT management tools tailored to IT professionals. Its main product, ConnectWise Automate, provides RMM, asset discovery, endpoint and patch management, and IT automation solutions.

ConnectWise is especially popular among enterprises who want advanced customizability. Despite offering robust functionality, ConnectWise’s interface and the high level of customization make it difficult for users to navigate to the right tools, which impacts overall user experience.

G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (120+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (125+ reviews)

ConnectWise pricing:

• Pricing is not available publicly. To find out ConnectWise pricing, request a quote from their team.

9. SysAid

SysAid’s main functionalities include IT ticketing, asset management, problem management, workflow and task automation. It is suitable for internal IT departments, MSPs, and HR departments. Similar to Atera, SysAid uses AI to help categorize, prioritize, and assign tickets automatically.

SysAid misses some essential features that other IT management platforms have, such as advanced PSA and RMM capabilities. IT professionals looking for an all-in-one IT management solution may find SysAid’s features incompatible.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (600+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (400+ reviews)

SysAid pricing:

• Book a demo call to receive custom pricing.

10. Freshservice

Freshservice provides similar features as SysAid, including asset discovery, configuration management, impact analysis, and helpdesk and ticketing. Freshservice is suitable for IT departments, MSPs, and HR teams. 

Freshservice is capable of handling simple IT service management, but it isn’t specifically tailored for IT professionals, leaving many essential features out. For example, Freshservice doesn’t have built-in patch management and RMM capabilities.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (1,000+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (500+ reviews)

Freshservice pricing:

• ITSM plans start at $115 per month, per technician.

Using an all-in-one AI-powered IT management solution

IT professionals have many responsibilities, and they frequently rely on tools to help them manage their IT infrastructure. The various tools include IT ticketing, asset management, incident response, project management, remote access software, as well as many others.

While all of these are important for IT professionals, it makes more sense to invest in one platform that combines all of the key functionalities.

Atera is one solution incorporating a broad range of IT management capabilities, such as remote monitoring and management (RMM), help desk and ticketing, reporting and analytics, remote access, network discovery, and more. Some Atera features, such as IT ticketing, are powered by AI, which speeds up technicians’ work by up to 10X.

To learn more about Atera, take advantage of our 30-day free trial or speak with our sales team today.