Which RMM tool is better, NinjaOne or ConnectWise?

Choosing a remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool isn’t about ticking feature boxes anymore, it’s about efficiency, automation, and trust. If you run an MSP or an internal IT team, chances are you’ve narrowed your shortlist to a simple question, which one is better between NinjaOne vs ConnectWise.

Key Takeways

Let’s compare NinjaOne and ConnectWise side by side, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and help you make an informed choice without relying on marketing language.

Overview of the two RMM platforms

NinjaOne and ConnectWise (part of the ConnectWise suite) are two leading Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams.

Both platforms help IT professionals monitor endpoints, automate tasks, deploy patches, and support users remotely.

ConnectWise is known for offering a complex IT management suite (including PSA and other tools) with extensive features and customization, whereas NinjaOne focuses on delivering a streamlined, easy-to-use experience with a cohesive all-in-one platform. 

NinjaOne vs ConnectWise – RMM features and capabilities

Both NinjaOne and ConnectWise cover the fundamentals of RMM, including device monitoring, patch management, remote access, and automation. However, there are notable differences in how they deliver these core features:

ConnectWise provides very complex monitoring with the ability to script custom monitors for virtually any metric or event, which suits complex IT environments .

NinjaOne, on the other hand, emphasizes efficient real-time monitoring out-of-the-box, giving clear visibility into devices with minimal configuration. In practice, this means ConnectWise can be tweaked to monitor almost anything if you have the expertise, while NinjaOne offers a strong set of pre-configured alerts and an intuitive dashboard for immediate insights.

Both platforms will alert IT teams to issues like down devices, high resource usage, or security events, but NinjaOne’s alerts and dashboards are often praised for being more straightforward and easier to interpret for most users.

Each RMM can automate operating system and software patching to keep endpoints secure. ConnectWise includes basic policy options for patch approvals, scheduling, and exclusions, enough to cover essential needs.

NinjaOne offers a more granular and customizable patch management system: you can schedule patches (including third-party application updates), define approval workflows, set maintenance windows, and target policies to specific organizations or device groups.

This high level of control in NinjaOne allows IT teams to tailor patching to different business units or clients, whereas ConnectWise may require additional scripting or add-ons for similar flexibility.

Both NinjaOne and ConnectWise enable technicians to remotely access and control endpoints for support. ConnectWise integrates tightly with its own remote control tool (ConnectWise Control, formerly ScreenConnect) to provide robust remote support capabilities including file transfer and screen sharing  .

NinjaOne also provides fast and secure remote access, typically via integrated solutions (like TeamViewer or Splashtop) or its own built-in remote control module.

In practice, users report that initiating a remote session through NinjaOne is quick and seamless for helpdesk scenarios. ConnectWise’s remote tools are equally powerful, though some find the experience less unified if using multiple ConnectWise products.

Both platforms excel at letting IT support staff resolve issues without leaving their desk – a core function of any RMM.

Automation is an area where ConnectWise has historically shined with extensive scripting capabilities. ConnectWise comes with a rich library of pre-built scripts and allows deep customization; skilled administrators can script complex workflows to automate repetitive IT tasks .

NinjaOne also supports scripting (e.g. PowerShell, batch, etc.) and includes an online script repository, but it focuses on simplifying automation for the average user. NinjaOne’s platform includes features like drag-and-drop script building and “self-healing” policies (automated remediation for common issues) to make automation more accessible.

While ConnectWise might give power users more room to tweak, it often requires a steep learning curve or dedicated automation expertise. NinjaOne covers most routine automation needs in a more user-friendly way, enabling IT teams to set up things like software deployments or routine maintenance tasks quickly, without needing to write complex scripts from scratch.

Both platforms manage servers and workstations (Windows, Mac, and some Linux support) as well as network devices to an extent. A differentiator is mobile device management (MDM) – NinjaOne includes built-in MDM capabilities for managing smartphones and tablets alongside other endpoints, ensuring consistent security policies across all device types.

ConnectWise does not offer native MDM, so customers would need a separate solution for mobile devices.

For organizations with many mobile or BYOD devices (common in internal IT environments), NinjaOne’s all-in-one coverage can reduce the need for third-party MDM tools.

NinjaOne vs ConnectWise – user interface & ease of use

One of the clearest differences between NinjaOne and ConnectWise is the user experience. ConnectWise is often described as feature-rich but complex and cluttered, reflecting its origins as a platform that can do almost anything if you know how.

ConnectWise’s interface is complex, with many menus and settings, so new users often need extensive training or previous experience. Initial setup can be time-consuming and may require consultants. However, this complexity allows for high configurability, letting you customize dashboards, automate tasks, and add plugins.

NinjaOne, in contrast, puts a premium on clean design and intuitive usability. Its web-based dashboard is modern, responsive, and designed for quick adoption.

Many IT teams find they can get NinjaOne up and running with minimal hassle, and new technicians can learn the system faster than they would with ConnectWise. NinjaOne’s interface consolidates all functions (monitoring, remote control, patching, etc.) in a cohesive way, so techs aren’t constantly switching modules or dealing with separate tools for each task . 

NinjaOne’s intuitive UI and dashboards make device health easy to monitor. ConnectWise provides lots of info, but can be clunky or slow, especially with self-hosting or many endpoints. NinjaOne’s cloud-native design means faster updates, less downtime, and easier onboarding, making it better for teams that value ease of use.

Integration with PSA, documentation, & IT ecosystem

Beyond core RMM functionality, many MSPs need their RMM to work in tandem with a Professional Services Automation (PSA) system for ticketing, billing, and customer management. ConnectWise is well-known for its unified ecosystem: ConnectWise tightly integrates with ConnectWise Manage (PSA) and other tools in the suite like ConnectWise Sell and ConnectWise Control.

This combination can be very effective for MSPs. For example, tickets created in Manage can automatically initiate remote sessions or run scripts in Automate, and asset information can be easily transferred between the systems.

NinjaOne offers built-in ticketing and documentation for IT support, letting teams track issues and link them to devices or alerts. Its ticketing isn’t as advanced as ConnectWise Manage’s PSA, but covers daily IT needs. NinjaOne can also integrate with third-party PSA tools for more advanced features. Its documentation module, not found in ConnectWise, helps teams record IT procedures and notes in one place.

NinjaOne offers key integrations, a full API, and focuses on useful connections like Slack, Teams, security, and backup tools, all within a unified platform.

ConnectWise offers more business suite integrations and is best suited for teams already invested in its ecosystem, although it requires managing multiple tools. Many users prefer NinjaOne’s simpler, streamlined approach.

NinjaOne vs ConnectWise – backup & cybersecurity modules

RMM tools increasingly intersect with backup and cybersecurity, either via integrations or native modules, since managing endpoints isn’t just about uptime but also data protection and security.

Both NinjaOne and ConnectWise recognize this, but they have different approaches.

NinjaOne has a built-in backup module for managing backups directly in its platform. ConnectWise lacks this, instead offering separate backup products under the ConnectWise Recover brand, which work as standalone tools.

NinjaOne’s integrated approach simplifies backup management, while ConnectWise offers more specialized options at the cost of added complexity.

NinjaOne integrates with leading security tools and offers an add-on for easy antivirus deployment, following best practices like zero-trust, two-factor authentication, and strong encryption.

ConnectWise also integrates with AV solutions and offers advanced cybersecurity tools (sold separately) with a focus on defense-in-depth and compliance support.

NinjaOne covers most SMB security needs simply, while ConnectWise suits highly regulated environments but often requires multiple tools.

NinjaOne vs ConnectWise pricing

Pricing models for NinjaOne and ConnectWise differ, and so can the overall cost of ownership when you factor in efficiency and extra modules. Both companies operate on a custom quote model for their RMM software. 

Compare costs by considering total ownership, not just per-endpoint price. With ConnectWise, extra features like PSA, backup, or security cost more. Focus on the features you need to assess true value. Both systems are an investment, so consider which features you truly need and use that to calculate each option’s value.

Final Verdict – which one is better, NinjaOne or ConnectWise?

Which RMM is better for your business – NinjaOne or ConnectWise? The answer depends on your operational priorities and the environment in which you’re working. Both are powerful, respected platforms used by thousands of IT professionals.

Choose ConnectWise if you need a highly customizable, comprehensive suite and have the resources for a steeper learning curve. It’s best for large MSPs needing deep automation, full PSA integration, and flexibility. If you already use ConnectWise products, staying in the ecosystem can streamline operations.

Choose NinjaOne for ease of use, quick setup, and an all-in-one platform that covers essential IT needs without extra complexity. It’s ideal for lean IT teams or internal departments wanting efficient endpoint management and less training. Many users find NinjaOne boosts efficiency and offers strong ROI.

NinjaOne is a good choice if you want a modern and easy-to-use RMM. ConnectWise works better for teams that need a tool they can customize and use for a wide range of IT tasks. 

Try them out, take each for a spin, and choose the one that powers your team and fuels your growth. The right fit will make all the difference.