ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory (2026)
Our verdict
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: on our data-weighted scoring, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (8.4 vs 7.9/10). ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus starts at Free tier available and is best for budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting; PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote and is best for windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment. Choose PDQ Deploy & Inventory for the stronger overall track record; consider ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
| ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus | PDQ Deploy & Inventory | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free tier available | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | per endpoint | per machine |
| Free trial / tier | Free tier + 30 days trial | 14 days |
| Best for | Budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting | Windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment |
| Deployment | Cloud + on-prem | On-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.3/5 (80) | 4.7/5 (60) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
Pros
- Free for up to 20 computers
- Very large third-party catalog
- On-prem option for regulated environments
Cons
- Dated UI
- Pricing is bundle/quote-based
- On-prem needs maintenance
Visit ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus →
Affiliate link: ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus may pay us a commission if you sign up through this link. It never affects our data-driven ranking.
PDQ Deploy & Inventory
Pros
- Fast and reliable on Windows
- Huge ready-made package library
- Loved by sysadmins
Cons
- Windows-only
- On-prem (agentless on LAN)
- Pricing not fully public
Visit PDQ Deploy & Inventory →
Affiliate link: PDQ Deploy & Inventory may pay us a commission if you sign up through this link. It never affects our data-driven ranking.
Choose ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus if…
You need budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting. See the ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus pricing and review.
Choose PDQ Deploy & Inventory if…
You need windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment. See the PDQ Deploy & Inventory pricing and review.
In depth
Pricing: PDQ Deploy & Inventory vs ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
PDQ Deploy & Inventory bills on a per machine model from Custom quote (14 days trial), while ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus uses a per endpoint model from Free tier available (free tier available). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
Features & deployment
PDQ Deploy & Inventory ships 5 headline capabilities (Pre-built application library, Custom package deployment, Inventory + reporting, Scheduling + targeting) and deploys On-prem. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus ships 5 (Automated OS + 850+ third-party app patching, Test-and-approve workflows, Decline/rollback patches, Detailed compliance reporting), deploying Cloud + on-prem.
Ratings & verdict
PDQ Deploy & Inventory holds 4.7/5 (60 G2 reviews); ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus holds 4.3/5 (80 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (8.4 vs 7.9/10). Pick ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus instead when budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting. See PDQ Deploy & Inventory alternatives or ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: which is better?
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus vs PDQ Deploy & Inventory: on our data-weighted scoring, PDQ Deploy & Inventory edges ahead (8.4 vs 7.9/10). ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus starts at Free tier available and is best for budget-conscious teams wanting on-prem or cloud patching with deep reporting; PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote and is best for windows-only shops that want fast, scriptable on-prem deployment.
- Is ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus cheaper than PDQ Deploy & Inventory?
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus starts at Free tier available and PDQ Deploy & Inventory starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).