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RMM Tools in 2025: The Complete Guide for MSPs and Internal IT Teams

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools give MSPs and IT teams the power to manage, monitor, and secure endpoints from anywhere. This complete 2025 guide explains how RMM works, its benefits, the top tools to consider, and how to choose the right platform for your needs.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2025

RMM Tools in 2025: The Complete Guide for MSPs and Internal IT Teams

Managing IT systems across multiple clients or locations has always been a challenge, but in today’s remote-first, security-conscious world, it’s more complex than ever. Cybersecurity threats are increasing, compliance requirements are getting stricter, and IT infrastructures are more distributed than at any time in history.

For managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams, staying ahead means having the right tools. That’s where remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools come in.

RMM platforms enable IT professionals to manage, monitor, and secure endpoints from anywhere. They centralize operations, automate repetitive work, and improve overall IT efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explain what RMM tools are, how they work, why they matter, review the best RMM tools for 2025, and show you how to choose the right one for your needs.

What Are RMM Tools?

RMM tools are specialized IT management software platforms designed to help IT professionals and MSPs monitor, manage, and support devices remotely. By installing lightweight agents on each endpoint—whether it’s a laptop, server, IoT device, or mobile device—these platforms collect system data and feed it into a centralized dashboard.

From that dashboard, IT teams can:

  • Monitor system health and performance in real time
  • Detect and resolve vulnerability detection alerts before they become critical
  • Run IT automation scripts to apply patches or updates instantly
  • Provide secure remote access for troubleshooting issues without visiting the site
  • Manage multi-client support environments from one interface

RMM tools are especially valuable for compliance standards such as SOC 2, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. They ensure updates are deployed promptly, security policies are enforced, and activity is logged for audit purposes.

How RMM Tools Work

RMM platforms operate in a straightforward but powerful way:

  1. Agent Installation
    A small software agent is installed on each managed device. This agent operates in the background and continuously sends performance data to the RMM’s centralized dashboard.
  2. Real-Time Monitoring
    The RMM uses real-time monitoring to track CPU usage, memory, disk health, and network activity. If it detects anomalies, such as a failing hard drive or a spike in CPU usage, it triggers automated alerts.
  3. Automation Engine
    Built-in automation engine tools can run scripts, restart services, or trigger software updates automation without human intervention.
  4. Patch Management
    RMM tools deploy OS and third-party patching across devices to fix vulnerabilities and maintain security compliance.
  5. Reporting and Policy Deployment
    IT teams can configure policy deployment to enforce security settings, track compliance, and generate reports for clients or auditors.

Key Benefits of RMM Tools

1. Centralized & Remote Device Management

Managing endpoints from a single interface eliminates the need for multiple logins or physical visits to client sites. This is especially important for MSPs with customers in different cities or countries. Endpoint management becomes seamless, whether you’re updating antivirus definitions, installing applications, or running diagnostic scans.

2. Proactive Monitoring & Automation

With proactive monitoring, RMM tools detect issues before users notice them. Automated alerts, patch management, and pre-written scripts reduce downtime, improve client satisfaction, and free IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives.

3. Improved Security & Compliance

Strong RMM solutions enforce security policies, deploy patches, and log all activities. This helps maintain compliance with standards like SOC 2, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.

4. Cost Savings & Operational Efficiency

Automating repetitive tasks means fewer on-site visits and lower labor costs. MSPs can serve more clients without expanding staff, while internal IT teams can manage more endpoints with fewer resources.

5. Scalability & Multi-Client Support

Whether you’re an MSP adding dozens of new customers or an enterprise onboarding hundreds of endpoints, RMM solutions scale with your needs. Cloud-based RMM solutions make it even easier to expand without additional hardware.

6. Better Client & User Experience

Faster resolutions, proactive support, and fewer disruptions lead to happier clients and less frustration for internal users.

7 Best RMM Tools for Managed Service Providers

Below is a detailed review of the best RMM solutions.

1. Level

Level is a modern, browser-based RMM platform designed for both MSPs and internal IT teams. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and even IoT devices without requiring on-premises infrastructure.

level rmm website

Key Features:

  • Secure, peer-to-peer architecture
  • Real-time monitoring and customizable alerts
  • Powerful automation engine for both routine and complex tasks
  • Integrated remote access with full session logging
  • Pay-as-you-grow pricing starting at $2 per endpoint

Level’s simplicity, scalability, and security-focused design make it ideal for growing MSPs that want to minimize overhead and maximize service quality.

2. Atera

Atera combines RMM, PSA, and service desk tools in one platform. It offers automation for patch management, system scans, and onboarding. AI-powered features help reduce human error, though customization options are limited.

atera website
  • Unified platform that combines RMM, PSA, and service desk
  • Real-time monitoring with alert thresholds
  • IT automation for scans, patching, and onboarding
  • OS update coverage for Windows and macOS via third-party patching integrations
  • 3. Action1

    Cloud-first patch management with autonomous remediation and P2P distribution. Strong compliance focus, lighter on broader RMM capabilities.

    Action1
  • Autonomous patching for OS and third-party apps
  • Vulnerability detection and remediation with continuous compliance
  • P2P update distribution to reach offline devices when they return
  • Documented high patch coverage claims (up to ~99% achieved in hours)
  • 4. N-able

    Mature RMM with wide OS coverage and tight Microsoft integrations. Scalable via templates and policies, can feel complex with mixed customization.

    N-able
  • Broad visibility across Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Automated templates and policies for discovery and deployment
  • Patch management for OS and third-party apps
  • Cloud Commander to manage Microsoft 365, Azure, and Intune
  • 5. NinjaOne

    Unified endpoint management with strong automation, scripting, and remote access. Clean UI, higher cost and more effort to implement.

    NinjaOne
  • Unified endpoint management for devices and network components
  • Real-time monitoring and automated software updates
  • Secure remote access across operating systems
  • Strong automation and scripting capabilities
  • 6. Datto RMM

    Cloud RMM with ransomware detection and a native Microsoft 365 module. Deep scripting and PSA integrations, steeper learning curve and slower support.

    Datto RMM
  • Native Microsoft 365 management module, plus onboarding and offboarding
  • Built-in ransomware detection
  • Patch management for OS and third-party apps
  • HTML5 Web Remote for browser-based troubleshooting
  • 7. Pulseway

    Mobile-centric RMM that lets technicians manage systems from anywhere. Handy for small teams, fewer advanced features than larger suites.

    Pulseway
  • Mobile-first RMM, manage from anywhere
  • Real-time monitoring for servers and workstations
  • Automation for patching and updates
  • Secure remote access, MDM, and asset tracking
  • How to Choose the Right RMM Tool

    When selecting an RMM solution, focus on these five criteria:

    1. Scalability – Can it grow with your client base and device count?
    2. Compatibility – Does it support the OS, devices, and integrations you need?
    3. Ease of Use – Is the interface intuitive enough for quick adoption?
    4. Cost – Does pricing align with your budget and growth plans?
    5. Security – Does it offer encryption, MFA, and patch automation?

    Test the tool with a free trial or demo to ensure it fits your workflow before committing.

    RMM vs Other IT Tools

    • RMM vs Remote Access Software – Remote access is just one feature of an RMM.
    • RMM vs MDM – MDM focuses on mobile devices, while RMM manages all endpoints.
    • RMM vs ITSM – ITSM platforms handle service management, while RMM focuses on infrastructure monitoring and automation.

    Conclusion

    RMM tools give MSPs and IT teams the ability to manage more systems, more securely, and more efficiently. They reduce manual work, improve uptime, and enhance client satisfaction.

    If you want a secure, scalable, and intuitive RMM platform, Level delivers all the features you need, without unnecessary complexity.

    Start your free trial or book a demo today.

    FAQs About RMM Tools

    1. What are RMM tools?

    RMM tools are software platforms that let IT teams monitor, manage, and support devices remotely. They combine automation, patch management, and remote access to streamline IT operations.

    2. What is the best RMM software?

    The best RMM depends on your needs and budget. Top options include Level, Atera, Action1, N-able, and NinjaOne.

    3. Is TeamViewer an RMM tool?

    Not exactly. TeamViewer is a remote access tool, but it lacks the full automation, monitoring, and management capabilities of a true RMM platform.

    4. Is Azure an RMM?

    No. Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform. However, it can integrate with RMM software to manage cloud-based systems.

    Level: Simplify IT Management

    At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

    Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.