ConnectWise Automate is one of the most powerful Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools on the market. It is also one of the most frustrating. For MSPs and IT departments willing to invest the time and money to master its deep automation and scripting capabilities, Automate can manage thousands of endpoints with granular control that few competitors match. But in 2025, the product carries serious baggage: a dated interface, unreliable patches, poor customer support, and a growing sense that ConnectWise itself is shifting its attention elsewhere.
Originally known as LabTech, ConnectWise Automate has long been a staple for managed service providers who need to monitor, remediate, and automate across client environments. It remains a capable platform, but the question facing buyers today is whether its raw power justifies the steep learning curve and total cost of ownership, especially as ConnectWise promotes its newer, cloud-native ConnectWise RMM product built on the Asio platform.
We dug into the current state of ConnectWise Automate, examining its features, pricing, support quality, and real-world performance. Here is what we found.
What Is ConnectWise Automate?
ConnectWise Automate is an RMM platform built for managed service providers and IT teams that need granular, customizable control over endpoint monitoring, patch management, scripting, and remote support. It was originally developed as LabTech before ConnectWise acquired it, and it now sits within the broader ConnectWise platform alongside ConnectWise PSA (Manage), ConnectWise ScreenConnect, and the newer ConnectWise RMM.
ConnectWise itself was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The company is privately held and claims over 5,500 partners worldwide using Automate. The product can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud (SaaS), which is a meaningful differentiator from many modern RMM tools that are cloud-only. It is important to note that ConnectWise Automate and ConnectWise RMM are separate products; Automate offers deeper manual customization and on-premises hosting, while ConnectWise RMM is a cloud-native solution designed for faster time-to-value with more pre-built monitoring and managed guardrails.
ConnectWise Automate Key Features
Deep Automation and Scripting Engine
This is Automate’s crown jewel. The scripting engine supports native PowerShell integration and now includes AI-assisted script drafting, where the AI generates PowerShell scripts that a technician reviews and approves before execution. The platform ships with prebuilt scripts and monitors, and you can build a custom library of automation routines with scheduling. For MSPs managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints, the ability to automate remediation, software deployment, and maintenance tasks at scale is where Automate earns its keep.
The scripting capabilities are genuinely best-in-class among RMM tools. However, getting full value requires a skilled administrator who understands both the scripting language and Automate’s sometimes idiosyncratic configuration. This is not a tool where you install it and start automating on day one.
Patch Management
Automate provides patch management primarily for Windows environments, with approval workflows and compliance tracking to tighten your patch cadence. You can automate patch deployment schedules, review pending patches before approval, and track compliance across your managed endpoints. The visibility into patch status across multiple client environments is useful for MSPs running quarterly business reviews.
That said, patch management is one of the most consistently criticized features. Multiple long-term users report patching reliability issues, inconsistent reporting, and occasional failures that require manual intervention. For a product that emphasizes automation, having an unreliable patching engine is a significant weakness.
Data Views
Data Views let you search, filter, and export insights across all managed environments. You can query endpoints on demand for installed software, versions, configurations, and other attributes. This is valuable for audits, compliance checks, and QBR preparation. The ability to slice data across thousands of endpoints without running individual queries on each machine saves substantial time.
Remote Support and Access
Automate offers multiple remote access methods, including integration with ConnectWise ScreenConnect (which is excellent), plus VNC and RDP access. Background troubleshooting supports silent maintenance so end users are not disrupted. Role-based permissions and audit trails address compliance requirements, which matters for MSPs working with regulated industries. Cross-platform coverage extends across major OS environments, though Windows is the primary focus.
Network and Systems Monitoring
The monitoring engine supports configurable threshold rules for systems monitoring, network device discovery, and alerting on critical events. The alerting system is effective when properly configured, though the configuration process itself is complex. Event ID monitoring has been cited as an area needing improvement, and heavy event log ingestion can cause database growth issues that impact performance.
Asset Discovery and Inventory
Automatic asset discovery builds and maintains an inventory of all managed devices. This feeds into the Data Views system and provides the foundation for reporting, compliance, and billing. The inventory covers hardware specifications, installed software, and network configuration details.
ConnectWise Ecosystem Integration
Automate integrates tightly with ConnectWise PSA (Manage) for ticket management and billing, ConnectWise ScreenConnect for remote access, and other ConnectWise platform products. For MSPs already invested in the ConnectWise ecosystem, this integration is a major advantage; tickets generated by monitoring alerts flow directly into your PSA, and billing data syncs without manual entry. An API is available for third-party integrations, and the ConnectWise Marketplace offers certified integrations.
Solution Center
The Solution Center provides bundled solution packages with rollback capabilities. This allows you to deploy standardized configurations across client environments and roll back changes if something breaks. The feature supports multivendor backup and antivirus management dashboards, giving you a single pane of glass for third-party security and backup tools.
ConnectWise Automate Pricing and Plans
ConnectWise does not publicly list pricing for Automate. You will need to contact the vendor for a custom quote. Based on our research across multiple sources, here is what to expect:
| Cost Element | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Endpoint Pricing | $1.00 – $6.00/endpoint/month | Scales by volume; 500+ endpoints typically land in the $2-$4 range |
| Basic Implementation | $5,000 – $7,500 | Through certified partners |
| Standard Implementation | $10,000 – $15,000 | Typical MSP deployment |
| Enterprise Implementation | $20,000 – $40,000+ | Complex, multi-site environments |
| Bundle Discount | 15-20% off | When combining with ConnectWise PSA/Manage |
| Total Annual (10-50 users, full suite) | $15,000 – $75,000 | Across ConnectWise product suite, not Automate alone |
Two pricing plans are available, though ConnectWise does not detail the differences publicly. Subscription pricing scales by number of managed endpoints, with various tiers and optional add-ons. Committing to future endpoint counts during negotiation can unlock lower per-endpoint rates. No free version exists. A free trial may be available (some sources indicate it is, while others say it is not); confirm directly with ConnectWise. Live interactive demos with product experts are available on the vendor’s website.
Be aware of total cost of ownership beyond the subscription price. Implementation costs are significant, premium support adds a substantial fee, and advanced features or integrations can introduce additional charges. For smaller MSPs or in-house IT teams, the cost may outweigh the benefits if you lack the scale or dedicated resources to fully leverage the platform.
Integrations
ConnectWise Automate’s integration story is strongest within the ConnectWise ecosystem. Certified native integrations include ConnectWise PSA (Manage) for ticketing and billing, ConnectWise ScreenConnect for remote access, and ConnectWise RMM. The ConnectWise Marketplace provides additional certified integrations, though the breadth of third-party integrations is not as well documented as some competitors.
An API is available for building custom integrations with third-party applications. The platform also supports multivendor backup and antivirus management dashboards, suggesting integration points with common MSP security and backup tools. However, ConnectWise does not publish a comprehensive public list of all supported integrations, so you should confirm specific third-party tool compatibility during the sales process.
The platform is available in English only, which is a limitation for international MSPs serving clients in other languages.
Customer Support
Customer support is ConnectWise Automate’s weakest area. The experience is consistently poor across nearly every data point we examined. Slow response times, difficulty reaching knowledgeable staff, and lack of resolution are recurring themes. One telling pattern: many experienced users rely more heavily on community resources like the MSP Geek Discord and Slack channels than on ConnectWise’s own support team.
ConnectWise offers standard support included with the subscription and a premium support plan at additional cost. The premium plan’s price is described as “substantial,” and even premium support does not fully resolve the quality concerns. ConnectWise University provides training courses, which are recommended for getting up to speed, but very little free training and onboarding support is available out of the box.
For a product with such a steep learning curve, the support situation is particularly problematic. New users need guidance during the complex setup and configuration process, and that guidance is hard to come by without paying extra or relying on the community. If you are evaluating Automate, budget for either a certified implementation partner or significant internal time for self-directed learning.
Pros and Cons
ConnectWise Automate delivers genuine depth and power for MSPs willing to invest in mastering it, but it comes with significant trade-offs that have worsened over time. Here is our assessment of where the product excels and where it falls short.
Pros
- Best-in-class scripting engine with native PowerShell integration and AI-assisted script drafting for deep automation
- Supports both on-premises and cloud deployment, giving MSPs flexibility for compliance and data sovereignty needs
- Tight integration with ConnectWise PSA (Manage) and ScreenConnect creates a unified workflow for ticketing, billing, and remote access
- Highly customizable monitoring, alerting, and automation that can manage thousands of endpoints across complex multi-site environments
- Multiple remote access methods (ScreenConnect, VNC, RDP) with role-based permissions and audit trails for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring a dedicated, skilled administrator; expect weeks to months before full proficiency
- Dated, clunky interface that ConnectWise rarely updates; the fat client and web client do not have feature parity
- Customer support is consistently poor, with slow response times and difficulty reaching knowledgeable staff
- Patch management is unreliable, with reporting inconsistencies and failures that require manual intervention
- Product appears deprioritized by ConnectWise in favor of the newer ConnectWise RMM, raising long-term roadmap concerns
- High total cost of ownership when factoring in implementation ($5,000-$40,000+), premium support fees, and training investment
- Primarily Windows-focused; Mac, Linux, and mobile support is secondary and less feature-rich
Who Should Use ConnectWise Automate?
ConnectWise Automate is best suited for mid-size to large MSPs managing 500 or more endpoints, with at least one dedicated, technically skilled administrator who can configure and maintain the platform. If your organization is already embedded in the ConnectWise ecosystem (using PSA/Manage and ScreenConnect), Automate’s tight integration makes it a natural fit, and bundle discounts soften the pricing impact.
MSPs that need granular control over automation, prefer on-premises deployment for data sovereignty or compliance reasons, or require deep PowerShell scripting capabilities will find genuine value here. The self-hosted version is recommended for organizations with more than 500 employees or those managing complex, multi-site environments.
ConnectWise Automate is not a good fit for small MSPs (under 200 endpoints), in-house IT teams without dedicated RMM expertise, or organizations that need fast time-to-value with minimal configuration. The learning curve is steep, the implementation cost is high, and the support infrastructure will not carry you through a difficult onboarding. If you need a modern, cloud-native RMM with an intuitive interface and quick setup, look elsewhere. Even ConnectWise itself recommends its newer ConnectWise RMM product for organizations that prioritize ease of use over deep customization.
ConnectWise Automate Alternatives
NinjaOne
NinjaOne is the most frequently compared alternative and excels in ease of use, modern interface design, and fast onboarding. Its patch management is more reliable out of the box, and its support receives significantly better marks. NinjaOne lacks Automate’s depth of scripting customization and does not offer on-premises deployment. Choose NinjaOne if you want a polished, cloud-native RMM that your technicians can learn quickly without a dedicated admin.
Datto RMM
Datto RMM (now part of Kaseya) offers strong monitoring and automation with a more modern interface than Automate. Its patch management and ransomware detection features are well-regarded. Datto is cloud-only, so it is not an option if you need on-premises hosting. It is a solid mid-market choice for MSPs that want strong out-of-the-box functionality without Automate’s configuration overhead.
Atera
Atera takes a fundamentally different pricing approach: per-technician rather than per-endpoint. For MSPs managing a large number of endpoints with a small team, this can dramatically reduce costs. Atera’s interface is modern and the learning curve is gentle. However, it lacks the scripting depth and granular customization that Automate offers. Best for smaller MSPs (under 500 endpoints) that want simplicity and predictable costs.
N-able N-central
N-able N-central is the closest competitor in terms of depth and complexity. It offers similarly powerful automation and scales well for large MSPs. N-central also has a steep learning curve, but its patch management and reporting are generally considered more reliable than Automate’s. If you need Automate-level power but are put off by ConnectWise’s support and product direction, N-central is worth evaluating.
Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA is another enterprise-grade RMM with strong automation, patch management, and a large integration ecosystem. It offers both cloud and on-premises options. Kaseya’s pricing can be aggressive in competitive deals. The platform has its own complexity concerns and mixed support reviews, but it may appeal to MSPs looking for an Automate-class tool from a vendor that is actively investing in its RMM product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConnectWise Automate the same as ConnectWise RMM?
No. They are separate products. ConnectWise Automate offers deeper manual customization and supports both on-premises and cloud deployment. ConnectWise RMM is a newer, cloud-native solution built on the ConnectWise Asio platform, designed for faster time-to-value with pre-built monitoring and managed guardrails. ConnectWise sells both, but they serve different buyer profiles.
What operating systems does ConnectWise Automate support?
ConnectWise Automate primarily supports Windows endpoints. Mac and Linux agents are available, and mobile device management covers iOS and Android. However, Windows is the core focus, and cross-platform capabilities are not as deep as Windows-specific features.
Can ConnectWise Automate be deployed on-premises?
Yes. Automate supports both on-premises and cloud (SaaS) deployment. The on-premises option is particularly valued by MSPs and organizations with data sovereignty or compliance requirements. Many experienced users recommend the self-hosted version for organizations managing large endpoint counts.
How long does it take to implement ConnectWise Automate?
Implementation timelines vary significantly based on environment complexity. Basic setups through certified partners start at $5,000-$7,500, while enterprise deployments can cost $20,000-$40,000 or more. The steep learning curve means expect weeks to months before your team is fully proficient. ConnectWise University courses and community resources like the MSP Geek Discord are recommended to accelerate onboarding.
Does ConnectWise Automate include AI features?
ConnectWise Automate includes AI-assisted PowerShell script drafting, where AI generates scripts that a technician reviews and approves before execution. As of mid-2025, this is the extent of its AI functionality. Compared to competitors investing heavily in AI-driven automation, Automate’s AI features are minimal.
Is ConnectWise Automate being discontinued?
ConnectWise has not announced a discontinuation of Automate. However, the company is actively promoting ConnectWise RMM as its modern, cloud-native RMM solution, and multiple long-term users report that Automate feels deprioritized, with infrequent updates and development resources shifting to newer products. Buyers should ask ConnectWise directly about the product’s long-term roadmap before committing.
Is there a free trial of ConnectWise Automate?
Availability of a free trial is unclear. Some sources indicate a free trial exists, while others state one is not available. ConnectWise does offer live interactive demos with product experts through its website. Contact ConnectWise directly to confirm current trial availability and terms.
The Bottom Line
ConnectWise Automate remains a genuinely powerful RMM platform with scripting and automation capabilities that few competitors can match. For large MSPs already invested in the ConnectWise ecosystem and with the technical staff to configure and maintain it, Automate delivers real value. The on-premises deployment option, deep PowerShell integration, and granular control over every aspect of endpoint management are strengths that matter for the right buyer.
But we cannot ignore the trajectory. The interface is outdated, updates are infrequent, patch management is unreliable, and customer support is among the worst in the RMM category. The product increasingly feels like ConnectWise’s legacy offering, with the company’s energy and investment flowing toward ConnectWise RMM. Buyers who value modern UI, fast onboarding, reliable support, and active product development should look seriously at NinjaOne, N-able N-central, or Datto RMM instead.
Our rating of 3.3 out of 5 reflects a product that is still capable but losing ground. If you are already running Automate and have built your workflows around it, there is no urgent reason to leave. But if you are evaluating RMM tools for the first time in 2025, Automate should only be on your shortlist if you specifically need its depth of customization, on-premises hosting, or tight ConnectWise PSA integration, and you have the resources to make it work.
