Pulseway built its reputation on a simple but compelling idea: manage your entire IT infrastructure from your phone. While most RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) platforms treated mobile as an afterthought, Pulseway made it the centerpiece. That mobile-first approach still sets it apart in 2025, but the product has grown well beyond a smartphone app. It now offers a full suite of RMM, patch management, network monitoring, endpoint security, backup, and even PSA capabilities.
Following its merger with Kaseya in May 2025, Pulseway continues to operate as a standalone product while gaining access to Kaseya’s broader ecosystem, including AI-powered features through Cooper Insights. For IT teams and MSPs managing small to mid-sized environments, Pulseway delivers a lot of functionality at a competitive price point. But costs can climb quickly as you add endpoints and optional modules, and there are signs that support quality has slipped since the Kaseya deal.
We dug into the platform’s current capabilities, pricing structure, integrations, and real-world performance to determine where Pulseway excels and where it falls short.
What Is Pulseway?
Pulseway is an IT management and remote monitoring platform founded in 2011 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company serves over 16,000 businesses worldwide, with customers including BestBuy, Dell, Louis Vuitton, Canon, and Siemens. In May 2025, Pulseway officially joined forces with Kaseya, the IT management conglomerate, though it continues to operate under its own brand.
The platform is designed for two primary audiences: managed service providers (MSPs) who oversee IT for multiple clients, and internal IT departments managing their own infrastructure. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chromebook devices, and can be deployed as a cloud/SaaS solution or on-premise. Pulseway’s core value proposition is real-time visibility and control over servers, workstations, network devices, and mobile endpoints from virtually any device, with particular strength in mobile management.
Pulseway Key Features
Mobile-First Remote Monitoring
Pulseway’s mobile app for iOS and Android remains its signature differentiator. Unlike competitors where mobile is a stripped-down companion to a desktop dashboard, Pulseway’s mobile experience is fully functional. You can receive real-time push notifications about system events, initiate remote control sessions, run scripts, and manage patches directly from your phone. For IT professionals who need to respond to issues outside business hours or away from their desk, this is genuinely useful.
The flip side is that the web-based dashboard feels less polished by comparison. Several aspects of the browser interface can feel clunky, particularly when managing large numbers of endpoints. Pulseway clearly invested more design attention in the mobile experience.
Automation Engine
Pulseway’s automation capabilities allow you to define rules, schedules, and workflows that handle repetitive IT tasks without manual intervention. You can set up auto-remediation workflows that detect specific conditions (high CPU usage, disk space running low, service failures) and execute predefined fixes automatically. The platform includes a library of pre-built automation scripts, and you can create custom scripts for more specific needs.
Automation output can be captured in reports, which helps with compliance documentation and client reporting for MSPs. The workflow builder supports conditional logic, so you can create branching remediation paths based on what the system finds. This is a strong feature for teams looking to reduce alert fatigue and manual intervention.
Patch Management
Pulseway handles Windows OS patching natively and supports third-party application patching for over 850 applications (available as an add-on covering 220+ apps in the standard third-party patching module, with broader coverage through BIOS and driver updates). You can schedule patch deployments, approve or reject specific updates, and generate compliance reports showing patch status across your environment.
The third-party patching capability is a paid add-on, which is worth noting since some competitors include it in their base price. However, the breadth of application coverage is competitive. Patching can be automated through the workflow engine, allowing you to chain patch deployment with restart scheduling and verification checks.
Network Monitoring (SNMP)
Pulseway provides SNMP-based network monitoring that includes automatic device discovery, topology mapping, and alerting. Once deployed, it scans your network and populates a visual topology map showing routers, switches, firewalls, and other SNMP-enabled devices. The map is color-coded to indicate device status, and you can initiate SSH sessions directly from the interface or mobile app.
SNMP Profiles allow centralized configuration management, so you can define monitoring parameters once and apply them across device groups. Conditional alerts can trigger auto-remediation workflows. However, Pulseway does not support deep packet inspection or flow analysis protocols like NetFlow or sFlow. If you need detailed traffic analysis or bandwidth monitoring at the packet level, you will need a dedicated network monitoring tool alongside Pulseway. The topology map also becomes less intuitive when dealing with large, complex multi-vendor network environments.
Remote Control and Access
Remote desktop functionality supports Windows and macOS endpoints, accessible from iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices. You can run unlimited concurrent remote desktop sessions (on the Team plan), which is important for MSPs managing multiple client environments simultaneously. The remote control client works reliably even over slower internet connections, according to consistent feedback.
That said, remote access performance can degrade under heavy load, and some lag during sessions has been noted. The remote control experience is functional but not best-in-class compared to dedicated remote access tools. For occasional troubleshooting and support, it works well; for extended hands-on remote work sessions, you may notice the limitations.
Endpoint Security Management
Pulseway integrates with Bitdefender and Webroot for endpoint protection, both available as paid add-ons. You can deploy, configure, and manage antivirus across endpoints from within the Pulseway dashboard. There is also a ransomware detection add-on that monitors for suspicious file encryption activity and can trigger alerts and remediation workflows.
The Bitdefender integration, while functional, has room for improvement in terms of full policy manageability from within Pulseway’s console. Some management tasks still require switching to Bitdefender’s own interface. Webroot integration has also drawn mixed feedback, with occasional inconsistencies reported in deployment and status reporting.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Pulseway’s MDM module focuses on iOS device management through Apple Business Manager integration. It supports zero-touch deployment, remote wipe, password enforcement, and encryption management. This is a paid add-on rather than a core feature.
The MDM functionality is narrower than dedicated MDM platforms. It covers iOS but does not appear to offer equivalent depth for Android device management. For organizations with a primarily Apple mobile fleet, it is a convenient addition. For complex multi-platform mobile environments, a standalone MDM solution would be more appropriate.
Reporting and Analytics
Pulseway includes both ready-to-use report templates and an advanced reporting engine for custom reports. Reports cover system health, patch compliance, automation activity, and asset inventory. The reporting capabilities have improved over time and now support trend analysis, which can help predict when drives or memory need expansion.
With the May 2025 release of Pulseway 9.15, Cooper Insights (an AI-powered analytics feature from Kaseya) was introduced, signaling the beginning of AI integration into the platform. This is still early-stage compared to competitors who have more mature AI capabilities, but it represents a meaningful direction for the product.
Pulseway Pricing and Plans
Pulseway uses an endpoint-based pricing model rather than traditional named tiers. You pay based on the number and type of devices you monitor (servers, workstations, network devices, applications), with optional add-ons increasing the monthly cost. This makes pricing highly variable depending on your specific environment.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Pricing | Starts at approximately $27/month (varies by endpoint count and configuration) |
| Free Tier | Free forever for up to 2 endpoints |
| Free Trial | 14-day trial, no credit card required (Team edition) |
| Billing Options | Monthly, annual, or multi-year (longer terms offer savings) |
| Volume Discounts | Available as endpoint count increases |
| Onboarding Fee | €149 one-time mandatory Advanced Onboarding and Best Practices session |
| Add-On: MDM | Additional monthly cost per managed device |
| Add-On: 3rd Party Patching | Additional monthly cost (covers 220+ applications) |
| Add-On: Ransomware Detection | Additional monthly cost per endpoint |
| Add-On: Endpoint Protection | Additional monthly cost (Bitdefender or Webroot) |
| Add-On: Backup | Additional monthly cost based on storage |
Pulseway’s official pricing page features an interactive calculator that estimates your monthly cost based on endpoint count and selected add-ons. Exact per-endpoint rates are not published as flat figures, so we recommend using the calculator or requesting a custom quote. The base pricing is competitive for small environments, but costs can escalate significantly as you scale up and layer on add-ons like third-party patching, endpoint protection, and backup.
The mandatory €149 onboarding fee is an unusual requirement. While the onboarding session may provide value, it is a barrier that many competitors do not impose. There are no long-term contract minimums for the monthly plan, which provides flexibility if you want to test the platform beyond the 14-day trial period.
Integrations
Pulseway offers a focused set of native integrations targeting the MSP and IT management workflow:
- PSA/Ticketing: Pulseway PSA (built-in), ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, Zendesk
- Communication/Alerting: PagerDuty, Slack
- Documentation: IT Glue
- Security: Webroot, Bitdefender
- Backup: Unitrends, Datto
- Asset Management: Warranty Master
- Ecosystem: KaseyaOne (added May 2025, includes SSO support)
A REST API is available for building custom integrations with third-party systems. The API enables programmatic access to monitoring data, device management functions, and alerting. This opens the door for teams with development resources to connect Pulseway with tools not covered by native integrations.
The integration library is adequate for core MSP workflows but narrower than some larger competitors. Notably, there is no public mention of Zapier or Make (Integromat) support, which would provide low-code connectivity to hundreds of additional applications. If you rely heavily on tools outside Pulseway’s native integration list, confirm API capabilities with the vendor before committing.
Customer Support
Pulseway provides support through phone, email, and a web-based help center. Phone support is available across three regional numbers (North America, APAC, and EMEA). The help center includes documentation, tutorials, and a community forum where users can exchange tips and solutions.
The mandatory onboarding session (the €149 fee) is positioned as an implementation and best-practices consultation, which should help new customers get set up correctly. A free demo is also available by request.
Support quality is a mixed picture. Some customers praise the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, particularly for initial setup and configuration questions. However, there is a pattern of feedback suggesting that support quality has declined in recent years, possibly connected to the Kaseya acquisition and organizational changes. Specific complaints include slow response times after the initial contract period and lack of weekend support availability. At least one long-term customer describes the post-contract support experience as deeply frustrating, citing unreliability and communication breakdowns.
Live chat support does not appear to be available, which puts Pulseway at a disadvantage against competitors like Atera and NinjaOne that offer 24/7 live chat. For MSPs who need after-hours support when client emergencies arise, this is a meaningful gap.
Pros and Cons
Pulseway has clear strengths in mobile management and ease of deployment, but it also carries notable limitations in support, pricing transparency, and depth of certain features. Here is our assessment based on the platform’s current state.
Pros
- Best-in-class mobile app that provides full RMM functionality from iOS and Android devices, not just a companion experience
- Straightforward deployment and intuitive initial setup, with agents available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook
- Capable automation engine with pre-built script library, conditional workflows, and auto-remediation for reducing manual intervention
- SNMP-based network monitoring with automatic discovery, topology mapping, and SSH session support directly from the interface
- Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing with no long-term contract requirements and a free-forever tier for up to 2 endpoints
- Broad third-party application patching covering 850+ apps including BIOS and driver updates
Cons
- Mandatory €149 onboarding fee adds an upfront cost barrier that most competitors do not require
- Support quality has reportedly declined since the Kaseya acquisition, with no weekend or 24/7 live chat support available
- Web dashboard feels less polished and more clunky than the mobile app, especially when managing large endpoint counts
- Costs can escalate quickly when scaling endpoints and adding modules like third-party patching, endpoint protection, and backup
- Mac and Linux management is less feature-rich compared to Windows, limiting cross-platform depth
- No deep packet inspection or flow analysis (NetFlow/sFlow), making it insufficient for complex network traffic analysis
- Endpoint security integrations (Bitdefender, Webroot) require switching to vendor consoles for some management tasks
Who Should Use Pulseway?
MSPs managing 10 to 200 endpoints will find Pulseway’s combination of RMM, patching, automation, and PSA integration well-suited to their needs. The mobile app is a genuine productivity advantage for lean MSP teams who handle after-hours alerts and need to resolve issues from anywhere.
Small to mid-sized IT departments (1-10 IT staff) managing Windows-heavy environments benefit from the straightforward deployment, automation engine, and consolidated dashboard. The free tier for 2 endpoints also makes it possible to evaluate the platform in a production environment without commitment.
Industries with distributed infrastructure, such as education (which Pulseway specifically targets), retail with multiple locations, or professional services firms with remote workers, are well-matched to Pulseway’s remote management strengths.
Who should look elsewhere: Large enterprises managing thousands of endpoints with complex, multi-vendor network architectures will likely outgrow Pulseway’s network monitoring capabilities. Organizations that require deep packet inspection, NetFlow analysis, or advanced network traffic visibility need a dedicated network monitoring tool. Teams that depend heavily on Mac and Linux management may find support for those platforms less comprehensive than Windows. If 24/7 support availability is non-negotiable, Pulseway’s current support model may not meet your requirements.
Pulseway Alternatives
NinjaOne
NinjaOne consistently ranks higher than Pulseway on IT support quality and overall ease of use. It offers a more modern web interface, SSO support, and broader cross-platform management depth for Mac and Linux. NinjaOne is the stronger choice for teams that prioritize a polished dashboard experience and responsive vendor support. However, Pulseway’s mobile app remains superior, and its starting price point is lower, making Pulseway better suited for budget-conscious MSPs who live on their phones.
Atera
Atera uses a per-technician pricing model rather than per-endpoint, which can be dramatically cheaper for teams managing large numbers of devices with a small staff. Atera also offers 24/7 live chat support and more mature AI-powered capabilities. Pulseway offers more granular network monitoring via SNMP and a stronger mobile experience. Choose Atera if per-technician pricing aligns with your team structure; choose Pulseway if mobile management and SNMP monitoring are priorities.
Datto RMM
Datto RMM (now part of Kaseya, like Pulseway) offers strong ransomware detection, backup integration, and a more established MSP ecosystem. It tends to be priced higher and is more complex to configure. Pulseway is simpler to deploy and manage for smaller operations, while Datto RMM is better suited for larger MSPs who need deeper automation and business continuity features.
ConnectWise Automate
ConnectWise Automate is a more powerful and customizable RMM platform with extensive scripting capabilities and a large integration ecosystem. It is also significantly more complex to learn and administer. Pulseway wins on ease of use and mobile management; ConnectWise Automate is the better fit for larger MSPs with dedicated technical staff who need maximum configurability.
N-able N-central
N-able N-central targets mid-sized to large MSPs with advanced automation, layered security features, and deep NetPath network monitoring. It offers more enterprise-grade capabilities but comes with higher complexity and cost. Pulseway is the better entry point for smaller operations, while N-central scales better for MSPs managing thousands of endpoints across complex environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pulseway free?
Pulseway offers a free-forever plan that covers up to 2 endpoints, which is useful for personal use or basic evaluation. For business use, paid plans start at approximately $27/month and scale based on the number of monitored endpoints and selected add-ons. A 14-day free trial of the full Team edition is also available without a credit card.
What operating systems does Pulseway support?
Pulseway supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook for managed endpoints. The management console and mobile app run on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Windows management is the most comprehensive; Mac and Linux support, while functional, is less feature-rich in some areas.
Is Pulseway owned by Kaseya?
Yes, Pulseway officially joined forces with Kaseya in May 2025. It continues to operate as a standalone product under its own brand. The Kaseya integration has brought new features, including KaseyaOne SSO support and Cooper Insights (AI analytics), introduced in Pulseway version 9.15.
Does Pulseway require an onboarding fee?
Yes, Pulseway requires a mandatory one-time Advanced Onboarding and Best Practices session costing €149. This applies to new customers and covers initial setup guidance and training. This fee is in addition to the monthly subscription cost.
Can Pulseway monitor network devices like switches and routers?
Yes, Pulseway includes SNMP-based network monitoring with automatic device discovery, topology mapping, and conditional alerting. It supports SNMP-enabled devices including switches, routers, and firewalls. However, it does not support deep packet inspection or flow-based protocols like NetFlow or sFlow, so it is not a substitute for dedicated network analysis tools.
What integrations does Pulseway offer?
Pulseway integrates natively with ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, Zendesk, PagerDuty, Slack, IT Glue, Webroot, Bitdefender, Unitrends, Datto, Warranty Master, and KaseyaOne. It also includes its own built-in PSA module and offers a REST API for custom integrations.
How does Pulseway’s pricing compare to competitors?
Pulseway’s per-endpoint pricing starts lower than many competitors, making it affordable for small environments. However, costs increase as you add endpoints and paid add-ons (third-party patching, endpoint protection, backup, MDM). The mandatory €149 onboarding fee adds to upfront costs. Competitors like Atera use per-technician pricing, which can be significantly cheaper for small teams managing many devices.
The Bottom Line
Pulseway delivers on its core promise of mobile-first IT management better than any competitor in the RMM space. If your IT workflow involves responding to alerts, remediating issues, and managing patches from your phone as much as from your desk, Pulseway is purpose-built for how you work. The automation engine is capable, SNMP network monitoring covers the basics well, and the overall platform is straightforward to deploy and configure.
The concerns are real, though. The mandatory €149 onboarding fee is an unnecessary barrier. Pricing transparency suffers from the endpoint-plus-add-on model, where your actual cost can be hard to predict without using the pricing calculator. Support quality appears to have declined since the Kaseya acquisition, and the absence of 24/7 or live chat support is a gap that competing platforms have already filled. The web dashboard lags behind the mobile experience in design and usability, and Mac/Linux management does not match the depth available for Windows.
For MSPs and IT teams managing small to mid-sized, primarily Windows environments who value mobile flexibility and competitive base pricing, Pulseway is a strong choice. If your needs skew toward enterprise-scale management, deep network analysis, or 24/7 vendor support, NinjaOne, Atera, or N-able N-central will serve you better. We rate Pulseway a solid 3.9 out of 5: a capable platform with a unique mobile advantage, held back by support concerns and add-on cost complexity.