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Head-to-head · IT Automation Software

ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs Azure Automation

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score ManageEngine Endpoint Central #1 in IT Automation Software 9.2/10 Free plan · paid from $795 · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit site
Azure Automation #4 in IT Automation Software 7.6/10 30-day trial ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Microsoft

ManageEngine Endpoint Central leads on 1 check, Azure Automation on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreManageEngine Endpoint Central · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly ManageEngine Endpoint Central

ManageEngine Endpoint Central scores higher on our rubric for it automation software: 9.2 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central offers free plan; Azure Automation doesn't. On deployment model, ManageEngine Endpoint Central gives you Hybrid where Azure Automation offers Cloud.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is the better fit for mature endpoint and mobile-device management. Azure Automation is the better fit for azure-based runbook and update automation.

  • ManageEngine Endpoint Central fits best

    Mature endpoint and mobile-device management

  • Azure Automation fits best

    Azure-based runbook and update automation

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ManageEngine Endpoint Central 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Azure Automation 7.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.6
Ranking #1 in IT Automation Software #4 in IT Automation Software
Best for Mature endpoint and mobile-device management Azure-based runbook and update automation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Free trial length 30 days · no card needed 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 Docs
Integrations 14 integrations 11 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ManageEngine Endpoint Central 3/3 · Azure Automation 3/3
Patch management ✓ ✓
Configuration management ✓ ✓
Remediation automation ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment model Hybrid Cloud
Included endpoints 50 endpoints Not published
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, iPadOS, ChromeOS, tvOS Windows, Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android endpoints
  • Combines patching, deployment, inventory, remediation, and remote control
  • Offers a free edition for up to 25 devices in perpetuity
  • PowerShell and Python runbooks with scheduled and event-triggered jobs
  • Windows and Linux update assessment and installation
  • Hybrid execution with RBAC, audit logging, and Azure integrations
Cons
  • Paid plans start at $104 per month
  • Advanced editions cost more as security and UEM needs grow
  • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused teams
  • No free plan; usage-based pricing requires cost planning
  • Most compelling for Azure-centered environments
  • State Configuration is scheduled for retirement on September 30, 2027
Our verdict

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a unified endpoint management and security platform for IT teams managing laptops, desktops, servers, smartphones, and tablets. It brings patch management, software deployment, configuration enforcement,…

Read the review →

Azure Automation is a Microsoft cloud service for automating operational processes across Azure, on-premises environments, and other clouds. It is aimed at IT and operations teams that need to create and run PowerShell or Python runbooks,…

Read the review →
  1. ManageEngine Endpoint CentralIT Automation Software 9.2Free plan · paid from $795 · 30-day trial
  2. Azure AutomationIT Automation Software 7.630-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ManageEngine Endpoint Central — where it wins

    • Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android endpoints
    • Combines patching, deployment, inventory, remediation, and remote control
    • Offers a free edition for up to 25 devices in perpetuity

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid plans start at $104 per month
    • Advanced editions cost more as security and UEM needs grow
    • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused teams

  • Azure Automation — where it wins

    • PowerShell and Python runbooks with scheduled and event-triggered jobs
    • Windows and Linux update assessment and installation
    • Hybrid execution with RBAC, audit logging, and Azure integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; usage-based pricing requires cost planning
    • Most compelling for Azure-centered environments
    • State Configuration is scheduled for retirement on September 30, 2027
  • ManageEngine Endpoint Central9.2/10 · Free plan · paid from $795 · 30-day trial

    A mature platform for patching, endpoint control, mobile management, and remediation.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Azure Automation7.6/10 · 30-day trial

    A strong fit for Azure teams that need runbooks, patching, and hybrid automation.

    Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →

More comparisons

All IT automation software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update