Head-to-head · Desktop Management Software
ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs Microsoft Configuration Manager
ManageEngine Endpoint Central leads on 1 check, Microsoft Configuration Manager on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 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 · 9.3/10
- Free planonly ManageEngine Endpoint Central
- Free trialonly ManageEngine Endpoint Central
ManageEngine Endpoint Central scores higher on our rubric for desktop management software: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central offers free plan; Microsoft Configuration Manager doesn't.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is the better fit for teams managing endpoints across multiple platforms. Microsoft Configuration Manager is the better fit for windows-centric organizations using Microsoft infrastructure.
- ManageEngine Endpoint Central fits best
Teams managing endpoints across multiple platforms
- Microsoft Configuration Manager fits best
Windows-centric organizations using Microsoft infrastructure
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Side by side
| Feature | ManageEngine Endpoint Central 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Microsoft Configuration Manager 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Desktop Management Software | #5 in Desktop Management Software |
| Best for | Teams managing endpoints across multiple platforms | Windows-centric organizations using Microsoft infrastructure |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $795/device/yr | $1,455 usage-based |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Windows |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 14 integrations | 17 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ManageEngine Endpoint Central 1/5 · Microsoft Configuration Manager 1/5 | ||
| Endpoint inventory | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Patch management | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Remote support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Compliance policies | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Third-party patching | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported desktop OS | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Included endpoints | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | ManageEngine Endpoint Central brings endpoint management and security into a central console for IT teams overseeing servers, desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and other endpoints. Its coverage spans operating systems and third-party… Read the review → |
Microsoft Configuration Manager gives IT teams a central console for deploying applications, operating systems, and software updates across managed devices. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise organizations that manage Windows… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ManageEngine Endpoint Central — where it wins
- Combines patching, deployment, inventory, configuration, and remote support
- Offers cloud and on-premises deployment
- Free Edition covers up to 25 devices
Where it doesn't
- Paid pricing starts at 50 endpoints, above the Free Edition limit
- Enterprise Edition adds self-service, USB, and license management at higher prices
- 24/7 support is presented as a premium service
Microsoft Configuration Manager — where it wins
- Deploys applications, operating systems, and software updates
- Combines inventory, compliance, endpoint protection, and remote control
- Co-manages devices with Microsoft Intune
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment keeps it focused on on-premises or hybrid environments
- System Center licensing is server-based rather than a standalone per-device price
- Existing macOS client support is documented only through December 31, 2022
- ManageEngine Endpoint Central9.3/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
Broad endpoint management with cloud and on-premises options and pricing by endpoint count.
Visit ManageEngineFull verdict → - Microsoft Configuration Manager8.9/10 · Paid
A broad Windows management suite for organizations invested in Microsoft infrastructure.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
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All desktop management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update