Head-to-head · IT Automation Software
Puppet vs Action1
Puppet leads on 0 checks, Action1 on 0, and 4 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 scorePuppet · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Action1
- Most featuresAction1 · 3 of 3
Puppet scores higher on our rubric for it automation software: 9.4 against 6.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #31.
On deployment model, Puppet gives you Self_hosted where Action1 offers Cloud.
Puppet is the better fit for infrastructure configuration and policy-as-code automation. Action1 is the better fit for cross-platform endpoint automation on a free plan.
- Puppet fits best
Infrastructure configuration and policy-as-code automation
- Action1 fits best
Cross-platform endpoint automation on a free plan
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Side by side
| Feature | Puppet 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Action1 6.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 6.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in IT Automation Software | #31 in IT Automation Software |
| Best for | Infrastructure configuration and policy-as-code automation | Cross-platform endpoint automation on a free plan |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 15 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Integrations | 11 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Puppet 1/3 · Action1 3/3 | ||
| Patch management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Configuration management | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Remediation automation | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Self_hosted | Cloud |
| Included endpoints | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Debian, Fedora, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Amazon Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Alma Linux, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, Ubuntu | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Puppet is an infrastructure automation and configuration management platform for platform, infrastructure, and DevOps teams. It manages configurations across on-premises, cloud, hybrid, server, network, and edge environments. Its core… Read the review → |
Action1 is a cloud-native IT automation and endpoint management platform for organizations managing Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Its browser-based cloud console connects to an installed agent, supporting remote and off-network… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Puppet — where it wins
- Enforces desired state and automatically remediates configuration drift
- Combines patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance enforcement
- Supports agent-based and agentless automation across Linux, Windows, and macOS
Where it doesn't
- Commercial plans use custom pricing rather than published rates
- Advanced capabilities require higher-tier Puppet Enterprise plans
- Its broad scope may exceed the needs of smaller automation projects
Action1 — where it wins
- Patches Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications
- Automates vulnerability remediation, configuration drift, and software deployment
- Includes REST API, PowerShell, Intune, and Group Policy integrations
Where it doesn't
- Deployments above 200 endpoints require quote-based pricing
- Configuration management is a separate add-on subscription
- Community support on the Free plan is provided through Discord
- Puppet9.4/10 · Free plan
Puppet combines policy-as-code, drift remediation, patching, and compliance across hybrid infrastructure.
Visit PuppetFull verdict → - Action16.3/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial
Cross-platform endpoint automation with a free plan for the first 200 endpoints.
Visit Action1Full verdict →
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All IT automation software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





