ThirdPatch vs. Action1: The Best Action1 Alternative for MSPs Who Already Have an RMM

Is there an Action1 alternative for MSP third-party patching? Before comparing features, it is important to note that Action1 and ThirdPatch address different needs.

Action1 is a cloud-based platform for endpoint management, offering patching, vulnerability remediation, software deployment, and remote access. ThirdPatch is specifically designed for MSPs requiring advanced third-party patch management.

For MSPs already using an RMM, adding another management platform can create unnecessary complexity when only specialized patching is required.

Action1 vs. ThirdPatch at a Glance

Action1 provides broad endpoint management capabilities, while ThirdPatch focuses specifically on third-party application patching.

Most experienced MSPs have integrated remote access, monitoring, scripting, and automation into their RMM systems, but may lack sufficient coverage for third-party applications.

Instead of replacing or duplicating existing tools, a specialized patching solution is more appropriate.

Here’s how the two compare on the points that matter most to MSPs:

Criteria	ThirdPatch	Action1
Best for	MSPs that already have an RMM	Teams that want one all-in-one platform
Main focus	Third-party patching	Endpoint management (patching, deployment, remote access)
Works with your RMM	Yes, RMM-neutral	No, separate platform
Agent	No additional agent	Its own agent on every device
Free option	30-day free trial	Free up to 200 endpoints
Pricing model	Flat rate: $399/month (Pro)	Per endpoint
Cost as you grow	Fixed: $399/month, unlimited endpoints	Custom quote above 200 endpoints, plus a support fee
App catalog	10,000+ apps	Several hundred (630+)
Custom apps	Supported	Supported
Multi-client (MSP)	Built for MSPs	Yes, multi-tenant

Action1 data based on its public pricing page (October 2026).

If you already have an RMM and your main gap is third-party patching, ThirdPatch covers it without adding another platform.

Action1 Review: What it Does Well

Action1’s strength is its broad feature set. For organizations seeking to consolidate tools, combining endpoint management, vulnerability remediation, and patching in one platform is appealing.

However, MSPs face different challenges than internal IT departments.

An MSP may manage thousands of endpoints across many customers, each with different applications. At this scale, application coverage and patching workflows are critical. ThirdPatch’s specialized approach addresses these needs.

Action1 RMM and Agent: Do You Need a Second Agent on Every Device?

Most MSPs already use an RMM like ConnectWise, NinjaOne, Kaseya, or N-able.

These platforms handle monitoring, scripting, automation, and remote access.

Action1 requires its own endpoint agent.

For example, an MSP managing 5,000 endpoints may use its RMM for remote management, but technicians still maintain custom scripts for unsupported third-party applications. The challenge is not endpoint management, but effective patching.

Adding Action1 introduces another management agent and may duplicate existing functionality. ThirdPatch is designed to complement, not replace, your current RMM.

In summary, you do not need an additional platform to address a specific patching need.

Action1 Pricing (2026): What Happens After 200 Free Endpoints?

Action1 offers free access for the first 200 endpoints, which may suit smaller environments. MSPs should confirm current licensing terms and understand how pricing scales beyond this limit. Managing 5,000 endpoints presents different requirements than managing 150.

It is also important to consider the value of what you are paying for.

If your RMM already provides monitoring, remote access, and automation, consider whether paying for another platform with overlapping capabilities is justified. Technician time is also a factor. For example, if technicians spend five hours per month maintaining scripts for unsupported applications at $80 per hour, this totals $4,800 annually.

When comparing Action1 and ThirdPatch pricing, consider both licensing costs and the labor required to maintain applications. A lower license fee does not always result in lower overall patch management costs.

Third-Party App Catalog: Hundreds vs. 10,000+ Apps

The effectiveness of a third-party patching product depends on its application coverage. While internal IT departments can standardize applications, MSPs must support the diverse software used by their customers.

One customer might require engineering applications, another accounting software, and another legacy business tools. Multiply that across dozens of customers, and application coverage becomes critical.

Applications use various installers, detection methods, and silent installation parameters. Manually maintaining updates can quickly become time-consuming.

ThirdPatch provides comprehensive third-party application patching, rather than treating it as a minor feature. When evaluating an Action1 alternative, assess how much of your application inventory each product supports.

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Action1 Alternative

Before choosing a third-party patching solution, MSPs should consider:

1. Application coverage: Does it support the software your customers use?
2. Unsupported applications: Will technicians need to create deployment scripts?
3. RMM compatibility: Does it complement your existing stack?
4. Pricing: How does licensing scale across thousands of endpoints?
5. MSP workflows: Are they designed to manage multiple customer environments?

Each unsupported application may result in additional manual work for your technicians.

The Best Action1 Alternative for MSPs With an Existing RMM

Action1 and ThirdPatch are not identical products, which is why MSPs should evaluate them based on their specific needs.

If you require broad endpoint management, Action1 is a strong option. However, if you already have an RMM and third-party patching is your main concern, a specialized solution is more appropriate.

ThirdPatch is purpose-built for MSP third-party patching, focusing on application coverage, reliable updates, and reducing manual technician intervention.

Instead of duplicating existing management tools, ThirdPatch addresses the specific patching gap.

If patching is the primary challenge, select a product designed specifically for patching.

ThirdPatch and its patch management solutions for MSPs

FAQ: Action1 Alternatives, Pricing, and Agents

Is Action1 free?

Yes, for up to 200 endpoints. Above that, Action1 requires a paid plan based on a custom quote.

How much does Action1 cost after 200 endpoints?

Action1 doesn’t publish pricing above 200 endpoints. MSPs need to request a quote, and a support fee may apply.

Does Action1 require its own agent?

Yes. Action1 installs its own agent on every device it manages.

Is Action1 an RMM?

Action1 provides several RMM-like capabilities, including remote access, software deployment, and patch management.

Does ThirdPatch replace my RMM?

No. ThirdPatch works alongside your existing RMM and focuses only on third-party application patching.

How much does ThirdPatch cost?

ThirdPatch is a flat-rate product; the pro version is $399/month for unlimited endpoints and applications.

What is the best Action1 alternative for MSPs?

For MSPs that already use an RMM, the best Action1 alternative is a specialized third-party patching tool like ThirdPatch, which works with your existing stack instead of replacing it.

Is ThirdPatch a good Action1 alternative?

Yes, especially for MSPs that already have an RMM. ThirdPatch covers 10,000+ applications and complements your existing tools, so you don’t need to add a second management platform.

ThirdPartyPatching.com is an Automation Theory brand.