Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools are the backbone of modern IT infrastructure. They allow administrators to proactively monitor device health, automate routine maintenance, and resolve technical issues remotely, ensuring continuous operational uptime without disrupting end users.
For IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) searching for a capable datto rmm alternative, comparing traditional RMM software with Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms provides valuable perspective.
This comparison matters because it highlights how different architectural approaches solve similar endpoint management challenges.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
To help you quickly evaluate these platforms, the table below provides a side-by-side snapshot of their core endpoint management capabilities.
|
Feature |
Hexnode |
Datto RMM |
|---|---|---|
|
Monitoring |
Device vitals, compliance status, network connectivity, and location tracking through a centralized console. |
Real-time system performance (CPU, memory, disk), hardware/software inventory, and network/SNMP monitoring. |
|
Patch Management |
OS update management (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) and managed app updates. |
Automated, policy-based OS patching (Windows, macOS) and third-party software updates. |
|
Automation |
Dynamic device grouping, compliance/event-based automated workflows, and custom script execution on managed Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. |
Component-based scripting (PowerShell, Batch, Shell), policy-driven workflows, and automated alert remediation. |
|
Remote Access |
Remote View is supported on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS; Remote Control is supported on Android, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS; Live Terminal is supported on macOS, Linux, and Windows, while File Explorer is supported on Android. |
Native HTML5-based Web Remote, plus built-in integration with Splashtop for one-click access. |
|
Ticketing |
Integrates with third-party ITSM tools like Zendesk and Freshservice via API. |
Deep, bi-directional integrations with major PSA platforms (Autotask PSA, ConnectWise Manage). |
|
Pricing Model |
Monthly or annual pricing plans after the initial 14-day trial: Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Ultra. |
Custom quote-based, pay-per-endpoint model (typical for MSP environments). |
Want to see these features in action? Take Hexnode for a spin to discover how centralized endpoint management can simplify your daily IT operations.
Core RMM Capabilities Comparison
When researching a viable datto rmm alternative, it is important to analyze how Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms and traditional RMM tools tackle the same administrative operations. Below is a fact-based breakdown of their core capabilities.
Remote Monitoring
Hexnode
Hexnode monitors devices through the lens of compliance and overall endpoint health. Administrators can view device details such as battery level, device capacity, compliance status, last check-in, network information, and recent location or location history when location tracking is enabled. The platform continuously monitors whether devices adhere to strict corporate security policies, such as active encryption or password complexity.
Datto
Datto RMM approaches monitoring from an infrastructure and hardware perspective. It tracks granular system performance metrics across desktops and servers, such as CPU utilization, memory consumption, and disk health. It also supports SNMP monitoring for network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls.
Key Difference: Hexnode focuses on monitoring device compliance and state across mobile and desktop platforms. Datto focuses on deep system performance metrics and network infrastructure hardware.
Remote Management
Hexnode
Hexnode manages devices primarily by pushing configuration profiles, enforcing security restrictions, and utilizing specialized lockdown modes (kiosks). For non-interactive background troubleshooting, Hexnode provides Live Terminal on macOS, Linux, and Windows, and File Explorer for Android file management without end-user disruption.
Datto
Datto specializes in stealth IT management. Technicians utilize a suite of background tools directly from their browser, including a remote registry editor, service manager, and command prompt. This allows them to restart services, kill processes, and manage endpoints silently.
Key Difference: Hexnode relies heavily on standardized configuration profiles and security restrictions alongside its background tools. Datto manages endpoints almost entirely through direct, behind-the-scenes system manipulation.
Patch Management
Hexnode
Hexnode provides comprehensive OS update management for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Administrators can schedule, enforce, or delay OS updates to maintain security. For applications, Hexnode supports managed app update workflows such as VPP and managed-store updates where applicable, and also provides Patches & Updates workflows for Windows and macOS application updates, including apps from vendors such as Microsoft, Adobe, and other third-party developers.
Datto
Datto provides automated, policy-driven OS patching for Windows and macOS environments. Additionally, it features a native third-party patch management engine, enabling administrators to automatically update a wide catalog of common business applications directly from the console.
Key Difference: Datto features native, automated patching for third-party desktop software. Hexnode supports OS update workflows across supported mobile and desktop platforms and provides Patches & Updates management for Windows and macOS OS and application updates.
Automation & Scripting
Hexnode
Hexnode allows IT teams to execute custom scripts on Windows and macOS endpoints. Its automation engine relies heavily on dynamic device grouping. If a device falls out of compliance, Hexnode can automatically move it to a restricted group and trigger predefined security actions, such as wiping corporate data.
Datto
Datto automation is built around “components” (custom scripts written in PowerShell, Bash, Batch, etc.). These scripts can be deployed on a schedule or configured as auto-remediations, meaning a script will automatically execute if a specific system monitor triggers an alert (e.g., clearing temp files if a disk is full).
Key Difference: Hexnode triggers automated actions primarily based on security and compliance shifts. Datto triggers automations based on specific system health alerts and performance thresholds.
Remote Access
Hexnode
Hexnode provides native remote access tools built directly into its UEM console. Administrators can use Remote View on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS devices. Remote Control is supported for Android, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS devices, enabling direct IT intervention.
Datto
Datto utilizes a proprietary, HTML5-based tool called Web Remote, allowing technicians to access desktop screens directly from a browser. Additionally, the platform includes a built-in integration with Splashtop for high-performance, one-click remote control.
Key Difference: Hexnode utilizes its own proprietary tools to provide remote control that natively supports mobile devices (Android). Datto relies on HTML5 browser access and Splashtop integrations tailored for desktop and server environments.
Alerts & Reporting
Hexnode
Hexnode’s alerting system prioritizes security events. Administrators can configure Alert Profiles to send email alerts for predefined events such as MDM agent removal and device out of compliance; when a device leaves a geofence or enters a restricted area, Hexnode marks it non-compliant. The platform allows teams to generate customizable reports detailing device inventory, application usage, and compliance status.
Datto
Datto generates alerts based on infrastructure performance thresholds, such as offline servers, high CPU usage, or failed patch deployments. Its reporting engine is designed for MSPs, offering detailed executive summaries, patch compliance reports, and network health overviews for clients.
Key Difference: Hexnode alerts are driven by policy violations and security risks. Datto alerts are triggered by infrastructure performance drops and hardware state changes.
Ticketing / ITSM
Hexnode
Hexnode streamlines helpdesk operations by integrating with standard enterprise IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms. Through API integrations with tools like Zendesk and Freshservice, IT teams can sync endpoint data directly into their ticketing workflows.
Datto
Datto is engineered with deep, bi-directional integrations into major Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools, specifically Autotask PSA and ConnectWise Manage. This allows the RMM to automatically generate, update, and close tickets based on system alerts.
Key Difference: Datto offers bi-directional syncing specifically built for MSP PSA tools. Hexnode utilizes API integrations to connect with broader enterprise ITSM helpdesk software.
Which Platform is Right for Your Organization?
When evaluating the right management platform, identifying your organization’s primary IT objectives is essential. Here is a breakdown of when a UEM approach serves as an ideal datto rmm alternative, versus when a traditional RMM is the necessary choice.
- Choose Hexnode if:
- Choose Datto if:
- You manage a diverse, mobile-heavy device fleet: Hexnode provides extensive cross-platform support, allowing IT to manage iOS, Android, and specialized OS types alongside Windows and macOS from a single, unified console.
- You require granular device lockdown: If your organization utilizes point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage, or dedicated field devices, Hexnode’s single-app and multi-app kiosk modes provide strict control over the end-user environment.
- Security and continuous compliance are your primary drivers: Hexnode is ideal for teams that need to automatically restrict access, wipe data, or push new profiles based on real-time compliance shifts (such as a disabled passcode or a geofence breach).
- You need native remote control for mobile devices: If your troubleshooting workflows require built-in remote view and control capabilities that extend beyond desktops natively to mobile platforms like Android.
- You operate as a Managed Service Provider (MSP): Datto RMM is architecturally built for MSPs, offering multi-tenant management and deep, bi-directional integrations with major Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools like Autotask and ConnectWise Manage.
- You require comprehensive network monitoring: If your IT infrastructure demands active SNMP monitoring for network hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls, alongside standard endpoint management.
- Automated third-party patching is a strict requirement: Datto is highly effective for teams that need automated, policy-driven patch management for an extensive catalog of third-party business applications natively from the console.
- Automations are driven by system health thresholds: If your technicians rely on component-based scripts (PowerShell, Bash, Batch) that deploy automatically as remediations when system vitals like CPU usage or disk space, trigger specific alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Hexnode be used as a Datto RMM alternative for internal IT teams?
Yes, Hexnode can serve as an effective datto rmm alternative for internal IT departments that prioritize cross-platform device management (including iOS and Android) and continuous compliance enforcement. While Datto is structurally tailored for MSP multi-tenant environments and network hardware monitoring, Hexnode provides essential RMM capabilities such as remote control, background terminal access, and custom scripting within a broader UEM framework.
How does patch management compare between Hexnode and Datto RMM?
Datto RMM provides highly automated, policy-based OS patching for Windows and macOS, along with a native engine for updating third-party business software. Hexnode supports OS update management across supported mobile and desktop platforms and provides Windows/macOS Patches & Updates workflows for OS and application updates, alongside managed app-store update options such as VPP and Managed Google Play where applicable.
Do both Hexnode and Datto offer native remote control capabilities?
Yes, but they approach it differently. Hexnode provides proprietary, built-in remote view and remote control features directly within its console, notably offering native remote control support for mobile platforms like Android alongside Windows and macOS. Datto RMM offers an HTML5-based Web Remote tool for direct browser-based access and includes native integration with Splashtop for high-performance remote desktop control.
Does Hexnode offer ticketing integrations like Datto RMM?
Datto RMM features deep, bi-directional integrations specifically built for MSP Professional Services Automation (PSA) platforms, such as Autotask PSA and ConnectWise Manage, allowing alerts to automatically generate and close tickets. Hexnode integrates with standard enterprise IT Service Management (ITSM) and helpdesk platforms, such as Zendesk and Freshservice, via API to sync endpoint data into IT support workflows.
Take the Next Step in Endpoint Management
While Datto RMM is built for MSPs focused on infrastructure monitoring, internal IT teams often require broader cross-platform control.
If you are evaluating a datto rmm alternative that unites mobile and desktop management under one compliance-driven console, it is time to see Hexnode in action. Discover how a unified approach can secure your endpoints and simplify daily IT administration.
Manage All Your Endpoints from One Console
Secure, monitor, and manage your diverse device fleet with Hexnode UEM. Start your 14-day free trial today.
Start Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of April 2026. Features and pricing for Hexnode and Datto are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official websites of both companies for the most current information. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
