Is Atera or ConnectWise RMM cheaper?

Atera publishes per-technician plan prices with unlimited endpoints, while ConnectWise RMM uses customized quotes. The cheaper result depends on endpoint count, technician count, plan, PSA requirements, add-ons, expert services, onboarding, and contract term. Price the same operating scope in writing.

Do Atera and ConnectWise RMM both offer a free trial?

Both currently document 30-day trials without a credit card. Atera's trial supports up to 300 agent installations but reserves some features for paid plans. ConnectWise allows real endpoints and includes onboarding support, with provisioning typically taking one to two business days.

Does Atera include PSA while ConnectWise RMM does not?

Atera's MSP plans combine RMM with PSA-oriented ticketing, contracts, billing, time tracking, reporting, and customer management. ConnectWise RMM is sold in endpoint-management packages and can integrate with the separate ConnectWise PSA product. Confirm exact plan and licensing boundaries with both vendors.

Where does Nizlo fit in this comparison?

Nizlo publishes this comparison and is not affiliated with Atera or ConnectWise. Nizlo is an earlier-stage Windows-first RMM and does not claim parity with either vendor's mature multi-platform, PSA, integration, automation, remote-support, expert-service, or infrastructure breadth. It is a narrower third pilot for teams that want public flat pricing.

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Head-to-head comparison · 15 minute read

Atera vs ConnectWise RMM: which fits your MSP?

Atera combines technician-priced RMM and PSA workflows. ConnectWise RMM uses tiered endpoint packages, ScreenConnect, a wider ecosystem, and optional expert services. Compare the full operating model, not just the base license.

Compare the platforms Use the eight pilot tests

Last fact-checked October 30, 2026First-party vendor sources

The decision in one paragraph

Shortlist Atera when per-technician economics and native RMM, helpdesk, ticketing, contracts, billing, and time tracking lead. Shortlist ConnectWise RMM when ScreenConnect, broader infrastructure packages, the ConnectWise ecosystem, or expert services lead. Pilot the exact plan, package, and integrations.

AreaAteraConnectWise RMM

Pricing model

Atera: Per technician with unlimited endpoints. The current MSP page lists Pro at $129/technician/month billed annually or $139 monthly, with higher plans and optional paid add-ons.

ConnectWise RMM: ConnectWise publishes Essentials, Pro, and Premium package contents, then requests a customized quote rather than showing a numeric list price.

Evaluation path

Atera: A 30-day, no-card trial provides most features and supports up to 300 agent installations. API access, SSO, custom assets, and most App Center integrations require a paid plan.

ConnectWise RMM: A 30-day, no-card trial covers core features and real endpoints. Onboarding support is included, and ConnectWise says setup typically takes one to two business days.

RMM and platform coverage

Atera: Monitoring, alerts, patching, scripts, software management, and remote management are included. The current plan table places Windows in all plans and macOS and Linux support in Growth and above.

ConnectWise RMM: Essentials lists Windows, macOS, and Linux monitoring. Pro adds virtual-machine, network, and Intune scope; Premium adds cloud monitoring and Microsoft 365 SaaS backup.

PSA and service workflow

Atera: MSP plans combine RMM with helpdesk, ticketing, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, reporting, and customer management, with depth varying by plan.

ConnectWise RMM: RMM packages focus on endpoint and environment operations. ConnectWise PSA is a separate ecosystem product, so confirm licensing, implementation, and integration scope in the quote.

Remote and automation

Atera: Plans include Splashtop, with unlimited concurrent Splashtop sessions and AnyDesk beginning at Growth. Scripts, IT automations, AI Copilot, and software deployment are plan capabilities.

ConnectWise RMM: ScreenConnect Remote Access, intelligent alerts, Windows and third-party patching, AI-assisted scripting, RPA workflows, custom fields, and reporting are included or expanded by package.

Operating model

Atera: An all-in-one, technician-priced MSP operating model. Validate plan boundaries, add-ons, audit retention, integrations, file-transfer limits, and support workflow before committing.

ConnectWise RMM: A modular MSP ecosystem with optional NOC, help-desk, and project technicians. Validate package tier, PSA, ScreenConnect scope, expert services, onboarding, and every add-on in writing.

Atera is the stronger shortlist when

Technician economics and an all-in-one workflow lead

unlimited-endpoint, per-technician pricing matches the operating model
RMM, ticketing, contracts, billing, and time tracking need one subscription
a self-serve 30-day trial can begin without a sales provisioning delay
the team can map every required feature to the correct plan or add-on

ConnectWise RMM is the stronger shortlist when

Environment breadth and MSP ecosystem options lead

ScreenConnect and the wider ConnectWise ecosystem are strategic
network, VM, cloud, Microsoft 365, or Intune scope belongs in the review
optional NOC, help-desk, or project technicians can reduce staffing pressure
a guided, sales-provisioned trial and customized quote are acceptable

Run the same eight-test pilot

Use authorized lab or noncritical systems first. Record expected results, technician time, plan boundaries, quote assumptions, and every retained tool or service that changes total operating cost.

Test 1Get matched written costs for the same endpoints, technicians, plans, modules, add-ons, onboarding, services, and contract term.

Test 2Enroll the same authorized Windows, macOS, and Linux devices; reconcile inventory, customer assignment, policy inheritance, and platform gaps.

Test 3Trigger identical reversible service and resource conditions; compare alert delay, routing, deduplication, recovery, and technician effort.

Test 4Run one controlled OS and third-party patch cycle; compare approvals, maintenance windows, restart control, evidence, and failure recovery.

Test 5Deploy and remove the same test application, then execute one harmless script; compare targeting, permissions, output, and history.

Test 6Open the same authorized remote session; compare roles, consent, revocation, file transfer, background tools, concurrency, and audit evidence.

Test 7Create the same ticket-to-invoice workflow; compare contracts, time capture, billing, reporting, accounting integration, and retained tools.

Test 8Export representative data, disable a technician, revoke device identity, remove an agent, and document rollback before approval.

Need the vendor-to-Nizlo view?

Keep the comparisons separate

Atera vs Nizlo ConnectWise RMM vs Nizlo

A narrower third option

Nizlo is for a different pilot scope

Nizlo is an earlier-stage Windows-first RMM, not a claim of Atera or ConnectWise parity. It may suit a controlled third test when PSA, security, backup, expert services, and cross-platform workflows already live elsewhere, while public flat pricing matters.

Windows-first founding pilot

Evaluate Nizlo for 14 days without a credit card.

Founding Tester discounts are awarded by successful paid upgrade order: the first five receive 75% off for life, the next five 50%, and the next ten 25%. Applying or starting a trial does not reserve a position.

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