# Why Endpoint Central remains the preferred alternative to HCL BigFix

![Endpoint Central](https://cdn.manageengine.com/images/productlogos/endpointcentral-dark.svg)
![vs](https://www.manageengine.com/ems/images/icon/vs-icon.svg)

**HCL BigFix**

Why settle for a setup with fragmented device management, limited security, and opaque pricing? Built to scale as you grow, Endpoint Central provides an all-in-one platform that brings device management, security, and automation under a single umbrella.

[Jump to comparison](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/bigfix-alternative.html#table)

## Key impact metrics

- **442% ROI** – per Forrester TEI  
- **$4.5M** – in quantified benefits  
- **28,000+** – organizations  
- **28M+** – managed endpoints  
- **190+** – countries  

## Top reasons why IT teams choose Endpoint Central over BigFix

### Ease of Deployment

- **Endpoint Central:** 4.6  
- **HCL BigFix:** 4.1  

With automated onboarding and over 50 ready-to-use configuration templates, admins can have Endpoint Central running, with agents deployed and devices managed within hours.

### Pricing Flexibility

- **Endpoint Central:** 4.4  
- **HCL BigFix:** 3.9  

Endpoint Central keeps pricing transparent. With flexible per-device licensing and clearly defined feature availability, organizations have complete clarity on what they're paying for.

### Quality of Technical Support

- **Endpoint Central:** 4.3  
- **HCL BigFix:** 4.1  

While Endpoint Central requires minimal expertise to get started, teams that need assistance get 24×5 on-demand support, ensuring instant access to expert help whenever required — all included in the plan.

Source: **Gartner Peer Insights**

## Built-in Endpoint Central capabilities that BigFix lacks

Everything you need to manage and secure endpoints — built in, not bolted on.

### Extensive 3rd-party patch library

![Extensive 3rd-party patch library](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-icon-1.svg)

Keep Windows, Mac, Linux, and over 1,000 third-party applications up to date from a single console. Schedule patches, test before rollout, and automate the entire cycle.

### Threat detection and remediation

![Threat detection and remediation](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-icon-2.svg)

Detect and remediate vulnerabilities around the clock. Audit endpoints against 90+ CIS-certified benchmarks to harden configurations and stay compliant.

### Malware protection

![Malware protection](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-icon-3.svg)

Built-in next-gen antivirus ensures proactive security by defending against malware and zero-day threats. Quarantine infected devices and roll back encrypted files with a single click.

### Endpoint privilege management

![Endpoint privilege management](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-icon-4.svg)

Remove unnecessary admin rights without slowing users down. Allow self-elevation for approved applications and grant temporary access with Just-in-Time policies.

### Browser security

![Browser security](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-icon-5.svg)

Manage Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and IE from one place. Enforce web filtering, control extensions, and isolate untrusted sites to block browser-based attacks.

## Feature comparison

| FEATURE | ![Endpoint Central](https://www.manageengine.com/ems/images/logo/ec-logo-linear-white.svg) | ![HCL BigFix](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/bigfix-logo-light.png) |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation and learning | Automatically onboard devices in bulk and provision them immediately with over 50 ready-to-use configuration templates. A minimal learning curve enables teams to start managing endpoints quickly without specialized training. | Deployment can be time-consuming due to its complex architecture and steep learning curve, which often requires training and extensive IT expertise to get started. |
| Extensive third-party patch support | Keep Windows, Mac, Linux, and over **1,000 third-party applications** always up to date from a single console. Schedule patches, test before rollout, and automate the entire patching cycle. | Limited third-party patch support. No clearly defined entry-level tiers publicly available. Opting for patch management may result in higher overall pricing. |
| Endpoint security features | Built-in browser security and next-gen antivirus, with capabilities such as web filtering, extension control, ransomware protection, and real-time threat detection. | Does not offer native browser security or antivirus capabilities. Primarily relies on existing patching mechanisms for threat mitigation. |
| Privilege management | Comprehensive endpoint privilege management covering both machine and application layers. Revoke retired local admin rights, allowlist applications for self-elevation, and issue time-bound privileges with Just-in-Time access. | Offers application privilege management only, with no machine-level controls. Admins cannot centrally remove local admin rights or enforce time-bound elevation. |
| Pricing | Transparent, per-device pricing with clearly defined plans. Offers a **free edition for up to 25 devices** supporting all core features, making it easy to evaluate and scale without hidden costs. | Quote-based pricing with limited public transparency. Requires sales engagement to evaluate and understand costs. |
| Analyst ratings | Gartner rating of **4.6** based on 1,569 reviews, with high scores of 4.6 in Windows management and ease of deployment. | Gartner rating of 4.6 based on 365 reviews, with lower scores of 4.3 in ease of deployment and 4.4 in Windows management. |
| MDM support | Supports a built-in comprehensive and easy-to-use MDM with extensive support for Apple, Android, Windows, and ChromeOS devices. | MDM capabilities are split across separate components (BigFix Mobile and Client Management), leading to fragmented management, with comparatively limited Apple device features and gaps in areas like iTunes password management and iCloud data control. |

## Recognized for the impact

### The Customer's Choice

![Gartner](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/gartner.svg)

Gartner Peer Insights (UEM)

### Gartner Magic Quadrant

![Gartner](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/gartner.svg)

Challenger in Endpoint Management

### IDC MarketScape

![IDC](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/idc.svg)

Leader across all UEM reports

## Frequently asked questions

### Why should I choose Endpoint Central over BigFix?

Endpoint Central offers a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that combines endpoint management, security, patching, and MDM in a single solution. With faster deployment, built-in security features, transparent pricing, and support for 1000+ third-party applications, it enables teams to manage endpoints efficiently without the complexity of multiple components or unclear costs.

### Is Endpoint Central easier to deploy than BigFix?

Yes. Endpoint Central can be deployed within minutes using a web-based console, automated onboarding, and ready-to-use configurations. It requires minimal training. In contrast, BigFix often involves a more complex setup and may require query language expertise for advanced operations.

### Does Endpoint Central offer better patch management capabilities?

Endpoint Central supports automated patching for over 1000 third-party applications, including pilot deployments, rollback, and patch decline — all available from the entry-level plan. BigFix offers more limited third-party patch support, and advanced capabilities may involve higher pricing.

### How does Endpoint Central handle pricing compared to BigFix?

Endpoint Central provides transparent, per-device pricing with clearly defined plans, along with a free edition for up to 25 devices. BigFix follows a quote-based pricing model with limited public transparency, requiring sales engagement to understand costs.

### What endpoint security features are included in Endpoint Central?

Endpoint Central includes built-in browser security and next-gen antivirus, along with capabilities like web filtering, ransomware protection, real-time threat detection, and more. BigFix does not offer native browser security or antivirus features and primarily relies on patching for threat mitigation.

### How does Endpoint Central compare to BigFix in MDM capabilities?

Endpoint Central provides a unified, easy-to-use MDM solution with support for Apple, Android, Windows, and ChromeOS devices. BigFix's MDM capabilities are split across multiple components, leading to fragmented management and limited Apple device support in areas like iCloud and iTunes controls.

### I want to migrate from my existing UEM/MDM — how does Endpoint Central handle that?

Endpoint Central provides a native migration tool that helps move devices, configurations, and policies from existing UEM/MDM solutions. In most cases, this can be done without requiring a corporate device wipe, allowing for a smoother transition with minimal disruption to end users.

## Insightful resources curated just for you

- [Edition comparison matrix](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/edition-comparison-matrix.html)  
- [Endpoint Central datasheet](https://download.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/desktop-administration-overview.pdf)  
- [Product presentation (PDF)](http://download.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/endpoint-central-it-mgr.pdf?resource-page)  

## Unified Endpoint Management and Security Solution

### Patch Management

- [Patch Management Process](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/patch-management.html)  
- [Windows Patch Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-patch-management.html)  
- [Mac Patch Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mac-patch-management.html)  
- [Linux Patch Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/automate-linux-patch-management.html)  
- [Patch Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/patch-deployment.html)  
- [Deploying Non-Microsoft Patches](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/non-microsoft-patches.html)  
- [AntiVirus Update](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/antivirus-updates.html)  
- [Third Party Patch Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/non-microsoft-patches.html)  
- [Windows Updates](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-updates.html)  
- [Service Pack Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-service-pack-deployment.html)  
- [Patch Management Reports](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/patch-management-reports.html)  

### Software Deployment

- [Software Repository](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-repository.html)  
- [Software Installation](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-deployment.html)  
- [Windows Software Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-software-installation.html)  
- [Mac Software Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mac-software-deployment.html)  
- [Self Service Portal](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/self-service-portal-software.html)  

### Endpoint Security

- [Vulnerability management & Threat mitigation](https://www.manageengine.com/vulnerability-management/features.html?dc_end)  
- [Browser security](https://www.manageengine.com/browser-security/features.html?dc_end)  
- [Device control](https://www.manageengine.com/device-control/features.html?dc_end)  
- [Application control](https://www.manageengine.com/application-control/features.html?dc_end)  
- [BitLocker management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/bitlocker-management.html?dc_end)  

### OS Deployment

- [Advanced, Automated Deployment Methods](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/os-deployment.html)  
- [Hardware Independent Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/hardware-independent-deployment.html)  
- [Modern Disc Imagining](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/disk-imaging.html)  
- [Windows 10 Migration](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/deploy-windows-10-how-to.html)  
- [Remote OS Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/deploy-os-anywhere.html)  
- [Customize OS Deployment](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/customized-deployment-templates.html)  

### Asset Management

- [IT Asset Management process](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/it-asset-management.html)  
- [Asset Tracking](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/it-asset-tracking-software.html)  
- [Software Metering](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-metering.html)  
- [Warranty Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-warranty-management.html)  
- [Software License Compliance](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-license-management.html)  
- [Prohibited Software](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/prohibited-software.html)  
- [Block Application](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/block-exe-application.html)  
- [Software Assets](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-inventory.html)  
- [Hardware Assets](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/hardware-inventory.html)  

### Mobile Device Management

- [Mobile Device Management for iOS devices](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mobile-device-management-ios.html)  
- [Mobile Device Management for Android](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mobile-device-management-android.html)  
- [Mobile Device Management for Windows](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mobile-device-management-windows.html)  
- [Mobile Application Management (MAM)](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/mobile-application-management-mam.html)  
- [Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/bring-your-own-device-byod.html)  

### Tools & Configurations

- [Remote Desktop Sharing](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/remote-desktop-sharing.html)  
- [Shutdown & Wake On tool](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-system-tools.html#Wake-On-LAN)  
- [Chat Tool](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/chat-tool.html)  
- [Check Disk & Clean Disk](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/windows-system-tools.html#Check-Disk)  
- [Disk Defrag](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/disk-defragmenter.html)  
- [Custom Script](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/custom-scripts.html)  
- [USB Device Mgmt](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/control-usb-devices.html)  
- [Power Mgmt](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/desktop-power-management.html)