Action1 is a cloud-native patch-management tool that gained adoption with its free tier (first 200 endpoints) and disruptive pricing above that. It focuses narrowly on patching, primarily Windows third-party applications and OS updates.
Lavawall® is a multi-tenant RMM and remote support platform for MSPs and IT teams, with patching, security monitoring, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace breach detection, and compliance built into the same agent and console. Technicians get browser-based remote control, a background admin workspace, and a remote shell on Windows and Mac, scripting on Linux, and ad-hoc support for computers without the agent, with end-to-end encrypted sessions available. It overlaps with Action1 on patching (7,400+ applications across Windows, macOS, and Linux from one agent), and also covers 70+ framework GRC mapping, administrator elevation and execution prevention (no kernel driver), curated SaaS / shadow-AI discovery, replacement prioritization, and helpdesk.
For MSPs whose only need is patching, Action1 is a credible focused tool. For MSPs that need an RMM with security and compliance built in, Lavawall® is the broader platform.
Where Lavawall® wins for MSPs
Lavawall® is broader by design. Patching is one of many native capabilities. For MSPs delivering CMMC 2.0, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or cyber-insurance readiness, Lavawall® collects the evidence automatically from the RMM. Check Action1's documentation for what it provides.
Multi-tenant cloud breach detection (M365 / Entra ID / Azure / Google Workspace). Lavawall® delivers it natively. Check Action1's documentation for its scope.
Lavawall® patches Windows, macOS, and Linux from one agent. Check Action1's documentation for its macOS and Linux coverage.
Where Action1 wins
Action1's free tier (first 200 endpoints) is a strong on-ramp for small IT shops that only need patching.
For an organization whose entire need is Windows-centric patching and that does not need multi-tenant management, Action1 is a focused, low-friction choice.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Lavawall® | Action1 |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier (small fleets) | 14-day free trial; 2 free domains forever (Scout) | Yes, ≤200 endpoints |
| Cross-platform patching (Windows / macOS / Linux) | Full parity, 7,400+ applications | Check Action1's documentation |
| Compliance framework mapping | 70+ frameworks with auditor-ready System Security Plan (SSP) and remediation plan (POA&M) | Patch reports |
| M365 / Entra ID / Azure breach detection | Native multi-tenant identity threat detection and response (ITDR) | Check Action1's documentation |
| Google Workspace breach detection | Native | Check Action1's documentation |
| Administrator elevation and execution prevention (no kernel driver) | Native | Check Action1's documentation |
| Multi-tenant remote support | Browser-based, country-restricted by default | Check Action1's documentation |
| Curated SaaS / shadow-AI discovery | 1,277-app catalogue with user attribution | Check Action1's documentation |
| Smart helpdesk (per-named-agent unlimited tickets) | US$59 / agent / month | Check Action1's documentation |
| Akira ransomware indicator hunter | Native | Check Action1's documentation |
| Built and used by an audit firm | ThreeShield (CISSP / CISA) | Check Action1's documentation |
Who should pick which?
Pick Lavawall® if…
MSPs that need patching plus security, GRC, breach detection, helpdesk, and remote support in one platform.
MSPs serving regulated clients (CMMC, HIPAA, PCI, SOC 2, PIPEDA, NERC CIP).
Pick Action1 if…
Small IT shops below 200 endpoints with primarily Windows fleets and no need for multi-tenant management or compliance evidence collection.
Frequently asked
- Can I run both Action1 and Lavawall®?
- Yes. Lavawall® can be installed through any tool that runs a script, and it can run alongside Action1 while you move over. Lavawall® covers patching itself, along with remote support, scripting, security, and compliance, so you can retire the other tool when you are ready.
- Does Lavawall® cover Linux patching?
- Yes. Debian-family (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint) and Red Hat-family (RHEL, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky, Fedora) operating-system updates plus the application catalogue.
Security and FIPS 140-3 by design
An RMM can end up holding the keys to everything it manages. Lavawall® is built the other way. The secrets that matter (vault items, server credentials, and any key pushed to an endpoint) are encrypted where you are and stored by us only as ciphertext, so an administrator with full access to our database sees encrypted blobs and nothing to open them with. See security and privacy.
Lavawall®’s relay and Windows and Mac agents use a FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic module, the Go Cryptographic Module, NIST CMVP certificate #5247, and sign-in can be restricted to a FIPS 140-3 validated security key, the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series, certificate #5291. In-browser encryption uses the FIPS 140-3 approved algorithms. Full detail is on FIPS 140-3 support.
That same secret-handling powers WireGuard deployment across the fleet. Each endpoint generates its own private key locally and only the public key comes back, so the tunnel’s private key is never in a script, a log, or our database. Weighing Action1 for a regulated environment? This is the line worth checking against your obligation.