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® overlaps on patching (7,500+ applications across Windows, macOS, and Linux from one agent) but is much broader: 15+ framework GRC mapping, multi-tenant M365 / Entra / Azure / Google Workspace breach detection, kernel-free application control, curated SaaS / shadow-AI discovery, replacement prioritization, helpdesk, and remote support.
For MSPs whose only need is patching, Action1 is a credible focused tool. For MSPs needing the full security and compliance layer, 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, Action1 is not the evidence base; Lavawall® is.
Multi-tenant cloud breach detection (M365 / Entra ID / Azure / Google Workspace) is not within Action1's scope. Lavawall® delivers it natively.
Cross-platform parity (Windows, macOS, Linux) is stronger in Lavawall® than in Action1, particularly on Linux.
Where Action1 wins
Action1's free tier (first 200 endpoints) is a strong onramp for small IT shops that only need patching.
For an organisation 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) | Yes, ≤200 endpoints | 14-day free trial; 2 free domains forever (Scout) |
| Cross-platform patching (Windows / macOS / Linux) | Strong Windows; lighter mac/Linux | Full parity, 7,500+ applications |
| Compliance framework mapping | Patch reports | 15+ frameworks with SSP/POA&M |
| M365 / Entra / Azure breach detection | No | Native multi-tenant ITDR |
| Google Workspace breach detection | No | Native |
| Application control without kernel driver | No | Native |
| Multi-tenant remote support | No | Browser-based, country-restricted by default |
| Curated SaaS / shadow-AI discovery | No | 1,130+ catalog with user attribution |
| Smart helpdesk (per-named-agent unlimited tickets) | No | US$59 / agent / month |
| Akira ransomware indicator hunter | No | Native |
| Built and used by an audit firm | No | ThreeShield (CISSP / CISA) |
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 — they coexist. Many MSPs evaluating Lavawall® start with Action1 for free-tier patching and adopt Lavawall® once they need the security and compliance layer.
- 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 catalog.