# ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus vs SolarWinds Service Desk Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SolarWinds Service Desk excels in user experience, highlighting its **intuitive interface** and **easy navigation**. Users appreciate the straightforward design, which makes it accessible for all team members, while ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, although customizable, can require more effort to configure effectively.
- **Users say** that SolarWinds Service Desk offers a **quick implementation process** , with many praising the **automated ticketing system** that enhances efficiency. In contrast, some ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus users mention that while it has rich configurations, it often necessitates **custom coding** for optimal use, which can slow down setup.
- **Reviewers mention** that SolarWinds Service Desk provides **strong and responsive support** , with users noting the quality of assistance they receive. On the other hand, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus users have expressed mixed feelings about support, indicating that it may not always meet their expectations.
- **According to verified reviews** , SolarWinds Service Desk is favored for its **integrated IT asset management** features, which streamline operations. Users find this integration particularly beneficial for managing assets alongside ticketing, whereas ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, while flexible, can feel overwhelming due to its extensive customization options.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that SolarWinds Service Desk has a competitive entry-level price, making it more accessible for mid-market companies. In contrast, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus starts at a significantly higher price point, which may deter smaller organizations from adopting it.
- **Users report** that both products perform well in terms of meeting requirements, but SolarWinds Service Desk stands out with its **ease of use** and **administration** scores, making daily operations smoother. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, while powerful, can sometimes overwhelm users with its complexity.



| | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 249 | 778 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (59.8% of reviews) | Mid-Market (68.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starts at $1195  (For 10 technicians annually) | $39.00 Per Month | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

Pros:
- Ease of Use (9 reviews)
- Features (8 reviews)

Cons:
- Complexity (4 reviews)
- Complex Setup (4 reviews)

### SolarWinds Service Desk

Pros:
- Asset Management (4 reviews)
- Ticketing System (4 reviews)

Cons:
- Insufficient Information (3 reviews)
- Expensive (2 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (221 reviews) | 8.6 (693 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (221 reviews) | 9.0 (706 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.1 (162 reviews) | 8.6 (571 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (159 reviews) | 8.9 (580 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (205 reviews) | 8.9 (676 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (151 reviews) | 9.0 (560 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.1 (213 reviews) | 9.0 (677 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Standard Edition help desk module

Price: Starts at $1195  (For 10 technicians annually)

Description: The standard edition is free of charge on both the On-Premises and cloud versions, with no restrictions on the number tickets or end users or on the amount of cloud storage supported. You can enjoy a world-class help desk experience with no restrictions!

Key Features:
- Self service portal
- Incident management
- Active Directory integration

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/manageengine-servicedesk-plus/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SolarWinds Service Desk

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: ESSENTIALS

Price: $39.00 Per Month

Description: Includes:

Key Features:
- Incident Management
- Knowledge Base
- Service Portal

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-service-desk/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Help Desk

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | 8.1/10 | 38 |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | N/A | N/A |

#### Ticket and Case Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ticket creation user experience** | 8.5 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Ticket response user experience** | 8.7 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow** | 8.7 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Response Automation** | 8.9 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **SLA Management** | 8.4 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Attachments/Screencasts** | 8.5 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Ticket Collaboration** | 8.6 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customer and Contacts Database** | 8.1 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 6.8 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 6.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Help Desk

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Communication Channels

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Customer Portal** | 8.4 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Email to Case** | 9.1 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Chat/Live Support** | 7.9 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Social Integration** | 7.1 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Voice** | 6.5 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobile User Support** | 7.5 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customization ** | 7.9 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | 8.5 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integration** | 7.8 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.2 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboards** | 8.3 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### IT Service Management (ITSM) Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | 8.7/10 | 47 |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | 8.5/10 | 140 |

#### Administration

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Change Management** | 8.8 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (106 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Asset Management** | 8.8 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (112 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Reports & Analytics** | 8.9 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (120 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Service Desk

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Help Desk** | 9.2 (42 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.3 (127 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Incident Reports** | 8.9 (41 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.2 (126 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Process Workflow** | 8.9 (41 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (121 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | 8.6 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (67 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Administration Console** | 8.6 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (66 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Access Management** | 8.6 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (65 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Asset Management** | 8.7 (36 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (59 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Policy Dictation** | 8.1 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.5 (48 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ticketing System** | 9.1 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.2 (73 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Performance Logging** | 8.5 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (55 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Alerting** | 8.8 (36 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (62 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Automation** | 8.5 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (67 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Agentic AI - IT Service Management (ITSM) Tools

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### Incident Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | 8.4/10 | 34 |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | 7.6/10 | 108 |

#### Monitoring

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Constant Monitoring** | 8.9 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (76 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Timely Alerts** | 9.2 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (85 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **TIcket Accuracy** | 9.1 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (90 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **AI Monitoring** | 6.4 (6 reviews) | 4.3 (9 reviews) | 

#### Management Tools

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ticket Assignment** | 9.2 (32 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.0 (96 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Standardization** | 8.7 (30 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (99 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Lifecycle Visualization** | 8.9 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (85 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.6 (12 reviews) | 5.9 (24 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.6 (12 reviews) | 6.5 (24 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Incident Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### IT Asset Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | 8.2/10 | 75 |

#### Asset Inventory

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware Asset Inventory** | Not enough data | 8.6 (66 reviews) | 
| **Software Asset Inventory** | Not enough data | 8.4 (63 reviews) | 
| **Cloud Asset Inventory** | Not enough data | 8.1 (50 reviews) | 
| **Mobile Asset Inventory** | Not enough data | 8.0 (50 reviews) | 
| **Asset Discovery** | Not enough data | 8.0 (60 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Agentic AI - IT Asset Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Central Dashboard** | Not enough data | 8.6 (65 reviews) | 
| **Asset Policy Management** | Not enough data | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 
| **Risk Management** | Not enough data | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 
| **Integrations** | Not enough data | 8.2 (56 reviews) | 

### Software Asset Management Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Software inventory and lifecycle management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **License entitlement and usage management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vendor management and compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automated end user license provisioning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Approved app catalogue** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customized alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Software Asset Management Tools

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Risk assessment

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Shadow IT detection** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Software vulnerability assessment** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Redundant software functionality identification** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### Service Desk

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus** | 8.2/10 | 113 |
| **SolarWinds Service Desk** | 8.3/10 | 485 |

#### Incident Management

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automate Ticket Routing** | 8.7 (95 reviews) | 8.6 (430 reviews) | 
| **Ticket Prioritization** | 8.6 (95 reviews) | 8.6 (423 reviews) | 
| **Ticket Notifications** | 8.8 (99 reviews) | 8.8 (458 reviews) | 
| **Knowledge Base** | 7.9 (91 reviews) | 8.3 (412 reviews) | 
| **Knowledge Base/Ticket Integration** | 8.1 (89 reviews) | 8.5 (396 reviews) | 

#### Reporting

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dashboards** | 8.3 (95 reviews) | 8.3 (454 reviews) | 
| **Time Tracking** | 8.5 (86 reviews) | 8.2 (356 reviews) | 
| **Surveys** | 8.0 (74 reviews) | 8.0 (329 reviews) | 

#### Access & Usability

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobile** | 7.2 (75 reviews) | 7.2 (359 reviews) | 
| **Self Service** | 8.1 (81 reviews) | 8.5 (400 reviews) | 
| **Active Directory** | 8.6 (91 reviews) | 8.3 (340 reviews) | 
| **Multi-Channel Access** | 7.9 (69 reviews) | 8.5 (276 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Service Desk

| Feature | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [IT Service Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-service-management-itsm-tools), [Service Desk Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/service-desk), [Incident Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/incident-management)

**Unique to ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (1):** [Help Desk Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/help-desk)

**Unique to SolarWinds Service Desk (2):** [IT Asset Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-asset-management), [Software Asset Management (SAM) Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/software-asset-management-tools)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | SolarWinds Service Desk | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 8.7% | 7.9% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 59.8% | 68.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 31.5% | 23.8% | 

### By Industry

#### ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

- **Information Technology and Services:** 18.8%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 5.0%
- **Financial Services:** 5.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 4.2%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 2.9%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 2.9%
- **Computer Software:** 2.5%
- **Education Management:** 2.5%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 2.1%
- **Hospitality:** 2.1%
- **Other:** 52.1%

#### SolarWinds Service Desk

- **Information Technology and Services:** 12.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 7.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.8%
- **Education Management:** 4.7%
- **Financial Services:** 4.3%
- **Computer Software:** 4.0%
- **Construction:** 3.3%
- **Retail:** 3.1%
- **Insurance:** 3.1%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 2.7%
- **Other:** 49.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

- [Freshservice](https://www.g2.com/products/freshservice/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1335 reviews)
- [Jira Service Management](https://www.g2.com/products/jira-service-management/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (977 reviews)
- [ServiceNow IT Service Management](https://www.g2.com/products/servicenow-it-service-management/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1865 reviews)
- [SysAid](https://www.g2.com/products/sysaid/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (747 reviews)
- [SolarWinds Web Help Desk](https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-web-help-desk/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (60 reviews)
- [ConnectWise PSA](https://www.g2.com/products/connectwise-psa/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (579 reviews)
- [Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk](https://www.g2.com/products/spiceworks-cloud-help-desk/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (311 reviews)
- [BMC Helix ITSM](https://www.g2.com/products/bmc-software-bmc-helix-itsm/reviews) — 3.7/5 stars (294 reviews)
- [Atera](https://www.g2.com/products/atera/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1144 reviews)
- [Ivanti Neurons for ITSM](https://www.g2.com/products/ivanti-neurons-for-itsm/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (224 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolarWinds Service Desk

- [Freshservice](https://www.g2.com/products/freshservice/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1335 reviews)
- [ServiceNow IT Service Management](https://www.g2.com/products/servicenow-it-service-management/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1865 reviews)
- [Jira Service Management](https://www.g2.com/products/jira-service-management/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (977 reviews)
- [Atera](https://www.g2.com/products/atera/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1144 reviews)
- [SysAid](https://www.g2.com/products/sysaid/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (747 reviews)
- [BMC Helix ITSM](https://www.g2.com/products/bmc-software-bmc-helix-itsm/reviews) — 3.7/5 stars (294 reviews)
- [NinjaOne](https://www.g2.com/products/ninjaone/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (4304 reviews)
- [Vivantio](https://www.g2.com/products/vivantio/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (295 reviews)
- [Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk](https://www.g2.com/products/spiceworks-cloud-help-desk/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (311 reviews)
- [PagerDuty](https://www.g2.com/products/pagerduty/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (953 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

- Title: [What is ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-manageengine-servicedesk-plus-used-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Comment deleted by user."

### SolarWinds Service Desk

- Title: [How do I upload a solution article using tablets or phones?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/32754-how-do-i-upload-a-solution-article-using-tablets-or-phones) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Unfortunately, we can’t create Solutions from the mobile app.
"
- Title: [Windows Installer](https://www.g2.com/discussions/windows-installer-8d44379e-0179-4f26-9745-c6a388d84665) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "This one is easy. When Samanage became Solarwinds we quit using the product and went elsewhere. 

Samanage had an EXE and an ISO. I'm none to interested in..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/manageengine-servicedesk-plus-vs-solarwinds-service-desk)