IT

Best MDM Software

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from links on Crazy Egg. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinions.

Mobile device management (MDM) software makes protecting, securing, deploying, and managing employee devices easier than ever before—even if they’re lost or stolen. You can even use it to pre-configure devices and perform remote troubleshooting. After researching MDM platforms, Kandji is our top pick for most people. For companies and organizations that run on Apple products, there’s no better 360-degree solution for making sure those devices are configured properly, up-to-date, and secure.

The Best MDM Software for Most

Kandji Logo

Kandji

Best for Most

Built for teams that lean hard on Apple devices, Kandji can handle anything your fleet of devices can throw at it and then some. Manage configurations, security, access, deployment, and monitoring from one elegant platform.

Kandji is a mobile device management platform that reflects the elevated UX that Apple device users love and expect. Secure, manage, configure, and deploy your organization’s devices with ease. And Kandji handles much more than just iPhones—manage iPads, MacBooks, Apple TVs, and more.

With a dizzying array of customizable, automatable features, Kandji is some of the most powerful MDM software out there. Instantly configure and provision devices for team members with just a couple of clicks, including brand-new devices straight out of the box. Kandji’s Blueprints make it easy to set configurations, apps, and security settings for dozens or hundreds of devices with no extra effort.

The Best MDM Software to Consider: 

  1. Kandji – Best MDM software for most
  2. Jamf – Best MDM software for Apple device management
  3. ManageEngine – Best for managing employee-owned devices
  4. Miradore – Best MDM for organizations with a wide variety of devices
  5. Moki – Best for customer-facing device management
  6. Scalefusion – Best for warehouse and frontline device management
  7. DriveStrike – Best for protecting lost, stolen, and retired devices

When It Makes Sense to Invest in MDM Software

Many businesses these days—even small companies and startups—keep equipment costs down by allowing employees to use their own devices. 

While this flexibility of BYOD is great for most of the parties involved, it introduces new challenges to IT teams in charge of ensuring data security on employee-owned devices. 

Mobile device use poses significant cybersecurity threats to companies that allow it unchecked. And only 37% of organizations have control over users’ cloud apps on their devices, meaning that nearly two-thirds of companies are at a substantially higher risk of malware attacks.

It’s particularly crucial for employees who frequently handle sensitive or private information regarding their customers or business partners, such as those in healthcare who need to maintain HIPAA compliance. 

MDM software helps you confront these challenges and so much more. 

If you use mobile devices as interactive customer-facing kiosks or other single-purpose deployments, MDM software is even versatile enough to help you manage them remotely.

Investing in MDM software is a smart idea if you’re:

  • Implementing new device policies
  • Struggling with manual device management
  • Allowing employees to use their own devices
  • Shifting to a remote work environment
  • Experiencing data security issues
  • Handling sensitive information
  • Adding new business locations
  • Expanding your team

The bottom line: if your employees or customers use mobile devices that contain corporate data—including desktops, laptops, tablets, rugged devices, self-service kiosks, POS devices, and mobile phones—in any capacity, MDM software is a smart (and affordable) idea. 

#1 – Kandji — The Best MDM Software for Most

Kandji Logo

Kandji

Best for Most

Built for teams that lean hard on Apple devices, Kandji can handle anything your fleet of devices can throw at it and then some. Manage configurations, security, access, deployment, and monitoring from one elegant platform.

A lot of organizations lean heavily on Apple devices. That’s why Kandji built an MDM platform to match the level of user experience for admins that Apple products deliver to their users.

This is 360-degree mobile (and non-mobile) device management. From iPhones and MacBooks to Apple TVs and more, you can set up any Apple device with preconfigured apps and settings with ease. Every employee, team member, or contractor gets a device that’s ready to use in the way you want them used.

Kandji makes this easy through its Liftoff feature, allowing for zero-touch configuration of Apple devices—even ones you’ve just purchased and haven’t even unboxed yet. Liftoff quickly imparts your configuration instructions and even has error handling and recovery features to prevent false starts from poor WiFi, low battery, or user error issues.

In Kandji, you can set up Blueprints that you can apply to any Apple device in your fleet. Those Blueprints not only automate first-time configuration, but can also include security templates provided by Kandji.

Security Blueprints cover everything from forced OS and software updates to firewalls, login and keyrings, and more. These settings are enforced by the Kandji Agent tool that gets installed on any device you plan to deploy.

And, of course, Kandji delivers other essential security features for MDM, like remote lock and wipe, account recovery, and more. You can even utilize custom scripts for automating any of your organization’s unique needs for controlling devices.

Admins can see and handle everything from one elegant interface, including viewing device activity and delivering real-time alerts. But users aren’t left in the dark. Kandji Agent gives your team members plenty of forewarning about pending critical updates or issues that need to be resolved before continuing to use a device.

We’re really just scratching the surface here. There’s near-endless customization and automation capability in Kandji and it also integrates cleanly with platforms you’re already using, like Slack, Okta, G Suite, Microsoft 365, and Apple Business Manager.

Kandji’s software is quite capable for experienced MDM admins, but they know not everyone will have all the answers for everything device management can throw at them. Kandji’s support agents are Mac admin pros, so they can quickly assist you should issues arise.

Kandji offers custom-priced plans that depend on the number of users you need to accommodate and the types of devices you need to manage.

Kandji offers custom-priced plans that depend on the number of users you need to accommodate and the types of Apple devices you need to manage. No matter what, you get all the features mentioned above, plus Kandji’s migration and onboarding assistance.

If your team relies heavily on Apple devices, give them (and your admins) the MDM they deserve by choosing Kandji.

#2 – Jamf — The Best Price for Apple Device Management

Jamf Logo

Jamf

Best Price for iOS Devices

Manage and secure your business’s Apple ecosystem for less than a cup of coffee a month. Choose from a variety of tools designed to help deploy, secure, and automate device management across your entire company starting at just $4 per device per month with the first three devices for free.

If your team relies heavily or entirely on Apple devices, Jamf is the way to go. It offers a suite of device management products designed to help Apple-heavy teams stay on top of their devices and deploy them in a few clicks or taps from anywhere.

One of our favorite things about it is that it’s not just for iPhones. It’s compatible with all macOS computers, iPads, and Apple TVs, making it the solution for Apple-driven workplaces. 

Jamf’s suite of Apple-only tools helps businesses of all sizes connect, protect, and manage their devices remotely.

Its modular design means you can choose which tools you need without having to pay for those you don’t. Not only that, but each product is affordable and accessible for even the smallest of businesses.

Jamf dlashboard

With Jamf Connect, you can deploy fully functioning devices with all the apps and settings you’d like in a few clicks or taps. It’s an excellent option if you deploy numerous company devices and want a better way to provision them.

It’s compatible with macOS devices and is $4 per month per device for the Business tier. 

Connect is especially helpful for onboarding new employees and making quick changes day-to-day. All new users need to do is set up their new computer, turn it on, and log in using a single set of cloud-identity credentials. 

From there, they can access all the applications they need within seconds. There are no more waiting days (or even weeks) for the approvals and access they need to do their jobs.

Instead, they can get started right away.

It also comes with essential identity management features that allow administrators to see who’s accessing what and where they’re accessing it from, ensuring devices and sensitive information are secure at all times. 

Most businesses use it in conjunction with Jamf Now or Jamf Pro for complete identity and device management capabilities. However, you don’t have to use them together if you don’t need to.

Jamf Now is device management specifically for small teams and businesses without dedicated technical support. It’s ready to go out of the box, supports all Apple products, and includes the first three devices for free. After that, each device is $4 per month. It supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS.

Jamf Now landing page for small business MDM

The best part is that there’s zero setup required. You don’t need an in-house team to manage your devices. The management dashboard is easy enough for anyone to pick up in just a few minutes.

Jamf Pro is for enterprises and IT professionals that need comprehensive management for their Apple devices. It exists to help automate device deployment and ongoing device management at scale. Pro pricing is $3.67 per iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS device per month. It costs $7.89 per macOS device per month. 

You can also opt for additional macOS protection with Jamf Protect for $6 per month per device. With it, administrators can help prevent malware and detect issues before they become a headache. 

If you subscribe to all the Jamf products, you receive features and benefits including:

  • Customizable inventory dashboards
  • Unlimited custom configuration profiles
  • Patch management features
  • A branded self-service app for employees
  • Identity-based user access
  • Endpoint security monitoring
  • Advanced threat protection

Business subscriptions start at $13.95 per month, billed annually with a 25-user minimum.

Jamf even has plans and solutions built for educational institutions, as well as customized enterprise packages and pricing.

Request a free trial to learn more about which Jamf products are right for you and how they can help streamline device management processes across your business today!

#3 – ManageEngine — The Best MDM Software for Employee-Owned Devices

ManageEngine Logo

ManageEngine

Best for BYOD Environments

Enterprise mobility management software robust enough for employee-owned and company-owned mobile devices. Get everything you need to effortlessly deploy app packages, secure corporate data, and improve productivity with ease. Free for up to 25 devices!

If your team uses their own devices rather than devices issued by the company, you face unique device management challenges, including security, privacy, and keeping your team focused on work… while at work.

ManageEngine is our top pick for tackling challenges related to a bring-your-own-device environment.

At its core, it’s a comprehensive mobile device management tool that helps simplify device and app management, policy compliance, and enhanced data security for all types of devices (including both employee-owned and company-owned devices).

It’s particularly useful in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) situations because it helps separate personal and corporate information within the same device. 

ManageEngine does an excellent job at keeping personal data private while securing corporate information.

When employees use their own devices for work, that split is crucial. You know you can’t be too invasive on someone else’s personal device—it’s not yours to invade in the first place. But you also need enough control to ensure sensitive company data stays secure no matter what.

Corporate information is always securely stored in an encrypted container separate from personal data, making the separation between work and personal life a breeze for your team.

ManageEngine is one of the best enterprise MDM tools on the market today and it’s compatible with virtually every operating system, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and ChromeOS. 

It offers much wider potential to centralize device management since you can manage both computers and mobile devices—regardless of their operating system—within one platform. 

With ManageEngine, administrators can effortlessly distribute apps from any app store and manage app licenses or gather usage data in just a few clicks. Pre-configured apps and settings are a breeze, ensuring each app is ready to go the moment it’s installed.

Administrators can even configure user and device profiles for use with specified VPNs, WiFi networks, and specific applications based on the user’s department. 

With ManageEngine, you get a wide range of other features and benefits, including:

  • Document sharing to mobile devices
  • Secure document access and viewing
  • Automatic document updates
  • Ten supported document formats
  • Third-party backup restrictions
  • Restricted personal email access
  • Secure email attachment access
  • An intuitive device ecosystem dashboards

For lost devices or employee offboarding, administrators can remotely locate and wipe corporate data to ensure data security with a few clicks in just a matter of seconds. 

You can rest easy knowing your company data is safe after employees leave or if devices are lost, misplaced, or stolen. 

Additional security features include the ability to identify jail-broken or non-compliant devices within your network and role-based usage permissions for corporate apps or other accounts with sensitive information. 

You can also leverage these security features to ensure employees stay productive throughout the day. For example, you can easily set app-usage restrictions or set up a corporate list of pre-approved apps for users to choose from to minimize distractions . 

Plus, IT specialists can troubleshoot devices by viewing them from their computer or controlling them remotely, empowering them to solve device-related issues in real-time. 

If you have fewer than 25 devices, you get all of these features for free. 

When you’re ready to upgrade, the basic plan starts at $495 per year and the professional plan starts at $895 per year, both for up to 50 devices as an on-premise deployment. 

This makes the basic plan $9.90 per device per year and the professional plan $17.90 per device per year. 

You can choose between on-premise and cloud deployments, depending on your needs, how fast you want to deploy, and your existing infrastructure. 

Sign up for a free 30-day trial to see if ManageEngine is right for you and your team today!

#4 – Miradore — The Best for a Wide Variety of Devices

Miradore Logo

Miradore

Best for Varied Devices

Get everything you need to manage unlimited mobile devices for FREE. Miradore is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows plus you can get up and running in a matter of minutes, making it an excellent choice for most businesses. Paid plans start at just $2.75 per device per month!

Whether you supply devices or have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment, you need an intuitive MDM solution that plays nice with all the major operating systems. 

Miradore is a top-rated option that delivers an extremely user-friendly way to manage devices across your entire business, whether they’re Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows. The paid plan also includes ANY device for complete control of your entire fleet.

Device deployment takes just a few clicks and you can quickly add new devices to your account in a matter of seconds. It also makes device management, permissions, remote troubleshooting, and remote app installations a breeze. 

Even if you’re a small business or just getting started, the software eliminates the need for smaller teams to hire new employees dedicated solely to managing devices and streamlining basic IT operations. 

Miradore offers an incredibly robust free plan with unlimited devices, so you can start managing everything without paying a single penny. 

It’s an excellent place to start if you’re on a tight budget or brand new to the world of mobile device management. 

It comes with one administrator and various features, including:

  • Warranty tracking
  • Remote device locking and wiping
  • Custom lock screens for missing devices
  • Remote device alarms to locate misplaced devices
  • Storage encryption for mobile devices
  • Email, wifi, VPN, contact, and passcode configurations
  • Standard reporting features
  • Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows compatibility

The free plan includes everything you need at a basic level. And when you’re ready to upgrade or need more advanced functionality, paid plans are flexible and based on the number of devices you have, starting at $2.75 per month per device. 

This means, you can affordably upgrade to more advanced features when you need to, since Miradore’s paid plans are designed to scale alongside your business as it grows. 

The business plan also includes current location information and historical locations for up to three months in the past. Location tracking is particularly beneficial for lost devices or managers who handle employees at various job sites. 

However, you may not need this capability when you’re just getting started. So, you can always start with the free plan while you learn how to leverage it and upgrade when you’re ready. 

The paid tier includes restriction configurations to limit access to particular URLs and apps, kiosk mode, advanced security features, application management, and app whitelisting/blacklisting functionality.  

It also supports other devices like printers, monitors, and headsets for full control over every device across your entire business. 

Regardless of the plan you choose, you can get up and running in a matter of minutes (rather than days or weeks), making it an excellent choice for smaller teams looking for an affordable quick-start solution that scales alongside their business without breaking the bank. 

Sign up for a free account to see if Miradore is right for you today!

#5 – Moki — The Best MDM Solution for Customer-Facing Device Management

Moki Logo

Moki

Best for Customer-Facing Devices

Get everything you need to remotely deploy branded (and secure) touchpoints via your POS system, digital signage, or an interactive customer-facing kiosk in as little as 15 minutes. Includes apps to turn any mobile device into a single-purpose experience. Compatible with Android, iOS, and Brightsign.

Customer-facing devices require more security features than employee devices since they’re out in the open. They also require advanced content controls and customizable branding to improve the customer experience. 

This is true whether you’re using a POS system, digital signage, or interactive kiosks. 

While many MDM tools offer that functionality at a basic level, Moki helps you control and secure your customer-facing devices while spending less time deploying, updating, and monitoring them. 

Since it’s Moki’s specialty, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting top-of-the-line protection for all of your devices.

With Moki, you can easily control any device remotely, monitor its health, and configure custom notifications for quick troubleshooting when things go wrong. 

But the best part is that you can take new devices live in as little as 15 minutes with minimal-touch device deployment using a cloud-based dashboard. Your IT team doesn’t even need to be onsite to get new devices or displays up and rolling. 

You can create customized lock screens, white-label app icons, customize device navigation, run a single app, and restrict unauthorized usage at the device level. 

You can also take advantage of numerous Moki apps built to turn standard devices into powerful, branded single-purpose devices in just a few taps. 

For example, Moki Kiosk can turn your iOS or Android tablet into a digital ordering device for restaurants, a self-service device for automotive repair businesses, or a branded display of your nonprofit’s top achievements to date. 

With Moki, you can also turn any device into digital signage by locking it into a single application. 

From there, you can connect a CMS or media player to remotely manage the device and push new content updates as required. 

Moki digital signage display through BrightSign

Alternatively, you can customize and extend every connected device’s functionality using various developer tools, SDKs, and APIs if you have highly custom needs.

It’s powerful enough for just about any type of customer experience you can imagine. 

The Moki platform is compatible with Android Agent, Android Enterprise, iOS, and Brightsign. And it’s designed to work for various industries, including:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Nonprofit
  • Retail
  • Restaurants
  • Automotive
  • Transportation

Your healthcare facility may utilize digital signage designed to educate visitors or display announcements facility-wide. Moki offers an unprecedented level of control over these displays from one centralized location so you can make changes or push new content in a few clicks.

Or, as a restaurant, you may have tablets or mobile devices for customers to order food. 

The Moki Kiosk app can help lock those devices into single-purpose menu environments so users can’t do anything else.

Regardless of what you do, how you do it, and where you do it, Moki has you covered with an intuitive MDM platform that makes secure customer-facing mobile device management a breeze. 

Pricing isn’t available online. But you can request a free demo customized to your use cases to learn more, ask questions, get two weeks for free, and see if Moki is right for you today!

#6 – Scalefusion — The Best for Warehouse and Frontline Device Management

Scalefusion Logo

Scalefusion

Best for Warehouse Devices

The perfect solution for IT specialists interested in streamlining field and rugged warehouse device deployment with ease. Compatible with a wide range of systems including iOS, Android, Zebra, Honeywell, wearable devices, car-mounted devices, and more. Paid plans start at just $2 per month per device!

Mobile devices connect warehouses, frontline workers, office workers, and everyone in between. But it goes beyond just smartphones. Enhanced mobility is an excellent step forward for mobile teams, but it makes managing those devices more challenging. 

Managing hundreds of employer-issued devices is difficult in itself, let alone devices that get passed from one employee to another across shift changes, departments, warehouses, and locations.

There are dozens of moving parts, making it difficult to keep these devices running, up to date, physically maintained, and secure all the time.

Until now. 

Scalefusion is MDM software that simplifies device management for numerous operating systems that other MDM tools ignore, particularly for warehouses, production lines, and field service settings. 

Despite its clear focus on an underrepresented segment of the market, it’s really easy to use. You can configure, secure, and manage mobile devices straight out of the box. It also helps streamline device issue resolution resulting in less downtime and improved productivity on the floor.

Your IT team can provide remote support via mirrored device screens or full control of remote devices to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Plus, you can configure app packages, device policies, and security restrictions before devices ever make their way into the field or warehouse. Because of that, your team can get to work immediately rather than wasting days or even weeks waiting for the right setup.

Administrators can push applications to connected devices without end-user actions and you can update and manage these devices, regardless of where they are or who’s in control of which device at any given time.

Alternatively, you can restrict access to specific apps and URLs or disable unauthorized downloads to eliminate distractions and limit corporate information to only the people who need to see it. 

What really sets Scalefusion apart for warehouse and field service work is its compatibility with an array of devices beyond smartphones:

  • iOS and Android phones/tablets
  • Honeywell, Zebra, and Datalogic rugged devices
  • Handheld RFID readers
  • Wearable computers
  • Vehicle-mounted computers

If devices are ever lost or misplaced, administrators can track device locations in real-time and disable or wipe devices to maintain complete security. 

Users can also set up automatic geofences with real-time notifications when a device leaves or enters a specified area. 

There are four pricing plans to choose from, starting at $2 per month per device with basic mobile device management features. Scalefusion’s Growth plan starts at $3.5 per device per month, and it’s designed to support BYOD policies.

The Business plan is $5 per device per month with access to remote troubleshooting features and more administrator accounts. And the Enterprise plan is $6 per device per month with unlimited administrator accounts, more storage space, and access to all Scalefusion features. 

Scalfusion pricing table showing 4 plans and prices for each

It’s worth noting that Scalefusion does require an annual commitment for all plans. But you can save 15% with a two-year contract and 25% with a three-year contract.

Whether you’re a manufacturing company, a retail chain, a construction business, a healthcare facility, or an educational institution, Scalefusion makes it easy to manage and monitor your devices regardless of where they are and how they’re used. 

Sign up for a 14-day free trial to take Scalefusion for a test drive today!

#7 – DriveStrike — The Best for Protecting Lost, Stolen, and Retired Devices

DriveStrike Logo

DriveStrike

Best for Lost & Retired Devices

Get everything you need to locate, lock, and wipe at-risk or lost mobile devices in just a few seconds. DriveStrike is compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux devices and is HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, and DoD compliant for even the most sensitive corporate data. Paid plans start at $15 per device per year!

Unfortunately, devices get lost or stolen all the time. 

If one of your employees falls victim to this, it can be dangerous depending on what’s on the device and how well you protect it from unauthorized use.  

If this is where your current mobile device management software falls short, DriveStrike is an excellent addition to your existing MDM stack.

It’s compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux devices, making it an excellent data security solution for businesses leveraging multiple operating systems. 

DriveStrike is HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, and DoD compliant, delivering advanced security and information protection for businesses with extremely sensitive data that can’t make its way into the open.

With it, you can track virtually any connected device in just a few clicks. 

Real-time device tracking is handy for mobile teams and field representatives who are always on the go or offices in high-crime areas. The location tracking feature uses the most accurate location data available, whether it’s GPS, WiFi triangulation, or an IP address location. 

As such, you always get the most precise location results regardless of where the device is. This can help you find it and decide if you need to lock and wipe the device to keep confidential information secure. 

If you do need to lock or wipe the device, you can do so in just a few seconds. Lockouts may be necessary if you notice unauthorized access or unusual activity. You can easily kick everyone out and reboot the device, forcing everyone to login again. 

There are various levels to this, from only requiring users to log in again to deactivating at-risk accounts and forcing them to contact you for instructions on reactivating their device. 

Alternatively, you can wipe and destroy data on any device just as quickly. You can configure it only to destroy specific data or to destroy everything, depending on sensitivity. 

DriveStrike also offers offline wiping for devices you want to recycle, donate, or sell. It’s as easy as inserting a USB stick into the device to erase confidential, classified, and private data before giving it to someone else. 

DriveStrike pricing table

For up to 20 devices, you’ll pay $20 per device per year. That annual rate per device drops to $15 when you reach 21 or more devices and $13.50 for 101 or more. And those volume discounts drop all the way to $12.50 when you hit 501 or more devices.

If you’re currently using manual MDM processes, DriveStrike can function as a lightweight MDM to help take some of the burden off your IT department’s plate. But, it’s not as comprehensive as the other options on this list, instead placing a larger focus on advanced security capabilities for highly sensitive information.

The good news is that it comes with an affordable price tag with steep volume discounts.

Sign up for a free 30-day trial to see if DriveStrike is right for you and your team today!

Methodology for Choosing the Best MDM Software

The MDM software options on this list vary in complexity, operating system compatibility, device types, ease of use, and a wide range of other factors. 

To help ensure you cover all your bases and make the right decision, we put together a definitive list of factors to consider as you go through the process. 

Operating System and Device Type Compatibility

This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best MDM software for your business. Some MDM systems are compatible with various operating systems and device types, while others specialize in one area. 

And the last thing you want is an MDM solution that doesn’t cater to the devices you’re already using or plan to use in the future. 

For example, Jamf is only compatible with Apple devices. So, it’s the choice for an iOS-powered workplace but won’t be as useful for mixed devices or BYOD environments.

Moki is for customer-facing devices such as digital signage, kiosks, and POS systems. It can work for overall employee device management, but it really shines for these use cases. 

On the other hand, Scalefusion is excellent for frontline workers and rugged warehouse devices, but it also supports other devices like laptops, cellphones, and desktops. It’s also perhaps the best choice for environments where the devices are employer-issued or shared among multiple employees.

Meshing two MDM systems together isn’t your best bet, so we highly recommend choosing a specialized platform that supports the devices you’re using today and in the future. 

Employee-Owned vs. Company-Owned Devices

Ten years ago, most people used company-issued devices at work. Today, that’s not the case anymore. More and more people opt to use personal mobile devices for work so they don’t have to lug around two of everything. 

Many remote companies also require employees to use their own devices. 

While this is easier for employees and employers, it’s harder for IT departments to maintain corporate security and keep track of these devices. 

It also brings forward new challenges in terms of employee productivity and distractions. 

If your employees use their own devices, we highly recommend ManageEngine because it delivers specialized BYOD management tools. Scalefusion also offers this, but it’s more expensive and better suited for company-owned devices.

App and Profile Configuration Capabilities

Pre-configurable apps and devices are handy for streamlining employee onboarding and ensuring security as well as device policy compliance from day one. 

Furthermore, you may want to configure devices based on the user’s department, worksite, or location within your building. Certain departments may require different apps, VPNs, or WiFi networks, and the right set of configuration capabilities can help automate this process. 

You also need to decide if you want to leverage containerization, which is when a separate work profile is created on an employee’s device. 

Containered options are more secure because they don’t let any type of data flow in or out of the work profile without approval. 

This means employees must access the work profile to use their corporate email, communication tools, and other business apps. It completely separates personal and corporate data from one another, ensuring sensitive data stays where it should. 

It’s also easier to wipe corporate data from a container. While it’s more secure and more manageable for IT, it can be a hassle for the end-user.

Not opting for containerization is less secure and more challenging for IT to manage, but it’s more natural and less intrusive for the end user. 

There are pros and cons to each, so it’s crucial to weigh data sensitivity against your employees’ preferences and technical savviness. 

This may also play a role in which MDM software is best for your business, since not all providers offer containerization capabilities. 

Number of Devices and Users

All of the options on this list charge based on the number of devices and administrators you have. The only exception is Jamf’s business plan, which is charged by the user. 

However, some include a set number (or an unlimited number) of administrators, while others charge more if you need more. It’s essential to understand how many devices and administrators you have before making your final decision. 

We highly recommend estimating your annual payments for each software you’re considering. 

Doing so will help provide a clear picture of which provider and plan make the most economical sense for your business based on the features you need and the size of your business. 

Data Security and Threat Protection

Data and device security are often the most significant benefits of implementing MDM software. Regardless of the option you choose, you need the capability to lock and wipe devices of corporate data. 

It’s imperative if you’re dealing with confidential or sensitive information. 

Going back to containerization, containered options are much easier to wipe without the risk of wiping personal data and apps from employee-owned devices. All IT needs to do is remove the container, and the device is good to go. 

With un-containerized options, you run the risk of missing something important or accidentally wiping personal data from the device. 

Either way, ensure all administrators know how to lock and wipe devices if they get stolen, misplaced, or an employee leaves the company. 

You may also want to look into location tracking as well. It can help you decide if a device is simply misplaced or if it needs to be completely wiped for security reasons. 

And if you’re looking for enhanced location tracking, locking, and wiping capabilities, DriveStrike is a smart move. 

It can be used on top of your existing MDM or as a standalone lightweight MDM software with advanced security capabilities. 

Some options on this list take things a step further by providing threat protection services for different operating systems. Jamf, for example, offers additional threat protection and malware detection on macOS computers. 

Remote Troubleshooting Capabilities

Remote troubleshooting is another standout benefit of MDM software. It’s beneficial for IT departments looking for a better way to manage device issues in real-time. 

Some options on this list allow administrators to control connected devices or mirror their screens to see exactly what’s going on as it happens. Administrators may also be able to push files, apps, and other documents straight to those devices to resolve issues as quickly as possible. 

Doing so can help minimize device downtime and get users back up and running in no time without employees having to wait for IT to show up in person. 

It’s also beneficial for remote teams who may be thousands of miles away from their closest IT technician. 

Expanding Your Knowledge: Best MDM Software

Kandji Logo

Kandji

Best for Most

Built for teams that lean hard on Apple devices, Kandji can handle anything your fleet of devices can throw at it and then some. Manage configurations, security, access, deployment, and monitoring from one elegant platform.

Summary

The best MDM software for your business helps simplify, streamline, and automate your mobile device processes, regardless of how they’re used and who uses them. 

It can also help protect your business from data breaches, unauthorized users, offboarded employees, and stolen devices. And at just a few dollars per device per month, it’s affordable and accessible for even the smallest teams. 

We think Kandji is the best option for most people, but other organizations that rely more heavily on Android devices or those that have more specialized needs can find a good fit among the other products on our list.


Make your website better. Instantly.

Over 300,000 websites use Crazy Egg to improve what's working, fix what isn't and test new ideas.

Free 30-day Trial