Top Software For Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile device management software (MDM) makes it easier to manage, secure, deploy, and manage employee devices, even if they are lost or stolen. It can be used to remotely troubleshoot and pre-configure devices. Kandji was our top choice after researching MDM platforms. There is no better 360-degree solution to ensure that Apple products are properly configured, secure, and up-to-date for companies and organizations.

The Best MDM Software

Kandji

Best for the Most

Kandji is designed for teams who rely on Apple devices. It can handle any device your team has and more. One platform allows you to manage configurations, security and access, deployment, monitoring, and monitoring.

Kandji, a mobile device management platform reflects the exceptional user experience that Apple users expect. With ease, you can secure, manage, configure, deploy, and even deploy your devices. Kandji manages more than iPhones. He also manages Apple TVs and MacBooks.

Kandji has a wide range of configurable, automated features that make it one of the most powerful MDM programs available. With just a few clicks, you can instantly configure and provision devices for your team members. This includes brand-new devices right out of the box. Blueprints by Kandji make it simple to configure, the app and secure settings for hundreds or even thousands of devices.

Here are the Best MDM Softwares to Consider:

Kandji is the best MDM software available.
Jamf is the best MDM software to manage Apple devices
ManageEngine is the best for managing employee-owned devices
Miradore Best MDM for Organizations with a Wide Variety of Devices
Moki is the best for managing customer-facing devices
Scalefusion is best for frontline and warehouse device management
DriveStrike is the best way to protect your retired, stolen, or lost devices

MDM Software: When it makes sense to invest

Businesses, even small businesses, and startups, are finding ways to keep equipment costs low by giving employees the ability to use their own devices.

This flexibility is great for all parties, but it presents new challenges to IT departments responsible for ensuring data security on employee-owned devices.

This is especially important for employees who are frequently exposed to sensitive or private information about customers or business partners.

MDM software can help you overcome these and many other challenges.

MDM software can be used to remotely manage mobile devices that you use as interactive kiosks for customers or other single-purpose deployments.

If you are:

New device policies to be implemented
Having trouble with manual device management
Employees can use their own devices
Moving to remote work
Data security concerns
Handling sensitive information
New business locations
Expanding your team

MDM software is smart and affordable if you have employees or customers who use mobile devices with corporate data, such as desktops, tablets, smartphones, rugged devices, kiosks, self-service kiosks, point-of-sale devices, and mobile phones.

#1 – Kandji – The Best MDM Software For Most

Kandji

Best for the Most

Many organizations rely heavily on Apple devices. Kandji created an MDM platform to provide the same user experience to admins as Apple products.

This 360-degree mobile device management (and non-mobile) is possible. You can easily set up any Apple device, including iPhones, MacBooks, Apple TVs, and other devices. Each employee, contractor, and team member receives a device that is ready for use in the way they want it to be.

Kandji’s Liftoff feature makes it easy to configure Apple devices with zero effort. This includes new Apple devices that you haven’t unpacked yet. Liftoff provides quick instructions for configuration and has error handling and recovery functions to avoid false starts due to low WiFi, battery drain, or user error.

Kandji allows you to create Blueprints that you can apply on any Apple device in the fleet. These Blueprints can be used to automate the first-time configuration and include Kandji security templates.

Security blueprints include everything, from software and OS updates, firewalls, keyrings, and login, to security policies. The Kandji Agent tool is installed on all devices you intend to deploy and enforces these settings.

Kandji also offers other security features, such as remote lock and wipe, account recovery, and many more. For any device control needs specific to your company, you can use custom scripts.

Administrators can view and manage everything from one interface. This includes viewing device activity and sending real-time alerts. Users aren’t left behind. Kandji Agent provides your team with plenty of warnings about any pending updates or issues that may need to be addressed before you can continue to use the device.

This is just the beginning. Kandji offers near-endless customization and automation capabilities. It also seamlessly integrates with existing platforms like Okta and G Suite, Microsoft 365, and Apple Business Manager.

Kandji’s software can be used by experienced MDM admins. However, they understand that not everyone has the answer to every device management question. Kandji support agents are Mac admin professionals, so they can assist quickly if issues arise.

Kandji’s pricing is a strong tool that can manage large numbers of devices. A single pricing scale starts from $399 per month for 100 devices and less. You get all the above features, Kanji’s migration tool, and onboarding assistance.

Every 100 additional devices that you manage will result in a higher price. 100-200 devices can cost $799 per month and 200-300 devices $1199 per month.

Give your team (and your admins!) the MDM they need by choosing Kandji.

#2 – Jamf – The Best Apple Device Management Price

Jamf

The Best iOS Devices at the Best Price

You can manage and secure your Apple ecosystem in less than one cup of coffee per month. You can choose from a range of tools that will help you deploy, secure and automate device management across the entire company, starting at $2 per device per month with three free devices.

Jamf will be the best choice for your team if they rely heavily on Apple devices. This suite of products is designed to assist Apple-heavy teams in keeping track of their devices and deploying them from anywhere with just a few clicks.

It’s not only for iPhones, which is one of its best features. It works with all macOS computers, iPads, and Apple TVs making it an ideal solution for Apple-driven workplaces.

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

The modular design allows you to choose the tools you need and not have to buy those you don’t. Each product is affordable and easily accessible even for the smallest businesses.

JamfConnect makes it easy to deploy fully functional devices with all the settings and apps you want in just a few clicks. This is a great option for those who want to deploy many company devices, and need a faster way to provision them.

It works with macOS devices. The cost is $2 per month.

Connect is particularly useful for new employees onboarding and making small changes in the day-to-day. The new user only needs to set up their computer and turn it on. Once that is done, they can log in with a single set of cloud-identity credentials.

They can then access all the applications that they require within seconds. They don’t have to wait for approvals or access for days, or even weeks, to complete their jobs.

They can instead get started immediately.

It also includes essential identity management features, which allow administrators to see who is accessing what and from where. This ensures that sensitive information and devices are always secure.

Jamf Pro, Jamf Now Plus, or Jamf Now is used by most businesses to manage their identity and devices. You don’t necessarily have to use them together, however.

Jamf Now provides device management for small businesses and teams that don’t have dedicated technical support. It is ready to use right out of the box and supports all Apple products. The first three devices are included for free.

Depending on what features you require, each device costs $2 per month or $4 per month.

It’s easy to set up. The management dashboard is simple enough to use for everyone and you don’t even need to have an in-house team.

Jamf Now Plus includes custom app deployment, custom macOS software packages, custom user profiles, and priority phone support.

You can choose to start with the basic plan or upgrade to the advanced plan as you need it.

Jamf Pro can be used by IT professionals and enterprises. It is designed to automate device deployments and manage devices at a large scale. Pro pricing starts at $3.33 per iPhone, iPad, and AppleTV per Month plus $7.17 for macOS per Month.

Additional macOS protection can be purchased with Jamf Protection at $5 per month.

Administrators can use it to detect and prevent malware before they become a problem.

Jamf Connect Pro and Protect can be bundled for $12 per user. You still pay the same amount, even if you have multiple iOS devices.

This is a great way to manage all your Apple devices for your entire team, regardless of whether they are 100% Apple-driven or rely on other operating systems.

It includes all the benefits and features of all three Jamf products.

Customizable inventory dashboards
Unlimited custom configuration profiles
Patch management features
An employee-branded app that provides self-service for employees
Access to users via identity-based access
Endpoint security monitoring
Advanced threat protection

Get a free trial and learn about the Jamf products that are right for your business.

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

ManageEngine

Best for BYOD Environments

Software for enterprise mobility management that is robust enough to manage mobile devices owned by employees and companies. Everything you need to deploy apps, secure corporate data, improve productivity, and increase productivity. Get up to 25 devices for free!

Your team may use their own devices instead of devices provided by the company. This presents unique challenges in device management, such as security and privacy, while 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.

It is a mobile device management tool for employees and companies that simplifies device and app management and policy compliance.

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 a great job of keeping corporate information private and secure personal data.

This is critical when employees use their devices for work. It’s important to know that you shouldn’t intrude on the personal devices of others. You must also have enough control to make sure sensitive company data remains secure regardless of what.

Your company’s information is stored securely in an encrypted container, separate from personal data. This makes it easy for your employees to keep their personal and professional lives separate.

ManageEngine is a top-rated enterprise MDM tool and it works with almost every operating system including Windows, iOS, and Android as well as macOS and ChromeOS.

You can centralize device management in a much more efficient way than before, as you can control both mobile and desktop devices from one platform.

ManageEngine makes it easy for administrators to distribute apps from any app shop, manage licenses and gather usage data with just a few mouse clicks. It’s easy to install pre-configured apps, and settings, and ensure that each app is ready for use the moment it is installed.

Administrators can also set up user profiles and device profiles to be used with specific VPNs, WiFi networks, or applications that are specific to the user’s department.

ManageEngine offers many other benefits and features, including:

Mobile document sharing
Secure document access and viewing
Automated document updates
Ten supported document formats
Restrictions on third-party backup
Access to restricted email addresses
Access to email attachments securely
An intuitive device ecosystem dashboard

Administrators can remotely wipe corporate data and locate lost devices to protect data security. This is possible in just a few seconds.

Rest assured that your company data will be safe even after employees leave, or if they are stolen, lost, misplaced, or destroyed.

Other security features include the ability for your network to identify non-compliant or jail-broken devices and role-based usage permissions that can be used by corporate apps or accounts containing sensitive information.

These security features can be used to help employees remain productive throughout the day. To minimize distractions, you can set app-usage limits or create a list of approved apps for employees to choose from.

Additionally, IT professionals can remotely view and control devices from their computers, giving them the ability to troubleshoot device issues immediately.

You get all the features free if you have less than 25 devices

If you are ready to upgrade, the basic plan is $495 per annum and the professional plan is $895 per annum. Both allow for up to 50 devices to be deployed on-premises.

The basic plan is $9.90 per device/per year, while the professional plan is $17.90/per device/per year.

Depending on your requirements, your current infrastructure, and how quickly you need to deploy, you can choose between cloud and on-premise deployments.

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

Mirador

Ideal for Varied Devices

Everything you need to manage unlimited smartphones and tablets is yours for free. Mirador works with Android, iOS, and macOS. It can also be set up in minutes making it an ideal choice for 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 nicely with all the major operating systems.

Miradore This top-rated option offers a user-friendly way for you to manage all devices in your business, regardless of whether they are Android, iOS, or Windows. You can also have complete control over your entire fleet with the paid plan.

It takes only a few clicks to deploy devices and you can add new devices quickly to your account within seconds. This makes it easy to manage permissions, remote troubleshooting, and remote app installation.

The software is great for small businesses and startups. It eliminates the need to hire additional employees to manage devices and streamline basic IT operations.

Miradore provides a free, robust plan that supports unlimited devices. This allows you to start managing everything quickly and without spending a penny.

This is a great place to start, especially if you have a limited budget or are new to mobile device management.

The device comes with one administrator, as well as many features such as:

Tracking warranty
Remote device locking/wiping
Custom lock screens for missing devices
Remote alarms for misplaced devices
Storage encryption for mobile devices
Email, wifi VPN, contact, and passcode configurations
Standard reporting features
Android, iOS, and macOS compatibility

The basic plan is all you need. Paid plans can be purchased if you need to upgrade or require more functionality. They are flexible and cost based on how many devices you have.

Mir adore’s paid plans can be upgraded to higher-end features as your business grows.

A business plan includes historical location information as well as current location information for the last three months. For managers who manage employees at different job sites or for those with lost devices, location tracking can be very useful.

This capability may not be necessary if you are just starting. You can still start with the free plan and learn how to use it, then upgrade when you are 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.

You can also use it to control all devices in your business, including monitors, printers, and headsets.

No matter which plans you choose it can be up and running in minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for small teams who want a cost-effective solution that scales with their business.

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

Moki

The best customer-facing devices

Everything you need to remotely manage branded touchpoints (and secure ones) via your POS system or digital signage in just 15 minutes. Apps to transform any mobile device into an all-purpose experience. Compatible with Android, iOS, and Brightsign

Because they are out in the open, customer-facing devices need more security features than employees’ devices. To improve customer experience, they require advanced content control and customized branding.

This applies to any POS system, digital signage, or interactive kiosks.

While most MDM tools provide this functionality, MOKI allows you to control and secure customer-facing devices and spend less time updating and deploying them.

Moki is a specialist in this type of protection, so you can be sure you are getting the best protection for your devices.

Moki allows you to control your device remotely, monitor its health, and set up custom notifications for troubleshooting.

The best part about this is that new devices can be live deployed using minimal touch via a cloud-based dashboard in just 15 minutes. To get new displays or devices up and running, your IT team doesn’t even have to be present.

You can set up customized lock screens and white-label icons for apps, personalize device navigation, and limit unauthorized use at the device level.

Moki Apps are also available to transform standard devices into powerful, single-purpose devices.

Moki Kiosk, for example, can transform your iOS or Android tablet into a digital ordering system for restaurants, self-service for auto repair shops, or a customized display that highlights your organization’s most notable achievements.

Moki allows you to turn any device into digital signage.

You can then connect to a CMS or media player remotely to manage the device, and push out new content as needed.

If you have very specific needs, you can also customize the functionality of every connected device using various SDKs and APIs.

It can handle almost any kind of customer experience that you can think of.

Moki is compatible with Android Agent and Android Enterprise. It’s also designed to work in a variety of industries, such as:

Education
Healthcare
Hospitality
Non-profit
Retail
Restaurants
Automotive
Transport

Digital signage may be used in healthcare facilities to inform patients or make announcements. Moki gives you unprecedented control over your displays. You can easily make changes and push new content from one central location.

Restaurants may also have mobile devices or tablets that allow customers to place orders.

Moki Kiosk can lock these devices to a single-purpose menu environment so that users can’t do anything else.

Moki’s intuitive MDM platform makes it easy to manage mobile devices for customers, regardless of their purpose.

Online pricing is not available. Request a demo tailored to your use cases and learn more.

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

Scale Fusion

Ideal for Warehouse Devices

This is the perfect solution for IT professionals who want to streamline field and rugged warehouse device deployments. Compatible with many systems, including Android, Zebra, and Honeywell, wearable devices, car-mounted devices, and more. Paid plans start at just $2 per month per device!

Mobile devices can connect warehouses, frontline workers, and office workers. It goes far beyond smartphones. Although enhanced mobility is a great step forward for mobile teams it also makes managing these devices more difficult.

It is hard enough to manage hundreds of employer-issued devices, let alone devices that are passed between employees across shifts, departments, warehouses, and locations.

There are many moving parts making it difficult for these devices to be kept up-to-date, physically maintained, and secure at all times.

Until now.

Scalefusion MDM software simplifies device management for many operating systems. It is especially useful for warehouses, production lines, and field service settings.

It’s easy to use, despite its obvious focus on a small segment of the market. It’s easy to configure, secure and manage mobile devices right out of the box. This helps reduce downtime by reducing the time it takes to resolve device issues.

Remote support can be provided by your IT team via mirrored screen screens or remote control to resolve issues quickly.

You can also configure device policies and app packages before any devices make it to the warehouse or field. This allows your team to get to work quickly, rather than spending days or even weeks waiting for the setup.

Administrators can push apps to connected devices without the need for end-user action. You can also update and manage these devices regardless of where they’re located or who is in charge of them at any time.

You can also restrict access to certain apps or URLs, or disallow unauthorized downloads to remove distractions and limit corporate data to those who are required to see it.

Scalefusion’s compatibility with a variety of devices, other than smartphones, is what makes it stand out in warehouse and field service.

iOS and Android smartphones/tablets
Honeywell, Zebra, and Datalogic rugged devices
Handheld RFID readers
Wearable computers
Computers mounted on vehicles

Administrators can track the location of devices in real-time and disable or wipe them to ensure security.

You can also create automatic geofences that will notify you when your device enters or leaves a specific area.

Three pricing options are available. The basic features of mobile device management start at $2 per device per month. The Business plan costs $3 per device monthly and includes remote troubleshooting capabilities as well as more administrator accounts.

The Enterprise plan costs $4 per device per month and includes unlimited administrator accounts, more storage, and full access to Scale Fusion features.

Scale Fusion allows you to monitor and manage your devices, regardless of their location and usage.

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

DriveStrike

Best for Retired and Lost Devices

In just seconds, you can locate, lock and wipe any lost or at-risk mobile device. DriveStrike works with Windows, iOS, and Android devices. It is HIPAA compliant, GDPR, SOX, and DoD compliant to protect sensitive corporate data. Paid plans start from $15 per device/per year

Devices are often lost or stolen.

This can lead to serious injuries if it happens to one of your employees. It all depends on what is on the device and how you protect it from unauthorized use.

DriveStrike can be a great addition to your MDM software.

It is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android devices. This makes it an ideal data security solution for businesses that use multiple operating systems.

DriveStrike is HIPAA compliant, GDPR, SOX, and DoD compliant. It provides advanced security and information protection to businesses that have extremely sensitive data.

It allows you to track any connected device with just a few clicks.

Mobile teams, field representatives, and mobile offices in high-crime zones will appreciate real-time device tracking.

The location tracking feature uses GPS, WiFi triangulation, or IP address locations to provide the most precise location data.

This ensures that you get the best location results no matter where your device is.

This will help you locate it and determine if you should lock or wipe the device to protect your confidential information.

You can lock the device or wipe it in a matter of seconds. If you suspect unauthorized access to the device or unusual activity, locking it out may be necessary. It is easy to kick everyone out and then reboot the device, forcing them all to log in again.

This can be done at a variety of levels, including requiring users to log back in or deactivating at-risk account accounts. Users may also be forced to contact you to reactivate their devices.

You can also wipe or destroy any data from any device as fast. It can be configured to delete specific data or all data, depending on the sensitivity.

DriveStrike offers offline wiping to help you recycle, donate or sell your devices.

To erase confidential, classified, or private data, simply insert a USB stick into the device.

DriveStrike is a lightweight MDM that can be used to replace manual MDM processes. It’s not as comprehensive, but it focuses more on security features for highly sensitive information.

It comes with a low price and steep volume discounts.

You’ll be charged $15 per year for one to ten devices. You’ll pay $12.50 for 11-25 devices per year.

Volume discounts are available for up to 5,000+ devices for $8.50 per device/year

Get a 30-day free trial today to find out if DriveStrike is right in your life and for your team!

Methodology to Choose the Best MDM Software

These MDM software options vary in terms of complexity, compatibility with operating systems, device types, ease of use, and many other factors.

We have compiled a list of key factors that you should consider to ensure you are fully informed and make the right choice.

Compatibility between Operating System and Device Type

This is an important factor to consider when selecting the right MDM software for your company. While some MDM systems can be used with multiple operating systems, others are more focused on a single area.

You don’t want an MDM solution that doesn’t support the devices you already use or will use in the future.

Jamf, for example, is only compatible with Apple products. Jamf is the best choice for iOS-powered workplaces, but it won’t work in mixed devices or BYOD environments.

Moki can be used for customer-facing devices like digital signage, kiosks, and POS systems. Moki can be used to manage employee devices, but its true potential is for these specific uses.

Scale Fusion, on the other hand, is great for frontline workers, and rugged warehouse devices, and it also supports other devices such as laptops, cell phones, and desktops. Scale Fusion is also a great choice in environments where multiple employees share the device.

It’s not a good idea to mix two MDM systems. We recommend that you choose a platform that is compatible with the devices you use today and in the future.

Employee-Owned vs. Employee-Owned vs.

Ten years ago, most people worked with company-issued devices. Today, this is not true. People are increasingly choosing to use their mobile devices to work so that they don’t need to carry around two things.

Remote employees are often required to use their own devices.

This is great for employers and employees, but it can be difficult for IT departments to keep an eye on corporate security and track the devices.

This also presents new challenges in terms of productivity and distractions for employees.

We recommend ManageEngine for employees who use their own devices. It offers specialized BYOD management tools. This is also offered by Scale Fusion, however, it’s more costly and more suited to company-owned devices.

Capabilities for Profile and App Configuration

Pre-configured apps and devices can be useful for streamlining employee onboarding, as well as ensuring compliance with device policies.

You may also want to configure devices according to the user’s worksite, department, or geographic location in your building. Different apps, VPNs, and WiFi networks may be required by different departments. The right set of configuration capabilities will help you automate this process.

Also, you need to decide whether or not to use containerization. Containerization is when an employee creates a separate work profile on their device.

Because containers are tightly controlled, they prevent any data from flowing into or out of the work profile without approval, they are safer.

Employees must have access to the work profile to access their corporate email, communication tools, and other business apps. This allows for the separation of personal and corporate data, which ensures that sensitive data remains where it belongs.

It is also much easier to erase corporate data from a container. It’s safer and easier for IT to manage, but it can also be more difficult for end-users.

Containerization is more secure and more difficult for IT to manage than it is for end users. However, containerization is more natural and less intrusive.

Each has its pros and cons, so it is important to weigh data sensitivity and the preferences of your employees.

This could also be a factor in deciding which MDM software is right for you, as not all providers offer containerization capabilities.

Number of devices and users

The number of administrators and devices you have will determine how much each option on this list costs. Jamf’s business plan is the only exception. It is charged by users.

Some include a fixed number of administrators while others allow unlimited access. Others charge extra if you require more. Before making your final decision, it is important to know how many administrators and devices you have.

We recommend that you estimate your annual payments for every software program you are considering.

This will allow you to determine which plan and provider make the most economic sense for your company based on your needs and your business size.

Data Security and Threat Protection

MDM software can often provide the greatest benefits for data and device security. No matter which option you choose to use, it is essential that you can lock and wipe corporate data from devices.

If you are dealing with sensitive or confidential information, it is essential.

Containerization is a great way to make it easier to wipe data from employee-owned devices. It only needs to remove the container and the device can be released.

Uncontainerized options can lead to missing important data or accidental wiping of personal information.

In either case, make sure that all employees and administrators are familiar with how to lock or wipe devices in the event they are lost, stolen, or misplaced.

Location tracking is another option. This can be used to determine if the device has been lost or stolen.

DriveStrike is an excellent choice if you want to enhance location tracking, locking, and wiping capabilities.

You can use it as an add-on to your existing MDM, or as a standalone lightweight MDM with advanced security features.

Some of the options in this list go one step further and offer threat protection services that can be used on different operating systems. Jamf offers malware detection and additional threat protection on macOS computers.

Remote Troubleshooting Capabilities

MDM software also offers remote troubleshooting. It is a great tool for IT departments that want to be able to quickly and efficiently manage device problems.

Administrators can use some options in this list to remotely control connected devices and mirror their screens so they can see what’s happening as it happens. Administrators might also be able to push files, apps, or other documents directly to these devices to quickly resolve any issues.

This will help reduce device downtime and allow users to get back to work quickly without having to wait for IT personnel to arrive.

Remote teams that may live thousands of miles from their nearest IT technician will also benefit.

Kandji

Best for the Most

Summary

No matter how mobile devices are used or who uses them, the best MDM software can help simplify, streamline, and automate your mobile device management processes.

It can help protect your company from data breaches, unauthorized users, and offboarded employees. It’s also affordable for small teams, at just a few bucks per device per month.

Kandji seems like the best choice for most people. However, other companies that rely on Android devices more or have more specific needs may find a better fit among our other products.

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