Mobile device management software helps IT teams enroll, configure, secure, update, and remotely manage company and employee devices from a central platform. In 2026, many products extend beyond traditional smartphone MDM into unified endpoint management across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and other endpoint types.
The best option depends on your device mix, ownership model, security requirements, integrations, and whether you need basic endpoint control or broader IT operations around those devices.
This comparison reviews 15 MDM platforms for 2026, including multi-platform, Apple-focused, enterprise, budget-friendly, and managed options.
Mobile device management software compared
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| Platform | Best for | Platform focus | Main strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune | Microsoft-centric environments | Multi-platform | Endpoint and identity ecosystem |
| Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM | Large enterprise fleets | Multi-platform | Enterprise UEM |
| ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus | Flexible MDM requirements | Multi-platform | Broad management features |
| Jamf Pro | Apple-first enterprises | Apple | Deep Apple management |
| Iru | IT and security convergence | Apple, Windows, Android | Management and endpoint security |
| Hexnode UEM | Mixed endpoint fleets | Multi-platform | Flexible UEM and kiosk management |
| SOTI MobiControl | Frontline and rugged devices | Multi-platform | Specialized mobility management |
| Scalefusion UEM | Distributed and kiosk fleets | Multi-platform | Cross-platform endpoint control |
| IBM MaaS360 | Enterprise mobility management | Multi-platform | Security and device management |
| Ivanti Neurons for MDM | Enterprise security environments | Multi-platform | Device security and compliance |
| Miradore | Smaller IT teams | Android, Apple, Windows | Simpler cloud MDM |
| SureMDM by 42Gears | Diverse and specialized devices | Multi-platform | Broad device type support |
| Mosyle | Apple-focused organizations | Apple | Apple management and security |
| JumpCloud | Identity-led IT environments | Multi-platform | Device and identity management |
| Esevel | Distributed teams needing managed device operations | Managed MDM | MDM connected to device lifecycle operations |
There is no universal winner. Platform coverage, management depth, integrations, and operating model should matter more than the number of features listed on a product page.
15 best mobile device management software tools for 2026
1. Microsoft Intune
Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Entra
Microsoft Intune provides endpoint management across Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux, and supported Chrome OS scenarios. IT teams can use it for enrollment, configuration policies, application management, compliance, endpoint security, and remote actions.
Its biggest advantage is how closely device compliance can connect with the broader Microsoft identity and security ecosystem.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform enrollment
- Configuration and compliance policies
- Application management
- Endpoint security controls
- Windows management
- Microsoft Entra integration
Pros
- Strong integration with Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and the wider Microsoft security stack
- Broad support across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and other endpoint types
- Strong compliance, application, and policy controls
Cons
- Can feel complex for smaller teams with simple MDM needs
- Organizations outside the Microsoft ecosystem may not get as much value from its integrations
Intune is particularly relevant where Microsoft identity, productivity, and security services already form the core IT stack.
2. Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM
Best for: Enterprises managing large and complex endpoint estates
Workspace ONE UEM, now under Omnissa rather than VMware, remains focused on unified endpoint management across enterprise environments. Omnissa positions Workspace ONE around cloud-native endpoint management, security, experience, and automation, including Windows and macOS management alongside mobile endpoints.
Key capabilities:
- Unified endpoint management
- Device enrollment and configuration
- Application management
- Endpoint security policies
- Automation
- Enterprise integrations
Pros
- Broad enterprise endpoint coverage
- Strong automation, policy, application, and device management capabilities
- Suitable for complex multi-platform environments
Cons
- More extensive than many smaller organizations need
- Implementation and administration can require more internal expertise
Workspace ONE fits organizations that need broader endpoint management across large populations and already have the resources to manage a more extensive UEM environment.
3. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
Best for: Organizations wanting broad MDM features with cloud or on-premises options
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus supports Apple, Android, Chrome OS, and Windows environments. Its management capabilities include enrollment, restrictions, application deployment, kiosk management, remote security actions, content management, and asset information.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform enrollment
- Zero-touch enrollment options
- Application management
- Remote lock and wipe
- Kiosk management
- Location and asset information
Pros
- Broad multi-platform MDM capabilities
- Supports both cloud and on-premises deployment
- Free edition can work for small fleets
Cons
- Large feature set can take time to configure
- Organizations needing broader IT operations may require other ManageEngine products or integrations
It also remains one of the stronger options for teams specifically looking for a free starting point, with a current free edition for up to 25 devices.
4. Jamf Pro
Best for: Enterprises with primarily Apple devices
Jamf Pro specializes in Apple device management rather than trying to cover every operating system. It supports Apple enrollment, inventory, policies, scripts, application management, security commands, and Apple’s declarative device management capabilities.
Key capabilities:
- Apple Automated Device Enrollment
- Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV management
- Inventory management
- Application lifecycle management
- Security policies and commands
- Apple declarative device management
Pros
- Deep Apple-specific management capabilities
- Strong support for Apple’s enrollment and management frameworks
- Well suited to large Mac, iPhone, and iPad estates
Cons
- Focused on Apple rather than mixed-OS fleets
- Companies with significant Windows or Android usage will need additional tools
For organizations with a substantial Apple fleet, the specialized depth may be more useful than choosing a broader multi-platform platform.
5. Iru
Best for: Teams that want endpoint management closely connected with security
Kandji is now Iru, making this one of the most important updates from the previous version of this article. The platform has also expanded beyond its original Apple-focused positioning to include Windows and Android alongside Apple device management.
Iru combines device management with areas such as endpoint detection and response and vulnerability management.
Key capabilities:
- Apple, Windows, and Android management
- Device enrollment
- Policy and configuration management
- Application deployment
- Patch automation
- Security controls
Pros
- Combines endpoint management with security capabilities
- Supports Apple, Windows, and Android
- Strong automation focus
Cons
- Its broader multi-platform positioning is newer than its Apple management heritage
- May provide more security functionality than teams looking only for basic MDM require
The platform fits teams looking to bring endpoint management and endpoint security closer together.
6. Hexnode UEM
Best for: Organizations managing mixed operating systems and dedicated-use devices
Hexnode UEM covers a broad device environment, including iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, Fire OS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Its broad endpoint coverage makes it useful for companies managing standard employee devices alongside kiosks or more specialized endpoints.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform device management
- Enrollment and provisioning
- Application management
- Kiosk management
- Policy enforcement
- Remote actions
Pros
- Supports a wide range of operating systems and endpoint types
- Strong kiosk and dedicated-device capabilities
- Flexible for mixed device environments
Cons
- Feature depth can differ between operating systems
- Broad UEM scope may be more than teams managing only standard laptops and phones need
Hexnode is worth considering when the fleet extends beyond standard laptops and smartphones.
7. SOTI MobiControl
Best for: Frontline, rugged, and business-critical mobile fleets
SOTI MobiControl has a particularly strong focus on enterprise mobility and specialized hardware. It supports Android, Windows, Apple, and Linux devices, including smartphones, laptops, rugged devices, handhelds, wearables, and vehicle-mounted computers.
Key capabilities:
- Rugged device management
- Multi-platform management
- Kiosk and lockdown controls
- Application and content distribution
- Remote device support
- Security and compliance controls
Pros
- Strong support for rugged, frontline, and specialized devices
- Remote support capabilities suit operational environments
- Broad enterprise mobility features
Cons
- May be excessive for companies managing only conventional office devices
- Best fit is often operational or frontline fleets rather than simple knowledge-worker environments
This makes SOTI particularly relevant to logistics, retail, field services, healthcare, and other environments with frontline hardware.
8. Scalefusion UEM
Best for: Mixed fleets, kiosks, and distributed endpoints
Scalefusion has expanded into a broad UEM platform covering Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and other endpoint types.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-OS management
- Application deployment
- Policy enforcement
- Kiosk management
- Remote support
- Endpoint visibility
Pros
- Broad multi-platform coverage
- Strong kiosk and dedicated-device management
- Includes remote management and troubleshooting capabilities
Cons
- Teams with very simple MDM needs may not use its broader UEM functionality
- Capability depth can vary by platform and device type
Its combination of traditional employee endpoint management and dedicated-device controls makes it useful when IT manages both knowledge-worker devices and purpose-built endpoints.
9. IBM MaaS360
Best for: Enterprises needing established multi-platform UEM
IBM MaaS360 supports MDM across iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows and continues to receive active platform and management updates in 2026.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform enrollment
- Policy management
- Application management
- Security controls
- Compliance workflows
- Remote administrative actions
Pros
- Established enterprise UEM platform
- Broad mobile and endpoint management capabilities
- Combines device management with security and compliance controls
Cons
- May be more complex than necessary for smaller device estates
- Companies should evaluate how well it fits their existing IBM and non-IBM IT stack
MaaS360 fits organizations looking for an enterprise UEM platform with device security and management capabilities across major operating systems.
10. Ivanti Neurons for MDM
Best for: Enterprise environments focused on endpoint security and compliance
Ivanti Neurons for MDM supports iOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, and Windows endpoints. Ivanti continued updating the product throughout 2026 with features around operating system support, device visibility, compliance, and security.
Key capabilities:
- Device enrollment and policy management
- Application distribution
- Compliance controls
- Device security
- Multi-platform management
- Enterprise integrations
Pros
- Strong connection between endpoint management, security, and compliance
- Supports major desktop and mobile operating systems
- Suitable for enterprise environments with broader endpoint requirements
Cons
- Wider Ivanti ecosystem can introduce more complexity than basic MDM buyers need
- Smaller organizations may prefer a simpler standalone platform
It is most relevant to organizations that want MDM closely connected to a broader endpoint security environment.
11. Miradore
Best for: Smaller teams that want straightforward cloud MDM
Miradore is a cloud-based MDM platform supporting Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Windows. Its capabilities include enrollment, configuration, application management, security actions, policies, and Windows patch management.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform enrollment
- Device configuration
- Application management
- Remote security actions
- Business policy automation
- Windows patch management
Pros
- Simpler cloud-based MDM approach
- Supports major employee device platforms
- Accessible option for smaller IT teams
Cons
- Less suitable for highly complex enterprise UEM requirements
- Advanced automation and security needs may require a more extensive platform
Miradore remains attractive for organizations that do not need the complexity of a large enterprise UEM deployment.
12. SureMDM by 42Gears
Best for: Organizations with diverse or specialized endpoints
SureMDM supports Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, Wear OS, VR, and IoT environments.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform enrollment
- Policy enforcement
- Application management
- Kiosk and dedicated-device management
- Remote troubleshooting
- Device security
Pros
- Supports a particularly broad range of device types
- Strong kiosk and dedicated-device capabilities
- Useful for specialized and mixed hardware environments
Cons
- Broad functionality may be unnecessary for conventional office fleets
- Teams should confirm feature availability for each operating system they manage
Its device breadth makes it particularly useful for organizations that manage endpoints outside the standard laptop-and-phone environment.
13. Mosyle
Best for: Apple-only or Apple-heavy organizations
Mosyle focuses specifically on the Apple ecosystem, with MDM support across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and related Apple environments. Its current offering combines device management with areas such as endpoint security, identity, app management, and automated deployment.
Key capabilities:
- Apple MDM
- Zero-touch deployment
- App and patch management
- Identity integrations
- Security policies
- BYOD support through Apple User Enrollment
Pros
- Deep focus on Apple device management
- Combines Apple MDM with identity and security capabilities
- Supports automated Apple deployment and application management
Cons
- Apple-only focus makes it unsuitable for mixed Windows and Android fleets
- Organizations may need separate tooling as their non-Apple estate grows
Mosyle is more relevant when deep Apple management matters more than cross-platform coverage.
14. JumpCloud
Best for: Teams that want device management connected with identity
JumpCloud combines device management with identity and access management. Its UEM capabilities cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, and Android devices.
Key capabilities:
- Multi-platform device management
- Identity and access management
- Device policies
- Application management
- Patch management
- MFA and user controls
Pros
- Connects identity and access management with device management
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Useful for teams trying to manage users and endpoints together
Cons
- Device management is only one part of the broader JumpCloud platform
- Teams seeking highly specialized MDM depth should compare individual OS capabilities carefully
JumpCloud is particularly useful when the relationship between user identity and endpoint control is a major part of the management requirement.
15. Esevel
Best for: Distributed teams that need managed MDM plus physical device operations
Esevel takes a different approach from standalone MDM platforms. Its managed MDM offering covers policy enforcement, patch management, remote lock and wipe, identity integrations, and compliance visibility while connecting those controls with device tracking and physical lifecycle operations.
Key capabilities:
- Managed MDM
- Centralized policy enforcement
- Patch management
- Remote lock and wipe
- SSO and MFA integration
- Device tracking and lifecycle visibility
- IT support and hardware operations
15. Esevel
Pros
- Connects managed MDM with device tracking, IT support, repair, retrieval, and redeployment
- Useful for distributed teams that also need physical device operations
- Supports device operations across 120+ countries
Cons
- Less suitable for companies with employees distributed across fewer than three countries
The distinction matters for distributed teams. Esevel connects digital endpoint control with procurement, delivery, repair, retrieval, wiping, and redeployment, keeping physical device operations within the same broader management workflow.
Choosing the right MDM solution for your business
Choosing the right mobile device management software depends on the devices you manage, the level of control you need, your existing IT stack, and how much work your team wants to manage internally. The updated 2026 options cover everything from Apple-specific MDM to enterprise UEM, rugged device management, and managed device operations.
1. Platform compatibility
Start with the operating systems and device types already in your environment.
- Microsoft Intune, Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM, Hexnode UEM, Scalefusion UEM, and ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus are suited to mixed-device environments.
- Jamf Pro and Mosyle are designed primarily for organizations managing Apple fleets.
- SOTI MobiControl and SureMDM are useful when the fleet includes rugged, kiosk, frontline, or other specialized devices.
- Iru now supports Apple, Windows, and Android rather than remaining Apple-only.
Check platform-specific capabilities as well as general OS support, because a vendor may offer deeper management on one operating system than another.
2. Security and access requirements
Look beyond basic remote lock and wipe. Consider whether the platform can enforce encryption, configuration policies, application controls, compliance requirements, and access rules.
Microsoft Intune is particularly relevant for organizations already using Microsoft Entra and the wider Microsoft security ecosystem. Iru, Ivanti Neurons for MDM, and IBM MaaS360 also combine endpoint management with broader security capabilities.
The right choice depends on how closely device compliance needs to connect with identity, access, and endpoint security.
3. Cost and licensing
MDM pricing can vary based on device count, users, operating systems, and included capabilities.
Teams with smaller fleets may want to compare lower-cost or free entry options from platforms such as ManageEngine, Miradore, and Mosyle before moving into larger enterprise UEM products. ManageEngine, for example, currently offers a free edition for up to 25 devices.
For larger environments, compare the total cost of the platform rather than the base license alone. Implementation, integrations, support, security add-ons, and administrative workload can all affect the final cost.
4. Scalability and device environment
Consider how the fleet may change over the next few years.
Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM, Microsoft Intune, and IBM MaaS360 are built around broad enterprise endpoint environments. SOTI MobiControl and SureMDM may be more relevant when growth includes rugged, shared, kiosk, or frontline devices.
Distributed companies should also consider whether the operating model can support devices after deployment. A platform may manage thousands of endpoints digitally, but repair, replacement, retrieval, and redeployment still require physical execution.
5. Ease of administration and support
A feature-rich platform is only useful if the IT team can manage it consistently.
Smaller teams may prefer a more straightforward cloud platform such as Miradore, while organizations with more complex environments may accept additional administration in exchange for deeper control from platforms such as Intune or Workspace ONE.
Also consider what happens when remote management cannot solve the problem. Teams that want managed MDM combined with IT support and physical device operations may evaluate a model such as Esevel, while organizations with larger internal endpoint teams may prefer to operate their MDM platform directly.
Ultimately, the right MDM solution should match your device mix, security model, IT resources, integrations, and operating requirements, rather than simply offering the longest feature list.
FAQs
What is mobile device management software?
Mobile device management software lets IT teams centrally enroll, configure, secure, update, monitor, and remotely manage company or employee devices.
What is the best mobile device management software?
There is no single best MDM platform. The right choice depends on operating systems, fleet size, security requirements, integrations, device ownership, and whether you need MDM or broader UEM.
What is the difference between MDM and UEM?
MDM traditionally focuses on managing mobile endpoints, while UEM extends centralized management across laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and other endpoint types.
Is there free mobile device management software?
Yes. Some vendors offer free plans for small fleets, including ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus and Jamf Now. Free plans usually have device or feature limitations.
What features should MDM software include?
Core features should include enrollment, configuration, application management, security policies, update management, compliance monitoring, remote actions, reporting, and integrations with the wider IT stack.
Choose the right device management model
The strongest MDM platform is not necessarily the one with the longest feature list. It is the one that matches your operating systems, ownership models, security requirements, IT stack, and the level of management your team can realistically maintain.
Apple-focused environments may benefit from specialized platforms, while mixed fleets may need broader UEM. Smaller organizations may prioritize simplicity and cost, while enterprise teams may place more weight on automation, security integrations, and scale.
For distributed companies, the evaluation should also consider what happens when endpoint software cannot solve the problem. Device management becomes more effective when digital controls connect with the support and physical lifecycle processes that keep employees working.
Nguyen Le Nguyen Le is a former Esevel writer / Marketing Consultant who helped build the company’s blog from its early days. From September 2023 to November 2025, she contributed articles that made workplace IT topics clearer and more useful for business readers.
Updated by: Maytiska Omar



