Top 6 Device Control Software Solutions in 2025

Device control solutions are usually offered alongside features like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) to address a wide range of security needs. Drawing upon my 17 years of cybersecurity experience, I selected the best device control solutions based on comprehensive criteria:

Comparison of top 6 device control software solutions

Features comparison (Part 1):

Features comparison (part 2):

List of common device control software features and key criteria for comparison.

Ranking: Apart from the sponsored products linked at the top, the rest are ranked based on having the most features.

Market presence criteria comparison:

* Data gathered from leading B2B review platforms like G2, TrustRadius, Gartner and more.

How we selected the vendors for the comparison.

Analysis of the top vendors

We list the pros and cons based on:

• Differentiating features.
• User experience focusing on device control features (From leading B2B review platforms). 
• Findings & insights from AIMultiple’s DLP benchmark tests.

1. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys and Netwrix is a fast growing company that offers a data loss prevention solution focusing on device control.¹ Our analysis and testing found that it offers the most comprehensive device control capabilities among its competitors. It also offers a USB blocking tool within its product line.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Device Coverage: Supports over 30 device types, including USB drives, printers, and Bluetooth devices.
• Effective USB Blocking: Strong capabilities for blocking external devices, with real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive dashboard simplifies monitoring and management.

Cons:

• Policy Refresh Delays: Some lag in policy enforcement, although adjustable for faster updates.
• Trial Access: You need to contact sales for a free trial, which can be inconvenient.

Choose Endpoint Protector for granular device control.

2. NinjaOne MDM

NinjaOne offers solutions like remote monitoring management (RMM), mobile device management (MDM), and a device control solution.

Pros:

• Easy Setup & Centralized Portal: Simple to deploy with an intuitive centralized management interface.
• Strong Remote Capabilities: Supports remote monitoring and management, making it ideal for distributed teams.
• Free Trial: Offers a trial for users to test out the solution before commitment.

Cons:

• Policy Implementation Lag: Policy enforcement could be more immediate.
• Limited Customization in Reports: Report customization could be enhanced for specific use cases.

3. DriveLock

Owned by DriveLock SE, DriveLock is an endpoint security solution, with device control being one of its main offerings. Its device control product includes managing and restricting the use of external devices such as USB drives, printers, and other peripherals to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.

Pros:

• Wide Device Control: Comprehensive features including USB drive blocking and device whitelisting.
• Free Trial: Available for organizations to evaluate its effectiveness before purchasing.

Cons:

• Limited Market Presence: Few user reviews make it difficult to gauge its effectiveness in real-world deployments.
• Weak Reporting Features: Lacks advanced reporting functionalities seen in some competitors.

4. DeviceLock by Acronis

DeviceLock by Acronis is primarily a device control solution aimed at preventing unauthorized data transfers via peripheral devices like USB drives. It also includes broader data loss prevention features, such as monitoring network communications and content to safeguard against data leaks and insider threats​.

Pros:

• Modular Design: Can be tailored to specific needs by adding or removing modules.
• Comprehensive Security Features: Includes network communication monitoring, access control, and USB blocking.

Cons:

• Complex Licensing: The modular structure can be overwhelming, especially for smaller businesses.
• Limited User Reviews: Not enough market feedback to fully assess the solution’s long-term reliability.

5. ManageEngine Device Control Plus

ManageEngine Device Control Plus stands out for its comprehensive device management features, including real-time inventory tracking and seamless integration with existing IT systems.

Pros:

• Integrated Management: Works well with other IT management tools.
• Extensive Policy-Based Controls: Offers detailed rules for device access and usage.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Provides insights for proactive risk management.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Encryption: Lacks built-in USB encryption found in some competitors.
• Initial Setup Complexity: May require additional configuration to optimize performance.

6. Falcon device control by CrowdStrike

Falcon Device Control by CrowdStrike provides control over USB devices and peripherals, allowing organizations to mitigate risks related to malware and data exfiltration. Built on the Falcon platform, it can be integrated with CrowdStrike’s other security tools, like Falcon Insight.

Pros:

• Cloud-Delivered Solution: No additional hardware or agents required, simplifying deployment.
• Integration with Falcon Suite: Seamlessly integrates with CrowdStrike’s other security tools for a comprehensive security ecosystem.

Cons:

• Limited Device Control Features: Lacks advanced features like USB encryption and location awareness found in other solutions.
• Requires Additional Modules: Some features, like full endpoint protection, require integration with other CrowdStrike solutions.

Common features checklist

Here is a list of common features that a good device control solution should have:

1. Policy-based device control: Automatically enforces security rules based on predefined policies for device usage.
2. Whitelist/blacklist device management: Allows or denies specific devices based on a trusted or restricted device list.
3. Real-time activity monitoring: Tracks and displays device usage in real-time, allowing immediate response to potential threats.
4. Strong reporting: Provides clear visibility through reports on usage, applied policies, compliant and non-compliant clients, policy violations, and security issues.
5. Device coverage: Ensures control over various devices, including USB drives, printers, and other peripherals.
6. File transfer control: Manages and restricts file transfers between devices to prevent unauthorized data movement.
7. Device encryption: Encrypts data on devices like USBs to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
8. Remote wiping and management: Allows IT teams to remotely manage devices, including data erasure, to ensure security from any location.
9. Script execution on clients: Enables automated tasks or security checks by running scripts on connected devices for enhanced control.
10. User behavior analytics: Detects anomalies in user behavior to enhance cybersecurity and identify potential threats.
11. Device backup & recovery: Ensures regular or on-demand backups, with the ability to recover critical device data when needed.
12. Isolated work environment on personal devices: Creates a secure, isolated area on personal phones/devices, allowing access to company resources without providing company-owned devices, a key differentiator for MDM solutions.
13. Application control/application whitelisting: This limits device access to approved apps, blocking unauthorized ones.

Key Criteria for Comparison

We’ve evaluated these solutions based on several core features that are critical to effective device control:

• SIEM Integration: Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to centralize monitoring and threat detection.
• Device Inventory Tracking: Enables organizations to track devices in real-time, ensuring security and compliance by monitoring device status and authentication details.
• Location Awareness: Adapts device policies based on physical location, such as enforcing security measures when devices are outside corporate premises.
• Remote & Temporary Access: Allows administrators to grant or restrict temporary access to devices remotely, enhancing flexibility without compromising security.
• Activity Reports & Audits: Provides visibility into device usage and security incidents through detailed reports, helping administrators identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
• USB and Peripheral Device Blocking: Prevents unauthorized devices from connecting, minimizing the risk of data leakage or malware.
• Device Tagging & Grouping: Organizes devices into categories for simplified management and policy application, making it easier to apply different rules based on device type or location.
• Bluetooth Support: Controls and monitors Bluetooth connections to prevent unauthorized access.

Vendor selection criteria

• Number of reviews: The number of reviews is correlated with the product’s availability and popularity. Plentiful reviews are helpful in understanding the customer experience, and higher reviewer rating counts result in more accurate reviewer ratings.
• User rating: Customers rate different aspects of the product on B2B review platforms, such as its general purpose, usability, functionality, customer support, payment terms, etc., and the review platform aggregates these scores into an average score. A lower user rating corresponds to a lower level of satisfaction, and vice versa.
• Number of employees: The number of employees provides an idea of the vendor’s human force in terms of its finances, investments in research and development, and market competence. We chose vendors with 50+ employees.
• Focus: All vendors selected for the comparison focus on device control solutions.

FAQs

Further reading

• Top 10 Hexnode Alternatives
• Top 10 RMM Software
• Top 5 Endpoint Management Software

External Links

• 1. “Technology Fast50″(PDF). Deloitte. Retrieved July 4, 2024.