Companies are expected to maintain an efficient and safe IT environment. In contrast to on-premise work environments, remote and hybrid work require careful IT configuration, with a special emphasis on mobile devices. Mobile Device Management (MDM) software compete in terms of security, ease of use, granular control, scalability, and pricing models.
Examine leading mobile device management products in terms of features and user reviews:
Comparison of Top 10 Mobile Device Management Software
Features
Product | Zero-touch deployment | Self service | Screen sharing |
---|---|---|---|
NinjaOne MDM | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Jamf Pro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Kandji | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Hexnode | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
JumpCloud | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Miradore | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Sophos Mobile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
GoTo Resolve | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Esper | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
See definitions for the common and differentiating features.
Agent deployment
Product | Android | iOS | Windows | macOS |
---|---|---|---|---|
NinjaOne MDM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Jamf Pro | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Kandji | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Hexnode* | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
JumpCloud | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Miradore | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Sophos Mobile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
GoTo Resolve | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Esper | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
*Hexnode additionally supports Linux, FireOS and ChromeOS.
Market presence
Product | Total number of reviews* | Average score* | Number of employees** |
---|---|---|---|
NinjaOne MDM | 1,428 | 4.7 | 1,000 |
Jamf Pro | 2,104 | 4.4 | 2,625 |
Kandji | 498 | 4.5 | 300 |
Hexnode | 300 | 4.7 | 148 |
JumpCloud | 1,923 | 4.4 | 789 |
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus Cloud | 849 | 4.5 | 387 |
Miradore | 256 | 4.5 | 60 |
Sophos Mobile | 22 | 3.9 | 4,686 |
GoTo Resolve | 102 | 3.9 | 2,534 |
Esper | - | - |
*Based on the total number of reviews and average ratings (on a 5-point scale) from leading software review platforms.
**The number of employees is gathered from publicly available resources (i.e., LinkedIn).
Prices
Product | Price | Pricing driver |
---|---|---|
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus Cloud | $2.50 | pay-per-device |
Miradore | $4.00 | pay-per-device |
Hexnode | $5.50 | pay-per-device |
Esper | $6.00 | pay-per-device |
Jamf Pro | $14.50 | pay-per-user |
JumpCloud | $19.00 | pay-per-user |
GoTo Resolve | $40.00 | pay-per-user |
NinjaOne MDM | n/a | pay-per-device |
Sophos Mobile | n/a | pay-per-user |
Kandji | n/a | pay-per-device |
See our mobile device management pricing comparison.
We selected the most economical tier that provided all the core capabilities of a Mobile Device Management.
Ranking: From least to most expensive.
Top 10 MDM software analyzed
1. NinjaOne MDM
NinjaOne is an IT management platform that specializes in endpoint management and remote monitoring and management (RMM). It provides tools for patch management, software deployment, and device monitoring, focusing on ease of use and automation.
Pros
Users find the product to be reliable and easy to use overall. Task automation capabilities are praised, and customer support has been found helpful.
Cons
The product is claimed to be lacking in terms of built-in integrations. Additionally, there are occasionally issues with AD integration.
2. Jamf Pro
Jamf Pro is an enterprise-level mobile device management (MDM) solution focused on managing Apple devices (iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and tvOS). It offers features for deploying, configuring, and securing Apple devices.
Pros
The product has been found to be easy to use and effective at managing Apple devices. Integration with third-party apps is satisfactory in terms of variety and synchronization. The customer service has received positive feedback from users.
Cons
Users claim the setup process is tricky and complain that the price is high.
3. Kandji
Kandji is a cloud-based MDM solution designed specifically for Apple devices. It offers features such as automated compliance management, zero-touch deployment, and application management.
Pros
Updates are handled with ease, and the technical staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Features like Bluprint and the auto-app library are liked. The platform’s GUI has been described as intuitive and user-friendly.
Cons
Users wished they had support for the products’ remote capabilities. Some users report that the product has a steep learning curve and that they had difficulty at first.
4. Hexnode
Hexnode is a versatile MDM and unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that supports multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. It offers features like mobile device management, app management, and security enforcement.
Pros
Supports a wide range of devices across various OS platforms with strong remote management and app management features.
Cons
Setup can be complex for larger organizations and limited advanced reporting and analytics.
5. JumpCloud
JumpCloud is a cloud-based directory platform that offers identity and access management (IAM) along with device management capabilities. It provides a unified platform for managing user identities, devices, and access to IT resources, including MDM features for various operating systems.
Pros
Users find JumpCloud easy to use and satisfied with its UI.
Cons
Some users experienced hardship installing the product on their Ubuntu-based devices, and they claim they ran into issues on Linux devices. The password manager seems to keep passwords encrypted on devices instead of in the cloud.
6. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation, offers a wide range of IT management software, including its Mobile Device Manager Plus. This MDM solution provides comprehensive management for mobile devices, desktops, and applications, supporting multiple platforms.
Pros
The UI has been found to be friendly. Users praise Geolocation’s real-time device tracking performance.
Cons
Setting up the product takes time, users claim. Because there are so many options, updates pertaining to applications can be confusing.
7. Miradore
Miradore is a cloud-based MDM solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers essential MDM features like device enrollment, security enforcement, and app management across iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices.
Pros
The platform has been found to be easy to browse, navigate and use.
Cons
Patch management could be improved in terms of scheduling and scope.
8. Sophos Mobile
Sophos is a cybersecurity company that offers Sophos Mobile, an MDM solution integrated with its broader security suite. It provides features like device management, app management, and robust security controls, focusing on protecting corporate data on mobile devices. Sophos is widely used in industries where security is a top priority.
Pros
The platform is found to be user-friendly and efficient against data theft thanks to its DLP features. Its built-in antivirus is praised by the reviewers.
Cons
Users stress the importance of instructional videos for platform navigation.
9. GoTo Resolve
GoTo, formerly known as LogMeIn, offers a range of remote access and collaboration tools, including GoTo Resolve. GoTo Resolve provides remote support and MDM capabilities, enabling IT teams to manage and troubleshoot devices remotely. It’s part of the broader GoTo suite, which includes tools like GoTo Meeting and GoTo Webinar. See our RMM review to explore GoTo Resolve’s RMM capabilities.
Pros
Users praise the platform’s overall MDM performance and abilities.
Cons
Its tier-based pricing model has been found to be expensive by some users.
10. Esper
Esper is a platform focused on managing dedicated Android devices, particularly in enterprise environments with single-use or kiosk devices. It offers features like app deployment, device monitoring, and compliance management. Esper is designed for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, where specialized Android devices are common.
Pros
Its deployment and configuration processes are quick and easy. Features like remote wiping and device control are found to be satisfactory.
Cons
Users find it frustrating that they have to view it in a desktop template because its web support does not function in a mobile template. Another drawback of the product is that it only works with Android devices; iOS devices are not supported.
Common features of top 10 Mobile Device Management alternatives
Patch management: Refers to the process of managing software updates and patches on all devices within an organization. This ensures that devices are protected against vulnerabilities by keeping their software up-to-date with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and new features.
Remote lock & wipe: Allow administrators to lock a device remotely, rendering it unusable, or to wipe all data on the device if it is lost or stolen. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive company information.
Device monitoring: Involves tracking the health, performance, and activity of mobile devices. This includes monitoring battery life, storage usage, app activity, and compliance with security policies. It helps ensure that devices are functioning optimally and securely.
Automation & task management: Enable the automatic execution of routine tasks, such as software updates, compliance checks, and backups. This reduces manual effort, ensuring consistency and saving time for IT administrators.
Compliance management: Ensures that all devices adhere to organizational policies and regulatory requirements. It involves enforcing rules such as password policies, encryption standards, and application usage, and can trigger alerts or actions if devices fall out of compliance.
Geolocation: Allows the tracking of a device’s physical location in real-time. This feature can be used for locating lost or stolen devices, or ensuring that devices are used within approved geographic boundaries.
Mobile policy management: Involves the creation and enforcement of security and usage policies on mobile devices. This includes configuring settings like password requirements, network access, and app restrictions, ensuring that all devices operate within the defined security framework of the organization.
Kiosk management: Allows administrators to lock down a device to a single application or a specific set of applications, turning the device into a kiosk. This is commonly used in environments like retail stores, public kiosks, or educational settings, where the device should only perform specific functions. It restricts users from accessing other parts of the device, ensuring it serves its intended purpose without interference.
Content filtering: Restricts access to specific types of content or websites on a device. This is typically used to prevent users from accessing inappropriate or unsafe content while using the device.
Differentiating features of top 10 Mobile Device Management alternatives
Zero-touch deployment: Refers to the ability to configure devices remotely so that they are ready to use right out of the box, with minimal or no user intervention.
Self-service: Refers to the feature that allows end-users to manage certain aspects of their devices without needing assistance from IT. For example, users might be able to install approved apps, reset their passwords, or access corporate resources on their own.
Screen sharing: Allows IT administrators or support teams to view and control a device’s screen remotely.
Pricing driver: Defines the model for prices. Prices can vary depending on whether you subscribe for a month or a year.
Per-device pricing: cost based on the number of devices being managed and monitored.
Per-user pricing: Cost based on the number of users or technicians accessing the platform.
Tiered pricing: Different pricing levels are available according to the features and services included.
For additional details, view the pricing for Mobile Device Management.
FAQ
1. What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) refers to the administration and management of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, within an organization. MDM solutions help IT administrators deploy, secure, monitor, and manage mobile devices to ensure they comply with corporate policies and protect sensitive data.
2. How do MDM software products work?
MDM software works by installing a management agent on each device, which communicates with the MDM server. IT administrators use a central console to configure policies, distribute apps, enforce security measures, and monitor devices. The MDM agent ensures the device adheres to these policies and reports back on its status and compliance.
3. Why do you need MDM software?
MDM software is essential for protecting corporate data, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing device security. It helps prevent data breaches, enforces security policies, and allows for remote management tasks such as wiping or locking a lost or stolen device. MDM also simplifies the deployment and maintenance of devices across an organization.
4. How should MDM software products be assessed?
MDM software should be assessed based on its compatibility with various operating systems, ease of use, scalability, security features, and the ability to integrate with existing IT infrastructure. Organizations should also consider the vendor’s support, the software’s ability to enforce compliance, and the cost-effectiveness relative to the features provided.
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