The best MDM software in 2026 includes Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Kandji, Mosyle, and Hexnode. Mobile device management software lets IT teams enroll, configure, secure, and wipe company phones, tablets, and laptops from one dashboard. This guide compares 9 tools so you can match one to your device fleet.
Quick note on the acronym. MDM can also mean master data management, which is a data governance discipline for keeping customer and product records consistent. That is a different category entirely. This article covers mobile device management only.
What Is Mobile Device Management?
Mobile device management is software that gives IT remote control over an organization's devices. From a central console, admins can push Wi-Fi and email settings, install apps, enforce passcodes, encrypt storage, and wipe a lost phone in seconds.
Modern MDM has grown into unified endpoint management (UEM). That means one tool now covers iPhones, Android phones, Macs, Windows PCs, and sometimes rugged scanners and kiosks.
Why it matters: one stolen, unencrypted laptop can trigger a breach report. MDM turns that crisis into a two-click remote wipe.
Best MDM Software Compared
| Tool | Best For | Pricing Note |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune | Windows-heavy organizations | Bundled with some Microsoft 365 plans |
| Jamf Pro | Apple-first enterprises | Starts around $4/device/mo — check the vendor's site |
| Kandji | Modern Mac-focused IT teams | Custom pricing — check the vendor's site |
| Mosyle | Apple fleets on a budget | Free tier available |
| Hexnode | Mixed-OS fleets | Starts around $1/device/mo — check the vendor's site |
| ManageEngine MDM Plus | IT teams wanting on-premise options | Free tier available |
| Omnissa Workspace ONE | Large mixed enterprises | Custom pricing — check the vendor's site |
| SOTI MobiControl | Rugged and frontline devices | Custom pricing — check the vendor's site |
| Miradore | Small businesses starting out | Free tier available |
Confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before budgeting.
The 9 Best Mobile Device Management Tools in 2026
1. Microsoft Intune
Intune is the default for organizations running Windows and Microsoft 365. It manages Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and it plugs directly into Entra ID for conditional access.
- Pros: Included in several Microsoft 365 bundles, powerful compliance policies, huge community.
- Cons: The console can be confusing, and Mac management trails Apple-native rivals.
- Best for: Companies already paying for Microsoft licensing.
2. Jamf Pro
Jamf is the gold standard for Apple device management. Schools, hospitals, and tech companies use it to run thousands of Macs, iPads, and iPhones with zero-touch enrollment.
- Pros: Deepest Apple feature coverage, same-day support for new macOS releases, huge app catalog.
- Cons: Apple only. Pricing climbs as you add security add-ons.
- Best for: Enterprises committed to Apple hardware.
3. Kandji
Kandji is a newer Apple MDM with an automation-first design. Its "Liftoff" onboarding gives new hires a configured Mac out of the box, and prebuilt compliance templates map to SOC 2 and CIS benchmarks.
- Pros: Gorgeous interface, one-click compliance templates, fast setup.
- Cons: Apple only, and it costs more than budget options. No public pricing.
- Best for: Fast-growing startups that want Mac management without a dedicated admin.
4. Mosyle
Mosyle delivers Apple MDM at aggressive prices, including a free tier for basic management. Its paid bundles fold in identity, endpoint security, and app management.
- Pros: Excellent value, solid education features, bundles replace several point tools.
- Cons: Support depth and polish trail Jamf and Kandji. Apple only.
- Best for: Schools and cost-conscious Apple shops.
5. Hexnode
Hexnode manages iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and even Fire OS from one console. Kiosk mode is a highlight, locking tablets to a single app for retail or logistics.
- Pros: Broad OS coverage, strong kiosk features, responsive support, low entry price.
- Cons: Interface feels utilitarian, and some advanced features need higher tiers.
- Best for: Mixed fleets and single-purpose device deployments.
6. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
ManageEngine offers MDM as part of its large IT toolkit. You can run it in the cloud or fully on-premise, which regulated industries appreciate.
- Pros: Free for small fleets, on-premise option, integrates with ManageEngine's helpdesk and patching tools.
- Cons: Dated UI, and configuration takes patience.
- Best for: IT teams that already use ManageEngine products or need self-hosting.
7. Omnissa Workspace ONE
Workspace ONE (formerly VMware) is a full unified endpoint management suite. It combines MDM with app virtualization and identity for very large fleets.
- Pros: Scales to hundreds of thousands of devices, granular policy engine, strong BYOD controls.
- Cons: Complex to deploy, and priced for enterprises. Small teams will struggle.
- Best for: Global enterprises with dedicated endpoint teams.
8. SOTI MobiControl
SOTI specializes in frontline hardware: rugged scanners, delivery handhelds, warehouse tablets, and kiosks. Remote screen control on Android is best-in-class for helpdesk work.
- Pros: Unmatched rugged-device support, powerful remote troubleshooting, works in low-connectivity environments.
- Cons: Overkill for office fleets, and pricing is quote-based.
- Best for: Logistics, retail, and field-service operations.
9. Miradore
Miradore, now part of GoTo, gives small businesses a genuinely useful free tier covering enrollment, inventory, and remote wipe. Paid plans add patching and automation.
- Pros: Free to start, simple console, quick learning curve.
- Cons: Fewer integrations and thinner reporting than enterprise tools.
- Best for: Small businesses managing their first 10 to 100 devices.
How to Choose MDM Software
Run this checklist:
- Count your OS mix. All Apple? Jamf, Kandji, or Mosyle. Mostly Windows? Intune. Truly mixed? Hexnode or Workspace ONE.
- Decide on BYOD. Employee-owned phones need containerization that separates work data from personal photos.
- Check enrollment automation. Apple Business Manager and Android Zero-Touch support means new devices configure themselves.
- Test the wipe. Enroll a spare phone, lose it on purpose, and time how fast you can lock and wipe it.
- Map compliance needs. SOC 2, HIPAA, or CIS requirements should shortlist tools with prebuilt policy templates.
Most vendors offer 14 to 30 day trials. Enroll five real devices before signing anything.
Securing devices protects your business. Growing it still comes down to conversations. If your team sends outbound email to win customers, ClickReach handles the automated follow-ups for a flat $25/mo, no per-seat math required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MDM software used for?
MDM software enrolls company devices into central management, then pushes settings, apps, and security policies to them remotely. IT uses it to enforce passcodes and encryption, install software at scale, track inventory, and wipe lost or stolen hardware. It turns hundreds of individual devices into one manageable fleet.
Does MDM mean mobile device management or master data management?
Both, which causes confusion. In IT operations, MDM means mobile device management, the topic of this guide. In data engineering, MDM means master data management, which keeps records like customer names consistent across databases. Context usually makes it clear: device fleets versus data warehouses.
Can MDM software see my personal photos and messages?
On properly configured BYOD setups, no. Modern iOS and Android enrollment separates a work profile from personal space. Admins can see work apps, corporate email, and device-level info like model and OS version, but not personal photos, texts, or browsing. Fully corporate-owned devices allow deeper visibility, though.
How much does mobile device management cost?
Budget tools start around $1 to $4 per device per month, and several vendors, including Mosyle, Miradore, and ManageEngine, offer free tiers for small fleets. Enterprise suites like Workspace ONE and SOTI use custom pricing. Microsoft 365 subscribers may already own Intune. Check each vendor's site for current numbers.
Do small businesses really need MDM?
Yes, sooner than most think. Even ten laptops holding customer data create real risk. A free-tier MDM gives you an inventory, enforced disk encryption, and remote wipe within an afternoon. Insurance forms and SOC 2 questionnaires increasingly ask for it, so early setup saves painful retrofits later.
