Best 7 MDM Software in 2026: Top Picks for IT Control

Jamf Pro is the best mdm software for organizations that run entirely on Apple hardware. This list covers tools for mixed-OS fleets, rugged devices, kiosk lockdown, and budget-conscious teams that still need solid endpoint management.

Quick comparison

1. Jamf Pro

Best for: enterprises managing Apple-only device fleets.

Jamf Pro automates deployment and enforces security policies across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV. It hooks directly into Apple Business Manager and the Device Enrollment Program, so new hardware arrives with zero-touch setup and pre-configured settings. Jamf manages each Apple update as a policy, so configurations don’t break after an OS upgrade. The patch engine lets you schedule update rings, defer non-critical versions, and generate compliance reports that show exactly which devices are behind. Conditional access, disk encryption enforcement, and app lifecycle management all run inside the same console without third-party add-ons.

2. Microsoft Intune

Best for: organizations using Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.

Microsoft Intune manages both devices and apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It ties directly into Entra ID for conditional access policies that control corporate data based on device compliance and user risk. One console handles configuration profiles, app deployment, and compliance checks for password strength, encryption, and OS version. Integration with Microsoft Defender feeds continuous device health checks straight into access decisions, so the whole fleet follows one set of compliance rules.

3. Hexnode UEM

Best for: mixed-device fleets that include IoT hardware and interactive kiosks.

Hexnode UEM unifies Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux under a single console with strong automation and grouping rules. It shines when you need to lock tablets, digital signage, or point-of-sale terminals into a single-purpose interface. The kiosk mode lets you brand the locked screen, set per-app session timers, and remotely mirror the device screen when someone calls for help. Beyond kiosks, the platform handles compliance checks, location tracking, and bulk enrollment through a clean web UI that doesn’t bury settings behind multiple layers. Automation policies trigger actions, like installing apps or restricting settings, when a device meets defined conditions.

4. Scalefusion

Best for: teams pairing MDM with zero-trust network access.

Scalefusion layers device management, identity-based access controls, and data loss prevention across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Enrollment is flexible: QR codes, NFC bump, zero-touch for Android Enterprise and Apple Business Manager, or a simple agent install. Once enrolled, devices receive configurations, apps, and certificates without manual IT intervention. The standout piece is the Speedster content delivery engine and remote cast feature that shares the device screen in real time during support sessions, no extra remote-desktop tool required. Conditional email access, website filtering, and file-level DLP keep data where it belongs, even if the device leaves the corporate network.

5. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

Best for: organizations that need both cloud and on-premises deployment options.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus manages Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS devices from a console you can run on your own server or use as a cloud service. Enrollment is automated, app distribution follows simple rules, and remote troubleshooting covers screen sharing, reboot, and device locking. The app management layer is particularly thorough: blacklist or whitelist apps globally, enforce containerized work profiles, and set custom App Store policies that work cross-platform. When a device goes missing, a quick locate, lock, or wipe sequence runs from the same interface. A free edition for up to 25 devices makes it easy to test before committing.

6. SOTI MobiControl

Best for: logistics, warehousing, and field-service teams using rugged devices.

SOTI MobiControl is built for supply-chain environments, managing ruggedized Android and Windows handhelds, vehicle-mount terminals, barcode scanners, and label printers through their full lifecycle. The platform tracks device location history, monitors battery levels, and pulls diagnostic logs so you can spot a failing scanner before it stops a shift. Advanced remote control lets a technician take over a frozen device from across the country, while scripted automation handles routine tasks like clearing cache or restarting an app on a schedule. When devices roam warehouses, loss prevention and quick redeployment keep costs in check.

7. Kandji

Best for: lean IT teams that want Apple-only management with pre-built compliance templates.

Kandji uses parameterized “Blueprints” to assign groups of settings, security controls, and apps to Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. A Blueprint can enforce FileVault encryption, firewall rules, and CIS or NIST compliance benchmarks without writing a single script. If a setting drifts, auto-remediation kicks in to restore compliance. Application management is equally hands-off: you set an approved version for any app, and Kandji installs it, keeps it updated, and blocks older versions without any custom packaging. Zero-touch deployment through Apple Business Manager means a new Mac arrives at a remote employee’s doorstep ready to work.

How we picked these tools

We tested each mdm software’s admin console, enrollment process, and policy enforcement across macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android where applicable. Platform coverage mattered, but so did zero-touch provisioning support, directory service integrations (Entra ID, Okta, Google Workspace), and pricing transparency. We looked at how each tool handles mixed ownership (BYOD containers with privacy controls vs. fully supervised corporate devices) and whether specialized scenarios like kiosk lockdown, rugged device lifecycle, or compliance auto-remediation felt native or bolted on. No vendor paid for inclusion. The ranking weighs feature depth, day-to-day usability, and real-world support quality based on public documentation, admin forums, and our own test enrollments.

Frequently asked questions

What does mdm software actually do?

MDM software handles remote enrollment, pushes configuration profiles, installs apps, enforces security policies, and, when a device is lost, can lock or wipe it remotely. It keeps fleets consistent without touching each device by hand.

Is mdm the same as unified endpoint management?

Unified endpoint management (UEM) extends MDM to laptops, desktops, and IoT endpoints from one console. Today, most MDM tools effectively function as UEM, so the terms often overlap in practice.

Do small businesses need mdm?

Yes, even single-person operations handling client data benefit. It automates OS and app updates, enforces disk encryption, and sets up BYOD work profiles without hunting down each device. A short time investment prevents a major client data leak.

Can mdm manage both company-owned and personal devices?

Absolutely. Most platforms support BYOD with separate work profiles, privacy boundaries, and selective wipe that removes only corporate accounts and data without touching personal photos or messages.

How does remote wipe work across platforms?

Remote wipe works differently depending on the OS. Android and iOS typically offer account-level wipe, while macOS and Windows can erase the entire disk. IT triggers all actions from the same cloud console.

The verdict

Jamf Pro remains the strongest overall mdm software for organizations fully committed to Apple hardware, with automation depth and Apple-first design that no cross-platform tool replicates. Microsoft Intune is the natural choice for Microsoft-centric workplaces that need one console for conditional access and endpoint management across Windows, Mac, and mobile. Kandji earns a spot as the runner-up for Apple-only teams that want fast deployment, pre-built compliance templates, and a minimal learning curve. Choose your tool based on the device ecosystem you actually run and the day-to-day workloads your team handles rather than chasing the longest feature list.