Great Startup Tools

Best 7 Mobile Device Management Software in 2026: Compared and Ranked

By Great Startup Tools

Built a tool worth recommending?

Microsoft Intune is the best overall mobile device management software for most teams, mainly because it fits so neatly with Microsoft 365. This list covers seven MDM tools across Apple-only, rugged-device, cloud and on-premises needs.

Quick comparison table

ToolBest forPlatforms managedDeploymentAPIKiosk modeRemote support
Microsoft IntuneMicrosoft shopsMobile, desktopCloudYesNot listedNot listed
Hexnode MDMMixed fleetsAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOSCloudYesNot listedNot listed
Jamf ProApple-only fleetsMac, iPhone, iPad (Apple-only)Not listedYesNot listedNot listed
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager PlusCloud or on-premises choicePhones, tablets, laptopsBothYesNot listedNot listed
SOTI MobiControlRugged devicesRugged, purpose-builtBothYesYesYes
VMware Workspace ONEMobile plus desktopMobile, desktopNot listedYesNot listedNot listed
miniOrange MDMGrowing SMBsNot listedBothNoYesYes

1. Microsoft Intune

Best for: organizations already running Microsoft 365 and Entra.

Microsoft Intune handles mobile device management, app management and endpoint security from one cloud service. Web and API access are included.

What stands out is how tightly it fits the Microsoft ecosystem. The catch is that if you don't use Microsoft tools, it's much less appealing.

2. Hexnode MDM

Best for: mixed fleets of Android, iOS, Windows and macOS on a cloud-only setup.

Hexnode MDM is cloud-based and manages several operating systems from a single console. You get both Web and API access.

Broad platform coverage is the draw. The catch is that no on-premises option is listed, so look elsewhere if you need to self-host.

3. Jamf Pro

Best for: companies running Mac, iPhone and iPad fleets.

Jamf Pro is built specifically for Apple device management, and it comes with Web and API access.

Its strength is Apple-focused depth. The downside is simple: it's a poor fit for Android or Windows fleets, so mixed environments need something else.

4. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

Best for: teams that want a choice between cloud and on-premises.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus covers smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices. It offers Web, iOS and API access.

Flexible deployment is the main reason to consider it. Before buying, check which features each edition actually includes.

5. SOTI MobiControl

Best for: rugged and purpose-built devices such as scanners and handhelds.

SOTI MobiControl supports kiosk mode and remote support, and it deploys in the cloud or on-premises. Web and API access come with it.

Kiosk mode for dedicated-use devices is what sets it apart. The catch is that it's likely more than an office-only team needs.

6. VMware Workspace ONE

Best for: organizations managing both mobile and desktop devices in one platform.

VMware Workspace ONE is a unified endpoint management platform. It's now sold under the Omnissa brand, so search for that name to find current information.

It offers Web and API access. Its best feature is managing mobile and desktop devices together.

7. miniOrange MDM

Best for: small and medium businesses that may grow into enterprise needs.

miniOrange MDM supports kiosk mode and remote support, and you can deploy it in the cloud or on-premises. It is Web only, with no API listed.

Kiosk mode plus flexible deployment is the highlight. The catch is that it has less brand recognition than the bigger names here.

How we picked these tools

We compared each tool on platform coverage, deployment options, kiosk and remote support, and API access.

We balanced the list across Apple-only, mixed-fleet, rugged-device and SMB use cases, so every kind of buyer has a realistic option.

No tool paid for placement. The ranking reflects fit for the typical buyer, not feature count.

Frequently asked questions

What is mobile device management software?

It lets you enroll, configure, secure and wipe company devices remotely. Most tools now also handle apps and laptops.

Should I choose cloud or on-premises MDM?

Cloud is faster to set up. On-premises gives you more control over your data. ManageEngine, SOTI MobiControl and miniOrange offer both.

Do I need Jamf if I only manage Apple devices?

If Apple-specific depth matters to you, Jamf Pro is the focused choice. If your needs are basic, a cross-platform tool is often enough.

What's the difference between MDM and unified endpoint management?

UEM extends MDM to desktops and other endpoints. Intune and Workspace ONE are examples.

The verdict

Microsoft Intune is the strongest overall pick. It suits most teams because it works naturally with the Microsoft tools they already use.

Hexnode MDM is the runner-up for mixed-device fleets. Jamf Pro is the pick for Apple-only companies. For rugged devices, go with SOTI MobiControl.

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