The Best Mobile Device Management Solutions in 2024

In today's increasingly mobile-driven world, organizations face the challenge of managing and securing a vast array of devices across their networks. While this may seem daunting, the proliferation of connected devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops and IoT gadgets has made mobile device management (MDM) an indispensable tool for IT professionals. In 2024, the need for robust and comprehensive MDM solutions has never been more pressing.

MDM software provides a centralized platform for organizations to streamline device provisioning, configuration, and security management. With features such as remote device monitoring, software distribution, and data protection policies, MDM solutions empower IT teams to maintain control and ensure compliance across their entire device fleet. From small businesses to large enterprises, the ability to efficiently manage and secure mobile devices has become a critical component of modern IT operations. In this article, we explore the top MDM solutions for 2024, evaluating their capabilities, pricing, and suitability for various organization sizes and industries.

JAMF Pro

Product Overview

Jamf Pro is a specialized mobile device management (MDM) solution tailored for organizations that primarily rely on Apple devices. Its focus on customization and flexibility makes it an ideal choice for managing the inherently strict nature of iOS devices. Additionally, Jamf Pro offers attractive pricing options for educational institutions, which often operate on tighter budgets while heavily utilizing Apple products.

Features & Pricing

One of Jamf Pro's standout features is its close collaboration with Apple, ensuring seamless integration and simplifying the device management process. IT departments can streamline deployments by having devices shipped directly from Apple, eliminating the need for manual handling. Furthermore, Jamf Pro's built-in automation capabilities proactively notify administrators when updates or changes are required on specific devices.

Jamf Pro integrates natively with various applications and services, including AWS, Microsoft applications, Google, and Okta. It also seamlessly integrates with Apple's ecosystem, such as Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager.

In terms of pricing, Jamf Pro offers a 14-day free trial, and paid plans start from $4 per month per device, making it a viable option for organizations of different sizes and budgets.

Kandji

Product Overview

Kandji MDM is a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile device management solution tailored explicitly for Apple devices. Its smooth and responsive user interface, coupled with a wide range of enrollment options, makes it an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing MDM capabilities over unified endpoint management (UEM). Kandji provides top-notch management features for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices, ensuring seamless control and administration of Apple ecosystems.

Features & Pricing

Kandji's key strengths lie in its support for the entire range of Apple devices and its smart, intuitive user interface. However, its pricing model may be a point of concern for some organizations. While the standard price of $3.99 per month per device is comparable to other MDM suites, the lack of volume-based discounts could be a drawback for larger deployments. Organizations with substantial device fleets may find the pricing structure less favorable compared to competitors offering more scalable pricing models.

JumpCloud

Product Overview

JumpCloud stands out as a robust identity and device management solution that seamlessly integrates security into its core offerings. Its holistic approach to device management, treating it as an integral part of cybersecurity, makes JumpCloud an excellent choice for security-conscious organizations. The platform's ability to manage Windows, macOS, and Linux devices through a unified interface also provides a streamlined and user-friendly experience for IT teams.

Features & Pricing

JumpCloud's standout features include directory insights and system insights, which offer real-time reporting and visibility into events occurring across connected mobile networks. Additionally, the platform treats macOS, Windows, and Linux devices equally, allowing for consistent management regardless of the operating system.

In terms of security, JumpCloud incorporates integrated tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), ensuring robust access controls and identity management.

JumpCloud offers a free plan for up to 10 devices and a free demo for evaluation purposes. Paid plans start from $2 per device per month, making it an affordable solution for organizations of various sizes.

Scalefusion

Product Overview

Scalefusion is a comprehensive unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that stands out for its robust remote troubleshooting capabilities. Its remote cast and control feature allows IT administrators to mirror and take control of device screens (for Android and Windows), capture screenshots, and record sessions, enabling efficient and contextual issue resolution. Additionally, Scalefusion's broad spectrum of customizable security safeguards, including admin activity logs, data sharing restrictions, and screen capture controls, ensure adherence to company policies and maintain device security.

Features & Pricing

Scalefusion offers a wide range of features and integrations, including compatibility with Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux devices. It provides comprehensive analytics tools, 24/6 live chat-based support, and multiple pricing tiers to suit various organizational needs. Integrations include popular tools such as Google Workspace, Google Maps, Office 365, Jira, and Freshservice, with an API available for custom integrations.

In terms of pricing, Scalefusion starts at $2 per device per month, billed annually, and offers a 14-day free trial. While lower-tier plans may have limited customization and app management capabilities, the platform's overall value lies in its robust remote troubleshooting and security features.

Microsoft Intune

Product Overview

Microsoft Intune is a compelling choice for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering seamless integration with the company's suite of security tools and applications. Its cloud-based nature and direct integration with Windows devices make it an ideal choice for managing corporate devices running Microsoft operating systems. Additionally, the consolidation of tools within the Microsoft ecosystem can potentially lead to cost savings for many companies.

Features & Pricing

One of the standout features of Microsoft Intune is its ability to handle remote access applications, including legacy software, with ease. It allows end-users' applications to be directly connected to Azure Active Directory (AD) and Office 365, providing enhanced insights and monitoring capabilities for usage and potential security threats.

Microsoft Intune also offers pre-built integrations with various Microsoft products, including Configuration Manager, Windows Autopilot, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Managed Google Play, among others.

In terms of pricing, Microsoft Intune offers a 30-day free trial, and paid plans start from $8 per user per month. While the pricing structure may be different from other MDM solutions, it aligns with Microsoft's licensing model and can be cost-effective for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Hexnode

Product Overview

Hexnode is a versatile mobile device management (MDM) solution that offers both on-premises and cloud-based deployment options, catering to diverse organizational needs. Its standout feature is the ability to expand into a comprehensive unified endpoint management (UEM) solution, enabling organizations to manage not only mobile devices but also static hardware and IoT devices from a single platform.

Features & Pricing

One of Hexnode's strengths is its affordability, positioning it among the more cost-effective MDM solutions on the market. It supports zero-touch enrollment, streamlining the device onboarding process and reducing manual effort. While Hexnode's MDM offering provides robust features, some advanced capabilities are reserved for its UEM packages, which may require an additional investment.

Hexnode offers a 30-day free trial, allowing organizations to evaluate its suitability for their Android and iOS device management needs. Furthermore, its pricing plans start from around $1 per device per month for the Express plan, which includes essential MDM and kiosk management features, making it an attractive option for businesses with budget constraints.

Miradore

Product Overview

Miradore stands out as a comprehensive and feature-packed mobile device management (MDM) solution that offers both free and premium options. Its intuitive user interface, straightforward device enrollment process, and extensive MDM functionality make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking a complete MDM experience. While the free version has some limitations, the premium offering provides access to the full suite of features.

Features & Pricing

Miradore supports a wide range of platforms, including Android, iOS, and Windows, but currently lacks support for Chrome OS and Linux. The free version provides a solid set of features, albeit with some restrictions, making it an attractive option for businesses on a tight budget. For those requiring advanced functionality and unified endpoint management (UEM) capabilities, Miradore offers a premium version at an affordable price point of approximately $3 per device per month. This pricing model positions Miradore competitively among its rivals in the MDM market.

Baramundi

Product Overview

Baramundi takes a unique task-based approach to mobile device management (MDM), allowing IT administrators to perform the same actions across large fleets of devices simultaneously. This can be advantageous for organizations with extensive device deployments, where consistent configuration and management across all devices are critical.

Features & Pricing

Baramundi supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, providing comprehensive platform coverage. It falls on the more affordable end of the pricing spectrum but requires an external relational database to store its data. While the job-based model excels in large-scale device management, some users may find other MDM products more user-friendly for frequent ad-hoc tasks or individual device provisioning.

Why We Recommend MDM Solutions

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions provide organizations with a centralized platform to effectively manage and secure their mobile endpoints, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. By implementing an MDM solution, businesses can streamline device provisioning, configuration, and security management, ensuring compliance and mitigating potential risks across their entire device fleet.

Key Considerations

When evaluating and selecting an MDM solution, IT teams should consider several key factors:

1. Implementation: Assess the ease of deployment and integration within your existing IT infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions to your operations.

2. Integrations: Evaluate the solution's ability to seamlessly integrate with your existing systems, applications, and security tools, enabling a unified and cohesive management experience.

3. Security: Prioritize solutions that offer robust security features, such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and real-time threat monitoring, to safeguard your organization's sensitive information and comply with industry regulations.

4. User Experience: Consider the solution's user-friendliness, both for administrators and end-users, ensuring efficient device management and minimizing the risk of user adoption barriers.

By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting the most suitable MDM solution, your team can enhance their overall security posture, improve operational efficiency, and maintain control over their mobile device ecosystem.