5 Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software Tools That'll Actually Save Your IT Team's Sanity

Let me guess—you clicked on this article because your IT team is drowning in device management chaos, or you're trying to figure out how to stop your employees' smartphones from becoming security nightmares. Either way, you're in the right place.

Here's the thing about mobile device management (MDM) software: it's one of those tools that nobody thinks about until something goes terribly wrong. A laptop gets stolen with sensitive client data. An employee downloads a sketchy app that compromises your network. Or you spend three hours manually configuring WiFi settings on 50 devices because, well, someone has to do it.

A 2024 Verizon report found that 45% of organizations experienced a mobile-related security incident in the past year.

That's nearly half of all companies dealing with mobile security disasters. And in most cases, these headaches could've been prevented with the right MDM solution.

But here's where most MDM articles fall flat: they list 20+ tools, throw fancy feature comparisons at you, and leave you more confused than when you started. Not this one. We're cutting through the noise and focusing on five genuinely excellent MDM tools that offer different strengths for different needs.

Whether you're managing 20 devices or 2,000, whether you're an Apple-only shop or running a mixed fleet of Android, Windows, and iOS devices—we've got you covered. Let's dive in.

Before we get into the tools themselves, let's talk about what separates meh MDM software from the genuinely game-changing stuff.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are security tools designed to help IT teams manage, monitor, and secure employees' mobile devices that access organizational data.

But what does that actually mean in practice?

Security That Actually Works

Security features are a cornerstone of MDM, with capabilities such as remote locking and wiping to protect data on lost or stolen devices.

If your MDM can't remotely lock a device that went missing at a coffee shop, it's basically useless.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Unless your company exclusively uses one type of device (which, let's be real, is rare), you need an MDM that plays nice with everything. We're talking iOS, Android, Windows, macOS—the whole shebang.

Automation and Policy Enforcement

MDM software should reduce manual work, not add to it. The best platforms allow IT teams to preconfigure security policies, automate software updates, enforce app restrictions, and trigger alerts for non-compliant devices.

Nobody wants to manually push updates to 100 devices every Tuesday. Automation is your friend here.

App and Content Management

An MDM tool's application and content management capabilities determine how well the software can distribute, update, and manage apps and content across all devices. This capability ensures only approved applications and data are used, enhancing security and compliance.

Let's talk money because MDM pricing can be all over the map—and super confusing.

According to the 2022 Maximizing Mobile Value study by Oxford Economics, the average Mobile Device Management cost typically ranges from $3.25 to $9 per device per month.

But here's the catch: that's just the base price. This upfront fee usually excludes hidden costs or other mobile device management expenses.

What Actually Affects MDM Pricing?

• Number of devices: The more devices you manage, the better volume discounts you'll get

• Feature tiers: Basic MDM vs. enterprise-grade security features

• Cloud vs. on-premises: Cloud solutions typically have lower upfront costs

• Support and training: Some vendors charge extra; others (like NinjaOne) include it free

The sweet spot? Look for solutions that offer transparent pricing without nickel-and-diming you for every add-on feature.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Here are five MDM tools that stand out from the crowded marketplace—and no, we didn't just pick the biggest names.

Best for: Mid-sized companies that need powerful features without the enterprise complexity

If you've ever looked at enterprise MDM software and thought, "This looks like it requires a PhD to operate," Scalefusion is your answer. This cloud-based endpoint and mobile device management package includes monitoring and security services as well as onboarding and content hosting.

The interface is refreshingly intuitive. You don't need to be a security expert to figure out how to lock down devices or push app updates. But don't mistake simplicity for lack of power—Scalefusion packs serious features.

Key Features:

• Kiosk mode for dedicated-use devices (perfect for retail or field workers)

• Content filtering and real-time device tracking

• Geofencing capabilities

• Cross-platform support (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS)

Scalefusion offers a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly solution for managing and securing mobile devices in the corporate environment. With its comprehensive features, businesses can enhance their security posture and improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Scalefusion's pricing sits in that goldilocks zone—not the cheapest, but definitely not enterprise-grade expensive. You're looking at competitive per-device monthly rates with no weird hidden fees.

Companies with 50-500 devices that want enterprise-level security without needing a dedicated MDM administrator. It's also fantastic for organizations with field workers who need kiosk modes and location tracking.

Best for: Small to medium businesses watching their budget (but still wanting robust features)

Let me hit you with a number that'll make your CFO happy: Their cheapest Express plan includes the basic MDM Suite and basic Kiosk, and only costs around $1 per device, per month.

Wait, what? Yeah, you read that right. A dollar per device. And no, it's not some stripped-down trial version.

Hexnode is one of the more versatile mobile device management solutions 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.

This flexibility is massive. Start with basic MDM, then scale up as your needs grow. No need to switch platforms down the road.

Core Capabilities:

• Multi-OS support (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)

• Remote troubleshooting and monitoring

• Containerization for BYOD scenarios

• Compliance management tools

• Option to self-host for security-conscious organizations

The absolute cheapest tier is pretty basic. If you need advanced features like detailed analytics or complex automation, you'll need to step up to higher-priced plans. But even those are competitively priced.

Startups and small businesses managing 25-200 devices that need professional-grade MDM without blowing the budget. Also great for companies that might want to self-host for regulatory reasons.

Best for: Small businesses and teams that need full-featured MDM on a shoestring budget

Here's something you don't see every day in enterprise software: a genuinely useful free tier. Unlike many of the other tools on this list, Miradore offers a free forever option. This free tier is very helpful for many organizations that will only ever have a small number of users and don't need to overload on features.

Miradore is a feature-packed MDM with free and premium options. With comprehensive functionality, straightforward UI, and easy device enrollment, Miradore feels like the complete MDM experience.

The free version supports basic device management, security policies, app distribution, and remote actions. That's way more than most "free" enterprise tools offer.

Notable Features:

• Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

• Cloud-based management (no server setup needed)

• Basic security enforcement and policy management

• Device inventory and monitoring

• Outstanding customer support (seriously, this gets mentioned in reviews constantly)

Shortcomings include a lack of support for Chrome OS and Linux.

If you're managing Chromebooks or Linux devices, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Miradore is priced lower than any of the competitors we've seen (at around $3 per device, per month).

for the paid tier, which unlocks advanced features like geofencing and detailed reporting.

Small businesses managing under 25 devices that want professional MDM capabilities without spending a dime. Also perfect for nonprofits, schools, or any organization where budget constraints are real.

Best for: Organizations heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem

If your company runs primarily on MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, Kandji (formerly known as Iru) is purpose-built for you. Kandji MDM is a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile device management solution tailored explicitly for Apple products. Its smooth and responsive user interface, coupled with a wide range of enrollment options, makes it an excellent choice.

Sure, plenty of MDM tools support Apple devices. But Kandji specializes in them, which means deeper integration with Apple Business Manager, better support for macOS-specific features, and automation that actually understands how Apple's ecosystem works.

Standout Features:

• Zero-touch deployment through Apple Business Manager

• Automated patch management for macOS and iOS

• Smart compliance tracking

• Pre-built security templates

• Gorgeous, Mac-like interface (finally, enterprise software that doesn't look like it's from 2005)

Kandji provides top-notch mobile application management features for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices, ensuring seamless control and administration of Apple ecosystems.

While the standard price of $4 per month per device is comparable to other MDM suites, the lack of volume-based discounts could be a drawback for larger deployments.

At $4 per device monthly, it's not the cheapest option. But for Apple-centric organizations, the time savings and seamless integration often justify the cost.

Creative agencies, tech startups, and any organization where Macs and iOS devices dominate. Also great for companies that value design and user experience in their IT tools.

Best for: Large organizations that need to manage everything (and we mean everything)

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is a complete enterprise device management package with both on-premises and cloud-based versions.

This is the tool for companies that need to manage not just mobile devices, but desktops, IoT devices, and everything in between.

ManageEngine's solution supports mobile, desktop, and IoT device management with an emphasis on ease of use.

Think of ManageEngine as the all-in-one solution for IT departments managing complex, diverse device ecosystems.

Power Features:

• Support for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and tvOS

• Unified console for managing all endpoint types

• Advanced automation and scripting capabilities

• Detailed compliance reporting

• Geo-fencing and location tracking

• Kiosk mode for dedicated devices

Here's something cool: Mobile Device Manager Plus has a free edition that manages up to 25 devices, which is beneficial for small businesses. They are fully-functional with all features.

Yes, you get the full feature set for free up to 25 devices. That's unheard of for enterprise-grade software.

The annual subscription costs $495 for a single user license with 50 mobile devices. The cost of a perpetual license is $1,238.

For larger deployments, pricing is customized based on your needs.

Large enterprises (500+ devices) managing a mixed environment of mobile devices, desktops, and specialized equipment. Also perfect for organizations that need detailed compliance reporting for industries like healthcare or finance.

Okay, so you've read about five solid options. Now what? Here's how to make the decision without getting paralyzed by analysis.

Question 1: What devices are you actually managing?

• All Apple? → Look at Kandji first

• Mixed environment? → Scalefusion or ManageEngine

• Budget-conscious? → Hexnode or Miradore

Volume discounts kick in after certain thresholds. However, small fleets often pay list price, so per-device rates remain higher until the user count grows.

Small teams (under 50 devices): Miradore or Hexnode free/low-cost tiers make sense

Mid-size (50-500 devices): Scalefusion hits the sweet spot

Enterprise (500+ devices): ManageEngine offers the complexity you need

Be honest: Do you have dedicated IT staff who can handle complex configurations? Or do you need something your office manager can figure out?

Limited IT expertise? → Miradore or Scalefusion (user-friendly interfaces)

Experienced IT team? → ManageEngine (more customization and control)

Beyond the basics, here are some underrated features that separate good MDM from great MDM:

Some MDM solutions offer geofencing, which means a device can be automatically restricted or locked if it moves outside an approved area.

This is massive for companies with field workers or expensive equipment that shouldn't leave certain locations.

Kiosk mode allows devices to be locked into single or multiple applications. This is particularly useful if you require devices to serve specific purposes, such as point-of-sale systems or information kiosks.

If you run retail locations, restaurants, or trade show booths, kiosk mode is non-negotiable.

A mobile device management system is able to create a so-called business container, which ensures the clear separation of business and private data.

This lets employees use personal devices for work without IT having access to their personal photos, messages, and apps. Win-win.

Let's talk about what not to do when implementing MDM software.

The cheapest option often ends up costing more in hidden fees, missing features, and IT headaches. Costs vary based on per-device or per-user subscriptions, advanced security and automation features, cloud vs. on-premise deployment, and potential support fees.

Better approach: Calculate total cost of ownership, including training and support.

While an MDM tool provides control over mobile devices, it also accesses sensitive information. This also raises privacy issues, especially if data handling and storage are not compliant with regulations. Mobile device users may be concerned about their personal information being monitored or mishandled.

Better approach: Be transparent about what you're monitoring and why. Use containerization for BYOD scenarios.

Even "easy" MDM solutions require setup, policy configuration, and user training. Budget for at least 2-4 weeks of implementation time.

Here's the real talk: there's no single "best" MDM software. The right choice depends on your specific situation.

Go with Miradore if: You're managing fewer than 25 devices and want a completely free, no-strings-attached solution that actually works.

Choose Hexnode if: Budget is tight but you need professional features and the flexibility to scale up later.

Pick Scalefusion if: You want that perfect balance of powerful features and user-friendly design for a growing team.

Select Kandji if: Your organization lives and breathes Apple products and you want the absolute best management experience for that ecosystem.

Opt for ManageEngine if: You're managing an enterprise with diverse device types and need comprehensive control over everything.

The most important thing? Don't wait until a security incident forces your hand. 50% of enterprise organizations are not considering, evaluating, piloting or rolling out a comprehensive mobile device management solution. As a result, their mobile devices, along with the associated data and applications, are less secure than they should be.

Take advantage of free trials (most of these vendors offer them), test with a small group of devices, and see what actually works for your team. Your future self—and your IT department—will thank you.