7 Best Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions for Small Businesses [2026 Guide]

Small businesses face the same cyber threats as large enterprises, but with fewer resources to fight them. As more employees use laptops, tablets, and phones for work, each device becomes a potential entry point for data breaches or downtime.

Imagine a salesperson’s phone being stolen while still logged into shared apps, exposing client data before anyone in IT can react. That kind of risk is avoidable.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools let you remotely configure, monitor, and secure every company or personal device from one central platform.

This guide reviews seven of the best MDM solutions for small businesses, comparing their core features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you protect data, reduce manual IT work, and support your team wherever they are.

What is mobile device management (MDM)?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is software that lets companies remotely manage and secure the laptops, tablets, and smartphones employees use for work. It gives IT and operations teams centralized control over every device connected to the company network, whether it’s owned by the business or part of a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy.

At its core, MDM handles four main tasks:

• Device enrollment and tracking: keeps an inventory of every active device and who it’s assigned to.
• Security enforcement: applies company policies like password strength, encryption, and remote lock or wipe for lost devices.
• App and update management: installs, removes, or patches software automatically to stay compliant and reduce downtime.
• Compliance monitoring: ensures all devices meet regional data privacy standards such as GDPR or CCPA.

Modern platforms, like Deel IT, combine MDM with full device lifecycle management, covering procurement, repairs, and secure offboarding in one system.

See also: Top 10 MDM Solutions for Improving Device Security and Workforce Efficiency

Why small businesses need MDM

Many small businesses underestimate how exposed they are to cyber threats until something goes wrong. Studies show that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Limited IT staff and ad-hoc security setups make it easy for attackers to exploit unpatched software, stolen credentials, or misplaced devices.

As remote and hybrid work models expand, employees now connect from personal phones, shared Wi-Fi, and different time zones. Without centralized control, IT teams can’t see who’s accessing what, where, or from which device. A single compromised laptop can lead to data leaks, downtime, and reputational damage that small firms struggle to recover from.

Mobile Device Management prevents this by giving business owners visibility and control over every endpoint. It automates updates, enforces security policies, and locks or wipes devices remotely, keeping sensitive data safe while reducing manual IT work and employee downtime.

See also: A Lost Laptop Is an Inconvenience, a Stolen Identity Is a Catastrophe

The 7 best MDM solutions for small businesses

Below are seven mobile device management tools that combine ease of use, strong security, and scalability for small and mid-sized teams. Each offers a slightly different balance between price, automation, and depth of control.

1. Deel IT

Best for: Small and mid-sized companies hiring or managing teams across multiple countries.

Deel IT isn’t a traditional MDM tool. It’s a global IT operations platform that hosts, integrates, and automates other MDM solutions (such as JumpCloud, or Kandji) while managing the physical lifecycle of every device your company owns. Instead of replacing your preferred MDM, Deel IT provides the infrastructure, logistics, and automation around it: procurement, shipping, pre-configuration, MDM enrollment, 24/7 support, recovery, and certified data erasure.

In short, Deel IT is the operational backbone that connects HR, IT, and Finance into one workflow.

When you hire through Deel, you can automatically provision and ship laptops to new employees in 130+ countries. Devices arrive pre-enrolled in your chosen MDM through Apple Business Manager or Windows Autopilot. Deel handles the global logistics: sourcing, customs, delivery, and returns, while your MDM still handles policies, encryption, and endpoint control.

Core capabilities for small businesses

• Global device deployment: Always-in-stock catalog with 40 laptop options, 3–5 day average delivery, and flexible lease or purchase terms.
  Zero-touch enrollment: Apple Business Manager and Windows Autopilot with automatic MDM enrollment after activation.
• Unified MDM controls: Define security policies, automate configuration, manage apps, enforce encryption, and lock or wipe devices remotely across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux fleets. Priced at $15 per device per month.
• Endpoint protection: Add AI-driven threat detection and policy control for laptops, tablets, and smartphones for $15 per device per month.
• 24/7 IT support: Outsource end-user support, repairs, and loaners with SLA-backed response and same-day resolution for general issues. From $49 per user per month.
• Device recovery and reuse: Managed collections with a 96% global device recovery rate, certified data erasure, storage, and redeploy across regions.
• Buyback and refresh: Automate refresh cycles and clear old devices for cash to cut total cost of ownership.

2. JumpCloud

Best for: Small and mid-sized teams that need identity management and MDM in one platform.

JumpCloud is an all-in-one open directory platform that merges device management with user access control. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, centralizing identity, SSO, and security policies under one admin console.

Key features:

• Unified directory for devices, users, and apps
• MDM enrollment for macOS and Windows
• Policy-based controls for encryption, screen lock, and patching
• Built-in MFA, SSO, and conditional access

Pricing: Core Directory + MDM features start around $11 per user/month (tiered pricing available).

Why it stands out: Combines MDM with user and identity management, ideal for smaller teams that don’t want to juggle multiple tools.

3. Kandji

Best for: Security-focused Apple environments.

Kandji is a cloud-based Apple device management platform designed to automate security and compliance tasks. It supports zero-touch deployment through Apple Business Manager and enforces CIS, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 benchmarks automatically.

Key features:

• Pre-built security and compliance templates
• Automated OS updates and patching
• Device health monitoring and remediation
• Zero-touch provisioning for Macs and iOS devices

Pricing: Starts at $6–$8 per device/month (based on configuration).

Why it stands out: Automates Apple compliance and security while keeping setup simple for IT teams without deep technical staff.

4. Microsoft Intune

Best for: Businesses running on Microsoft 365.

Intune integrates natively with Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Defender for Endpoint. It provides unified policy enforcement, remote wipe, and compliance reporting across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Key features:

• Deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
• Remote lock and encryption enforcement
• Conditional Access policies and compliance checks
• Centralized endpoint analytics

Pricing: Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium (around $8–10 per user/month).

Why it stands out: Seamlessly extends Microsoft security to devices already authenticated in Azure AD.

See also: Best MDM for Apple: Top 9 Software Solutions Compared

5. Jamf Now

Best for: Small Apple-only teams.

Jamf Now is built for startups and small businesses that need basic Apple MDM features without complex setup. Admins can enroll devices, enforce security, and push apps in minutes.

Key features:

• Quick Apple device setup and inventory tracking
• Password and encryption enforcement
• Remote lock or wipe
• App management via Apple Business Manager

Pricing: Free for first 3 devices, then $2 per device/month.

Why it stands out: Ideal for small companies seeking a straightforward Apple-only solution with minimal overhead.

6. Hexnode

Best for: Multi-OS device fleets.

Hexnode offers enterprise-level MDM flexibility at small-business pricing. It supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux with geofencing, kiosk mode, and deep policy customization.

Key features:

• Wide OS coverage and BYOD support
• Role-based device policies
• Geofencing, kiosk, and lockdown options
• Integration with Google Workspace and Azure AD

Pricing: From $2.25 per device/month.

Why it stands out: Strong feature set and automation capabilities at a low entry cost.

7. Scalefusion

Best for: Mobile-first or field-based teams.

Scalefusion simplifies Android and iOS device management with an intuitive dashboard and quick onboarding. It also supports Windows and macOS, making it flexible for hybrid teams.

Key features:

• Kiosk and lockdown modes for field devices
• Remote troubleshooting and chat support
• Policy automation and custom branding
• Role-based access and analytics

Pricing: Starts around $2 per device/month.

Why it stands out: Balances affordability and usability, ideal for retail, logistics, and service teams managing mobile fleets.

Comparison table: Best MDM solutions for small businesses

How to choose the right MDM solution

Not every mobile device management tool fits every business. The right choice depends on how your team works, what devices they use, and how much IT support you have in-house.

When comparing providers, focus on these essentials:

• Supported operating systems: Make sure the platform works across all the devices in use, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• Ease of setup: Small teams should look for tools with quick enrollment, cloud deployment, and minimal configuration steps.
• Security and compliance: Check for built-in encryption, remote wipe, and certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001 to meet global standards.
• Automation and integrations: A good MDM should connect with your HR or device procurement systems to reduce manual work.
• Scalability and cost: Transparent, per-device pricing helps small businesses predict expenses as they grow.

Some modern platforms, such as Deel IT, combine MDM with endpoint protection and global device lifecycle management, creating a single system for onboarding, security, and support.

See also: IT Services For Small Business: What You Actually Need in 2025

Simplify global device management with Deel IT

Managing devices across teams and time zones doesn’t have to be complex. Deel IT gives small businesses the same infrastructure global enterprises rely on, centralized visibility, automated logistics, and built-in compliance in 130+ countries.

Whether you’re shipping laptops to new hires, enforcing security policies through your existing MDM, or recovering devices after offboarding, Deel IT streamlines every step. It reduces manual IT work, keeps your data secure, and ensures employees always have the tools they need to work productively from day one.

Book a demo to see how Deel IT can help you manage devices globally with less effort and more control.