MDM Showdown: Compare the Best Android and iOS Security Platforms

Choosing the best mobile device management solution for securing company-owned smartphones and tablets starts with the operating system. Android and iOS offer strong—but different—security foundations, update models, and admin experiences that shape which MDM is right for your fleet. For Apple-heavy environments, a platform that leverages Apple Business Manager’s automation is hard to beat. Mixed fleets often gain the most value from cross-platform tools with comprehensive Android Enterprise and iOS supervision support.

Below, we compare how Android and iOS stack up for MDM—features, usability, patching, compliance, costs—and outline leading platforms and a practical buying checklist so you can pick, pilot, and scale with confidence.

If you need to connect device management to people operations, Deel Mobile Device Management helps tie enrollment, policy, and offboarding directly to HR events.

What is mobile device management and why does it matter

Mobile Device Management (MDM) refers to software that allows organizations to securely configure, manage, and monitor mobile devices used for work. It centralizes policy enforcement (passcodes, encryption), app deployment, network settings, and device actions like remote lock or wipe—vital for securing data across remote and hybrid teams. Solutions like Deel MDM centralize these controls and automate them based on HR workflows to reduce manual effort and risk.

Why it matters:

• Reduces risk from lost or stolen devices with remote wipe and location tools
• Standardizes security baselines for compliance and audit readiness
• Streamlines onboarding/offboarding and keeps apps, certificates, and settings current
• Improves productivity with zero-touch setup and automated policy enforcement

Integrations with HRIS and payroll can further accelerate onboarding, simplify offboarding, and align device actions with employment status.

How it compares to related terms:

Common pain points MDM addresses include consistent policy enforcement, rapid provisioning, remote wipe for lost devices, compliance reporting, secure offboarding, and minimizing admin overhead.

Key features of Android and iOS security for MDM

Both platforms offer robust native security: Android includes Google Play Protect, biometric authentication, full-disk encryption, and Find My Device; iOS features data-at-rest encryption, Face/Touch ID, centralized updates, Find My, and strong caller ID/spam controls, all relevant for managed fleets (Android vs iOS feature overviews support these baselines).

Key contrasts:

Android’s strength lies in flexibility across diverse hardware and use cases, but update consistency may vary by manufacturer and introduce potential vulnerabilities over time (flexibility and variability are well-documented in platform comparisons).

iOS benefits from centralized, timely updates and a uniform security baseline across devices, which simplifies fleet hardening and compliance.

At-a-glance comparison:

User experience differences between Android and iOS MDM

Enrollment and setup:

• iOS utilizes Apple Business Manager for automated enrollment and “supervision,” enabling streamlined provisioning at scale with predictable performance and long update support across devices (noted for its consistency).
• Android supports Android Enterprise with Zero-touch enrollment, but onboarding can vary due to device fragmentation and OEM differences, increasing admin nuance.

UX implications:

• iOS: Consistent UI and predictable update behavior reduce support tickets and training needs.
• Android: Deep customization can optimize task-specific devices (e.g., field, retail) but may require tighter device procurement standards to maintain a consistent user experience.

Pros and cons for MDM experience:

• iOS pros: Uniform updates and controls, smooth ABM enrollment, strong supervised mode. Cons: Less customization, closed ecosystem.
• Android pros: Broad device choice and custom profiles, excellent for specialized hardware. Cons: Variability by OEM, more testing/validation.

Deel supports both ABM and Android Zero-touch/QR/NFC enrollment with automated policy application, helping standardize setup across OSs.

How Android and iOS handle security updates and patching

iOS delivers consistent, centralized updates for features and security across supported devices, which simplifies patching windows and compliance for managed fleets. Android’s open ecosystem means update timeframes vary widely by manufacturer, affecting both user experience consistency and patch coverage throughout the device lifecycle.

Update model comparison:

Timely updates reduce exploitable vulnerabilities and demonstrate due diligence in audits—especially in regulated sectors.

Ecosystem integration and device compatibility

An OS’s ecosystem affects productivity and manageability:

• Apple’s closed ecosystem provides seamless features like Handoff and Universal Clipboard, which can enhance employee workflows in Apple-centric environments and simplify troubleshooting.
• Android excels in diversity and interoperability, spanning phones, tablets, rugged devices, kiosks, foldables, and experimental sensors—powerful for frontline and specialized use cases.

Device procurement tips:

• Standardize on a shortlist of supported models and OS versions.
• For mixed fleets, certify accessories, cases, and peripherals during pilots.
• Validate critical ecosystem features (continuity, casting, accessories) before scaling.

Enterprise-relevant ecosystem features to assess:

• Cross-device continuity (handoff, calls/messages routing)
• Peripheral support (scanners, thermal printers, docks)
• Kiosk/lockdown modes for single-purpose devices
• Secure casting/meeting integrations
• Network and eSIM provisioning workflows

Core MDM capabilities for Android and iOS platforms

Essential functions to evaluate:

• Device enrollment and lifecycle workflows
• Remote lock/wipe, lost mode, and location
• App distribution and updates (public, private, in-house)
• Configuration management (Wi-Fi, VPN, certificates)
• Policy enforcement (passcodes, biometrics, encryption)
• Reporting, alerts, and compliance dashboards

Feature parity and nuance:

Security policy enforcement on Android vs iOS

Admins on both platforms can enforce encryption, passcodes, biometric authentication, remote wipe, VPN, Wi-Fi, and certificate management—core controls for mobile device security.

Key terms:

• Jailbreak/root detection: Flags devices where OS protections are bypassed, reducing trust and triggering remediation.
• Containerization: Isolates work data/apps from personal use to protect corporate information and employee privacy.
• Remote wipe: Securely erases device or work container data when a device is lost, stolen, or offboarded.

Enforcement nuances:

• iOS: Strong, uniform restrictions under supervision (e.g., AirDrop, iCloud, managed open-in) with predictable behavior across models.
• Android: Flexible policy depth and app control, with occasional fragmentation where OEMs implement features differently.

Unique or limited controls to note:

• iOS: Managed open-in, per-app VPN, supervised restrictions catalog.
• Android: Advanced kiosk modes, granular Work Profile policies, wider telemetry on some OEMs.

App management and control across Android and iOS

App distribution:

• Android utilizes Google Play and private channels, and allows sideloading and alternative app stores—useful for specialized deployments but requires stronger policy controls and vetting.
• iOS employs the App Store and Apple Business Manager, emphasizing a centralized and tightly controlled app ecosystem, plus managed app configurations and per-app VPN for data flow control.

Controls snapshot:

Deel supports managed configurations and per-app VPN policies across Android and iOS to keep data flows restricted to approved apps and services.

Pricing models and cost considerations for MDM solutions

Common pricing models:

• Per-device: Simple for corporate fleets with predictable counts
• Per-user: Efficient for multi-device users (phone + tablet)
• Tiered features: Higher tiers unlock advanced security, automation, or analytics

TCO drivers:

• Hardware choice (iOS vs Android), accessory needs, ruggedization
• Required controls (kiosk, identity integration, advanced reporting)
• Engineering effort for customizations—Android’s open-source roots can make certain feature customizations more affordable than on iOS.

Budgeting tips:

• Standardize device SKUs to stabilize support and patching costs
• Mix per-user and per-device licenses to match usage patterns
• Include staging, logistics, and replacement cycles in the model

Deel provides transparent licensing aligned to user/device needs, and can support chargeback/showback by department when paired with payroll and HR data.

Leading MDM solutions for Android and iOS security

Top cross-platform options often include unified dashboards, strong compliance tooling, automation, and excellent user experience. Prioritize transparent pricing, end-to-end automation, and integrations with HRIS and payroll to streamline onboarding and offboarding.

Feature snapshot:

Deel IT MDM protection: Solving pain points across teams

Deel brings device security, automation, and people ops together so you can secure Android and iOS fleets while reducing manual work and audit risk.

• For IT and MDM admins: Orchestrate ABM and Android Zero-touch/QR/NFC enrollments, apply baseline policies on day one, standardize kiosk/lockdown profiles, and trigger remote actions automatically when HR status changes. Use APIs to integrate with ticketing and identity.
• For Security and Compliance: Enforce OS/version gates, detect jailbreak/root, require encryption and passcodes, and export audit-ready evidence mapped to controls. Stream posture data to SIEM/GRC via APIs and webhooks.
• For HR/People Ops: Automate joiner–mover–leaver workflows so devices, apps, and access follow employment changes. Coordinate logistics, self-service, and timely data removal for clean exits.
• For Finance and Operations: Standardize SKUs, track device ownership and lifecycle, and align costs to departments or projects with showback/chargeback. Reduce TCO by minimizing manual provisioning and failed audits.
• For Frontline/Field Teams: Support rugged Android devices, single-purpose kiosks, and peripherals with consistent profiles and over-the-air updates that limit downtime.

Choosing the best MDM for your company’s needs

Decision criteria:

• Security and policy depth (encryption, compliance mappings)
• OS support and enrollment modes (ABM, Zero-touch, User Enrollment)
• Admin/user experience (setup speed, self-service, support load)
• Integrations (identity, HRIS/payroll, ticketing)
• Cost and TCO (licensing model, hardware profile, automation)

Practical evaluation flow:

• Define device personas (corporate, COPE, BYOD) and must-have controls
• Shortlist 3–5 MDMs aligned to your stack and geographies
• Run a 30–45 day pilot with target devices and use cases
• Validate compliance evidence and API/automation paths
• Model TCO and finalize procurement with a phased rollout plan