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Top 10 MDM Solutions for Improving Device Security and Workforce Efficiency

IT & device management

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Author

Michał Kowalewski

Published

January 13, 2025

Last Update

January 13, 2025

Table of Contents

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Why global teams need MDM solutions

Top 10 MDM solutions for global IT teams

How to choose the right MDM solution for your business

Streamline your IT asset management with Deel

Key takeaways
  1. Whether you have a hybrid or remote workforce, mobile device management tools make it easy for you to manage the phones, tablets, and laptops your employees use for work and keep company data on their devices from falling into the wrong hands.
  2. Effective mobile device management platforms provide assorted security controls, continuous compliance, flexible deployment options, tracking and reporting tools, and capabilities that can be scaled up or down as needed.
  3. Deel leads the charge as an all-in-one solution for simplifying IT, HR, and Payroll operations, enabling swift and seamless end-to-end device management workflows.

Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more aggressive. A record high number of 10,000 data breaches was recorded in 2023, with over 72% of businesses worldwide experiencing ransomware attacks. The number of breaches that began by exploiting vulnerabilities in company networks also grew by 180% in 2024, with businesses suffering a median loss of about 50,000 from these incidents.

Securing the devices your employees use in their day-to-day work be it personal or corporate-owned phones, tablets, or laptops is not a luxury, it's a matter of survival. The choice is simple: invest in Mobile Device Management (MDM) to protect company data and equip employees with the tools, access, and settings their role demands, or risk losing thousands of dollars, your business reputation, and the customer trust you've worked so hard to build.

But how do MDM solutions work and how can you tell which ones live up to expectations and which ones fall short?

This article will shine a light on the importance of MDM software and guide you through the top 10 MDM solutions available today, their most compelling features, and the selection criteria to use in deciding on the best option for your distributed workforce.

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) involves wirelessly monitoring, configuring, securing, managing, troubleshooting, and implementing protocols on mobile devices with access to your company’s network and data.

An MDM software enables you to control all the devices your employees use for work regardless of where they are, from one centralized dashboard. With an MDM solution, you can update software, configure device settings, deploy crucial apps and services, enforce custom security policies, and even lock or erase data remotely if a device gets lost or an employee goes rogue.

This technology helps to streamline and reduce IT admin, protect your organization against data theft and cyber threats, improve operational efficiency, save on IT expenses, and expand your workforce without geographical constraints.

Why global teams need MDM solutions

The rise of remote and hybrid work has complicated the responsibilities of IT teams. You now have employees working from all over, many of whom use their personal phones, tablets, and laptops to execute work tasks. This means dealing with devices with different operating systems, network connections, security protocols, and collection of apps.

Each of these touchpoints is a potential vulnerability that could have serious repercussions for your business if exploited.

Here are some of the ways that MDM software solves these challenges and benefits your business:

1. Securing your corporate data

With features like encryption, geofencing, remote lock, access restrictions, and app management, MDM solutions act as a line of defense, enabling you to take swift and proactive steps to keep valuable business data from being exploited by malicious actors.

You can track the location of the devices in your fleet, decide who can access specific resources, and shut down or clear data from lost, compromised, or high-risk devices before they compromise your security and reputation.

2. Enforcing compliance with global standards

Are your employees using corporate data in ways that contravene regional and industry-specific privacy and security regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI DSS? Is your organization taking adequate measures to protect confidential customer information from security incidents and authorized access?

Mobile Device Management software answers these questions by tracking your compliance footprint at both individual and organizational levels to ensure that regulatory standards and company policies are being followed. By identifying compliance violations, your team can take actions to remedy them before they balloon into serious problems.

3. Streamlining IT operations

MDM tools automate and simplify IT tasks like provisioning, updating software, checking compliance, monitoring security breaches, offboarding devices, and providing user support, thereby reducing IT admin and freeing up resources. You can carry out these activities in bulk from a single console, saving your team precious hours.

Your IT personnel no longer need to be where your devices are to control them thanks to remote access. Instead of hiring a large IT team to monitor and control your device and troubleshoot issues, you can maintain a lean team and get more done in less time while beefing up your security.

4. Increasing scalability and operational efficiency

MDM solutions keep your device inventory functioning optimally by streamlining device enrollment and configuration, app distribution, policy enforcement, and system troubleshooting.

No matter how diversified or distributed the device operating systems are in your fleet, you can easily stay on top of them without overwhelming your IT department. This leads to fewer device downtimes and enhanced productivity and efficiency.

You also get the convenience and flexibility needed to hire from anywhere and scale your operations globally without compromising data or security.

Read also

Top 10 MDM solutions for global IT teams

Now that you know the benefits you stand to reap from implementing MDM software in your organization, let's explore the best tools in the market that deliver these advantages and more.

1. Deel IT

4.5/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Businesses of all sizes looking for a comprehensive solution that eliminates inefficiencies by automating and consolidating IT and HR processes.

Deel manages and automates IT, HR, Payroll, and Compliance activities for hybrid, remote, and globally distributed teams. Deel's all-in-one IT management software comes integrated with MDM features to help you remotely maintain and control all the company and employee-owned devices connected to your network.

Deel IT takes care of a broad range of IT needs and operations including device procurement and enrollment, technical support, management of end-point tools, and implementation of security protocols.

Instead of relying on fragmented solutions and workflows that can be hard to integrate, Deel empowers you to build standardized MDM processes and seamlessly integrate them with broader IT and HR operations.

Deel's unique ability to handle end-to-end device logistics like procurement, configuration, delivery, repairs, and recovery across 130+ countries helps you manage your IT assets and equip hires with all the tools they need to get their jobs done, giving your team a dozen less things to worry about.

For example, Voiceflow relied on Deel to simplify equipment purchasing, shipping, and provisioning for its global workforce, resulting in shorter onboarding times, $40K in cost savings, 60+ freed-up admin hours, and improved employee experiences.

Read the Voiceflow case study.

Deel key features

  • Zero-touch deployment: Automatically set up and secure devices with business-critical apps, software, profiles, configurations, user access, and security protections based on the employee roles and needs, so they are ready for immediate use
  • Device lifecycle management: Handle everything from purchasing, provisioning, and monitoring devices to wiping data and recovering assets from ex-team members remotely
  • Cross-platform coverage: Manage, track, and control all kinds of devices and operating systems
  • Hardware and software troubleshooting: Get 24/7 IT support, issue diagnostics, and device repairs done for you anytime, any place
  • Integration with business tools: Connect to your existing tools and harmonize your workflows with a rich library of pre-built integrations and API support
  • Rich security controls: Tighten your network and systems with integrated endpoint protections, device health audits, threat detection mechanisms, and data loss prevention policy enforcement
  • Compliance maintenance: Monitor your compliance status in real time and gather actionable insights to remedy device security risks and threats
Deel IT
Automate IT operations in 130+ countries
Simplify equipment lifecycle management with Deel IT—procure, deploy, repair, and recover devices all in one place with 24/7 support.

2. Jamf

4.7/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Apple-centric teams that want strong macOS and iOS device management support.

Jamf is at the forefront of mobile device management for Apple OS. It helps to secure your corporate data, manage your fleet of Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV devices, and automate repetitive tasks like provisioning, app deployment, asset reporting, and system upgrades.

Jamf also provides MDM support for staff-owned Android devices. However, if you have Windows, Linux, or other OS in your inventory, you will need to rely on another solution for coverage.

Jamf Key Features

  • Data containerization: Preserve user privacy by separating corporate and personal data BYOD and company-owned devices
  • Device sharing: Configure multiple profiles, passwords, apps, and more so frontline and shift workers can use the same device
  • Remote enrollment and app distribution: Ship the right apps to the right people instantly along with automatic same-day updates
  • Automatic inventory collection: Monitor which apps are frequently, rarely, or never used to cut IT costs

3. Microsoft Intune

4.5/5 rating (G2)

Best for: IT teams at small or medium-sized businesses seeking deep integration with Microsoft 365 and a robust set of endpoint management tools

Microsoft Intune offers full-service endpoint management for handling IT admin, app provisioning, end-user access, device monitoring, software updates, and data protection. It lets you manage any asset in your network including phones, laptops, desktop computers, and wearable devices.

Tracking and maintaining security and compliance is also seamless with Microsoft Intune’s advanced analytic capabilities.

Microsoft Intune Key Features

  • Extensive configuration options: Create policies and customize device management workflows to match the simplicity or complexity of your operations
  • Multi-OS support: Secure, manage, and control Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and iPad devices
  • Robust security settings: Use remote wipe, conditional access, threat assessments, password protections, and more to safeguard user identity and business data
  • Self-service kiosk: Decongest IT support requests by enabling employees to perform basic administrative functions like app installations, password resets, and file transfers on their own

4. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

4.5/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Organizations that want a versatile option with extensive security features.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus gives you the ability to boost IT efficiency and employee productivity while safeguarding corporate data. It delivers secure, comprehensive MDM coverage for Android, Apple, Windows, and Chrome OS endpoints.

With assorted third-party integrations, remote command execution, and support for BYOD, ManageEngine MDM Plus empowers both admin and end users to complete business-critical functions with ease.

ManageEngine MDM Plus Key Features

  • Encrypted data management: Preserve the integrity of enterprise and personal informal information on devices by separating and storing them in secure containers
  • Simplified app deployment: Install, update, and blacklist apps behind the scenes from internal catalogs or official app stores and customize device functions for each user
  • Email protections: Restrict what apps, files, and accounts users can access your company emails and when
  • Comprehensive security protocols: Protect your network at device and app levels with passcodes, geofencing, remote wipe, device lock, role-based permissions, and risk and compliance monitoring

5. Hexnode

4.6/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Companies with diverse device ecosystems with a need for strong BYOD support and comprehensive app management.

Hexnode is designed for unified endpoint management. It enables you to administer BYOD and org-owned mobile devices and other connected endpoints like IoT and desktops across operating systems from a single portal.

Hexnode Key Features

  • Kiosk lockdown: Disable access to specific apps, websites, or content (during work hours) to minimize distractions, prevent malware spread, and protect data in case of breaches
  • Data segregation: Use managed access and containers to prevent personal apps from accessing corporate content and vice versa
  • App and content management: Inventory, distribute, upgrade, secure, whitelist, or erase apps within your fleet at once with zero-touch provisioning
  • Broad security controls: Shield your devices and data with encryptions, geofencing, content filtering, compliance checklists, password policies, theft and data loss prevention protocols, and multi-level threat monitoring

6. Kandji

4.7/5 rating G2)

Best for: IT teams at medium to large-sized companies who primarily use Apple devices and desire excellent automation features.

Kandji is an MDM solution that's purpose-built for Apple devices. It helps you instantly provision iOS, macOS, and iPadOS devices for new employees with all the necessary apps, configurations, and security controls so they can get to work faster.

One thing to note is that while Kandji offers round-the-clock support, it's only available 5 days a week, which may slow down productivity for remote and shift workers should they encounter issues over the weekend.

Kandji Key Features

  • Real-time vulnerability management: Discover and rectify gaps in your network that malicious actors can exploit
  • Instant device reporting: See machine action trails, save time on investigations and troubleshooting, and gain visibility into the health of your Apple fleet
  • Pre-built compliance templates: Deploy security and compliance settings in one click instead of building them from scratch
  • Custom scripts: Create and ship scripts to handle unique processes and containerize information as you see fit
  • Self-service options: Grant users the power to install select apps and scripts and troubleshoot common issues without involving IT

7. Workspace ONE UEM

4.0/5 rating (G2)

Best for: IT teams in the market for an enterprise-grade device management platform.

Formerly known as AirWatch by VMware, Workspace ONE UEM has a storied record in the endpoint management landscape. It provides complete visibility and consolidated control of your organization’s device fleet.

Workspace ONE UEM works for all devices, OS types, and use cases—BYOD, enterprise-owned assets, and rugged devices—so you can onboard employees and give them instant access to relevant work apps and content regardless of the equipment they use or where they are located.

Key Features

  • Zero trust security: Fortify your data, users, and devices with automated patches, conditional access, compliance assessments, and configuration policies
  • Frictionless IT management: Automate and optimize repetitive and time-consuming IT processes with low/no-code tools
  • Role-based access control: Decide who gets access to what based on user roles, teams, and needs
  • Multi-user support: Enable multiple employees to use the same device with personalized policies and environment for each user

8. Scalefusion

4.7/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Businesses of all sizes that want a user-friendly solution with a focus on operational efficiency

Scalefusion equips your IT team with the tools they need to manage any device and operating systems your workers use with convenience and precision. It boasts diverse deployment options, data sharing restrictions, compliance monitoring, and multi-level protections for tighter security.

Although Scalefusion is built to support organizations of all sizes, the cost of the software and its extensive feature set might be too much for smaller businesses.

Key Features

  • AI-powered scripting: Leverage AI to simplify and speed up script generation, upload, and validation
  • Custom IT architecture: Implement policies, workflows, and settings to suit your unique operational needs and increase efficiency
  • Cast and control: Remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues by mirroring device screens, taking screenshots, or controlling the screen.
  • Strong endpoint protections: Use audit logs, device encryption, passcode policies, VPN tunneling, one-click login, location tracking, and factory reset permissions to keep your data safe and compliant

9. Cisco Meraki

4.3/5 rating (G2)

Best for: Enterprises that are looking for strong security features and easy integration with existing IT infrastructure.

Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed IT software software with a built-in MDM product that aims to reduce the time, effort, and manpower you spend on device maintenance.

It lets you deploy apps and configurations quickly without compromising organizational efficiency, security, and compliance. However users bemoan the lack of transparent pricing and granular customization options, so you will need to weigh that against the platform’s benefits.

Key Features

  • Robust security tools: Protect your apps, networks, and devices with smart auto-deployment, identity mapping, continuous monitoring, and remote remediation
  • Intelligent access controls: Authenticate user identity and choose the information they can see according to device compliance status and the settings, permissions, restrictions, and policies you prescribe
  • Multi-device support: Unify management of every asset and OS in your ecosystem including iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS
  • Detailed analytics: Gather insights about device health, risk profile, action

10. Sophos Mobile

4.3/5 rating (G2)

Best for: IT teams at small, midmarket, and large businesses that want to combine endpoint security with mobile device management

Sophos Mobile is a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform that delivers mobile device management support for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows 10, enabling your team to work however they want while saving time.

While the intuitive nature of the solution makes configuring, maintaining, and securing endpoints low-effort, its high memory and battery usage can cause devices to lag, resulting in productivity slumps.

Key Features

  • Advanced threat defense: Leverage Intercept X to safeguard your devices, users, and data from known and emerging cyber threats
  • Inventory management: Keep track of all the devices in your fleet and identify the ones that are unpatched, vulnerable, out of date, or behaving abnormally
  • Extended security controls: Utilize capabilities like anti-phishing, web filtering, app blacklisting/whitelisting, malware/ransomware protections, and loss prevention to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data

How to choose the right MDM solution for your business

To ensure that you end up with a mobile device management tool that aligns with your specific goals, organizational workflows and models, and the intricacies of your IT ecosystem, consider the following factors when scouting vendors:

  • Device compatibility and platform support: Some solutions only cater to a specific device type while others support a variety of devices—Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, etc. Unless you're 100% certain that your employees, now and in the future, will only ever use a particular device or OS, it's better to have an MDM tool with cross-platform support and not need that feature than to need it and not have it. This saves you the stress and additional cost of using different MDM vendors for each device type on your fleet
  • Security features: Depending on your industry and the kind of data you're processing, you may be content choosing an MDM tool with essential security features like passwords and encryptions, remote wipe and lock, role-based access, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Or you may need a solution offering stronger security capabilities such as geofencing, kiosk lockdown, threat detection, biometric authentication, and custom scripts
  • Scalability: You don't want to disrupt your team's workflow or force them to learn a new tool every time your company expands. Prioritize MDM solutions that can scale alongside your business and are flexible enough to handle changing requirements like an increase in devices, employees, data volumes, and a need for more advanced functionalities
  • Ease of use: You want an MDM tool that both admins and employees can learn to use quickly, otherwise you won't reap the full returns on your investment. Opt for MDM platforms with straightforward implementation processes and an intuitive interface. How do you judge the user experience of a tool you haven't implemented yet? Ask for a demo, take advantage of free trials, and check out reviews to see how other customers rate the tool's usability
  • Compliance tools: Check whether the vendor delivers built-in policy enforcements and compliance reporting features like audit trails, app restrictions, access permissions, and data privacy controls to align with global regulations like SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA. The tool should be able to show you your compliance performance across relevant regulatory standards and notify you when a device fails compliance checks
  • Integration capabilities: Don't forget to confirm that the vendor's MDM software is compatible with HRIS, IT systems, and other business tools you already use, so you can enhance functionality and efficiency while preserving your existing workflows
  • Cost considerations: When evaluating MDM solutions, balance the features of each tool against the total cost of ownership, including setup and ongoing support, to ensure it's within budget and that you are getting adequate value for your money. Vendors use different pricing models like per-user pricing, annual subscriptions, and tiered plans. Some even charge additional fees for certain features, so be sure to read the fine print and consult reviews before jumping on board
  • Deployment options: For maximum convenience, flexibility, and ease of setup, cloud-based MDM tools can't be beat. Maintenance is also a simple matter because the software provider takes care of the logistics for you. On the other hand, an on-premise solution might better serve your organization if your IT team can handle maintenance and you desire more extensive customization and oversight of your MDM processes

Streamline your IT asset management with Deel

Lower operational costs, take the complexity out of global IT asset management and equip your people with the tools they need to do their best work with Deel IT.

By marrying IT administration with payroll, compliance, and people management in one platform, Deel helps you trim your processes and bypass the challenges of juggling multiple IT tools. Deel provides in-depth capabilities to enable you to secure and oversee devices, users, and data:

  • Device lifecycle management: Monitor, troubleshoot, recover, store, configure, and wipe devices from a centralized dashboard without ever physically handling the equipment
  • Compliance automation: Ensure every device meets local and global regulatory standards by integrating compliance tracking into device management workflows
  • Scalability for global teams: Enjoy IT logistics coverage across 130+ countries, simplifying device procurement, delivery, provisioning, repairs, and retrieval
  • Integration capabilities: Consolidate your IT workflows and people data with a free built-in HRIS to automate device provisioning during onboarding and secure recovery during offboarding
  • A broader IT solution: Manage the bulk of your IT operations with minimal input while fulfilling MDM-specific needs

Book a 30-minute product demo to see how Deel IT can support your IT workflows, secure your device fleet, and enhance employee experiences to drive productivity.

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About the author

Michał Kowalewski a writer and content manager with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing. He spent most of his professional career working in startups and tech industry. He's a big proponent of remote work considering it not just a professional preference but a lifestyle that enhances productivity and fosters a flexible work environment. He enjoys tackling topics of venture capital, equity, and startup finance.

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