Jamf vs Kandji: Which MDM Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing between Jamf and Kandji isn't about picking the "best" MDM platform. It's about finding the one that matches how your team actually works. If you're managing a distributed team with Apple devices, you need a solution that secures endpoints, automates configuration, and doesn't create more work for your already stretched IT team.

The problem is that most MDM comparisons focus on feature lists without explaining what those features mean for HR teams managing global onboarding or IT teams trying to reduce support tickets. You need to know which platform will make IT onboarding smoother, not just which one has more checkboxes.

This guide breaks down Jamf vs Kandji in practical terms. We'll cover what each platform does well, where they differ, and how to decide which one fits your team. We'll also show how Deel IT simplifies MDM deployment by handling everything from device procurement to pre-configuration and global support.

What is Jamf?

Jamf is a comprehensive MDM platform designed specifically for Apple devices. It's been around since 2002 and is considered the gold standard for enterprise Apple device management. Jamf manages Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices across organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Jamf offers deep control over device policies, software deployment, security configurations, and compliance enforcement. It integrates with identity providers, security tools, and enterprise systems, making it a natural fit for organizations with complex IT environments or strict compliance requirements.

For IT teams, Jamf provides granular control over every aspect of device management. For HR teams managing global onboarding, Jamf ensures that Mac devices arrive fully configured with the right apps, policies, and security settings already in place.

What is Kandji?

Kandji is a modern MDM platform built for managing Apple devices with an emphasis on automation and ease of use. Founded in 2018, Kandji was designed to address the pain points IT teams face with traditional MDM platforms: complexity, manual workflows, and time-consuming setup.

Kandji automates routine device management tasks like software updates, compliance checks, and app deployment. Its interface is intuitive and requires less technical expertise to configure than older MDM platforms. Kandji is particularly popular with fast-growing companies that need to scale Apple device management without adding IT headcount.

For companies managing distributed teams, Kandji reduces the burden on HR and IT by automating device setup, enforcing security policies, and keeping devices compliant without constant manual intervention.

Jamf vs Kandji: Detailed feature comparison

Core features compared

Device enrollment and zero-touch deployment

Both Jamf and Kandji support Apple's Automated Device Enrollment (formerly DEP) through Apple Business Manager. This allows devices to be pre-configured and enrolled automatically when employees first power them on, eliminating manual setup steps.

Jamf offers extensive enrollment options, including self-service enrollment, prestage configurations, and custom enrollment workflows. IT teams can define exactly how devices should be configured during enrollment, making it ideal for organizations with specific compliance or security requirements.

Kandji simplifies enrollment with streamlined workflows that require minimal configuration. Enrollment happens automatically, and Kandji applies security policies, installs apps, and configures settings without manual intervention. This approach is faster to deploy and easier for teams without deep MDM expertise.

Security and compliance

Jamf provides deep security controls with support for frameworks like CIS, NIST, and SOC 2. IT teams can create custom security baselines, enforce encryption, require specific OS versions, and generate detailed compliance reports. Jamf also integrates with endpoint protection tools and SIEM platforms for advanced security monitoring.

Kandji automates security and compliance with pre-built audit templates and continuous monitoring. If a device falls out of compliance, Kandji automatically remediates the issue or alerts IT. Kandji's approach reduces manual work and ensures consistent security posture across the fleet, which is especially valuable for distributed teams where manual checks aren't scalable.

Patch management and software updates

Jamf supports patch management through Jamf Pro and Jamf Patch Management. IT teams can schedule updates, test patches before deployment, and control when updates are applied to different user groups. This level of control is useful for organizations that need to test updates before rolling them out company-wide.

Kandji automates patch management by default. macOS updates, app updates, and security patches are deployed automatically based on schedules and user settings. Kandji can defer updates for users who are actively working, then apply them during downtime. This automation reduces IT workload and keeps devices secure without manual intervention.

App deployment and management

Jamf allows IT teams to deploy apps manually, automatically, or through Self Service, where employees can install approved apps on demand. Jamf supports custom packages, scripts, and policies for app deployment, making it flexible for organizations with complex software needs.

Kandji includes a library of pre-packaged apps that can be deployed with a few clicks. Common business apps like Slack, Zoom, and Google Chrome are ready to install without packaging or scripting. Kandji also supports custom app uploads, but its strength is in making standard app deployment as simple as possible.

Integrations

Jamf integrates with over 100 enterprise tools, including identity providers like Okta and Azure AD, security platforms like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne, and ticketing systems like ServiceNow and Jira. These integrations make Jamf a strong choice for organizations with existing enterprise IT stacks.

Kandji offers a growing library of integrations with popular tools like Okta, Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft Intune. While Kandji's integration list is smaller than Jamf's, it covers the most common use cases for modern, cloud-first organizations.

Pricing

Jamf pricing varies based on the tier (Jamf Now, Jamf Pro, Jamf Business) and the number of devices. Pricing typically starts around $4-$6 per device per month for basic plans and increases for enterprise features. Additional modules like Jamf Protect (endpoint security) and Jamf Connect (identity management) add to the total cost.

Kandji offers simplified pricing tiers: Starter, Business, and Enterprise. Pricing starts around $5-$8 per device per month depending on the plan and volume. Kandji includes more features in its base tiers, which can make it more cost-effective for companies that don't need extensive customization.

Which MDM platform is right for your team?

Choose Jamf if:

• You need deep customization and granular control over device policies
• You're managing a large or complex IT environment with strict compliance requirements
• You have dedicated IT resources to configure and maintain MDM workflows
• You require extensive integrations with enterprise security and identity tools
• You're managing a mixed fleet with unique configuration needs across different teams

Choose Kandji if:

• You want automated device management with minimal manual work
• You're scaling quickly and need an MDM platform that's easy to deploy
• You have limited IT resources and need a solution that works out of the box
• You prioritize ease of use and modern workflows over extensive customization
• You're managing a distributed team and need consistent security without constant intervention

Consider both with Deel IT if:

Many companies don't choose between Jamf and Kandji because they don't have to. Deel IT partners with both platforms and handles the deployment, configuration, and ongoing management for you.

Whether you prefer Jamf's enterprise features or Kandji's automation, Deel IT ensures that devices arrive pre-configured, enrolled in your MDM, and ready to work from day one. You get the benefits of best-in-class MDM without needing to become an expert in either platform.

How Deel IT simplifies MDM deployment and management

Choosing an MDM platform is only part of the challenge. The real work happens when you need to enroll devices, configure policies, ship laptops globally, and ensure employees can start working on day one. That's where Deel IT comes in.

Pre-configured devices shipped globally

Deel IT handles device procurement, MDM enrollment, and pre-configuration before devices ever reach your employees. Whether you're using Jamf or Kandji, every laptop ships with your apps, security policies, and access controls already applied.

New hires in Berlin, São Paulo, or Singapore receive their devices on time, fully set up, and ready to use. No manual enrollment. No IT tickets. No delays.

MDM deployment without the complexity

Deel IT's team manages the technical setup for Jamf or Kandji, including integration with your identity provider, app library configuration, and policy enforcement. You don't need to hire MDM specialists or spend weeks configuring your platform. Deel IT handles deployment so you can focus on onboarding your team.

24/7 support and device management

When something breaks or an employee needs help, Deel IT provides 24/7 IT support and device troubleshooting. If a device needs repair, we provide loaner devices so employees stay productive. When someone leaves, we handle device recovery, data erasure, and reconditioning.

One platform for devices, MDM, and logistics

Deel IT combines device lifecycle management with MDM deployment in a single platform. You can track every device, manage security policies, and handle global logistics without switching between vendors or tools. Whether you're using Jamf, Kandji, or another MDM, Deel IT makes sure everything works together seamlessly.

Ready to simplify Apple device management? Explore Deel IT or book a demo to see how we handle MDM deployment and global device management for distributed teams.