Most companies choose an MDM platform based on device management features and address HR integration afterward. For teams operating in a single country, that approach may work. For global teams, it often creates a persistent gap: devices enrolled late, policies applied inconsistently across regions, and offboarding actions delayed until IT is manually notified.

The key question is not only which MDM works well, but also which MDM works with the systems that govern how your workforce is hired, moved, paid, and offboarded. This guide reviews seven solutions and how they integrate with global HR and payroll systems.

Platform comparison at a glance

The table below summarises how each platform positions itself against the criteria above. Full breakdowns follow.

Below is a closer look at how each platform supports MDM for globally distributed teams.

1. Deel IT

Deel IT connects device management directly to the systems that manage hiring, payroll, and global workforce operations. Because MDM is embedded within the Deel platform, device provisioning, policy enforcement, and offboarding actions can be triggered directly by HR and payroll events.

When a new hire is added in Deel HR, device orders, configuration policies, and mobile device management (MDM) enrollment can be initiated automatically. When employment status changes or a worker leaves, device lock, wipe, and recovery workflows can be triggered automatically.

Key capabilities

• HRIS- and payroll-triggered MDM enrollment: Device lifecycle actions (provisioning, policy updates, wipe, and recovery) are triggered by Deel HR and payroll data
• Global device procurement and pre-configuration: Devices ship pre-enrolled and configured with role-based policies, with Apple Business Manager and Windows Autopilot support
• Zero-touch deployment: Devices arrive ready to use, with enrollment, security policies, and configuration applied automatically on first boot
• Device lifecycle management across worker types: Automation applies to employees, contractors, and EOR hires
• Endpoint protection powered by CrowdStrike: Applied automatically to enrolled devices
• Identity and access management integration: Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforced across devices
• 24/7 IT support: Global support covering devices and application access

Best for: Companies of all sizes that want to automate device lifecycle management across their workforce, particularly organizations hiring internationally, managing contractors and EOR workers, or scaling distributed teams.

Limitations: Organizations operating in a single country with a simple, static device fleet may not need the full scope of the platform.

2. Jamf

Jamf is an Apple device management platform focused on macOS and iOS environments. It supports Apple Business Manager deployment, compliance frameworks aligned with CIS and NIST standards, and device policy management.

Key capabilities

• Apple device management across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS
• Zero-touch deployment
• Apply settings to groups of devices so IT teams can manage multiple devices at once
• Security rules based on common industry standards

Best for: Apple-first organizations that need advanced macOS and iOS device management.

Limitations: Apple devices only. HR and payroll integrations are not native and typically require third-party connectors or custom integrations. No built-in global device procurement or IT support.

3. Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a unified endpoint management platform for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. It integrates with Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Windows Autopilot supports zero-touch provisioning for Windows devices.

Key capabilities

• Device management for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
• Works with Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Defender for identity and device security
• Windows Autopilot support for setting up new Windows devices
• Conditional access policies that control app access based on whether a device meets security requirements

Best for: Organizations heavily invested in Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.

Limitations: HR integration outside the Microsoft ecosystem requires additional tooling. No device logistics or built-in IT support.

4. JumpCloud

JumpCloud combines user account management and device management in one system. It allows IT teams to manage who can sign in to company systems and which devices they use.

Key capabilities

• Manage user accounts and devices in one platform
• Device management for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android devices
• Control which systems and apps users can access
• Free plan available for small teams

Best for: Organizations that want to combine identity management and device management.

Limitations: HRIS integration is indirect, and lifecycle automation is not HR-triggered. No global device logistics or IT support.

5. Kandji

Kandji is a device management platform designed for Apple devices. It helps IT teams set up and manage company Mac computers and other Apple devices.

Key capabilities

• Device management for Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices
• Pre-set security and device settings that can be applied to devices
• Security monitoring for company devices
• Automatic setup for new Mac computers

Best for: Organizations that mainly use Apple devices.

Limitations: Focused on Apple devices. HR integration requires connectors. No device procurement, global logistics, or built-in IT support.

6. Hexnode

Hexnode is a device management platform that allows IT teams to manage company devices running different operating systems from one system.

Key capabilities

• Device management for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux devices
• Lock devices or erase company data remotely
• Track device location and status
• Pricing based on the number of devices managed

Best for: Organizations managing devices that run different operating systems.

Limitations: HR integrations require API setup, and lifecycle actions are limited. No global device procurement, logistics, or built-in IT support.

7. ManageEngine MDM Plus

ManageEngine MDM Plus is a device management platform that helps IT teams manage company devices from one system. It is often used by organizations that already use other ManageEngine IT tools.

HR and payroll integration usually requires API setup rather than built-in connections.

Key capabilities

• Device management for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices
• View and control devices remotely to help troubleshoot issues
• Works with other ManageEngine IT tools
• Create and apply device settings and security rules

Best for: Organizations already using ManageEngine IT management tools.

Limitations: HR integration requires API setup, and lifecycle automation is limited. No device procurement, global logistics, or built-in IT support.

What to look for when choosing an MDM for a global workforce

Not every MDM platform connects directly to the HR and payroll systems that manage your workforce. Use the questions below to check whether a platform can automate device setup, policy updates, and offboarding as employees join, move roles, or leave.

How Deel IT closes the gap between MDM and the global employee lifecycle

For many MDM platforms, connecting device management to HR systems happens after deployment through connectors or custom integrations. For global teams, this often creates delays in device setup, missed offboarding actions, and gaps in compliance.

Deel IT connects device management directly to the systems that manage hiring, payroll, and workforce changes. When a worker joins, changes roles, or leaves, the related device actions are triggered automatically.

• MDM connected directly to Deel HR and payroll: Device setup, policy updates, and offboarding actions follow workforce events automatically
• Device procurement, setup, and enrollment: Devices are ordered, configured, and enrolled through one system before they reach the worker
• Automated lifecycle management: Provisioning and offboarding apply to employees, contractors, and EOR workers
• Endpoint protection powered by CrowdStrike: Security protection applied to every enrolled device
• 24/7 IT support: Support for devices and application access available across all time zones

Book a demo to see how Deel IT connects MDM to your global workforce platform.