If you're an IT leader today, you are facing a new wave of AI-enabled threat actors and an explosion of vulnerabilities that are escalating risk at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, your users have higher expectations than ever before, demanding convenience, responsiveness, and the freedom to work from anywhere, on any device.
In this guide, we've evaluated the top MDM software solutions of 2026 based on real-world performance, user feedback, security capabilities, and value delivery. You'll find objective analysis to help you select the best mobile device management software for your specific environment and build capabilities that grow more valuable over time.
| MDM Software | Best For | Starting Price | Standout Feature | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LogMeIn Resolve | Unified IT & Reliability | Custom | AI-Driven Automation & 99.9% Uptime | Yes |
| NinjaOne | MSPs | Custom | Community Support | Yes |
| Jamf Pro | Apple-Only Fleets | ~$14/device/mo | Deep Apple Ecosystem Integration | Yes |
| JumpCloud | Identity Management | ~$9/user/mo | Cloud Directory Integration | Yes |
| Kandji | Apple Startups | Custom | One-Click Compliance Templates | Yes |
| ManageEngine | On-Premise Needs | ~$1.28/device/mo | Extensive Module Options | Yes |
What Is MDM Software?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) software serves as the central nervous system for your organization’s hardware infrastructure. Its purpose is to secure, monitor, and manage mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), across the entire enterprise.
Modern MDM software solutions go far beyond basic device tracking. They automate device provisioning, enforce security policies, manage application deployment, and provide real-time visibility into device health and compliance status. This is particularly important in today's hybrid work environment, where devices are distributed across home offices, coffee shops, and corporate locations.
Modern MDM solutions are essential for handling:
- Employee Laptops: Windows and Mac workstations that roam outside the corporate firewall.
- Smartphones and Tablets: Corporate-owned or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) phones that access sensitive email and file servers.
- IoT and Specialized Gear: Kiosks, ruggedized devices, and point-of-sale terminals.
Top-tier MDM platforms handle more than just basic management. They use AI-driven automation to consolidate fragmented systems into one unified hub. By automating routine tasks like device enrollment, provisioning, and patching, these tools directly address modern IT complexity. They replace the "Frankenstein friction" of disconnected tools with seamless integration, allowing IT teams to move from perpetual triage to delivering high-value outcomes.
Comparing the Best MDM Software Solutions
We analyzed the best MDM platforms across security, reliability, cross-platform performance, and AI readiness. IT leaders are under pressure to streamline operations and shift toward a modern impact model that delivers measurable outcomes. We compared tools in this guide that reflect the direction the industry is moving, but one solution stands apart for organizations that need true end-to-end management without compromise.
1. LogMeIn Resolve - Best Overall MDM Solution
LogMeIn Resolve represents the evolution of MDM from reactive device management to proactive IT enablement. Built on two decades of proven reliability and enhanced with intelligent automation capabilities, LogMeIn Resolve gives IT teams the ability to achieve significantly greater operational impact while reducing cost structure and complexity.
Key features:
- Grounded in secure Zero Trust principles with identity-first access controls and continuous verification for every user and device.
- Maintains 99.9% uptime.
- Threat indicators and policy automation integrate into daily workflows, allowing teams to mobilize quickly without sacrificing protection.
- Industry-leading agentic AI shifts IT teams from reactive troubleshooting to predictive management.
- Virtual Technician feature analyzes system health, automates repetitive tasks, and provides actionable insights based on real session data.
Pricing: Resolve is offered through a custom quote-based model designed to match the needs of SMB, mid-market, and enterprise organizations. This approach keeps pricing aligned with your device count, security requirements, and operational scale.
Best For: Organizations seeking comprehensive IT transformation rather than just device management. Ideal for companies experiencing rapid growth, complex compliance requirements, or those looking to build operational capabilities that compound in value over time.
2.NinjaOne
NinjaOne combines remote monitoring and management (RMM) with MDM capabilities, making it ideal for organizations needing comprehensive endpoint management.
Key Features:
- Unified RMM and MDM platform
- Automated patch management and software deployment
- Remote access and troubleshooting capabilities
- Comprehensive monitoring and alerting
- Multi-tenant architecture
Pricing: Quote-based; typically per-device.
Best For: MSPs and organizations requiring combined RMM and MDM capabilities in a single platform.
Shortcomings: NinjaOne's mobile management capabilities are less developed than its desktop features, with limited support for app management, containerization, and real-time mobile troubleshooting. The platform is not ideal for BYOD environments or mobile-first strategies.
3. Jamf Pro
Jamf Pro specializes in Apple device management with deep integration into Apple's ecosystem. For organizations standardized on Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices, Jamf provides comprehensive management capabilities with zero-touch deployment and automated compliance enforcement.
Key Features:
- Apple Business Manager integration for zero-touch deployment
- Comprehensive app lifecycle management and distribution
- Advanced security policies specific to Apple platforms
- Custom scripting and automation for macOS management
- Smart groups for dynamic device organization
Pricing: Starts at $4 per device per month for basic management, with higher tiers for advanced features.
Best For: Organizations with primarily Apple device fleets requiring enterprise-grade management and security controls.
Shortcomings: Its greatest strength is its greatest weakness: it’s an island. If you manage a mixed fleet with Windows or Android devices (which most companies do), you will need to buy, learn, and maintain a completely separate tool for them. This reintroduces the fragmentation and integration complexity that modern IT teams are trying to eliminate.
4. JumpCloud
JumpCloud combines cloud directory services with device management, providing an alternative to Active Directory for modern, cloud-first organizations. The platform offers unified identity and access management alongside endpoint control.
Key Features:
- Cloud directory with SSO and MFA capabilities
- Cross-platform device management (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- User lifecycle management and provisioning
- Policy-based access controls
- LDAP and RADIUS support for legacy systems
Pricing: Starts at $9 per user per month with annual billing.
Best For: Organizations building cloud-first infrastructure who need directory services combined with device management.
Shortcomings: While strong on identity, the depth of its device management features, specifically regarding deep patch management and remote troubleshooting, can be shallower than dedicated RMM/MDM platforms like LogMeIn Resolve.
5. Kandji
Kandji focuses specifically on Apple device management with emphasis on automated compliance and security. The platform provides over 200 pre-built security parameters and compliance templates for streamlined Apple fleet management.
Key Features:
- 200+ pre-configured security controls and compliance templates
- Auto Apps for automated application updates
- Custom Blueprints for role-based device configurations
- Advanced reporting and compliance monitoring
- Zero-touch deployment for Apple devices
Pricing: Custom pricing based on device count and feature requirements.
Best For: Organizations with Apple-only environments requiring automated compliance and security management.
Shortcomings: Like Jamf, Kandji only focuses on Apple devices, which can be limiting if you’re managing a mix of different platforms. Additionally, it doesn’t offer the same level of customization or deep integrations you’d expect from more established enterprise tools.
6. ManageEngine Endpoint Central
ManageEngine Endpoint Central provides comprehensive unified endpoint management with strong patch management and security capabilities. The platform offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive patch management for OS and applications
- Software deployment and license management
- Mobile device and application management
- Asset and inventory management
- Integration with ServiceDesk Plus for ITSM
Pricing: Free edition for up to 25 devices, paid plans start at $495/year for 50 devices.
Best For: Organizations needing comprehensive endpoint management with strong patch management capabilities.
Shortcomings: The interface can feel a bit outdated compared to newer SaaS platforms, which may create some friction for users. There is a noticeable learning curve, and connecting the MDM module with the rest of their product suite can occasionally feel less seamless than expected.
What to look for in an MDM software solution
When evaluating software, it’s easy to get lost in feature comparisons or swayed by flashy marketing. However, to gain true operational leverage, you need to evaluate tools based on how they handle the chaotic reality of modern IT.
Ease of Deployment and Setup
Time-to-value is critical in a fast-paced environment. You can't afford a six-month implementation cycle that drains your team's resources. The best MDM solutions are cloud-native and offer streamlined onboarding processes. Look for tools that support over-the-air (OTA) enrollment and integrate with automated deployment programs like Apple Business Manager and Windows Autopilot. The goal is "zero-touch" deployment, where a device can be shipped directly to a user and configured automatically upon unboxing.
Device and Platform Compatibility
The "all-Apple" or "all-Windows" office is increasingly rare. Most modern organizations manage a multi-generational, multi-OS fleet. Your MDM must handle this diversity without forcing you to use separate consoles for different operating systems. If you need one tool for Macs and another for PCs, you are adding to your complexity, not solving it. Look for unified endpoint management that treats iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS as equally important.
Security and Compliance
Security can't be an afterthought; it must be purpose-built and embedded into every layer of endpoint access. Your MDM is your first line of defense against the expanding attack surface. Essential features include:
- Remote Lock/Wipe: Instant protection for lost or stolen hardware to prevent data breaches.
- Encryption Enforcement: Managing BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) keys centrally.
- Compliance Monitoring: Automated reporting that proves you are meeting standards like HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR.
- Patch Management: The ability to automatically update OS versions and third-party apps to close vulnerability gaps24.
Scalability and Performance
Your MDM solution must grow with your organization without performance degradation. Evaluate how platforms handle large device fleets, geographically distributed deployments, and peak usage scenarios. Cloud-native architectures typically offer better scalability than on-premises solutions, but verify that performance remains consistent as you add devices and users.
User Experience and Interface Design
Technician burnout is a major risk. Clunky, legacy interfaces with steep learning curves only add to this stress. A modern MDM should have an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard that visualizes data clearly. It should reduce the cognitive load on your technicians, allowing them to resolve issues faster and with fewer clicks.
Integration with Other IT Tools
Your MDM doesn’t work in a vacuum, and it shouldn’t feel like one either. If it’s going to make your life easier, it has to play nicely with the tools you already use daily. That means real integrations with your RMM, your ticketing system, your IdP, and whatever security stack you rely on. When these systems can actually talk to each other, you cut down on duplicate work, avoid messy hand-offs, and reduce the kind of small mistakes that turn into big headaches later.
Pricing Transparency and Value
Hidden fees for "essential add-ons" are a common frustration. Look for transparent pricing models, whether per-device or per-user, that allow you to predict costs accurately. Flexible terms are also important, allowing you to scale your license count up or down as your workforce changes. The best value comes from tools that consolidate multiple functions (remote control, patching, MDM) into a single subscription, lowering your overall IT cost structure.
Customer Support and Reliability
When a critical server goes down or a laptop is compromised, you need more than a chatbot. These are the moments where a vendor with a track record of reliability is crucial. Look for companies that offer 24x7 in-house support and boast high uptime guarantees (e.g., 99.9%). A vendor's ability to resolve issues fast without escalation loops is a key differentiator.
Real-world User Reviews and Reputation
Finally, don't just take the vendor's word for it. Look at third-party review sites like G2 and Capterra. Pay attention to what verified users say about the tool's stability and the vendor's partnership.
How to Choose the Right MDM Solution for Your Business
Choosing an MDM solution is a big decision. It’s more than checking off features on a list, and it’s important to choose a platform that actually supports your long-term goals and helps you manage the growing complexity in IT. The right fit can make your team more effective. The wrong one can end up creating more work and slowing you down.
Here is a 5-step framework to guide your evaluation:
1. Assess your device landscape
Start with a brutally honest audit of your environment. Do you have an 80/20 split of Windows to Mac? Are you supporting Linux developers? Is your mobile fleet corporate-owned or BYOD? Don't fall into the trap of buying a niche tool like Jamf if you have a mixed fleet; you will only end up managing two separate silos. LogMeIn Resolve’s unified approach is often better suited for these real-world, mixed environments.
2. Prioritize critical features
Create a "Must-Have" vs. "Nice-to-Have" list. If you’re in healthcare, HIPAA compliance reporting is non-negotiable. If you have a small helpdesk team supporting a global workforce, reliable remote control and AI-assisted automation are essential to prevent burnout. Identify the features that will move the needle on your team's productivity.
3. Evaluate onboarding and IT capacity
Be honest about your team's bandwidth. Do you have the time and specialized talent to script custom configurations from scratch? Or do you need a tool with pre-built "best practice" policies that work out of the box? Tools designed for a complexity crunch are built to deliver value in hours, not months, reducing the heavy lifting for your team.
4. Run a pilot or proof of concept
Run a pilot in your real environment instead of relying on vendor demonstrations. Test how quickly remote sessions connect. Try a remote wipe on a test device and see how long it actually takes. Pay attention to how fast the vendor’s support team responds when something goes wrong. This is where “reliability” stops being a marketing term and starts becoming something you can measure.
5. Measure ROI and success metrics
Look beyond the initial license cost. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). If a less expensive tool requires your technicians to spend 10 extra hours a week on manual workarounds, it’s not worth it. Look for tools that reduce ticket volume, speed up resolution times, and consolidate multiple subscriptions (e.g., dropping a separate remote support tool) into one. This is how you achieve a continuously optimized cost structure.
Best Practices for Implementing an MDM Software Solution
Successful MDM implementation requires strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and phased execution. The following best practices help ensure your MDM software deployment delivers immediate value while building the foundation for long-term success and continuous improvement.
Conduct a readiness assessment
Before you deploy, take time to understand where your organization stands today. Review your technical infrastructure, current policies, and how well your team handles change. Document your existing device management workflows, note any systems that will need to connect with the new platform, and establish baseline metrics so you can clearly measure progress. This upfront assessment helps you spot potential challenges early and ensures your team is ready for a smooth transition into automated device management.
Define Clear Policies and Access Controls
Develop comprehensive device management policies that balance security requirements with user productivity needs. Define role-based access controls, acceptable use policies, and incident response procedures before technical implementation begins. Clear policies reduce deployment friction and provide a framework for ongoing governance as your environment evolves.
Start with a pilot program
Roll out to a tech-savvy group first to stress-test your policies and gather honest feedback about the user experience. Use what you learn there to refine your approach before expanding to teams like Sales or Executives. At the same time, invest in clear, helpful user education that explains new policies, self-service options, and support procedures. Transparent communication about the benefits, along with a few user champions who can offer peer support, goes a long way in easing the transition and building trust.
Prioritize employee training and communication
Communication matters. Help users understand why you're introducing MDM and how it helps keep company data safe while also protecting them from things like identity theft. When users understand the purpose behind it, they’re more likely to feel comfortable with the change and support the rollout.
Automate enrollment and policy enforcement
Configure automated enrollment processes, policy deployment, and compliance monitoring to minimize manual intervention and ensure consistent application of security controls. Automation reduces human error, accelerates deployment timelines, and enables your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine management tasks.
Integrate MDM with existing IT and security systems
Connect your MDM to your service desk. When a device falls out of compliance (e.g., encryption is disabled), it should automatically generate a ticket for your team to investigate. This creates a closed-loop system where nothing falls through the cracks.
Continuously monitor and optimize
MDM isn’t something you set up once and forget about. It works best when you revisit it regularly. As operating systems evolve and new security risks surface, it helps to refresh your policies so they stay aligned with what your organization needs. The built-in analytics can also offer helpful signals, for example, if an app is causing recurring crashes across devices, giving you a chance to address issues early rather than react after the fact.
LogMeIn Resolve: Unified MDM Built for Today’s Hybrid Work Environments
There are many capable tools on the market, but the best solution for your organization is one that unifies your stack, secures your perimeter, and uses AI to amplify your team's capabilities. Many platforms perform well in specific niches, such as Jamf for Apple, ManageEngine for on-premise. However, LogMeIn Resolve stands out for its ability to deliver a true competitive edge across the entire ecosystem.
By balancing enterprise-grade security with the reliability of a 20-year industry veteran, LogMeIn Resolve allows you to stop firefighting and start building a resilient, future-proof IT operation. It empowers you to deliver a "10x impact" across your technicians, processes, and costs.
Don't settle for the status quo. Equip your team with the tools they need to win.
For organizations ready to move beyond traditional device management toward strategic IT enablement, LogMeIn Resolve represents the comprehensive solution that delivers immediate operational benefits while building capabilities that create lasting competitive advantages.
Explore LogMeIn Resolve's advanced MDM capabilities and discover how intelligent automation and proven reliability can transform your IT operations from constant complexity management to proactive strategic enablement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of organizations benefit most from MDM solutions?
Any organization with more devices than they can physically touch benefits from MDM. This includes remote-first companies, field service organizations, and highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance, where data security and "duty of care" are non-negotiable. If you have sensitive data moving outside your office walls, you need MDM.
How much does MDM software cost?
Pricing varies significantly based on features and scale, usually ranging between $2 - $9 per device per month. Some vendors charge per user, which can be cost-effective if employees have multiple devices (laptop + phone + tablet). Consider the total cost of ownership, including implementation, training, and ongoing support, when evaluating options. Free tiers are available from some vendors, but typically limit device counts and advanced features.
What trends are shaping the future of MDM software?
The biggest trend is the shift to Agentic AI, systems that don't just alert you to a problem but autonomously fix it. We are moving toward "Virtual Technicians" that can troubleshoot and resolve issues without human intervention. Additionally, the convergence of MDM and Security into Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is making standalone MDM tools obsolete.
What is the difference between MDM and RMM?
MDM (Mobile Device Management) traditionally focuses on configuration and security policy (locking devices, pushing apps, enforcing encryption). RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) focuses on maintenance and repair (patching, remote control, scripting). However, the lines are blurring. Modern tools like LogMeIn Resolve combine both capabilities into a single tool, giving you complete control over the device lifecycle.
