Written by the Infronest Product & IT Operations Team. We build MDM agents for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, so the per-OS caveats below come from implementation, not brochures.
IT Operations
Best MDM Software in 2026: How to Choose (Honest Comparison)
The main mobile device management platforms compared — platform depth, Android enrolment modes, pricing model, and the questions that actually separate them.
Every MDM vendor lists the same operating system logos. What separates them is how deep the control actually goes on each one, and whether the enrolment mode you can realistically use unlocks the features you are paying for.
How to compare
What actually differentiates MDM platforms
- Per-OS depth — ask exactly which policies are enforced on each OS you run, not which logos are supported
- Android enrolment mode — Device Owner unlocks silent app install, kiosk mode and strong restrictions; a personally-enrolled device unlocks far less. This single point decides most Android outcomes.
- Apple programmes — Apple Business Manager and supervised enrolment change what is possible on macOS and iOS
- Patching — included, or a separate module with separate pricing?
- Remote access — built in, or a third-party tool you also pay for?
- Multi-tenancy — essential for MSPs; retro-fitting client isolation is painful
- Pricing model — per device or per user, and what happens as you grow
- Audit trail — you will need it for ISO 27001, SOC 2 or DPDP evidence
The options
Main MDM platforms
- Microsoft Intune — the default if you are Microsoft 365-centric; excellent Windows depth and tight identity integration. Licensing is bundled in some M365 plans.
- Jamf — the strongest Apple-only option; unmatched macOS and iOS depth, no Windows or Linux.
- Scalefusion — India-based, strong Android device-owner and kiosk support, popular for field and frontline devices.
- Hexnode — broad OS coverage and a friendly UI; commonly shortlisted by mid-market teams.
- ManageEngine MDM — part of a wide IT suite, mid-market pricing, common in India.
- Miradore — simple and inexpensive, with a free tier; lighter on advanced policy.
- Infronest — device management for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android inside a wider IT platform that also holds monitoring, assets, helpdesk, patching and VAPT.
Read this before buying
Questions vendors do not volunteer
- 'Supports Linux' — does that mean full policy enforcement, or inventory and scripts only?
- 'Supports Android' — under which enrolment mode, and what breaks on personally-owned devices?
- 'Includes patching' — OS only, or third-party applications too?
- 'Remote access included' — attended only, or unattended for servers as well?
- 'Unlimited devices' — check whether reporting, retention or API calls are what is actually metered.
- Ask for the audit-log export format before you sign; that is what your auditor will ask for.
Which fits which team
- Microsoft-centric office, mostly Windows — Intune
- Apple-only design or media company — Jamf
- Frontline, kiosk or field Android fleet — Scalefusion or another Device-Owner-strong platform
- Mixed OS estate that also needs monitoring, tickets and patching — a unified IT platform rather than a standalone MDM
- MSP managing many clients — prioritise genuine multi-tenancy and per-client reporting above feature lists
Infronest
Conclusion
Infronest manages Windows, macOS, Linux and Android devices in the same tenant-isolated workspace as server monitoring, IT assets, helpdesk, patch management and VAPT. For teams whose real problem is tool sprawl rather than one missing MDM feature, that consolidation is usually the bigger win.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which MDM software is best?
- It depends on your estate. Intune suits Microsoft-centric Windows environments, Jamf is the strongest Apple-only choice, and Device-Owner-focused platforms such as Scalefusion suit Android frontline fleets. If your estate is mixed and you also need monitoring, patching and helpdesk, a unified IT platform usually beats a standalone MDM.
- How much does MDM software cost?
- Typical per-device pricing ranges from roughly USD 1 to 8 per device per month, depending on features and volume. Watch for patching, remote access and advanced reporting being sold as separate modules — they often double the effective price.
- What is the most important thing to check before buying MDM?
- Per-OS capability depth and, for Android, the enrolment mode. A platform that technically 'supports' an OS but cannot enforce the policies you need on it will fail your first compliance review.