Best Apple MDM Software Alternatives

What is Apple MDM Software?

Apple MDM software, or Mobile Device Management, is a framework that allows businesses, schools, and IT teams to manage Apple devices like iPhones 📱, iPads, and MacBooks 💻 remotely. With device management for iOS and macOS, IT admins can configure settings ⚙️, install apps 📦, enforce security rules 🔒, and wipe lost devices 🗑️.

Think of MDM like a remote control for your Apple fleet—instead of physically handling each device, you manage them all from a single dashboard 🖥️.

Why Look for Apple MDM Software Alternatives?

While Apple offers Apple Business Manager and its own MDM server, many organizations look beyond it. Why?

• Limited Features – Apple’s built-in options provide basic controls but lack advanced automation 🤖.

• Cost & Licensing – Businesses often need scalable, budget-friendly MDM solutions 💲.

• Cross-Platform Needs – Many companies use both Apple and Android devices, requiring MDM for iOS and Android 📱🤖 in one solution.

This is where third-party MDM solutions shine 🌟.

Key Features to Look for in MDM Solutions

When choosing an MDM software for Apple, focus on:

• Security Tools 🔐 – Encryption, remote wipe, jailbreak/root detection.

• Cross-Platform Support 🌍 – iOS, macOS, and Android.

• Remote Device Management 🌐 – Easy policy enforcement for distributed teams.

• Ease of Use 👍 – A clean dashboard that non-tech users can navigate.

• Scalability 📈 – Works for both small startups and global enterprises.

Top Rated Apple MDM Software Alternatives

VantageMDM (Best All-in-One Solution)

VantageMDM is one of the top rated MDM solutions for Apple devices 🍏. It supports iOS, macOS, and Android, making it a complete remote device management service 🌐. Businesses choose VantageMDM for:

• Simple, intuitive interface 🖥️

• Strong Apple MDM security software tools 🔒

• Affordable plans 💵 for all business sizes

• Free trial option 🎁

👉 Perfect for companies looking for easy remote device management without breaking the bank.

Jamf Pro

Jamf is often called the best Apple MDM because it’s designed specifically for iOS and macOS 🍎💻. It’s powerful, but also expensive—ideal for enterprises 🏢.

Kandji

Kandji focuses on automation 🤖 and compliance ✅. If your business needs zero-touch deployment for Macs and iPhones, Kandji is a strong choice.

Mosyle

Affordable 💰 and efficient ⚡, Mosyle is popular in the education sector 🎓. It offers device manager for Mac features at a lower cost than Jamf.

Hexnode MDM

Hexnode supports Apple, Android, and Windows devices 🖥️📱. Its flexible pricing makes it a great MDM software comparison winner 🏆.

Miradore (Free MDM Option)

If you’re looking for free MDM software for Apple 🎉, Miradore offers a free plan for small teams 👥. However, advanced features require paid upgrades 💳.

Microsoft Intune

Great for businesses already using Microsoft 365 📊. Intune integrates well with Windows and macOS, giving IT admins a central hub 🖥️.

Scalefusion

Known for its easy-to-use MDM macOS and iOS tools 👌, Scalefusion is a solid mid-range option ⚖️.

Free Apple MDM Software Options

Yes, free mobile device management exists 🎁. Tools like Miradore Free or limited free trials from providers like VantageMDM are available.

But remember:

• Free plans usually limit devices 🔢.

• Security features are minimal 🔐.

• Support is often restricted ⏳.

If you’re managing more than a handful of devices, a paid Apple MDM security software is worth it 💼.

Comparison Table of Best Apple MDM Alternatives

MDM Solution	Platforms Supported	Pricing	Best For
VantageMDM	iOS, macOS, Android	Affordable 💵	SMBs & Enterprises 🏢
Jamf Pro	iOS, macOS	Premium 💎	Enterprises 🏢
Kandji	iOS, macOS	High 💰	Automation & Compliance ✅
Mosyle	iOS, macOS	Mid-range ⚖️	Education 🎓 & SMBs
Hexnode	iOS, macOS, Android, Windows	Flexible 🔄	Cross-platform management 🌍
Miradore Free	iOS, Android	Free/Paid 🎁	Small Teams 👥
Microsoft Intune	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android	Varies 📊	Microsoft 365 users 💼
Scalefusion	iOS, macOS, Android	Mid-range ⚖️	Simple deployment 🚀

Benefits of Using Third-Party MDM for Apple Devices

• Better Security 🔒 than native Apple solutions

• Remote Device Wipe 🗑️ for lost iPhones and MacBooks

• Scalable Device Manager 📈 for Mac and iOS

• Compliance Management ✅ for industries like healthcare and finance

MDM for iOS and Android

Businesses rarely stick to one platform 📱🤖. That’s why MDM solutions for iOS and Android are so important. VantageMDM, Hexnode, and Intune cover both ecosystems well 🌍.

How MDM Helps Businesses

• iPhone Management Software 📱 → Install apps remotely.

• Mac Device Management 💻 → Push updates across fleets.

• MDM MacBook Security 🔐 → Protect sensitive company data.

• Remote Device Management Services 🌐 → Perfect for hybrid work setups 👩‍💻👨‍💻.

Choosing the Right MDM Software for Apple

• Small Businesses 🏢 → VantageMDM, Mosyle, or Miradore Free.

• Enterprises 🌍 → Jamf Pro, Kandji, or Microsoft Intune.

Apple MDM Server vs Third-Party Solutions

Apple’s MDM server is basic but free 🎁. However, it lacks automation 🤖, reporting 📊, and advanced controls ⚙️. That’s why many companies prefer third-party top rated MDM solutions 🌟.

Best MDM for Apple in 2025

With remote work here to stay 🏡, the best Apple MDM solutions in 2025 will be:

• Cross-platform 🌍 (supporting iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows)

• Affordable and scalable 💵📈

• Cloud-based with zero-touch setup ☁️

Common Misconceptions About Apple MDM Software

• Myth ❌: Apple’s free tools are enough.

• Truth ✔️: They only cover the basics.

• Myth ❌: MDM is only for enterprises.

• Truth ✔️: Even startups benefit from free or low-cost MDM solutions.

Conclusion

Finding the best Apple MDM software alternative depends on your needs 🎯. If you want affordable, cross-platform, and secure solutions, VantageMDM is a strong pick 🌟. For large enterprises 🏢, Jamf Pro or Kandji may fit better.

At the end of the day ⌛, the right MDM software for Apple will save you time, money, and security headaches 💡.

FAQs

1. Can MDM be removed permanently?

Yes, but it depends on the restrictions set by the IT admin 👨‍💻. Some MDM profiles can be removed by users, while others are locked 🔒.

2. How much does Apple Business Manager cost?

Apple Business Manager itself is free 🎁, but it requires pairing with an MDM solution, which may have costs 💰.

3. Does Apple have an MDM?

Yes, Apple provides its own Apple MDM server 🍎 via Business Manager, but it’s limited compared to third-party solutions.

4. Where is the device manager on Mac?

You can find device management profiles under:System Settings ⚙️ > Privacy & Security 🔐 > Profiles 📂

5. Which free MDM software is best?

Miradore offers one of the best free mobile device management 🎉 options, while VantageMDM provides affordable paid plans with more features 💼.