IT Teams, These 9 Best MDM Solutions Are the Real Deal

My phone and I are inseparable. 

Emails, Slack messages, and random security alerts that I may or may not ignore. But while I'm just trying to keep my screen time under control, IT teams have a much bigger challenge: managing every company device before things spiral into a security nightmare.

They're juggling hundreds—sometimes thousands—of devices, each one a potential compliance risk, data breach, or unauthorized TikTok installation away from disaster. Without the best mobile device management (MDM) solution, something will slip through the cracks.

I teamed up with our IT crew to test 20+ MDM solutions, deploy policies, enforce security measures, push updates, and remotely lock down lost devices. Some tools made the process seamless, while others struggled with basic tasks.

If you're tired of sifting through endless feature lists and just want to know which MDM solutions are worth your time, I've got you covered. Here are the best MDM platforms I tested—ranked, reviewed, and ready for real-world use.

9 best MDM solutions I tested and recommend 

Mobile device management solutions are how IT teams keep company devices from turning into a security nightmare. I've seen firsthand what happens when businesses don't have a solid MDM system in place—lost laptops with sensitive data, work phones loaded with who-knows-what, and employees who "forget" to update their software for years. It's chaos.

MDM software lets IT teams secure, track, and manage every work device from one dashboard. I'm talking about enforcing security policies without chasing people down, pushing updates without sending 10 reminder emails, and locking or wiping lost devices before they become a liability.

For me, the biggest perk of MDM is that it takes the stress out of device management. No more wondering if company data is floating around on an old phone someone left in an Uber. No more IT horror stories about rogue apps or outdated security policies. Just full control, less hassle, and a much happier IT team.

The result? I have my final list of the best MDM solutions that don't just have great marketing but actually work. 

My criteria for what makes the best MDM solutions worth it 

When I set out to find the best mobile device management solution, I made sure each one met specific, real-world criteria before making the cut. Here's what I looked for:

• Remote management capabilities: An MDM that only works well when the device is in hand isn't useful. The best platforms allow IT admins to remotely lock, wipe, or track devices—whether they're lost, stolen, or just being used in ways they shouldn't be. I prioritized MDMs that offer real-time visibility into device health and activity, plus remote troubleshooting options like screen-sharing or command-line access.
• Device and operating system compatibility: Not every company runs on the same mix of devices. Some use iOS and macOS, others are locked into Windows, and plenty have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy that throws Android into the mix. A great MDM should support all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux in some cases) with full feature parity—not a watered-down version, depending on the OS.
• Automation and policy enforcement: MDM software should reduce manual work, not add to it. I focused on platforms that allow IT teams to preconfigure security policies, automate software updates, enforce app restrictions, and trigger alerts for non-compliant devices. Tools with dynamic group-based policies (where new devices automatically get the right security settings based on their role) scored higher.
• Security and compliance control: If an MDM platform doesn't take security seriously, it's not worth considering. I looked for granular security policies that let IT teams enforce encryption, set up remote wipe capabilities, and control which apps and network devices can access. Bonus points for tools that support zero trust architecture and compliance with frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
• Ease of use and admin experience: Some MDM solutions feel like they were designed for security experts with a decade of IT experience—and that's a problem. I evaluated how easy it was to deploy policies, manage devices, and configure settings without getting lost in complicated menus. A clean, intuitive dashboard and clear reporting tools made a big difference in usability.
• Integration with existing IT stack: MDM software doesn't exist in a vacuum. It needs to work alongside other IT tools like identity and access management (IAM) solutions, endpoint security software, and cloud services. I prioritized platforms with built-in integrations for Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Google Workspace, Okta, and other major security tools.
• App and content management: Companies don't just manage devices—they also manage the apps and data on them. A good MDM should allow IT to push and remove apps, enforce app usage policies, and prevent users from downloading unauthorized software. I also looked for content filtering and data loss prevention (DLP) features that help businesses keep sensitive information secure.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the best mobile device management software category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Be compatible with all common or company-issued mobile devices and support necessary operating systems and platforms
• Function through/with multiple service providers
• Customize according to company policy and/or requirements.
• Integrate with the already existing IT, administrative, and application systems
• Enable the remote configuration, locking, wiping, detection, and encryption of devices
• Report on device activity

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Jamf Pro

I went into testing Jamf Pro with one major question: is it really the gold standard for managing Apple devices, or is it just hyped up because there aren't many Apple-focused MDMs? After spending time deploying and configuring devices, I can confidently say it's one of the most powerful Apple-focused MDMs out there—but it's not for everyone. 

If your company lives and breathes Apple, this is hands-down one of the best tools for device management, app distribution, and security enforcement. 

I started by testing zero-touch deployment, which is where Jamf Pro truly shines. My IT team unboxed a few brand-new MacBooks, enrolled them in Apple Business Manager (ABM), and just like that, the devices automatically configured themselves, installed security settings, and deployed the required apps. No manual setup, no end-user frustration. The entire process was seamless, and if I were an IT admin rolling out dozens (or hundreds) of devices, I'd be very happy with how easy this was.

Next, I moved on to app and content management, using Jamf's App Catalog to push software updates across different test devices. It made installing and enforcing software versions incredibly simple. I also tested custom app deployment, and while it worked, it wasn't as intuitive as I'd hoped. I had to dig into the documentation to get it right, which felt a little frustrating compared to how smooth everything else was.

Security policies were another area where Jamf Pro stood out. We set up restrictions that blocked USB access, enforced disk encryption, disabled system preference changes, and locked down specific apps. Everything worked exactly as expected. I also tested Lost Mode on an iPhone, which instantly locked the device and displayed a message on the screen. However, when we attempted a remote wipe, there was a slight delay—it eventually worked, but in a high-stakes situation, that wait time could be a concern.

But here's the thing—while Jamf Pro does a lot of things exceptionally well, it's not the easiest MDM to work with. I found myself clicking through way too many menus to find basic features. It's clear this tool was designed for experienced IT admins, not casual users. 

I do love how deeply integrated Jamf Pro is with Apple's ecosystem, but it can take some time to get used to. And while we expected no Windows or Android support, it still felt like a major downside when testing in a mixed-device environment. 

What I dislike about Jamf Pro:

• No Windows or Android support. If even one person on your team uses a non-Apple device, you'll need a second MDM solution. We tested in a mixed-device environment, and Jamf Pro completely ignores non-Apple devices.
• Deploying custom enterprise apps is complicated. While App Store apps were easy to manage, pushing internal company apps required more steps than I expected.

What G2 users dislike about Jamf Pro:

"I wish that Jamf Pro would include a way to automatically name devices from within Jamf. Currently, this is a very manual process due to the limitations of options within Jamf in this regard. Would love to see more options for naming both IOS and OS devices. I also wish that the Select All and Deselect ALL buttons in the pre-stage scoping area were either removed or able to be used when filtering the list of devices without it still selecting or unselecting ALL devices. Many users think it will only select the items that have been filtered in the list and are visible, but it actually still selects the entire list, disregarding the filter. This causes confusion and mistakes often by new users."

- Jamf Pro Review, Denise L.

2. NinjaOne

When my IT team and I tested NinjaOne, we expected a solid endpoint management tool, but what we found was a hybrid MDM-RMM solution that does a lot—but not always everything you need from a traditional MDM. If your company needs one platform to manage laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, this could be a great fit. But if you're looking for a dedicated MDM with deep mobile security and app controls, NinjaOne might leave you wanting more.

We started by enrolling a mix of Windows laptops, macOS devices, iPhones, and Android phones, and I'll admit—it was one of the fastest setups we've tested. Unlike some MDMs that require manual configurations and long setup processes, NinjaOne uses an agent-based system, meaning once the agent is installed, the device automatically enrolls, reports back to the dashboard, and starts being monitored. My IT team liked that it was cloud-based, so we didn't have to deal with complicated infrastructure.

From there, we explored device monitoring and security enforcement. On Windows and macOS, NinjaOne gave us full visibility into system health, software versions, and patch status. We could remotely install software, push security updates, and even access devices for troubleshooting. This was a huge win for IT support teams that need remote control capabilities. But once we moved to mobile devices, things felt more limited.

One of NinjaOne's biggest strengths is automation. We created a workflow to automatically update software on all test devices, enforce security patches, and send alerts for non-compliant devices, and it all worked seamlessly. Plus, IT teams can write custom scripts to automate specific tasks, which is something most standard MDMs don't offer.

But when we shifted our focus to mobile device security, we hit some limits. While policy enforcement worked well for desktops and laptops, mobile devices felt like an afterthought. We could enforce basic security policies like passcodes and encryption, but there was no in-depth app management solution, no conditional access policies, and no containerization for separating work and personal data. That was a letdown.

Another issue? No remote troubleshooting for mobile devices. On desktops, we could remotely access and control devices to fix problems, but for mobile devices, our only options were sending commands or wiping them completely. That's a pretty big gap for IT teams who need real-time support tools for employees using work phones.

Overall, NinjaOne is a great fit for IT teams managing a mix of desktops and mobile devices—but if your company is mobile-first, you might find it lacking.

What I dislike about NinjaOne:

• I didn't find it ideal for BYOD scenarios. If your employees bring their own mobile devices, NinjaOne may not offer the level of separation and security that you need.
• Limited mobile device security features. While Windows and macOS management was top-tier, iOS and Android security controls weren't as deep. We could enforce passcode policies and push configurations, but remote wipe and Lost Mode weren't as responsive.

What G2 users dislike about NinjaOne:

"With the unlimited amount of included users, we were looking forward to implementing remote access capabilities to some of our remote users (access to PC from a mobile device). Many of these users would be using their phones for remote access. Unfortunately, mobile support for end users hasn't been properly implemented yet. There are various other features that we wished NinjaOne would implement (multi-split window for multi-monitor when remoted into remote PC, for example), some of which are on their roadmap, some of which are not."

- NinjaOne Review, Adon G.

3. JumpCloud

On testing JumpCloud, I quickly realized that this isn't just an MDM solution—it's a full identity, device, and security management platform. If you're only looking for basic mobile device management, this might feel like overkill. But if you need a centralized way to manage users, devices, and security policies across multiple platforms, JumpCloud is one of the most powerful tools I ended up testing.

I started with device onboarding, enrolling a mix of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Unlike some MDMs that rely on separate configurations for different platforms, JumpCloud lets us manage everything from a single console. The enrollment process was smooth, and we were able to enforce security policies, deploy applications, and manage users across all devices in one place.

One thing that stood out immediately was JumpCloud's integration of MDM with identity management. Most MDMs focus only on device control, but JumpCloud ties in user authentication, directory services, and zero-trust security models. We tested single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies, and it was great to see that the IT folks could enforce security rules at both the device and user levels.

For mobile devices, we were able to push security settings, enforce passcodes, and remotely wipe devices if needed. However, when we tried app management, it wasn't as granular as we'd hoped. We could deploy apps to devices, but there was no real application sandboxing or containerization for separating work and personal data. That's a drawback for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments, where we'd want to ensure corporate data is completely isolated.

JumpCloud also has built-in endpoint compliance tools, which we tested by enforcing disk encryption, monitoring login activity, and checking for outdated software. The zero-trust security approach was one of the best we've seen—every device was continuously verified before being allowed to access company resources.

Mobile device management itself worked well for basic tasks like remotely locking devices, tracking lost phones, and enforcing encryption, but I ran into limitations with deeper mobile controls. I couldn't do things like geofencing, remote screen control, or automated remediation actions based on security violations. 

Also, Android and iOS device enrollments weren't as smooth as I expected. The process required extra manual steps, and some users reported needing to re-enroll after an OS update. 

Overall, JumpCloud is one of the most security-focused MDMs we tested, but it's best suited for companies that need full identity and device management, not just mobile security.

What I dislike about JumpCloud:

• Device enrollment had issues on Android and iOS. Some of us needed to re-enroll devices after OS updates, and the initial setup wasn't as smooth as I expected. 
• Linux device management was a little inconsistent. Basic policies like enforcing screen locks worked on some distributions but didn't apply properly on others, which made things unreliable.

What G2 users dislike about JumpCloud:

"Mobile management features for iOS and Android are more basic and don't offer as much control as the tools available for managing desktop devices."

- JumpCloud Review, Md. S.

4. Kandji

Similar to Jamf Pro, Kandji is also built specifically for Apple devices. Instead of juggling multiple OS environments, I tested it exclusively with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices to see how well it handles Apple's ecosystem. Spoiler: It does this really well, but that focus comes with some trade-offs.

One of the standout features was Kandji's Automation Engine, particularly the pre-built security and compliance templates. While other MDMs make you configure security policies from scratch, Kandji provides over 150 pre-configured security controls that automatically enforce compliance with frameworks like CIS benchmarks, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST. 

We enrolled a fleet of macOS devices and applying a CIS benchmark template—it automatically enabled FileVault encryption, enforced password policies, blocked USB storage, and even set login window configurations without having to tweak individual settings.

Another impressive feature was Auto Apps, which allows IT teams to deploy and update third-party apps without manual intervention. I tested this with Zoom, Slack, and Chrome. The software updated silently in the background, and I could even set compliance rules so that if a user deleted or downgraded an app, it would automatically reinstall the latest version. This was great for maintaining app consistency across multiple devices.

Blueprints were another unique aspect. Instead of applying policies one by one, I could create custom configurations for different teams or departments, grouping settings, apps, and compliance rules together. We created separate Blueprints for marketing, engineering, and HR, each with its own specific software and security settings, and deploying them was seamless.

On the mobile side, iOS and iPadOS device management felt robust but not as feature-packed as the Mac side. I could enforce Wi-Fi and VPN configurations, block specific apps, and enable Lost Mode, but there was no geofencing or granular per-app VPN like some mobile-first MDMs offer. That said, ABM integration was seamless, and I could enroll new devices via zero-touch deployment without users needing to do anything manually.

Moreover, since Kandji is an Apple-only MDM, you'll need another solution for non-Apple devices. so If you have a mixed device environment, this is a big limitation.

What I dislike about Kandji:

• Lack of deep real-time monitoring. I could see compliance status and security settings, but real-time device diagnostics were limited. Unlike some MDMs that provide detailed live system health reports, I had to rely on periodic status updates instead.
• The auto apps feature worked well for major applications like Zoom and Chrome, but not every third-party app is supported. For niche or custom software, I still had to handle deployment manually.

What G2 users dislike about Kandji:

“I would appreciate more comprehensive patch management for third-party applications. Additionally, the passport sync feature with Google could be significantly enhanced by incorporating the ability to use MFA with security keys. Improved alerting capabilities based on activity would also be beneficial.”

- Kandji Review, Danny H.

5. TeamViewer

TeamViewer isn't your typical MDM—it's better known for remote access and troubleshooting, but its TeamViewer Remote Management suite also includes mobile device management capabilities. 

To test how well it stacks up against dedicated MDM solutions, I focused on its remote control features, mobile security tools, and real-time monitoring, using a mix of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

Right away, the remote support tools stood out. Most MDMs let you push configurations and policies, but TeamViewer takes it a step further by allowing real-time remote access to devices, even for mobile phones. I tested this by remotely controlling an Android device and troubleshooting a VPN configuration issue on an iPhone. 

Unlike most MDMs that require end-user interaction, TeamViewer lets me see the screen, navigate settings, and even make real-time changes without relying on users to follow step-by-step instructions. This is ideal for IT teams dealing with less tech-savvy users.

Another unique feature was performance monitoring and patch management. I could see CPU usage, RAM consumption, disk health, and network activity across all enrolled devices in real time. If a device was running out of storage or showing signs of overheating, we got an alert immediately. The patch management system allowed me to install missing updates remotely, which I tested by rolling out Windows security patches to a test group of laptops. This worked well on Windows and macOS, but mobile patch management was limited—I couldn't push OS updates to iPhones or Android devices like I could with desktops.

For security, TeamViewer includes mobile endpoint protection with malware detection, which is something most MDMs don't offer. I installed the security agent on multiple devices, and it successfully flagged outdated software and blocked an unauthorized app installation attempt. However, I found that malware detection felt more like a secondary feature compared to standalone endpoint protection tools. It's helpful but not as in-depth as dedicated security solutions.

On the downside, TeamViewer's MDM capabilities feel secondary to its remote access features. I could push policies like Wi-Fi configurations, screen lock settings, and remote wipe commands, but I noticed a lack of advanced app management, geofencing, or Zero Trust security policies that are standard in more enterprise-focused MDMs. 

Device enrollment also felt clunky—for mobile devices, I had to manually install the TeamViewer app and grant additional permissions, making it less seamless compared to zero-touch deployment options in other MDMs.

What I dislike about TeamViewer:

• Limited role-based access controls for IT teams. Most enterprise MDMs allow detailed role-based permissions, but TeamViewer'saccess settings were simpler, making it harder to segment IT responsibilities for different departments.
• Mobile device enrollment was more manual than expected. Instead of a streamlined zero-touch deployment, I had to manually install the TeamViewer app on each mobile device and adjust settings, which slowed things down.

What G2 users dislike about TeamViewer:

“We've tried to look into their MDM solution but it seems very pricy and doesn't offer as many features compared to other dedicated MDM solutions.”

- TeamViewer Review, Katherine J.

6. ManageEngine Endpoint Central

ManageEngine Endpoint Central offers a full-fledged endpoint management solution that covers mobile devices, desktops, servers, and IoT endpoints. While this broad functionality is impressive, it also makes the platform more complex to navigate than dedicated MDMs. To keep things focused, I primarily tested its MDM capabilities alongside its desktop and patch management features, using a mix of Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices.

One of the first things I tested was zero-touch deployment for mobile devices, and this worked surprisingly well. Using ABM, Android Zero-Touch, and Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, we enrolled company-owned devices seamlessly. However, BYOD enrollment wasn't as smooth—I ran into some inconsistencies where work profile policies didn't apply correctly on certain Android models, requiring manual fixes.

Geofencing and location tracking were strong features on paper, allowing me to restrict corporate data access based on location. But when I tested this across multiple devices, I found that some phones incorrectly triggered security alerts despite being in an approved location. That meant IT had to manually override geofence restrictions, making it more of a hassle than a true security measure.

Another area where Endpoint Central didn't quite deliver was remote troubleshooting on mobile devices. While I could push commands, lock/wipe devices, and deploy apps remotely, I couldn't fully control iOS devices—I was limited to screen viewing. On Android, remote control was possible but required extra user permissions, which slowed down support cases where immediate action was needed.

From a security standpoint, the platform allows for solid enforcement of encryption, passcode policies, and app management, but compliance automation was lacking. If a device became non-compliant (for example, if encryption was disabled), Endpoint Central only sent an alert—it didn't automatically take action to enforce policies. This meant that IT had to manually remediate security violations instead of letting the system handle them.

The device health monitoring tools were also a nice touch. I could track CPU usage, memory consumption, disk space, and network activity across all enrolled endpoints. This was especially useful for troubleshooting performance issues before they escalated. That said, Linux monitoring felt more limited than Windows and macOS—there were fewer built-in analytics options, making it harder to get a real-time view of system health.

If your organization needs MDM plus full desktop and server management, it's a great all-in-one tool. However, if you're looking strictly for mobile device management, the platform might feel too complex.

What I dislike about ManageEngine Endpoint Central:

• Compliance enforcement required too much manual work. Instead of automatically remediating security violations, Endpoint Central only sent alerts, meaning IT had to step in to fix issues manually.
• Mobile troubleshooting tools were weaker than desktop support. For iOS, I could only view the screen, not control it, and for Android, I needed extra user permissions to take control, which slowed down IT support.

What G2 users dislike about ManageEngine Endpoint Central:

“The initial setup can be a bit overwhelming due to the number of configurations available, and I feel like sometimes the solution is over-engineered with a few unnecessary features like having an MDM and a UEM in one tool but also kind of separate in a way that sometimes the UEM enrollment works but you still need to do a separate MDM enrollment to use the full capabilities of ManageEngine. A more guided onboarding process or built-in tutorials would help users get started faster. Also, while the interface is functional, it could be more modern and visually refined.”

- ManageEngine Endpoint Central Review, Abdul-Gafar A.

7. AirDroid Business

AirDroid Business is built specifically for managing large fleets of Android devices, making it ideal for industries that rely on kiosks, point of sale (POS) systems, digital signage, and remote workforces. Unlike most MDMs that focus on compliance enforcement and security policies, AirDroid excels at bulk deployment, remote file management, and task automation. 

I tested it on a mix of Android tablets, rugged devices, and company-owned smartphones to see how well it handled mass provisioning and operational management.

One of the first things I noticed was how well bulk enrollment worked on Samsung devices using Knox Mobile Enrollment. It applied settings instantly, making setup incredibly fast. However, non-Samsung Android devices required more manual steps, such as installing the AirDroid Business app before enrollment, which slowed things down. 

The lack of a universal zero-touch deployment method meant that for companies managing a diverse Android fleet, the onboarding process wasn't as smooth as it is with some enterprise-grade MDMs.

A standout feature was the remote file management system, which let me push, retrieve, and sync files across multiple devices in real time. This was especially useful for businesses needing to update digital signage, distribute documents to field teams, or sync training materials across multiple locations. While sending files worked flawlessly, retrieving files from remote devices sometimes required user approval, limiting its automation potential.

The bulk operations tool was another highlight. I could remotely clear cache, uninstall apps, reboot devices, and even schedule system updates across all managed devices. This feature was especially useful for IT teams overseeing self-service kiosks or customer-facing Android devices, reducing the need for on-site maintenance. 

However, while I could schedule basic tasks, the workflow automation system lacked advanced conditional logic. For example, I couldn't set up a rule that automatically disabled background apps when battery life dropped below 20%.

Security and compliance tools were present but not as deep as those found in enterprise-focused MDMs. The system allowed for app whitelisting, device encryption enforcement, and remote lock/wipe capabilities, but there were no automated remediation tools for non-compliant devices. If a device failed to meet security policies, I only received an alert, meaning manual intervention was required.

I think AirDroid Business is a great option for Android-heavy businesses that prioritize device maintenance, content management, and remote control over strict security policies. If you need a tool to mass deploy, update, and maintain Android devices efficiently, it delivers. But if security, compliance enforcement, and deep analytics are your priorities, you may need a more enterprise-focused MDM solution.

What I dislike about AirDroid Business:

• No support for iOS, Windows, or macOS. It's strictly Android-only, which means it's not a good fit for companies with mixed-device environments.
• File retrieval from remote devices wasn't always reliable. While pushing files worked well for me, pulling files required additional permissions, making automated file sync less practical.

What G2 users dislike about AirDroid Business:

“AirDroid Business is primarily tailored for handling Android devices, which implies that it may not be the most suitable choice for businesses employing different operating systems. Although the platform proposes several pricing schemes, the expenses may be relatively expensive for small-scale companies or those with a restricted budget. Despite having a user-friendly interface, the platform still requires some amount of learning and training to make the best use of all its features.”

- AirDroid Business Review, Carl T.

8. Admin

Admin by Google is designed to be a lightweight, easy-to-use MDM solution, making it a great option for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that need device management without enterprise complexity. 

Unlike many MDMs that try to pack in patch management, identity controls, and deep compliance automation, Admin focuses on straightforward device provisioning, app management, and security enforcement. I tested it with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices to see if it truly delivered a hassle-free experience.

The first thing I noticed was how quick and simple the enrollment process was. I could onboard devices using QR codes, email invitations, or bulk CSV uploads, and ABM and Android Zero-Touch were supported. The process was smooth, but it lacked deep customization options—for example, some MDMs allow you to preconfigure devices with exact settings before they even boot up, but with Admin, a few manual steps were still required after enrollment.

One limitation I found was the lack of multi-tiered role assignments for IT admins. Most enterprise MDMs allow granular access controls, meaning IT teams can set permissions for different administrators, like restricting junior IT staff to device monitoring only. Admin didn't have that level of depth—I could create admin and user roles, but there wasn't a way to fine-tune access for different teams.

App deployment was straightforward and reliable. I could install, update, or remove public and private apps across devices remotely, and Admin supported silent app installations on Android Enterprise and supervised iOS devices, meaning users didn't need to approve installations.

One standout feature was app grouping, which allowed me to assign different app collections based on user roles. I set up custom app bundles for different teams, like marketing, sales, and finance, and deploying them was seamless. However, Admin lacked an integrated enterprise app store, so if your business relies on custom, in-house applications, you'll need to handle distribution manually or rely on external app hosting.

Admin offers device compliance policies, allowing IT teams to enforce security settings like password complexity, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities. I could also block unauthorized apps and enforce VPN configurations, which worked well during testing. However, the lack of automated compliance remediation meant that if a device became non-compliant, it only generated an alert instead of auto-fixing the issue.

A unique feature I appreciated was device usage analytics. Unlike some MDMs that focus purely on security, Admin provides insights into how devices are used, tracking app usage, screen time, and network activity. This is helpful for businesses that need visibility into device productivity and potential security risks.

That said, real-time monitoring was limited. While I could view compliance status and historical usage trends, there were no deep forensic tools for investigating security incidents in detail. For example, if a device showed suspicious activity, I could lock or wipe it, but I couldn't drill down into live system logs or see behavioral anomalies like some advanced MDMs allow.

What I dislike about Admin:

• Not as scalable for large enterprises. Admin is well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses, but lacks the depth of role-based access controls and compliance automation that larger organizations need.
• No multi-tiered role assignments for IT admins. I could create basic admin and user roles, but there was no way to fine-tune permissions for different IT team members.

What G2 users dislike about Admin:

“There are some features that can be a little bit hidden, but once you begin to use it, you will learn quickly. The most difficult task as admin is to keep up with what's new and coming to the suite on every update. There are some blogs, but they are not always easy to find. I would advise you to first try to run all over the features and take note of what you can do with GSuite and then check what can be useful for your organization so you can later on just deploy those features.”

- Admin Review, David R.

9. Trio

Trio is a cloud-first MDM designed for businesses that need mobile, desktop, and IoT device management in one platform. While some MDMs focus mainly on mobile device security, Trio positions itself as a full unified endpoint management (UEM) solution, meaning it covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even IoT devices. I tested it across all these platforms, focusing on its cross-device policy enforcement, automation tools, and remote troubleshooting capabilities.

One of the biggest selling points of Trio is its ability to manage multiple device types from a single dashboard. I enrolled Windows laptops, MacBooks, Linux workstations, iPhones, Android devices, and even an IoT-connected scanner. Unlike some MDMs that require separate policies for mobile and desktop devices, Trio allows unified policy enforcement, meaning I could set one security standard across all endpoints.

This worked well for basic policies like password enforcement, encryption, and VPN configurations, but certain advanced settings weren't available across all platforms. For example, I could fully configure Windows and macOS security policies, but on Linux, some security settings—like disabling USB ports—weren't supported out of the box. Similarly, IoT device management was limited, with fewer control options compared to traditional computers and phones.

Trio's policy automation was another highlight. Instead of manually pushing security updates or enforcing compliance, I could set up automated workflows that would trigger certain actions based on device status. For example, I created a rule that automatically locked a device if it was inactive for 30 days. This worked well, but the setup process was not beginner-friendly—I had to manually define workflow steps using a script-like logic, which took some trial and error.

The compliance monitoring dashboard was useful, as it allowed me to see which devices were falling out of compliance in real time. However, automated remediation was inconsistent—some policies, like re-enabling encryption if it was disabled, worked as expected, but others, like forcing a missing security patch to install, sometimes failed due to device-specific issues. Unlike more mature MDMs, Trio didn't always provide detailed logs explaining why a policy failed, which made troubleshooting harder.

One of the unique features of Trio is its built-in remote troubleshooting tools. I could initiate remote sessions for desktops and mobile devices directly from the admin panel, which was useful for IT support. However, the level of control varied by device type—for Windows and macOS, I could fully control the device, but on iOS, I was limited to screen viewing, and on Android, I needed user permission for full control.

Another feature I tested was real-time performance monitoring, which showed CPU usage, memory consumption, and network activity across devices. This was useful for diagnosing issues before they became major problems, but I noticed that updates weren't truly in real time—there was a 2-3 minute delay in the data refresh rate, which isn't ideal for fast troubleshooting.

What I dislike about Trio:

• The automation setup wasn't beginner-friendly. I had to manually define workflow rules using script-like logic, which required trial and error to get right.
• Some security settings weren't fully supported across platforms. For example, USB port restrictions worked on Windows but weren't fully enforceable on Linux, and IoT device management lacked deep configuration options.

What G2 users dislike about Trio:

“While Trio offers so many useful features, it can be a bit overwhelming and complex to work with as well. This is especially significant when it comes to setting policies and configurations.”

- Trio Review, Mahsa M.

Frequently asked questions about the best MDM solutions 

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

Which MDM solution is best?

The best MDM solution depends on your business needs. If you're managing a mix of mobile and desktop devices, a UEM solution like ManageEngine Endpoint Central or Trio is ideal. For Apple-only environments, Kandji provides deep macOS and iOS management. If remote troubleshooting is a priority, TeamViewer or AirDroid Business offers real-time device control. Businesses needing strong security and identity management should consider JumpCloud.

How do I choose the right MDM solution?

Start by assessing your device landscape: are you managing Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices? If security and compliance are priorities, look for MDMs with automated enforcement and remediation. For remote troubleshooting, choose an MDM with real-time control capabilities. Consider how easy it is to deploy and scale and always test an MMDM'sinterface and support before committing.

Does Microsoft have an MDM solution?

Yes, Microsoft Intune, part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), is MMicrosoft'sMDM solution. It allows businesses to manage Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, enforce security policies, and deploy applications remotely. Intune integrates well with Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory, making it a great option for companies already using MMicrosoft'secosystem. However, it lacks some deep mobile-specific management features found in standalone MDMs.

Can MDM track browsing history?

Most MDM solutions don't track full browsing history by default but can enforce web filtering, block certain sites, and monitor security violations. On company-owned devices, IT teams can use MDMs with secure web gateways or DNS filtering to monitor online activity. However, on BYOD setups, MDMs can only manage corporate apps and profiles, meaning personal browsing history remains private. 

What happens if an MDM-managed device goes offline?

If a device loses internet access, MDM policies already applied remain active, but real-time updates and remote commands won't take effect until the device reconnects. Some MDMs allow limited offline enforcement, such as blocking certain apps or restricting access to encrypted data. However, security actions like remote wipe or geofencing alerts only trigger once the device is back online.

Can an employee remove MDM from their device?

On company-owned devices, IT administrators can prevent users from removing MDM, ensuring that policies stay enforced. However, on personally owned devices in a BYOD setup, users can typically unenroll from MDM unless strict restrictions are in place. Some solutions, like AApple'sSupervised Mode or Android Enterprise, provide stronger controls to prevent unauthorized removal.

MDM or mayhem? The choice is yours

Managing a fleet of mobile devices isn't just about security—it's about efficiency, control, and keeping IT headaches to a minimum. Whether you're rolling out a mobile workforce, securing corporate data, or keeping remote troubleshooting seamless, the best MDM solution can save time, reduce risks, and streamline device management.

With so many options available, the best choice depends on your priorities. Some MDMs excel at cross-platform management, others shine in remote access and troubleshooting, and some focus entirely on compliance automation and security enforcement. The key is to identify what features matter most to your business, whether it's zero-touch deployment, detailed monitoring, or full identity integration.

No matter your choice, one thing is clear—modern businesses can't afford to leave device management to chance. With the right MDM, you're not just keeping devices in check—you're building a smarter, more secure, and more manageable IT ecosystem.

If your business needs tighter control over corporate apps, get mobile application management (MAM) solutions to protect company data, enforce access policies, and stay secure without invading privacy.