Jamf Pro vs Microsoft Intune vs VMware Workspace ONE: 11 Best MDM (Mobile Device Management) Software 2026

Best for Apple device management

Jamf Pro (#1, 9.2/9.4). The definitive leader for managing Apple devices, offering unmatched depth and zero-day OS support. It also handles macOS security, zero-touch deployment.

Best for Windows and mobile management

Microsoft Intune (#2, 9.1/9.4). The best choice for Microsoft shops, offering tight integration with Azure AD and Defender. It also handles M365 integration, unified endpoint security.

Best for Hybrid OS environment

VMware Workspace ONE (#3, 8.8/9.4). A powerful, versatile UEM for large enterprises with diverse device fleets. It also handles Digital workspace access, VDI integration.

What is MDM Software?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software gives IT administrators a central way to control, secure, and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets, and other endpoints. Its primary job is to protect corporate data by managing apps, settings, and security configurations on both company-owned and personal (BYOD) devices.

How does MDM differ from UEM?

UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) is the evolution of MDM. While MDM focuses primarily on mobile devices like phones and tablets, UEM extends that management to include desktops, laptops (Windows, macOS), and sometimes even IoT devices, all from a single console. Most leading MDM providers now offer UEM capabilities.

What's the first step in choosing an MDM?

The first step is to inventory your device ecosystem. Document the types of devices (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), their ownership models (corporate-owned vs. BYOD), and the specific security policies you need to enforce. A provider that excels at managing a 100% corporate-owned iPhone fleet may not be the best fit for a mixed BYOD Android and Windows environment.

How to choose

1. 1Prioritize providers with deep, native support for your dominant operating systems (e.g., Jamf for Apple, Intune for Windows).
2. 2For BYOD programs, evaluate the user enrollment experience and privacy controls that separate personal and work data.
3. 3Request a trial or sandbox environment to test policy creation and deployment speed for your top 2-3 candidates.
4. 4Verify integrations with your existing identity provider (like Azure AD or Okta) to streamline user authentication and group-based policies.

What is the main purpose of MDM?

The main purpose of MDM is to secure corporate data on mobile devices. This is achieved by allowing IT departments to enforce security policies, manage applications, track device inventory, and remotely wipe or lock devices if they are lost or stolen.

Can MDM see my personal data on my phone?

It depends on the configuration, but modern MDM for BYOD is designed to separate work and personal data into containers. The MDM typically has full control over the work container (work apps, email) but has very limited or no visibility into the personal side of the device, such as personal photos, texts, or browsing history.

Is Microsoft Intune a good MDM?

Yes, Microsoft Intune is an excellent MDM, especially for organizations already using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Its tight integration with Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a powerful, unified platform for managing both mobile devices and traditional endpoints like Windows PCs.

How much does MDM software cost?

MDM software pricing typically ranges from $2 to $10 per device, per month. Costs vary based on the features required, the number of devices managed, and the level of support. Some providers offer per-user pricing, which can be more cost-effective for users with multiple devices.