The Top 10 MDM Solutions For MacOS

JumpCloud Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution enables you to manage, monitor, and secure all your organization’s devices from one central location.

Who it’s for: JumpCloud MDM is a strong solution for mid-size and larger enterprises with a diverse endpoint fleet that includes macOS devices.

What we like: This solution is very easy to implement, thanks to its “point-and-click” zero-touch deployment. In particular, we like its personalized setup and streamlined onboarding for macOS.

• You can push commands, policies, and secure configurations to any device or device group directly from the JumpCloud console.
• You can enable optional user enrollment to secure access to organizational resources without compromising end user privacy.
• You can restrict corporate apps, data, and management policies to a “work profile” that doesn’t impact an employee’s personal data.
• You can access reports into the health and security posture of each device, including device uptime, which user accounts are linked to the device, which policies are assigned to the device, encryption status, and recovery key.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Linux, Android

The bottom line: Being cloud-based, JumpCloud MDM is highly scalable and relatively quick to install. It offers a broad range of mobile device management features, including security and compliance functionality.

• JumpCloud is a leading provider of identity, endpoint, and access management and security tools.

NinjaOne is an endpoint management platform that offers MDM, remote monitoring, systems backup, IT support, and patch management capabilities.

Who it’s for: This is a great solution for mid-sized enterprises and small- to mid-size MSPs that are running a range of device types.

What we like: NinjaOne provides visibility into a broad range of device types, eliminating the need to implement multiple management and security tools.

• With zero-touch device enrolment, you can automatically enroll and provision devices
• Once enrolled, you can create and enforce mobile device policies quickly and at scale, provide IT support via mobile screen share, and install, remove, or block apps.
• If a device is lost or stolen, you can use NinjaOne’s geolocation feature to locate it, with the option to take data loss prevention actions (e.g., remote lock/wipe) if the device moves outside the defined geofence.
• You can remotely reset passcode, configure device restrictions, and manage security settings.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, Linux, VMs, networking devices

The bottom line: NinjaOne’s MDM capabilities are very user-friendly. The platform is easy to deploy and, thanks to its modern interface and streamlined workflows, easy to manage.

• NinjaOne (formerly NinjaRMM) is a unified IT operations provider that specializes in IT support operations, remote monitoring and management, and backup and recovery.

Rippling is an all-in-one IT management platform with which you can securely manage identities, access, devices, and inventory.

Who it’s for: This is a strong solution for organizations of all sizes looking to consolidate IT and HR processes, and those with multiple device types in their fleet.

What we like: We found Rippling to be very intuitive, with detailed yet clear analytics and easy-to-use admin settings.

• You can create point-and-click custom reports based on rich, real-time user and device data.
• You can create custom, dynamic security policies based on user and device attributes, which Rippling automatically enforces.
• Rippling automatically notifies you of threats without the need for manual intervention.
• You can order, reassign, and ship devices directly to new hires’ doors.
• You can automatically configure laptops with the right software, access, and security settings based on attributes like location, department, and role.
• You can remotely lock and wipe devices or retrieve data from them for secure offboarding.

Compatible devices: macOS, Windows

The bottom line: Rippling is a comprehensive platform for IT, identity, and device management, yet it doesn’t compromise on usability. The platform is very easy to navigate.

• Rippling is a leading workforce management provider that specializes in HR, finance, and IT services.

Addigy is a mobile device management solution for Apple devices that enables you to manage and secure your fleet in real time.

Who it’s for: We recommend Addigy for any sized organization using exclusively Apple devices.

What we like: This solution offers a broad range of IT support and troubleshooting capabilities, without you having to purchase or install any third-party add-ons.

• You can integrate Addigy with Apple Business Manager for automated device enrollment. With this integration, deployment and onboarding only take five minutes.
• Once enrolled, Addigy monitors users’ devices in real-time for performance and security issues. It automatically remediates issues where possible and notifies you immediately when manual intervention is required.
• You can troubleshoot devices using live chat, terminal, and desktop control.
• You can automatically apply security and compliance frameworks, such as CIS and NIST.
• You can deploy critical apps, software, and settings, based on the user’s role within your company.
• You can control the update schedule for operating system and software patches, with updates available of day one of Apple’s OS release cycle.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS

The bottom line: Purpose built for managing Apple devices, Addigy is a robust, full-featured MDM tool that integrates easily with the Apple ecosystem. The platform is straightforward to use and offers a particularly strong set of troubleshooting and remediation features.

• Addigy is a cybersecurity and IT management provider dedicated specifically to managing Apple endpoints.

Apple Business Essentials is Apple’s proprietary device management solution, which also offers cloud storage and technical support capabilities.

Who it’s for: This solution is best suited to organizations using exclusively Apple devices. Apple offers different subscription levels based on number of devices, amount of storage required, and whether repair credits and support are required.

What we like: Because this solution is provided directly by Apple as opposed to a third-party MDM vendor, it integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. Plus, with the optional AppleCare+ add-on, Apple offers 24/7 support and will repair your devices if needed.

• Your employees can receive a dedicated Apple account for work to keep their workplace storage, backup, and collaboration tools separate from personal ones. They can also enroll their personal devices, while keeping their personal data private.
• You can use Collections to automatically assign the right apps and settings to employees, teams, and their devices.
• You can sync the platform with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and Google Workspace so that users can log in across services with a single username and password.
• You can control security settings and features like password policies, FileVault, and Firewall so that users can’t change them by mistake.
• With Lost Mode, you can locate or play a sound on a missing iPhone or iPad. You can also remotely lock or wipe any iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• When it’s time for updates or replacements, employees can sign in to their new devices to access their apps, settings, and work data in iCloud.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS

The bottom line: Apple Business Essentials is a strong MDM solution for macOS that’s easy to use for anyone familiar with the Apple ecosystem.

• Apple is a multinational technology company known for its high quality consumer electronics, software, and security services.

Hexnode enables you to manage all the devices on your network, including their associated software, content, and identities.

Who it’s for: This is a strong solution for larger enterprises with lots of BYOD devices and/or a diverse device fleet.

What we like: Hexnode allows you to manage both corporate-issued and BYOD devices, and you can enroll macOS and iOS devices in the same group with no physical contact required.

• You can distinguish between corporate-owned and BYOD devices at enrollment by configuring different policies for each.
• You can remotely troubleshoot devices, with options for screen monitoring, encryption, remote locking, and remote wiping.
• You can enforce auto lockdown of corporate devices when they stay offline for a specified number of days. You can also track device location and enforce geofences.
• You can create a catalog of authorized in-house and external apps, and disable unnecessary apps via black/whitelisting.
• You can securely deploy corporate apps on employee devices and seamlessly manage upgrades and downgrades.
• The platform offers real-time monitoring and sends you compliance monitoring alerts on compliance violations.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, tvOS, Windows, Android, Fire OS

The bottom line: Hexnode offers particularly strong reporting and BYOD management capabilities. It’s easy to enroll macOS and iOS devices and, thanks to its integrations with Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365, it’s quick to get large-scale deployments up and running.

• Hexnode (the enterprise software division of Mitsugo) is a cybersecurity provider with a strong focus on unified endpoint management.

Jamf is a mobile device management solution built specifically for the Apple ecosystem. Jamf Pro is the business-level version of the platform, designed for use by IT professionals.

Who it’s for: We recommend Jamf Pro as a strong MDM solution for SMBs looking to manage an Apple device fleet, and schools that want to manage and secure iPads used amongst staff and students.

What we like: Jamf offers extensive support via its technical support team and user communities, including same-day support when Apple releases new operating systems.

• You can seamlessly onboard users with zero-touch deployment that automatically configures and personalizes devices to users’ individual work needs right out of the box.
• You can view reports into device health and usage, manage device settings and configurations, roll out updates to software and operating systems, and configure access policies on a per user and user group basis.
• You can pre-configure apps with settings in line with your company’s security policies, then choose to distribute apps (and their updates) automatically or via a self-service catalogue (“app store”).
• Jamf integrates with a variety of asset management tools, network access controllers, and cloud identity providers so you can create local accounts on demand and sync passwords.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS

The bottom line: With Jamf, IT and security teams can manage apps, inventories, security, and privacy for their Apple device fleet via one interface, from anywhere, at any time.

• Jamf is a software company that specializes in Apple device management.

Kandji Device Management is a cloud-based solution that enables you to identify, manage, and secure Apple devices.

Who it’s for: We recommend Kandji Device Management for any sized organization using exclusively Apple devices.

What we like: Kandji has placed a strong emphasis on usability; it’s easy to deploy and manage via a highly intuitive interface, and Kandji offers 24/7 support with all plans.

• Kandji automatically implements the right conditional application and security controls, automations, and apps to each device, based on categories defined by you.
• Kandji pre-packages, hosts, and automatically patches apps with fully customizable enforcement rule settings.
• You can deploy app store apps and custom apps, as well as block unauthorized apps across the entire device fleet.
• You can access over 150 pre-built macOS security controls and automations, or create custom scripts for specific device control needs.
• You can toggle on pre-built compliance templates for regulations such as CIS and FedRAMP, to automatically identify and remediate compliance issues—even when devices are offline.
• You can assign users an identity Passport, which enables them to leverage their SSO credentials within a login experience that feels native to Mac.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS

The bottom line: Kandji Device Management is a very strong MDM tool for Apple devices. You can also deploy Kandji MDM alongside Kandji’s Endpoint Detection & Response solution for integrated mobile device management and security.

• Kandji is an MDM provider that specializes in device management for Apple endpoints.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus offers device, app, and security management and containerization, all from a single platform.

Who it’s for: The free version of MDM Plus supports up to 25 devices and is suitable for small businesses. The paid versions are suitable for mid-size and large enterprises running multiple device types in their fleet.

What we like: MDM Plus stands out for its strong remote control capabilities for troubleshooting, and its support for a broad range of corporate-issued and BYOD devices.

• You can access a detailed overview of your entire device ecosystem via an intuitive dashboard with a user-friendly interface.
• You can manage policies for peripheral device settings, device sharing, and security, including role-based access controls, single sign-on, data encryption, and a VPN.
• You can troubleshoot devices using live chat, remote screen viewing, remote scan, restart, wipe, and shutdown functions, or full unattended remote access.
• You can easily distribute and manage both in-house and store apps for macOS.
• You can maintain data integrity on devices by separating company work profiles from personal profiles in Kiosk Mode.
• You can detect high-risk/non-compliant devices (such as jailbroken devices).

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Windows, Android, ChromeOS, IoT devices

The bottom line: This is a highly flexible solution that supports a broad range of device types, offers lots of customization, and delivers multiple troubleshooting and remote support options.

• ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corporation, is an IT management software provider that helps organizations integrate and optimize their IT processes.

Mosyle is a comprehensive endpoint management and security solution designed specifically for Apple devices.

Who it’s for: We recommend this solution for any organization exclusively using Apple devices. It’s also suitable for educational use cases.

What we like: As this solution was designed to support Apple devices, its feature set is completely tailored to solve Apple management and security challenges (e.g., detecting Mac-specific malware).

• With zero-touch deployment, you can fully deploy and configure any Apple device automatically without physically accessing it.
• You can protect devices as well as manage them, with ready-to-use compliance templates, Mac antivirus, privilege management, and always-on web security privacy, and filtering.
• You can use the built‑in encrypted Screen View tool designed for Apple administrators.
• You can simplify macOS scripting with both Mosyle’s script catalog and a generative AI assistant.
• You can access zero-day support when new Apple OSes become available.

Compatible devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS

The bottom line: Mosyle is a comprehensive MDM platform that integrates a substantial suite of security features. It integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem and comes with lots of out-of-the-box functionality.

• Mosyle is an Apple device management and security provider that offers solutions for businesses, schools, and MSPs.