Mobile Device Management: Jamf vs. Microsoft Intune vs. VMware Workspace ONE vs. Kandji (2026 Buyer's Guide)

Your MDM should secure devices without frustrating employees. Which tool fits your fleet?

By The BusinessAdvisor.Guide Research Team

MDM reduces security incidents on managed devices by 70%

$3Starting price/device/month

70%Fewer security incidents

55%of SMBs use MDM solutions

Based on MDM adoption data from 320+ SMBs.

The short version

Jamf is best for Apple-only fleets ($4.17-8.34/device/mo). Intune is best for Microsoft-centric shops ($6-10/user/mo). Workspace ONE is best for mixed fleets ($10-20/device/mo). Kandji is best for Apple with cloud simplicity ($4.99-9.99/device/mo).

MDM platforms enforce security policies, deploy apps, and track devices remotely.

Jamf: Best for Apple-only fleets

Jamf is the industry standard for Apple device management. $4.17-8.34/device/mo. Zero-touch deployment, app catalog, and granular policy controls. Best for: Mac-first companies, organizations with 100% Apple hardware, IT teams needing deep macOS configuration.

70K+

organizations use Jamf

Microsoft Intune: Best for Microsoft-centric shops

Intune is part of Microsoft 365, making it the most accessible MDM for Windows shops. $6-10/user/mo. Deep Windows integration, conditional access policies, and unified endpoint management. Best for: organizations already on Microsoft 365, Windows-dominant fleets, teams wanting MDM without a separate vendor.

Intune's conditional access integration with Azure AD means a compromised device is blocked from all Microsoft services automatically — not just from corporate apps. For organizations living in Microsoft 365, this zero-trust layer is built in, not bolted on.

VMware Workspace ONE: Best for mixed fleets

Workspace ONE is designed for heterogeneous device environments. $10-20/device/mo. Unified management for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS. Best for: organizations with diverse device fleets, multi-platform IT environments, businesses wanting one console for all endpoints.

Kandji: Best for Apple with cloud simplicity

Kandji is a modern cloud-native MDM for Apple devices. $4.99-9.99/device/mo. Pre-built security blueprints, automated compliance, and zero-touch deployment. Best for: Apple-first teams wanting simpler setup than Jamf, SMBs without dedicated Apple IT admins, growing startups with Mac fleets.

Annual cost per device (100-device fleet)

Decision rule

Choose based on your device fleet

100% Apple fleet: Jamf (deepest macOS controls)
Microsoft-centric: Intune (M365 integration)
Mixed Windows/Mac/iOS: Workspace ONE (one console)
Apple with cloud simplicity: Kandji (easiest setup)
Budget under $5/device/mo: Intune or Kandji
Dedicated Apple admin: Jamf (most powerful)

MDM is not set-and-forget. Compliance policies drift as employees skip updates. All four platforms offer automated compliance checks — configure them to remove device access when security requirements aren't met. Enforcement matters more than policy creation.

The bottom line

Jamf wins for Apple fleets. Intune wins for Microsoft shops. Workspace ONE wins for mixed environments. Kandji wins for Apple simplicity. Start with your dominant device platform — MDM tools are best when they deeply integrate with one OS rather than shallowly covering all.

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