11 best MDM solutions for small business (2025)

Managing devices in a small business used to be simple. You'd hand someone a laptop, maybe set up their email, and call it a day. 

But now? Your team is working from coffee shops, their kitchen tables, and co-working spaces across the city. They're using iPhones, Android tablets, MacBooks, and Windows laptops. Sometimes their own devices, sometimes yours.

That scattered approach to device management isn't just a headache anymore; it's a genuine business risk. When sensitive customer data lives on dozens of different devices, you need more than just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

That's where mobile device management (MDM) comes in. Contrary to what most might think, MDM isn't just for massive corporations anymore. Today's solutions are built with small businesses in mind, offering the security and control you need without requiring a dedicated IT department.

After researching dozens of options, I found that Rippling takes the top spot for small businesses because it's the only platform that combines device management with HR and IT automation. Instead of juggling multiple tools, you can manage everything from onboarding new employees to securing their devices in one place.

What is MDM and why do small businesses need it?

Mobile device management is essentially a system for remotely managing and securing work smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It lets you set security policies, install apps, and wipe lost or stolen devices without handling them directly.

For small businesses, MDM solves some common headaches:

• The "my laptop got stolen" panic. With MDM, you can remotely wipe that device before any customer data gets into the wrong hands.

• The "everyone's using different apps" chaos. You can push the right software to everyone's devices automatically, turning hours of setup into minutes of work.

• The "are we even compliant?" worry. Many MDM tools help you meet industry requirements without becoming a compliance expert yourself.

• The "I don't have time to set up 15 laptops" reality. Zero-touch deployment means new devices can arrive pre-configured and ready to work.

The bottom line? MDM gives you back control without adding hours to your week.

Turn device management from a weekly chore into background automation

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Types of MDM solutions for SMBs

MDM solutions differ in where they're hosted and what devices they can manage.

Cloud-based MDM

Cloud-based MDM is the simplest option for most small businesses. Setup usually involves creating an account and installing an app, and the system updates itself automatically. Everything is managed through a web dashboard, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

On-premise MDM

On-premise MDM runs on your own servers. It offers greater control over where data is stored but requires you to handle server maintenance, security updates, and backups. Unless you have strict compliance needs or a dedicated IT team, this option is often more complex than necessary for small businesses.

Unified endpoint management (UEM)

Unified endpoint management combines MDM with laptop and desktop management in a single platform. Instead of separate tools for phones and computers, everything is managed together. This approach is becoming more common as the line between “mobile” and “desktop” devices continues to blur.

Quick comparison: Best MDM solutions at a glance

Methodology: How we chose these MDM solutions

I didn't just pick the most popular names or the tools with the biggest marketing budgets. Instead, I focused on what actually matters for small businesses:

• Ease of deployment: Can someone without a computer science degree get this up and running? I prioritized solutions that don't require weeks of implementation or expensive consultants.

• Mobile and endpoint coverage: Your team probably uses a mix of iPhones, Android phones, MacBooks, and Windows laptops. The best solutions handle all of these without making you learn different interfaces for each platform.

• Policy enforcement and security features: At minimum, you need remote wipe, app management, and basic security policies. Bonus points for more advanced features that don't require a security certification to understand.

• Integrations: The best MDM solutions play nicely with tools you're already using, whether that's Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or your payroll system.

Deep dive: My full review of each MDM solution

1. Rippling - Best all-in-one MDM + HR/IT

Why it stands out: Rippling IT management software isn't just an MDM. It's a complete platform that handles HR, payroll, benefits, and IT management all from a single source of truth for employee data. 

When you hire someone new, Rippling can automatically create their accounts, order their laptop, and even install the right apps. When they leave, it handles the entire offboarding process, including wiping their devices and automatically sending return boxes.

What makes Rippling truly special is how it connects your people's data with device management. You can build security policies based on hundreds of user and device attributes that automatically update as employees change roles or departments. 

It offers zero-touch deployment with SentinelOne integration, automated device monitoring, and complete inventory management, including secure warehousing of unused devices.

Stop juggling multiple tools for employee management

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Pricing: Starts at $8 PEPM. 

Is it right for you? Perfect if you want to consolidate multiple tools and eliminate the complexity of managing separate systems. Especially powerful for growing companies that want their HR and IT processes to work together seamlessly with hundreds of integrations.

Rippling: Feature snapshot

2. Jamf Now - Apple device management

Why it stands out: If your team uses only Apple devices, Jamf Now provides dedicated management for Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. It offers blueprints for bundling applications and settings, zero-touch deployment, and industry-specific solutions for construction, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.

Pricing: $4/device/month for small business

Is it right for you? Suitable if you're committed to Apple-only devices and want Apple-specific features.

Jamf Now: Feature snapshot

3. Kandji - Apple-first SMBs with automation

Why it stands out: Kandji focuses exclusively on Apple devices with automation features. It offers Liftoff for Mac setup, Assignment Maps for visual configuration, and over 200 pre-built automations. The platform includes offline mode capabilities and one-click compliance templates.

Pricing: Custom quote based on your organization's needs.

Is it right for you? Works for Apple-centric businesses that need basic security automation and compliance.

Kandji: Feature snapshot

4. Hexnode - Cross-platform SMBs

Why it stands out: Hexnode offers cross-platform support for Android, Apple, and Windows devices. It includes advanced device enrollment methods and business data containerization features.

Pricing: Pro plan starts at $2.20/device/month, with higher tiers available.

Is it right for you? Good for small businesses with diverse device fleets looking for a cross-platform solution.

Hexnode: Feature snapshot

5. Scalefusion - Cross-platform UEM

Why it stands out: Scalefusion supports Windows, Apple, Android, ChromeOS, and Linux devices. It offers kiosk mode, location tracking, and includes OneIdP for identity management and Veltar for endpoint security. The platform includes an AI-powered scripting tool called AirThink AI.

Pricing: Essential plan starts at $2/device/month, with plans up to $6/device/month. 

Is it right for you? Small businesses that need device management across multiple platforms and want strong remote support might benefit from this.

Scalefusion: Feature snapshot

6. Mosyle - Education/small orgs with Apple focus

Why it stands out: Mosyle specializes in Apple device management with enterprise-grade security and online privacy features. It offers a free tier for up to 30 devices and includes Apple Watch and Apple TV management.

Pricing: Free for up to 30 devices. Premium plans start at $1.00/device/month.

Is it right for you? An option for educational institutions and businesses that primarily use Apple devices.

Mosyle: Feature snapshot

7. Miradore - Cloud-based cross-platform MDM

Why it stands out: Miradore offers cross-platform MDM for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS with features like warranty tracking, location tracking, and web content filtering. 

Pricing: Free tier for 50 devices; premium plans start at $2.75/device/month.

Is it right for you? Good fit for budget-conscious small businesses that need simple device management.

Miradore: Feature snapshot

8. Microsoft Intune - Microsoft-centric SMBs

Why it stands out: Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem. It supports multiple platforms and includes features like Microsoft Copilot integration and co-management with Configuration Manager.

Pricing: $8/user/month. Included in some Microsoft 365 plans.

Is it right for you? Suitable if you're already heavily invested in Microsoft 365 and comfortable with Microsoft's admin interfaces.

Microsoft Intune: Feature snapshot

9. Google Endpoint Manager - Google Workspace SMBs

Why it stands out: Google Endpoint Manager is included with Google Workspace and offers agentless endpoint management for Android and iOS devices. It supports multiple platforms and integrates with Google's admin console.

Pricing: Included with Google Workspace; advanced features require Business/Enterprise licenses.

Is it right for you? Simple option if you're already using Google Workspace and want device management that integrates with your existing Google admin console.

Google Endpoint Manager: Feature snapshot

10. AirDroid Business - Android-heavy orgs

Why it stands out: AirDroid Business focuses on Android and Windows device management with features like remote access, kiosk mode, and geofencing. 

Pricing: Basic plan starts at $1.00/device/month, with Standard ($1.75) and Enterprise ($2.75) options. 

Is it right for you? Works for businesses with predominantly Android device fleets that need specialized Android management features.

AirDroid Business: Feature snapshot

11. Cisco Meraki MDM - Network-integrated security

Why it stands out: Cisco Meraki MDM is part of Cisco's cloud-first platform that combines endpoint, network, and app security. It offers zero-trust network access and integrates with other Cisco security solutions.

Pricing: Free trial and demo available; contact for custom quote.

Is it right for you? Great for businesses already using Cisco networking equipment that want security management.

Cisco Meraki MDM: Feature snapshot

Which MDM solution is best for your small business? Best solution by SMB type

All-in-one HR + IT: Choose Rippling if you want to manage devices alongside employee records, payroll, and onboarding. It's the only platform that combines device management with comprehensive business operations, offering unmatched automation and integration.

Apple-first SMBs: Go with Jamf Now for basic Apple device management, or Kandji if you need automation features. Mosyle offers a free tier for up to 30 Apple devices.

Google Workspace SMBs: Google Endpoint Manager is included with Google Workspace and provides basic device controls if you're already managing everything through Google Admin.

Microsoft SMBs: Microsoft Intune integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem if you're comfortable with Microsoft's admin interfaces and already use Microsoft 365.

Budget-conscious SMBs: Start with Miradore's free tier for basic cross-platform management, or consider AirDroid Business starting at $1.00 per device per month for Android-focused environments.

Cross-platform flexibility: Hexnode or Scalefusion work if you need to manage multiple operating systems, though they lack the unified business approach of comprehensive platforms.

Why Rippling is the #1 MDM solution for SMBs in 2025

Here's what sets Rippling apart: it's the only platform that provides a single source of truth for all your business data, connecting employee information with device management in ways other solutions simply can't match. 

Rippling MDM features include:

• Native user and device data integration: With Rippling, you get real-time access to native user and device data out-of-the-box. You can build hyper-granular security policies based on hundreds of user and device attributes without any SCIM integrations or manual data pulls. No other MDM solution offers this level of integration between your people's data and device management.

• Automated lifecycle management for the complete employee journey: Rippling streamlines device management with automations for the entire lifecycle of Apple and Windows devices. From zero-touch deployment with SentinelOne integration to automated device retrievals and secure warehousing, Rippling handles every aspect of device management automatically.

• Complete logistics management: Rippling goes beyond software to handle the physical logistics of fleet management. They automatically send offboarding employees device return boxes, store your inactive devices in secure warehouses around the world, help you monitor and restock your offsite inventory, and reassign unused devices to new employees. 

• Unmatched integration ecosystem: With 600+ integrations, Rippling connects with virtually every business tool you use, creating a unified platform that eliminates the complexity of managing multiple disconnected systems.

The result? You spend dramatically less time on IT busywork and more time on actually running your business. While other small business MDM solutions focus just on device management, Rippling recognizes that devices are just one part of a bigger employee management picture and builds accordingly.

FAQs on MDM for small businesses

What is the best MDM for startups? 

For most startups, I recommend Rippling because it grows with your business. Instead of starting with a basic MDM tool and then switching later (which creates more work), Rippling handles device management alongside your HR and payroll needs from day one. As you hire more people, everything stays integrated automatically. If you're strictly Apple-only, Kandji, Jamf Now and Mosyle are good options.

Can small businesses afford MDM? 

Absolutely. Many solutions start at $1 per device per month, and several offer free tiers. When you consider the cost of a data breach or the time spent manually managing devices, MDM pays for itself quickly.

Do MDM tools support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)? 

Yes, most modern MDM solutions support BYOD by creating separate work profiles on personal devices. This lets you manage work data and apps without accessing personal information.

What's the difference between MDM and UEM? 

MDM focuses specifically on mobile devices (phones and tablets), while UEM (unified endpoint management) covers all endpoints, including laptops, desktops, and IoT devices. Most small businesses benefit from UEM solutions since they manage multiple device types.

Can MDM integrate with HR systems? 

Rippling offers the deepest HR integration since it's built as an all-in-one platform where device management is natively connected to employee data. Other solutions offer basic integrations with popular HR tools, but you'll typically need separate systems for HR and device management.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of September 22, 2025.