Introduction
Endpoint management tools are centralized software platforms used by IT departments to discover, manage, and secure every device that connects to a corporate network. This includes laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and even specialized IoT devices. In the landscape, endpoint management has shifted from simple patch management to a “Unified Endpoint Management” (UEM) model, where security and management are merged into a single automated workflow.
As remote and hybrid work models have become permanent fixtures, these tools now prioritize “zero-touch” provisioning—where a device is shipped directly to an employee and configured automatically over the cloud. Furthermore, modern tools integrate AI-driven anomaly detection to identify potential security threats at the hardware level before they can penetrate the broader network infrastructure.
Real-World Use Cases:
- Remote Workforce Onboarding: Shipping a laptop to a new hire and having it auto-configure all apps and security policies.
- Automated Patching: Deploying critical security updates to thousands of global devices simultaneously.
- BYOD Management: Separating personal and corporate data on employee-owned smartphones.
- Hardware Compliance: Monitoring battery health and hardware life cycles to predict when a device needs replacing.
- Incident Response: Remotely wiping a lost or stolen device to prevent data breaches.
Evaluation Criteria for Buyers:
- Platform Support: Does it handle Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android?
- Deployment Model: Is it cloud-native, or does it require on-premises infrastructure?
- Security Integration: Does it include built-in antivirus or EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?
- Ease of Use: How intuitive is the administrative dashboard for daily tasks?
- Automation Capabilities: Can it automate routine patches and compliance checks?
- Scalability: How well does it perform as the device count grows into the thousands?
Mandatory Paragraph
- Best for: IT managers and sysadmins in mid-to-large enterprises who need to maintain strict security compliance across a diverse fleet of devices.
- Not ideal for: Very small businesses with only 5–10 devices that can be managed manually, or organizations without a dedicated IT professional.
Key Trends in Endpoint Management Tools
The endpoint management sector in 2026 is driven by several key technological advancements:
- AI-Powered Remediation: Systems that automatically fix common software errors or connectivity issues without human intervention.
- Zero Trust Access: Strict verification of every device every time it attempts to access a specific corporate resource.
- Digital Employee Experience (DEX): Metrics that track how well tools are performing for the end-user to prevent “IT friction.”
- Sustainability Reporting: Dashboards that calculate the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the entire device fleet.
- Hardware-Level Security: Integration with CPU and TPM chips to verify the integrity of the device at the firmware level.
- Conditional Access: Automatically blocking a device from the network if its security patches are out of date.
- Self-Healing Endpoints: Agents that can re-install themselves or fix corrupted OS files automatically.
- Passwordless Authentication: Integration with biometric hardware to move away from vulnerable password systems.
How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)
Our selection of the top 10 endpoint management tools for 2026 is based on the following evaluation logic:
- Market Penetration: We focused on tools with high adoption rates and proven stability in enterprise environments.
- Feature Completeness: Priority was given to platforms that offer “Unified” management (UEM) rather than just single-OS management.
- Automation Maturity: We assessed how much manual work the tool removes from the IT administrator’s plate.
- Security Posture: Tools with native integration into security ecosystems (like XDR) scored higher.
- Cloud-First Architecture: We prioritized tools that allow management over the public internet without requiring a VPN.
- Customer Support Reliability: We looked at the availability of enterprise-grade support and active user communities.
Top 10 Endpoint Management Software Tools
#1 — Microsoft Intune
A cloud-based UEM solution that is the cornerstone of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, offering deep integration with Windows and mobile platforms.
Key Features
- Autopilot: Automated deployment and configuration of new Windows devices.
- Conditional Access: Policies that allow access only when security requirements are met.
- Mobile Application Management (MAM): Secure corporate apps without needing to manage the whole phone.
- Remote Help: Integrated cloud-based remote assistance for troubleshooting.
- Unified Console: Manage Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single pane of glass.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).
- Extremely cost-effective for organizations already using Microsoft 365.
Cons
- Can be complex to configure for non-Microsoft environments.
- Management of Linux endpoints is less mature than Windows.
Platforms / Deployment
- Web / Windows / macOS / iOS / Android / Linux
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC, Encryption
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA
Integrations & Ecosystem Intune is part of the Microsoft Viva and Defender ecosystem, making it the default choice for Windows-heavy shops.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Entra ID
- ServiceNow
- TeamViewer
Support & Community Massive community support and comprehensive documentation provided by Microsoft.
#2 — Kandji
A specialized, high-performance management platform built specifically for Apple devices in the enterprise.
Key Features
- Lifeline: An offline remediation agent that ensures compliance even without internet.
- Auto-Apps: A library of commonly used macOS apps that Kandji keeps updated automatically.
- Zero-Touch Deployment: Perfect integration with Apple Business Manager.
- Parameter Library: 150+ pre-built scripts and configurations for macOS.
- Self-Service: A branded portal for employees to download approved software.
Pros
- The best user interface for macOS management.
- Extremely fast deployment times for Apple fleets.
Cons
- Only supports Apple hardware (no Windows or Android).
- Premium pricing compared to generalist tools.
Platforms / Deployment
- macOS / iOS / iPadOS / tvOS
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- SOC 2 Type 2
Integrations & Ecosystem Kandji integrates with top-tier identity providers to ensure secure onboarding.
- Okta
- Google Workspace
- Slack
- Drata
Support & Community Highly rated direct support and a very active community of Apple IT professionals.
#3 — Jamf Pro
The long-standing gold standard for Apple device management, known for its deep feature set and granular control.
Key Features
- Smart Groups: Automated grouping based on device inventory data.
- Self-Service Portal: Comprehensive app store for users.
- Jamf Connect: Simplifies Mac authentication and identity management.
- Policy Management: Highly granular control over every aspect of the OS.
- Jamf Protect: Built-in endpoint security specifically for Apple threats.
Pros
- Deepest feature set for Apple devices on the market.
- Huge ecosystem of third-party integrations and training certifications.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new administrators.
- Often requires more manual scripting than modern competitors.
Platforms / Deployment
- macOS / iOS / iPadOS / tvOS
- Cloud / Self-hosted / Hybrid
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- ISO 27001, GDPR
Integrations & Ecosystem Widely integrated across the enterprise IT landscape.
- Microsoft Intune (for compliance data)
- Splunk
- Cisco
- AWS
Support & Community The “Jamf Nation” community is the largest Apple IT community in the world.
#4 — NinjaOne
A modern, unified IT management platform that combines endpoint management with RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management).
Key Features
- Automated Patching: Supports over 135 third-party applications plus OS updates.
- Cloud Backup: Integrated backup for all managed endpoints.
- Remote Control: High-speed remote access built directly into the console.
- Scripting Engine: Supports PowerShell, Batch, and Shell scripts with a library.
- Ticketing System: Integrated helpdesk for managing IT requests.
Pros
- Extremely fast and responsive web interface.
- Excellent balance of management and monitoring features.
Cons
- MDM (Mobile Device Management) features are less deep than specialists.
- Pricing can scale quickly for large enterprise fleets.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / Linux
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- MFA, RBAC, Encryption
- SOC 2 Type 2
Integrations & Ecosystem Strong focus on IT documentation and security partnerships.
- IT Glue
- Bitdefender
- SentinelOne
- Slack
Support & Community Consistently rated #1 for customer support in the endpoint management category.
#5 — Ivanti Neurons
An AI-powered platform that aims to “self-heal” devices and provide hyper-automated management.
Key Features
- Self-Healing: AI agents that detect and fix issues before the user reports them.
- Asset Strategy: Real-time visibility into every hardware and software asset.
- Patch Intelligence: AI-driven prioritization of vulnerabilities based on risk.
- DEX Score: Measures the digital experience of every employee.
- Zero Trust: Integrated security for secure remote access.
Pros
- Extremely powerful automation capabilities for large enterprises.
- Comprehensive visibility across diverse, global networks.
Cons
- The interface can feel disjointed due to many product acquisitions.
- Requires significant time to set up and fine-tune.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android
- Cloud / Hybrid
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- FedRAMP, SOC 2
Integrations & Ecosystem Deeply integrated with ITSM and security tools.
- ServiceNow
- CrowdStrike
- Microsoft Entra
- Splunk
Support & Community Comprehensive enterprise support and professional services available.
#6 — ManageEngine Endpoint Central
A cost-effective, feature-rich UEM solution that covers a vast range of OS platforms and security tasks.
Key Features
- Vulnerability Management: Built-in scanning for software weaknesses.
- USB Device Control: Manage and restrict the use of peripheral devices.
- Remote Troubleshooting: Built-in chat and screen sharing.
- OS Deployment: Tools for imaging and deploying Windows OS.
- Mobile Management: Full support for BYOD and corporate-owned mobile devices.
Pros
- One of the most affordable full-suite UEMs.
- Huge breadth of features beyond basic management.
Cons
- User interface is functional but dated.
- Cloud version has slightly fewer features than the on-prem version.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android / tvOS / ChromeOS
- Cloud / Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- GDPR, HIPAA
Integrations & Ecosystem Integrates well with the extensive ManageEngine suite.
- Zoho CRM
- Jira
- Zendesk
- ServiceDesk Plus
Support & Community Good documentation and 24/5 technical support.
#7 — VMware Workspace ONE
A sophisticated intelligence-led UEM platform designed for digital workspace transformation in large enterprises.
Key Features
- Workspace ONE Intelligence: Deep analytics on device performance and security.
- Unified App Catalog: One place for all SaaS, mobile, and native apps.
- Hub Services: A centralized communication and resource hub for employees.
- Carbon Black Integration: Native connection to high-end endpoint security.
- Multi-OS Support: Equal focus on Windows, Mac, and Mobile.
Pros
- Highly scalable for the world’s largest organizations.
- Best-in-class integration between management and security.
Cons
- Very expensive and complex to license.
- Ongoing corporate transitions have caused some roadmap uncertainty.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android / ChromeOS
- Cloud / Hybrid
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC, Certificate-based Auth
- ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA
Integrations & Ecosystem Broadest enterprise ecosystem integration.
- ServiceNow
- Slack
- Salesforce
- Okta
Support & Community Elite-level enterprise support and global training programs.
#8 — Hexnode UEM
A user-friendly and versatile UEM that is popular with SMBs and mid-market companies for its ease of deployment.
Key Features
- Kiosk Mode: Lock devices into a single app or website for retail/frontline use.
- Geofencing: Apply policies based on the physical location of the device.
- Expense Management: Track mobile data usage across the fleet.
- Web Content Filtering: Block inappropriate websites at the device level.
- BitLocker/FileVault Management: Centralized control over OS encryption.
Pros
- Very fast setup and easy-to-understand interface.
- Excellent price-to-feature ratio.
Cons
- Lacks the deep automation scripts of tools like NinjaOne or Ivanti.
- Reporting features are not as customizable as enterprise tools.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / iOS / Android / FireOS / tvOS
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- HIPAA, GDPR
Integrations & Ecosystem Standard integrations for identity and productivity.
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Okta
- Zendesk
Support & Community Highly praised for its responsive live-chat support.
#9 — SOTI MobiControl
A specialized UEM with a strong focus on ruggedized devices and industrial Linux-based endpoints.
Key Features
- SOTI XTreme Hub: Optimized data transfer for remote locations with low bandwidth.
- Remote Control: Best-in-class remote support for Android and rugged devices.
- Scripting Engine: Powerful automation for specialized hardware.
- Diagnostic Logging: In-depth data on device health and battery cycles.
- Staging: Rapidly deploy settings to devices via barcodes.
Pros
- The absolute leader in managing “rugged” devices (Zebra, Honeywell).
- Excellent for supply chain and logistics industries.
Cons
- Desktop (Windows/Mac) management is not as modern as the mobile side.
- Interface is complex and designed for technical users.
Platforms / Deployment
- Android / iOS / Windows / Linux / macOS
- Cloud / Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- MFA, RBAC, Encryption
- Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem Focused on industrial and IoT ecosystems.
- Zebra
- Honeywell
- Panasonic
- AWS
Support & Community Strong specialized support for logistics and industrial hardware.
#10 — Cisco Meraki Systems Manager
A cloud-first UEM that is part of the Meraki dashboard, offering unique network-level visibility into endpoints.
Key Features
- Network Integration: View endpoint security status directly from the network switch console.
- Sentry: Automatically applies security policies when a device joins a Meraki Wi-Fi network.
- Software Distribution: Cloud-based deployment of apps to all OS types.
- Inventory Management: Detailed hardware and software tracking.
- Dynamic Tagging: Automate policy changes based on device tags.
Pros
- Perfect for organizations already using Meraki networking hardware.
- Very simple, unified management interface.
Cons
- Features are limited if you don’t use the rest of the Meraki stack.
- Less granular control compared to Jamf or Intune.
Platforms / Deployment
- Windows / macOS / iOS / Android / ChromeOS
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, RBAC
- PCI-DSS, HIPAA
Integrations & Ecosystem Built into the Meraki cloud ecosystem.
- Cisco Umbrella
- Cisco Duo
- Splunk
- ServiceNow
Support & Community Standard Cisco enterprise support; very reliable cloud uptime.
Comparison Table (Top 10)
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Deployment | Standout Feature | Public Rating |
| Microsoft Intune | M365 Shops | Win, Mac, Mobile, Linux | Cloud | Autopilot | 4.5 |
| Kandji | Apple-only | macOS, iOS | Cloud | Offline Lifeline | 4.8 |
| Jamf Pro | Apple Enterprise | macOS, iOS | Hybrid | Smart Groups | 4.7 |
| NinjaOne | RMM & Management | Win, Mac, Linux | Cloud | Integrated Backup | 4.8 |
| Ivanti Neurons | AI Automation | Win, Mac, Mobile, Linux | Hybrid | Self-healing | 4.2 |
| ManageEngine | Budget UEM | Win, Mac, Mobile, Linux | Hybrid | Vulnerability Scan | 4.4 |
| Workspace ONE | Large Enterprise | Win, Mac, Mobile, Chrome | Hybrid | Hub Services | 4.3 |
| Hexnode UEM | SMBs / Kiosks | Win, Mac, Mobile | Cloud | Geofencing | 4.6 |
| SOTI MobiControl | Rugged/Logistics | Android, Linux, Win | Hybrid | XTreme Hub | 4.4 |
| Cisco Meraki | Meraki Users | Win, Mac, Mobile | Cloud | Sentry Networking | 4.1 |
Evaluation & Scoring of Endpoint Management Tools
| Tool Name | Core (25%) | Ease (15%) | Integrations (15%) | Security (10%) | Performance (10%) | Support (10%) | Value (15%) | Weighted Total |
| Microsoft Intune | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8.85 |
| Kandji | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 8.45 |
| Jamf Pro | 10 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8.50 |
| NinjaOne | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8.70 |
| Ivanti Neurons | 9 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7.70 |
| ManageEngine | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 7.80 |
| Workspace ONE | 10 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8.20 |
| Hexnode UEM | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.95 |
| SOTI MobiControl | 9 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7.45 |
| Cisco Meraki | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.70 |
The scoring provided is comparative and based on the tool’s performance within its intended market niche. A high score in “Core” reflects feature richness, while a high “Value” score often indicates a favorable price-to-performance ratio for the target user base.
Which Endpoint Management Software Tool Is Right for You?
Solo / Freelancer
For individuals, Hexnode or ManageEngine offer the most straightforward entry points if you need to manage more than just your personal devices.
SMB
NinjaOne is excellent for SMBs because it combines management with backup and remote support. Hexnode is also a top contender for its simplicity and pricing.
Mid-Market
Microsoft Intune is often the default choice here due to its inclusion in M365 business plans. For Apple-centric mid-market firms, Kandji is the best fit.
Enterprise
VMware Workspace ONE and Ivanti Neurons are built for the complexity and scale of enterprise environments. Microsoft Intune is also a dominant enterprise force.
Budget vs Premium
ManageEngine is the standout budget option. Jamf Pro and Workspace ONE are premium services that offer the highest level of granular control.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
Jamf Pro offers incredible depth but requires expertise. Kandji offers high feature depth for Apple while maintaining incredible ease of use.
Integrations & Scalability
Microsoft Intune and Workspace ONE offer the most robust integration ecosystems and can scale to hundreds of thousands of devices.
Security & Compliance Needs
Organizations with high security needs (HIPAA, FedRAMP) should look toward Microsoft Intune, Workspace ONE, or Ivanti Neurons for their extensive certification lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between MDM and UEM?
MDM (Mobile Device Management) focuses primarily on smartphones and tablets. UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) is the evolution that manages all devices, including PCs, Macs, and IoT, from one platform.
Can I manage Macs with Windows-focused tools?
Yes, tools like Intune manage Macs, but they often lack the “day-zero” support for new Apple features found in specialized tools like Kandji or Jamf.
Is cloud-based endpoint management secure?
Yes, most modern providers use high-level encryption and SSO. In 2026, cloud management is considered safer than on-prem because it allows for immediate security patching over any internet connection.
Does endpoint management invade employee privacy?
Modern tools can separate personal data from work data (containerization). Admins can usually only see hardware health and corporate app data, not personal photos or messages.
How do these tools handle remote workers?
They use cloud-based agents that communicate over the internet, allowing IT to update, lock, or wipe a device even if it never connects to the corporate office network.
What is Zero-Touch Provisioning?
It is a process where a device is shipped from the factory to the user and automatically installs all necessary software and settings the moment it is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi.
Do I still need an antivirus if I have endpoint management?
Yes, though many endpoint management tools now integrate directly with antivirus or EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) software to provide a unified defense.
How much do these tools cost per device?
Pricing varies widely, typically ranging from $2 to $10 per device per month, depending on the level of automation and security features included.
Can these tools manage Linux servers?
Many UEMs like NinjaOne and ManageEngine have strong Linux support, but some mobile-first UEMs may have limited capabilities for Linux server environments.
What happens if a device is stolen? An administrator can send a “Remote Wipe” command through the management console, which will erase all data on the device the next time it connects to the internet.
Conclusion
Selecting the right endpoint management tool is essential for securing a modern, distributed workforce. While Microsoft Intune is the logical choice for many due to its ecosystem integration, specialists like Kandji or NinjaOne offer unique advantages in speed and usability. The “best” tool ultimately depends on your fleet’s OS diversity and your team’s technical capacity. We recommend identifying your most critical device type and running a 30-day trial with two of the top-scoring tools listed above to ensure they meet your specific compliance and automation needs.