Managing company mobiles, tablets and laptops used to mean handing out handsets and hoping for the best. In 2026, that approach is a liability. With remote working entrenched, cyber threats escalating and UK data protection rules tightening, mobile device management solutions have moved from nice-to-have to non-negotiable.
But the MDM market is crowded. Dozens of platforms compete for your attention, each promising seamless control and bulletproof security. How do you separate genuine capability from marketing noise?
This guide compares five leading MDM solutions available to UK businesses, breaks down the features that matter, and helps you decide which platform deserves your investment. If you are new to the concept, start with our beginner’s guide to mobile device management before diving in.
What Is MDM and Why Do UK Businesses Need It?
Mobile device management — commonly shortened to MDM — is software that gives your IT team centralised control over every smartphone, tablet and laptop in your fleet. From a single console, you can enforce security policies, push apps, configure settings, track locations and remotely wipe data if a handset is lost or stolen.
Think of it as the command centre for your MDM mobile device estate. Without it, every phone is an island — unmonitored and potentially leaking sensitive data.
The Business Case in 2026
Several forces are making MDM essential for UK organisations right now:
- Hybrid working is permanent. Employees access corporate systems from home networks, coffee shops and co-working spaces. Every connection point is a vulnerability that MDM helps you control.
- Cyber threats are intensifying. The NCSC reported a sharp rise in mobile-targeted phishing throughout 2025. MDM enforces passcodes, blocks malicious apps and keeps operating systems patched. Read more on the security threat most businesses overlook.
- Regulatory pressure is growing. UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 demand you demonstrate control over devices processing personal data. MDM provides the audit trail regulators expect.
- BYOD is mainstream. MDM with work profile separation is the only practical way to protect corporate data on personal devices. Our BYOD policy guide explains how to set this up.
- Device fleets are growing. Manually configuring each handset is unsustainable at scale. MDM automates provisioning, saving hours of IT time per device.
Our pillar guide on the benefits of MDM for your business covers the strategic case in detail.
Key Features to Look for in an MDM Solution
Before comparing platforms, here are the core capabilities that should be on your evaluation checklist.
Device Enrolment and Provisioning
The best platforms support zero-touch enrolment — devices are automatically configured with your policies, apps and settings the moment they are switched on. Look for integration with Apple Business Manager, Android Enterprise and Windows Autopilot.
Security Policy Enforcement
At a minimum, your MDM should enforce passcode complexity, screen lock timeouts, encryption and OS version requirements. More advanced platforms offer conditional access — blocking non-compliant devices from corporate resources until the issue is resolved.
App Management
You need the ability to silently push, update and remove apps across your fleet. Look for support for both public app store apps and private, in-house applications.
Remote Actions
Remote lock, remote wipe and selective wipe (removing only corporate data) are table stakes. Some platforms also offer remote restart, passcode reset and real-time location tracking.
Work Profile and Data Separation
For BYOD deployments, the MDM must create a secure work container that keeps corporate data separate from personal apps and files.
Reporting and Compliance
Dashboards showing device compliance status, OS version distribution, app inventory and security incidents are essential. In regulated sectors, look for audit logging and exportable compliance reports.
Multi-OS Support
Unless your fleet is exclusively one platform, you need an MDM that handles iOS, Android, Windows and ideally macOS from a single console.
Need help choosing the right MDM solution? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615.
The 5 Best MDM Solutions for UK Businesses Compared
Here are five of the most capable mobile device management solutions available to UK organisations in 2026.
| Platform | Best For | OS Support | Key Features | Pricing Tier | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune | Microsoft 365 businesses | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Conditional access, Autopilot, app protection policies, compliance policies, integration with Azure AD | Mid (included in M365 Business Premium) | Cloud |
| Jamf Pro | Apple-first organisations | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS | Zero-touch Apple deployment, Self Service app catalogue, patch management, Apple Business Manager integration | Mid–High | Cloud or On-Premise |
| VMware Workspace ONE | Large enterprises with complex needs | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux | Unified endpoint management, intelligence engine, digital employee experience, Freestyle Orchestrator | High | Cloud or On-Premise |
| Hexnode | SMEs wanting value and simplicity | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, tvOS, Fire OS | Kiosk mode, geofencing, remote view, compliance rules, multi-platform support at accessible pricing | Low–Mid | Cloud |
| Scalefusion | Kiosk and field device management | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | Kiosk lockdown, content management, location tracking, remote cast and control, workflows | Low–Mid | Cloud or On-Premise |
Microsoft Intune
Overview
Microsoft Intune is the MDM solution most UK businesses encounter first, because it is bundled with Microsoft 365 Business Premium — a licence many organisations already hold. If your company runs on Outlook, Teams and SharePoint, Intune slots in with minimal friction.
Intune is cloud-native, managing iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux devices from a single admin centre. It integrates deeply with Azure Active Directory, enabling conditional access policies that block non-compliant devices from corporate data.
Standout Features
- Conditional access: Only compliant devices can reach Microsoft 365 apps and data. Non-compliant devices are quarantined automatically.
- Windows Autopilot: New laptops are configured over the air — no manual imaging required.
- App protection policies: Prevent corporate data from being copied or shared to personal apps, even on unmanaged devices.
- Co-management: Enterprises using SCCM can transition to Intune gradually.
Pros
- Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium — no additional MDM licence cost for many businesses
- Excellent Windows and Microsoft 365 integration
- Strong conditional access and compliance engine
- Broad OS support including Linux
Cons
- Apple management is functional but less polished than Jamf
- Admin console can overwhelm smaller IT teams
- Advanced features require Intune Plan 2 or Suite add-on at extra cost
Best For
UK businesses invested in the Microsoft ecosystem — especially those already holding M365 Business Premium licences with a mixed fleet of Windows laptops and mobile devices.
Jamf Pro
Overview
Jamf is the gold standard for Apple device management. If your business runs on iPhones, iPads and Macs, no other MDM solution comes close to the depth of Apple-specific functionality Jamf offers.
With over two decades of Apple-focused development, Jamf provides zero-touch deployment through Apple Business Manager, automated patch management and a Self Service app catalogue that empowers users to install approved software without raising a support ticket.
Standout Features
- Zero-touch deployment: Devices ship pre-configured — the user opens the box, signs in and starts working.
- Self Service: A branded app catalogue where employees install approved apps without IT intervention.
- Patch management: Automated macOS and third-party app patching with compliance reporting.
- Jamf Protect: Optional endpoint security purpose-built for macOS, including malware prevention.
Pros
- Unmatched Apple device management depth
- Same-day support for new Apple OS releases
- Intuitive admin console with Apple-native design philosophy
- Strong integrations (Azure AD, Okta, Google Workspace)
Cons
- Apple only — no Android or Windows management
- Higher per-device cost than multi-platform alternatives
- Some advanced features (Protect, Connect, Identity) are separate paid add-ons
Best For
Creative agencies, design studios, media companies and any UK business where Apple devices dominate the fleet.
VMware Workspace ONE (now Omnissa)
Overview
Workspace ONE — originally AirWatch, now operating under the Omnissa brand following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware — is an enterprise-grade unified endpoint management (UEM) platform. It goes beyond basic MDM mobile device management to encompass app delivery, identity management and digital employee experience analytics. This is the platform large enterprises choose when managing tens of thousands of devices across multiple operating systems and compliance frameworks.
Standout Features
- Unified endpoint management: Manage smartphones, tablets, laptops, rugged devices and IoT endpoints from a single console.
- Intelligence engine: Machine learning predicts issues and automates remediation.
- Freestyle Orchestrator: Visual workflow builder for complex automation without scripting.
- Tunnel: Per-app VPN routing only corporate traffic through your VPN.
Pros
- Broadest OS and device type support of any platform reviewed
- Powerful automation and orchestration capabilities
- Scales to hundreds of thousands of devices
- Comprehensive API for custom integrations
Cons
- Complexity and cost make it impractical for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for administrators
- Licensing model can be confusing with multiple tiers and add-ons
Best For
Large UK enterprises and public sector organisations managing thousands of devices across multiple platforms with dedicated IT resources.
Hexnode
Overview
Hexnode proves you do not need an enterprise budget to get enterprise-grade mobile device management. Built by Mitsogo, it offers a clean, intuitive interface with impressive multi-platform support — including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, tvOS and Amazon Fire OS. For UK SMEs that need a capable MDM solution without the complexity or cost of Intune or Workspace ONE, Hexnode is a compelling option.
Standout Features
- Kiosk mode: Lock devices to a single app or curated set — ideal for retail, hospitality and field service.
- Geofencing: Trigger actions when devices enter or leave defined geographical areas.
- Remote view: See a device’s screen in real time for troubleshooting.
- Compliance rules: Automatically flag and remediate non-compliant devices.
Pros
- Excellent value — plans start from around $1 per device per month
- Clean, modern admin console that is easy to learn
- Broad OS support including Fire OS and tvOS
- Strong kiosk and geofencing capabilities
Cons
- Lacks the deep Microsoft 365 integration of Intune
- Reporting is adequate but not as granular as enterprise platforms
- Smaller community and fewer third-party integrations than market leaders
Best For
UK SMEs with 10–500 devices wanting an affordable MDM solution with solid multi-platform support — particularly those using kiosk devices in retail, hospitality or logistics.
Scalefusion
Overview
Scalefusion has carved out a niche in kiosk management, field device control and content delivery. If your business deploys shared devices, digital signage or ruggedised handsets for field workers, it deserves serious consideration. The platform supports iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, with particularly deep Android capabilities including dedicated device modes and custom launcher configurations.
Standout Features
- Kiosk lockdown: Single-app and multi-app kiosk modes with granular control over settings and notifications.
- Content management: Push documents, videos and presentations to devices for training and digital signage.
- Remote cast and control: View and control device screens remotely for troubleshooting.
- Location tracking: Real-time tracking with history and geofence-triggered actions.
Pros
- Excellent kiosk and dedicated device management
- Competitive pricing with transparent per-device plans
- Strong Android management depth
- On-premise deployment option for regulated industries
Cons
- iOS management is functional but less feature-rich than Android
- Enterprise features like conditional access are less mature
- Documentation could be more comprehensive in places
Best For
UK businesses managing shared devices, kiosks, digital signage or field worker handsets — particularly on Android. Ideal for logistics, retail, hospitality and warehouse environments.
Struggling to decide between platforms? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615.
SME vs Enterprise: Choosing the Right Tier
The best MDM for business depends heavily on your size, budget and IT maturity. A 30-person accountancy firm has very different needs from a 5,000-employee logistics company.
For SMEs (10–250 Devices)
Keep it simple. Hexnode and Scalefusion are purpose-built for this market, offering intuitive interfaces and transparent pricing. If you already pay for Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Intune is worth evaluating — but be prepared for a steeper learning curve that smaller IT teams may struggle to absorb.
For Mid-Market (250–2,000 Devices)
Intune and Jamf shine here. You have enough devices to justify a more capable platform, and your IT team likely has the skills to manage it. Intune suits Microsoft-centric organisations; Jamf suits Apple-centric ones.
For Enterprise (2,000+ Devices)
Workspace ONE comes into its own at scale. The intelligence engine, automation capabilities and breadth of device support justify the higher cost when managing thousands of endpoints across multiple locations.
Apple vs Android Device Management
Apple and Google have taken different approaches to enterprise device management, and understanding these differences will help you choose the right platform.
Apple (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
Apple’s management framework is tightly controlled and consistent, making devices predictable to manage.
- Supervised mode unlocks the deepest capabilities — silent app installation, web content filtering and preventing users from removing the MDM profile.
- Apple Business Manager enables zero-touch enrolment and volume app purchasing.
- User Enrolment provides a privacy-preserving BYOD option that separates work and personal data at the OS level.
The trade-off is less granular control than Android in some areas — and some restrictions require supervision, only possible on company-owned devices.
Android
Android Enterprise provides standardised management APIs that work consistently across certified devices from Samsung, Google and other manufacturers.
- Work profile creates a separate, encrypted container for corporate apps and data on personal devices — the foundation of Android BYOD management.
- Fully managed mode gives complete control over company-owned devices, including app restrictions, network configuration and factory reset protection.
- Dedicated device mode locks devices to a specific purpose — perfect for kiosks, digital signage and shared field devices.
- Samsung Knox adds hardware-backed security and management features for Samsung devices.
The challenge is fragmentation — manufacturers ship different OS versions on different timelines. Sticking to Google-certified devices avoids most issues. See our guide to essential security features for business mobiles for device selection advice.
Implementation: Getting Your MDM Rollout Right
A poorly planned rollout can undermine even the best MDM solution. Here is how to get implementation right.
1. Define Your Policies First
Before configuring anything, document your device policies. What passcode complexity do you require? Which apps are mandatory? What happens when a device falls out of compliance? Writing these decisions down first prevents ad-hoc policy sprawl later.
2. Start with a Pilot Group
Roll out to 10–20 willing testers across different roles and device types. This surfaces configuration issues and policy gaps before they affect the entire organisation.
3. Communicate Clearly with Staff
Be transparent about what the company can see (compliance status, corporate apps) and what it cannot see (personal messages, photos, browsing history). This is especially important for BYOD deployments.
4. Automate Enrolment
Use zero-touch enrolment wherever possible — Apple Business Manager for iOS, Android Enterprise zero-touch for Android, Autopilot for Windows. Manual enrolment is time-consuming and error-prone at scale.
5. Build Compliance Policies Gradually
Start with the essentials — passcode, encryption, OS version — and add more granular policies over time as your team gains confidence with the platform.
6. Plan for Ongoing Management
MDM is not set-and-forget. OS updates, new app versions and evolving threats mean your policies need regular review. Assign a named owner and schedule quarterly policy reviews.
7. Train Your IT Team
Most MDM vendors offer free online training and certification. The time spent upfront pays dividends in fewer support tickets and faster incident response.
Why Choose Connection Technologies
Connection Technologies is a UK-based business mobile specialist that helps organisations procure, deploy and manage their mobile device fleets. Unlike pure MDM vendors, we advise on the right devices, tariffs and management platform as a joined-up solution.
- Independent advice: We are not tied to a single MDM vendor. We recommend the platform that genuinely fits your business.
- End-to-end service: From device procurement and SIM provisioning to MDM configuration and ongoing support, we handle the entire mobile lifecycle.
- UK-based support: Our team is based in the UK and available on UK business hours — knowledgeable people who understand the UK mobile market.
- Cost optimisation: We audit your existing mobile estate to identify waste — unused lines, overpriced tariffs, redundant licences — and reduce cost while improving security.
- BYOD and MDM expertise: Whether deploying MDM for the first time or migrating platforms, we make the transition smooth. We also help businesses build robust BYOD policies that work alongside their chosen MDM solution.
Ready to get your mobile devices under control? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MDM and how does it work?
MDM stands for mobile device management. It is software that lets your IT team manage, secure and monitor smartphones, tablets and laptops from a central console. The platform communicates with a profile installed on each device, pushing policies, apps and configurations over the air. If a device is lost, you can lock or wipe it remotely.
Can MDM see my personal messages and photos?
No. Modern MDM solutions separate corporate and personal data using work profiles or managed containers. Your employer can see compliance status but cannot access personal messages, photos, browsing history or apps outside the work container.
Is Microsoft Intune free with Microsoft 365?
Intune is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium (around £19.70 per user per month in 2026). If you already pay for Business Premium, MDM is effectively included at no extra cost. Standalone Intune Plan 1 licences are also available.
Which MDM is best for a small business?
For most UK SMEs, Hexnode offers the best balance of capability, simplicity and value. If you hold Microsoft 365 Business Premium licences, Intune is worth evaluating. For kiosk or field devices, Scalefusion is a strong alternative. The best MDM for business depends on your device mix, budget and IT resources.
Do I need MDM for an MDM cell phone fleet of fewer than 10 devices?
Even with a small fleet, MDM adds value. A single lost phone containing client data can trigger a GDPR breach notification. Platforms like Hexnode and Scalefusion offer affordable plans that make MDM practical even for very small businesses.
Can I manage both company-owned and BYOD devices with the same MDM?
Yes. All five platforms support both fully managed (company-owned) and work profile (BYOD) enrolment modes, applying different policies depending on the ownership model.
How long does it take to deploy MDM across a business?
For a typical SME with 50–100 devices, expect two to four weeks from initial configuration to full rollout — covering policy design, pilot testing, staff communication and phased enrolment. Zero-touch enrolment significantly speeds up the process for new devices.
What happens to MDM when an employee leaves?
Your IT team performs a selective wipe removing corporate data, apps and profiles. On a company-owned device, you can factory reset. On a BYOD device, only the work container is removed — the employee keeps their personal data. The device is then unenrolled from MDM.