Best Microsoft Intune Alternatives: Top 5 MDMs to Consider

For businesses looking for flexibility, security, and cross-platform support, Microsoft Intune has become a popular choice for managing devices and applications. However, certain limitations lead organizations to explore other options.

This article reviews the top 5 best Intune alternatives available, comparing key features, market trends, and user insights. Whether you’re considering an Intune alternative for its specialized features, pricing structure, or compatibility needs, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Why Microsoft Intune Alternatives?

Choosing an endpoint management solution is a critical decision for any organization. Microsoft Intune offers extensive integration with Microsoft’s suite but may not fit every organization’s needs.

Here’s why businesses look for Intune alternatives:

1. Cost Efficiency: Intune’s pricing structure can be restrictive for smaller businesses. The best Microsoft Intune alternatives often offer pricing models that better fit diverse budgets.
2. Cross-Platform Support: Intune works best in Windows-centric environments. However, organizations with mixed device ecosystems often find more compatibility with the best Intune alternatives that support iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.
3. Enhanced Security Features: While Intune has robust security, certain Microsoft Intune alternatives cater to industries with high compliance standards, providing specific configurations that meet industry regulations.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Some organizations find the Microsoft Intune setup to be complex. The best Intune alternatives often prioritize ease of use, reducing onboarding time for IT teams.
5. Specialized Capabilities: Industries such as healthcare or finance may need solutions that go beyond Intune’s capabilities to meet their unique compliance and operational requirements.

Market Trends Driving Demand for the Best Microsoft Intune Alternatives

Significant market trends fuel the increasing popularity of Microsoft Intune alternatives:

• Remote Workforce Expansion: The shift to remote work has intensified the demand for versatile and secure device management solutions. The best Intune alternatives offer remote device control, secure access, and cross-platform compatibility.
• Emphasis on Zero Trust Security: Zero Trust principles are becoming standard, and organizations are choosing Microsoft Intune alternatives that excel in enforcing strict access controls and endpoint security.
• Cloud-Driven Management: Cloud-based endpoint management solutions, which include many of the best Intune alternatives, are preferred for their accessibility, scalability, and lower maintenance.
• Compliance-Ready Solutions: Industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, banking, and government, look for Intune alternatives that offer built-in compliance features.

Industry Insights and Quadrant Positioning for Microsoft Intune Alternatives

According to industry reports, the market for endpoint management is segmented into Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players. Microsoft Intune consistently ranks as a Leader due to its integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

However, the best Microsoft Intune alternatives also rank highly, often noted for their specific strengths, such as enhanced platform flexibility or specialized security features. Organizations seeking the best Intune alternatives will find a diverse selection of options across these categories.

Top 5 Best Microsoft Intune Alternatives: Choose Your MDM

Let’s take a closer look at the top five best Microsoft Intune alternatives, analyzing why these solutions are popular among IT teams:

VMware Workspace ONE

VMware Workspace ONE offers unified endpoint management (UEM) that integrates mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), and Zero Trust security.

• Why It’s a Great Intune Alternative: Workspace ONE is flexible, supporting cross-platform environments and offering advanced configuration options. This makes it a top choice among the best Intune alternatives for organizations using VMware’s ecosystem.
• User Reviews: Users rate Workspace ONE highly for flexibility, although some report a steeper learning curve compared to other Microsoft Intune alternatives.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro specializes in managing Apple devices, providing features that make it a leading option among the best Intune alternatives for Apple ecosystems.

• Why It’s a Great Intune Alternative: For organizations with primarily Apple devices, Jamf Pro’s deep integration and ease of use make it a standout choice.
• User Reviews: Praised for Apple device support, though limited if the organization requires broader OS compatibility.

Citrix Endpoint Management

Citrix Endpoint Management combines MDM and MAM with a focus on secure device management, making it a popular choice among Microsoft Intune alternatives.

• Why It’s a Great Intune Alternative: Citrix excels in security and integrates well with other Citrix products, appealing to organizations that require both flexibility and security.
• User Reviews: Citrix Endpoint Management is rated highly for security but has a complex setup, which users may find more challenging than some other Intune alternatives.

Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager (UEM)

Ivanti UEM focuses on security and user productivity, providing advanced automation and patch management.

• Why It’s a Great Intune Alternative: Ivanti stands out for automated workflows and patch management, which many organizations find valuable in best Intune alternatives.
• User Reviews: Users appreciate the automation features, though some find the interface less intuitive than other Microsoft Intune alternatives.

Cisco Meraki Systems Manager

Cisco Meraki offers a cloud-based endpoint management solution, making it one of the top best Intune alternatives for organizations using Cisco networking solutions.

• Why It’s a Great Intune Alternative: Meraki’s ease of use and network integration are ideal for organizations already using Cisco products.
• User Reviews: Generally praised for its user-friendly interface, though some users prefer more advanced customization options offered by other Microsoft Intune alternatives.

Feature Comparison Table of the Best Intune Alternatives

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key capabilities across these best Microsoft Intune alternatives:

User Reviews Summary for the Best Microsoft Intune Alternatives

User insights provide a practical perspective on each of these Intune alternatives:

• VMware Workspace ONE: Rated highly for its feature set and flexibility, although users report a steeper learning curve compared to other best Intune alternatives.
• Jamf Pro: Known for ease of use and excellent Apple integration, though limited in multi-OS environments.
• Citrix Endpoint Management: Strong ratings for security, though initial setup can be complex.
• Ivanti UEM: Highly valued for automation and patch management, though some users find the interface challenging.
• Cisco Meraki Systems Manager: Praised for user-friendliness and network integration, although some users desire more advanced features available in other Microsoft Intune alternatives.

Final Thoughts on the Best Microsoft Intune Alternatives

Choosing the best Microsoft Intune alternative depends on factors such as device ecosystem, specific feature requirements, and budget. Here’s a quick recap:

1. VMware Workspace ONE: Excellent for organizations needing flexible, secure management across platforms.
2. Jamf Pro: Ideal for Apple-focused organizations.
3. Citrix Endpoint Management: Suitable for security-focused companies with multi-OS needs.
4. Ivanti UEM: Great for businesses emphasizing automation and patch management.
5. Cisco Meraki Systems Manager: Perfect for Cisco ecosystem users prioritizing ease of use and network integration.

The best Microsoft Intune alternatives offer unique advantages that can address diverse organizational needs. Evaluating these options based on scalability, security, and usability can help you select the ideal endpoint management solution.