Best MDM for Apple Devices 2026

Mosyle offers the best value at $1-1.50/device/month for business users, with education pricing even lower at $0.46/device/month. It includes a free tier for up to 30 devices, making it ideal for small businesses or testing. Despite the low price, Mosyle provides comprehensive Apple management features including zero-touch enrollment, automated patching, and native security controls.

Jamf Pro ($3.67-7.89/device/month) is worth the premium for large enterprises with complex Apple deployments. You're paying for 20+ years of Apple expertise, deepest ecosystem integration, and proven enterprise scalability. However, with add-ons like Jamf Connect ($4/device) and Jamf Protect ($6/device), total cost can reach $17-18/device/month. For smaller organizations or simpler needs, Mosyle or Kandji provide excellent Apple management at lower price points.

Per-device pricing (Mosyle, Kandji, Jamf Pro, VMware) is usually more cost-effective for Apple-focused deployments, especially when users have multiple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). Microsoft Intune's per-user model ($8-18/user/month) can be expensive if each user has 2-3 Apple devices. However, if Intune is already included in your Microsoft 365 subscription (E3, E5, Business Premium), it may be the most economical option despite the per-user structure.

Not necessarily. Microsoft Intune provides solid Apple device management capabilities and works well for organizations managing mixed Windows and Apple environments. However, Apple-specific platforms like Jamf Pro, Kandji, or Mosyle offer deeper integration with Apple Business Manager, more granular macOS controls, and better automation for Apple-exclusive features. If your organization is 90%+ Apple devices, a dedicated Apple MDM may provide better ROI despite being a separate tool.

Common hidden costs include: security add-ons like EDR and vulnerability scanning ($2-6/device/month extra), identity management tools ($4/device for Jamf Connect), minimum device requirements for business pricing, annual billing requirements, and 2-5% annual price increases. Also watch for separate iOS/macOS pricing tiers. Microsoft Intune has a $3/user/month increase scheduled for July 2026 for M365 E3/E5 subscribers.

Pricing varies significantly based on features and scale. Entry-level plans typically start at $0/month, while enterprise solutions can cost $500+ per month. Most organizations spend between $0-$150/month depending on their size and requirements.

Most organizations find mid-tier plans sufficient initially. Consider premium tiers only if you need advanced compliance, dedicated support, complex integrations, or specific capabilities not available in standard offerings. Start with a pilot to validate requirements before committing to enterprise contracts.

Implementation timelines vary from days to months depending on complexity. Simple solutions can be deployed in 1-2 weeks, while enterprise implementations with custom integrations may take 2-6 months. Factor in time for data migration, user training, and testing before go-live.