What is the best mobile device management (mdm) for small businesses?

Choosing the "best" Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for a small business really depends on your specific needs, budget, and the types of devices you manage. However, for small businesses, the key factors usually revolve around **ease of use, affordability, core security features, and cross-platform support.**

Here are some of the top MDM solutions often recommended for small businesses, along with their strengths:

### Top Recommendations for Small Businesses:

1. **Miradore:**

* **Strengths:** Excellent free tier (up to 10 devices with core features), very user-friendly interface, strong cross-platform support (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS). It's often praised for its simplicity and effectiveness for basic MDM needs.

* **Best for:** Small businesses looking for a free or very affordable solution with essential MDM capabilities and ease of use.

2. **Meraki Systems Manager (Cisco):**

* **Strengths:** Offers a generous free tier for up to 100 devices, incredibly easy to set up and manage, robust cross-platform support, and integrates well with other Meraki networking gear if you have it.

* **Best for:** Small businesses that need a free, scalable, and easy-to-use solution for a mixed environment of devices.

3. **Hexnode UEM:**

* **Strengths:** Comprehensive feature set even in its lower-tier plans, competitive pricing, good cross-platform support, and strong kiosk mode capabilities (useful for specific business applications). It's generally considered user-friendly.

* **Best for:** Small businesses that need a broader range of features beyond the absolute basics, without breaking the bank.

4. **Google Workspace (Built-in MDM):**

* **Strengths:** If your small business already uses Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc.), the built-in MDM is incredibly convenient and often included in your existing subscription. It's very easy to set up and manage for Android and iOS devices.

* **Limitations:** While good for basic security (passcodes, remote wipe) and app management, it's not as feature-rich as dedicated MDM solutions.

* **Best for:** Small businesses already invested in Google Workspace that need basic, integrated MDM without additional cost or complexity.

5. **Jamf Now / Mosyle Business (for Apple-only environments):**

* **Strengths:** If your small business primarily uses Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, MacBooks), these solutions are specifically designed for Apple and offer an incredibly streamlined, intuitive experience. Jamf Now is known for its simplicity, while Mosyle Business offers a very competitive free tier (up to 30 devices) and powerful features for Apple.

* **Limitations:** Limited or no support for Android/Windows devices.

* **Best for:** Small businesses with an all-Apple ecosystem that want the best possible experience for managing those devices.

6. **Microsoft Intune (part of Microsoft 365 Business Premium):**

* **Strengths:** If your small business is already heavily invested in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Intune is included and offers powerful device and app management across Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. It integrates seamlessly with Azure AD and other Microsoft services.

* **Limitations:** Can be more complex to set up and manage than some of the simpler options, especially if you don't have dedicated IT staff or aren't familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.

* **Best for:** Small businesses already using Microsoft 365 Business Premium that need robust, integrated MDM and have some technical comfort with Microsoft products.

### Key Factors to Consider When Choosing:

* **Budget:** Are you looking for a free solution, or do you have a budget for a paid tier? Many offer per-device pricing.

* **Device Types:** Do you have a mix of iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices, or are you primarily one platform (e.g., all Apple)?

* **Number of Devices:** How many devices do you need to manage? Some free tiers have limits.

* **Required Features:**

* **Security:** Remote wipe/lock, passcode enforcement, encryption.

* **App Management:** Deploying apps, blacklisting/whitelisting.

* **Configuration:** Wi-Fi, VPN, email profiles.

* **Inventory:** Tracking devices and their details.

* **Compliance:** Ensuring devices meet company policies.

* **Kiosk Mode:** If you need devices locked down to a single app or set of apps.

* **Ease of Use:** How much IT expertise do you have? Small businesses often benefit from intuitive, easy-to-set-up solutions.

* **Support:** What kind of customer support do they offer?

**Recommendation:**

For most small businesses, I'd recommend starting with **Miradore** or **Meraki Systems Manager** due to their excellent free tiers, ease of use, and cross-platform support. If you're an all-Apple shop, **Mosyle Business** or **Jamf Now** are fantastic. If you're already deep into Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, leverage their built-in solutions first.

Always take advantage of free trials to test out a few options before committing!