TOP 10 easiest-to-deploy MDM solutions in 2026
1. Primo
Primo covers the MDM essentials you need to enroll, secure, and manage devices remotely. But it also goes further with an all-in-one IT operations approach, helping SMBs avoid stitching together separate tools for device workflows.
Deployment is only part of the story. What really makes a difference is how the solution supports the entire device lifecycle, from shipping laptops to remote hires and managing replacements, to resolving support issues and handling offboarding, without requiring a full-time IT team.
Key features
- Native HRIS integrations to automate onboarding and offboarding
- Remote enrollment and device management with clear admin workflows
- Strong support for mixed fleets (including Apple and Windows)
- Operational workflows that reduce manual admin across the device lifecycle
Best fit for
- Growing SMBs (often with mixed OS fleets) that want fast rollout and low ongoing admin
- Teams that want an all-in-one approach instead of tool stacking
Not a great fit for
- Large enterprises that only want a narrow, MDM-only layer on top of mature internal IT processes
2. Microsoft Intune
Intune is Microsoft’s MDM solution and is a common choice for organizations that already run a Microsoft-first environment. It can be powerful for policy management, and Windows Autopilot can make provisioning smoother.
Key features
- Deep integration with Microsoft tools and identity stack
- Windows Autopilot to accelerate provisioning
- Strong policy and compliance controls
Best fit for
- Teams already standardized on Microsoft 365 and Microsoft security tooling
Not a great fit for
- SMBs that want the simplest setup with minimal Microsoft ecosystem complexity
3. Jamf Pro
Jamf Pro is a long-time leader for Apple device management. If your company is Apple-centric, Jamf’s deployment and lifecycle workflows can be a strong match.
Key features
- Mature Apple-focused enrollment and policy management
- Strong device lifecycle controls
- Rich documentation and ecosystem
Best fit for
- SMBs with mostly Apple devices, or teams that want Apple-first expertise
Not a great fit for
- Mixed fleets where Apple-specific tooling adds operational overhead
4. Iru
Iru is another Apple-focused platform known for its “blueprints” approach and automation library. That can reduce setup time and keep configurations consistent as you scale.
Key features
- Blueprints and templates to standardize fast
- Automation library for common tasks
- Support that is often praised during implementation
Best fit for
- Growing Apple-heavy SMBs that want fast standardization
Not a great fit for
- Companies that need one tool to manage Apple and Windows equally well
5. Miradore
Miradore is often chosen when the priority is getting the basics working quickly, without heavy configuration. It can be a pragmatic option for SMBs that need core MDM controls at a lower cost.
Key features
- Straightforward setup for standard device management needs
- Core compliance and inventory capabilities
- Works well when requirements are not highly customized
Best fit for
- SMBs that want a simple, budget-friendly MDM to cover essentials
Not a great fit for
- Teams that need advanced workflows or broader IT operations tooling
6. FleetDM
FleetDM is an open-source device management platform built around visibility, compliance, and endpoint transparency. While originally security-focused, it has evolved into a practical option for SMBs that want structured device control without vendor lock-in.
Its deployment can be straightforward for teams with basic technical capabilities, especially when using the hosted version rather than self-managed infrastructure.
Key features
- Open-source foundation with strong transparency
- OSQuery-based device visibility and compliance monitoring
- Cross-platform support (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Hosted option to simplify initial deployment
Best fit for
- Technical SMB teams that want control and visibility without committing to a closed ecosystem
- Security-conscious organizations prioritizing compliance monitoring
Not a great fit for
- Non-technical teams looking for a fully guided, plug-and-play MDM experience
7. Rippling IT
Rippling is a broad platform that includes an IT module. It can feel “easy to deploy” because the workflows are designed around employee lifecycle processes, which can reduce setup time for common scenarios.
Key features
- Platform approach with structured workflows
- Centralized employee lifecycle administration
- Guided rollout experience
Best fit for
- SMBs that want a platform-style approach where IT fits into broader ops workflows
Not a great fit for
- Organizations already using another HRIS and not planning to migrate to Rippling
8. Deel IT
Deel IT is often considered when teams are distributed internationally and need consistent device processes across countries. Its platform approach can reduce the friction of scaling device workflows.
Key features
- Workflows designed for distributed teams
- Centralized process management
- Useful when expansion across countries is a deployment requirement
Best fit for
- Remote-first companies with multi-country operations
Not a great fit for
- Organizations already using another HRIS and not planning to migrate to Deel IT
9. VMware Workspace ONE
VMware Workspace ONE is a unified endpoint management (UEM) platform combining MDM capabilities with broader enterprise device control. It supports large-scale environments while still offering structured enrollment workflows.
Although traditionally positioned for enterprise, smaller growing companies can deploy it efficiently if they anticipate scaling and need stronger compliance and identity integrations from the start.
Key features
- Unified endpoint management across major operating systems
- Automated enrollment and lifecycle management
- Advanced compliance and conditional access controls
- Integration with enterprise identity environments
Best fit for
- Growing companies planning to scale their security and compliance stack
- Organizations needing deeper integration with enterprise identity systems
Not a great fit for
- Small SMBs looking for the lightest, fastest deployment with minimal configuration
10. Hexnode
Hexnode is a cross-platform MDM solution designed to balance flexibility with ease of deployment. It supports Apple, Android, Windows, and specialized kiosk environments, making it a practical option for SMBs managing diverse device types.
Its structured onboarding workflows and ready-made policy templates help reduce initial setup time, especially for teams without dedicated IT staff.
Key features
- Multi-OS enrollment with template-based policy configuration
- Strong kiosk mode and device lockdown capabilities
- Clear admin console designed for day-to-day usability
- Competitive pricing structure for SMBs
Best fit for
- SMBs with mixed device fleets that want straightforward rollout
- Teams looking for structured deployment without enterprise-level complexity
Not a great fit for
- Large enterprises requiring highly customized identity and security stack integrations
How to pick quickly (without overthinking it)
If you want to choose in under an hour, answer these four questions:
- Is your fleet Apple-only, Windows-heavy, or truly mixed**?
- Do you need a pure MDM, or do you also need help with broader IT operations?
- Do you want guided templates, or maximum customization?
- Are you deploying across multiple countries?
Conclusion
The best MDM in 2026 is the one you can deploy quickly and operate daily without friction. For many SMBs, the real win is avoiding tool sprawl, because every extra tool adds setup time, training time, and ongoing admin.
That’s why Primo takes the #1 spot in this list: it makes MDM deployment straightforward, and its all-in-one approach helps SMBs manage devices across the full lifecycle with less overhead.
FAQ
How long does it take to deploy an MDM solution?
For most modern MDM tools, initial deployment can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The timeline depends on your fleet size, device types, and how much customization you need.
Do I need technical expertise to deploy MDM?
Not necessarily. Modern MDM solutions are built for non-technical users, with guided setup wizards and pre-configured templates.
Can I deploy MDM for remote employees?
Yes. Most MDM solutions support zero-touch deployment, where devices arrive pre-configured and automatically enroll when powered on.
What’s the difference between MDM and an all-in-one IT platform?
MDM focuses specifically on device management (enrollment, policies, security). An all-in-one IT platform like Primo also handles procurement, onboarding automation, support workflows, and offboarding.
Should I choose a platform-specific MDM or cross-platform?
If you're 100% Apple or 100% Windows, a specialized tool might offer deeper features. If you run a mixed fleet, a cross-platform solution reduces complexity.