Remote work has changed how businesses manage company devices. Employees now split their time between home offices, coworking spaces, client sites, and just about anywhere with an internet connection. That flexibility is great for productivity, but it also gives IT teams more devices to secure and support outside the office. An MDM remote work solution lets administrators configure devices, deploy apps, enforce security policies, and troubleshoot issues without asking employees to come into the office.
Both remote and hybrid work have become a permanent part of the modern workplace. Recent research from the Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2026 report and the Stanford Global Survey of Working Arrangements shows that flexible work arrangements have largely stabilized rather than disappearing, making secure remote device management an ongoing priority for businesses of all sizes.
This guide covers the features worth looking for and compares several leading platforms for remote teams.
Why Remote Teams Need MDM
Managing devices in a traditional office is one thing. Supporting employees spread across different cities, or even different countries, is another.
With an MDM platform, IT teams can:
- Configure new devices remotely
- Deploy business apps and updates
- Enforce security policies
- Monitor device health and compliance
- Lock or wipe lost devices when needed
Instead of shipping devices back to IT for every update or issue, employees can stay productive while administrators manage everything remotely.
What to Look for in an MDM for Remote Work
Some MDM platforms are better suited to remote teams than others. Here are a few features worth prioritizing.
Zero-Touch Deployment
Look for support for Apple Automated Device Enrollment, Android Zero-touch Enrollment, or Windows Autopilot. These tools let new devices configure themselves during setup, making onboarding much easier for remote employees.
Cloud-Based Management
Cloud-based device management allows administrators to manage devices from virtually anywhere without maintaining on-premise infrastructure. It’s often the preferred option for distributed teams.
Cross-Platform Support
Many remote teams use a mix of Windows laptops, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices. A platform that supports multiple operating systems can simplify day-to-day management.
Strong Security
Choose a platform that supports encryption, passcode enforcement, remote lock and wipe, compliance monitoring, and multi-factor authentication integrations.
Best Software for Managing Remote Teams
Microsoft Intune
Best for: Microsoft 365 organizations
Intune integrates closely with Microsoft 365, making it easy to manage Windows devices alongside Apple and Android endpoints. It’s a good fit for businesses that already rely on Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Hexnode UEM
Best for: Mixed-device environments
Hexnode supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and other operating systems from one dashboard. Its automation features and flexible deployment options make it well suited for organizations with diverse device fleets.
Jamf Pro
Best for: Apple-first remote teams
Organizations that primarily use Macs, iPhones, and iPads often choose Jamf Pro for its deep integration with Apple’s management framework.
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
Best for: Small and growing businesses
ManageEngine combines remote management, app deployment, and compliance monitoring in a platform that’s relatively easy to deploy and manage.
VMware Workspace ONE
Best for: Large enterprises
Workspace ONE combines endpoint management with security and identity tools, making it a strong choice for organizations with complex remote environments.
Best MDM for Remote Teams Under 50 Employees
Small businesses usually have different priorities than large enterprises. Ease of deployment, straightforward management, and affordable pricing often matter more than advanced enterprise features.
Platforms such as ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus, Hexnode UEM, and Microsoft Intune are all popular choices for smaller remote teams. They balance ease of deployment with room to scale as the business grows.
How Does MDM Differ from Traditional Management for Remote Teams?
Traditional device management often required employees to bring laptops and phones into the office for setup, updates, or troubleshooting.
MDM changes that by allowing administrators to handle many of those tasks remotely. New devices can be deployed with company settings already in place, software updates can be pushed over the internet, and security policies can be applied without requiring physical access.
For remote teams, that means less downtime, faster onboarding, and more consistent security across every managed device.
Best MDM for Remote Teams with High Security Needs
If your organization handles sensitive information, security should be just as important as remote management.
Look for features such as:
- Encryption enforcement
- Remote lock and remote wipe
- Compliance monitoring
- Conditional access policies
- Role-based administration
- Detailed audit logs
Many enterprise platforms, including Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, Hexnode UEM, and VMware Workspace ONE, support these capabilities.
Choosing the Right MDM for Remote Work
The best solution depends on how your team works.
If your organization already uses Microsoft 365, Intune may be the most seamless choice. Apple-focused businesses often benefit from Jamf Pro, while organizations managing multiple operating systems may prefer a UEM platform such as Hexnode.
As you compare solutions, think beyond feature lists. Consider the devices you manage today, your security requirements, how quickly your team is growing, and whether cloud-based device management fits your long-term plans.
Supporting Remote Teams with the Right MDM
Remote work isn’t going away, and managing devices shouldn’t become more difficult as your team grows. A good MDM remote work solution helps IT teams deploy devices faster, strengthen security, and support employees wherever they work. Whether you’re managing a small remote team or a global workforce, choosing the right platform can save time, reduce IT overhead, and help keep your devices protected.
