Best Windows Intune Alternatives for Business Device Management

Although it’s officially called Microsoft Intune today, many IT professionals still know it by its former name, Windows Intune. Whatever you call it, it’s one of the most popular tools for mobile device management (MDM), especially for businesses already using Microsoft 365.

That doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. Some businesses find it more complex than they need, while others want stronger support for Apple devices. They may also need better kiosk management, or a platform that’s easier for a small IT team to manage. If your company has started using a wider mix of devices, or is moving away from the Microsoft ecosystem altogether, it may be worth exploring other options.

The good news is that there isn’t a shortage of capable alternatives. Some focus on giving you the same cross-platform flexibility as Microsoft Intune, while others specialize in specific ecosystems like Apple devices. If you’re comparing your options, here are six Microsoft Intune alternatives worth considering:

Hexnode UEM

If you’re looking for the closest all-around alternative for Windows Intune, Hexnode UEM is an excellent place to start.

Like Intune, it supports Windows, Android, macOS, iPhones, iPads, and other business devices from a single dashboard. That makes it easy to manage a mixed fleet without juggling separate management tools.

Where Hexnode really stands out is flexibility. It includes powerful kiosk mode features, making it popular with businesses using tablets for point-of-sale systems, self-service kiosks, digital signage, and other dedicated devices. If your company manages more than just employee laptops and smartphones, that’s a major advantage.

The interface is also easier to navigate than many enterprise UEM platforms, making it a practical option for businesses that want enterprise features without a steep learning curve.

Why choose Hexnode?

• Broad platform support
• Excellent kiosk mode capabilities
• Flexible policy management
• Easy-to-use administration console

Potential drawbacks

• Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
• Very large enterprises may want deeper integrations with existing Microsoft services

Omnissa Workspace ONE (formerly VMware Workspace ONE)

If your business manages thousands of devices across multiple offices or countries, Workspace ONE is built with that level of scale in mind.

Now developed by Omnissa following VMware’s end-user computing business becoming a standalone company, Workspace ONE combines device management with identity and access management. That means IT teams can not only manage laptops, phones, and tablets, but also control who has access to company apps and data.

One reason larger organizations choose Workspace ONE over Microsoft Intune is its flexibility. It offers extensive automation, detailed reporting, and a wide range of deployment options that can be tailored to complex enterprise environments. If your company has dedicated IT specialists and strict compliance requirements, those extra capabilities can make a real difference.

That said, smaller businesses may find themselves paying for features they’ll rarely use. If your goal is simply to keep company devices secure and up to date, a lighter platform may be easier to manage.

Why choose Workspace ONE?

• Designed for enterprise-scale deployments
• Strong automation and reporting tools
• Unified endpoint and identity management
• Broad cross-platform support

Potential drawbacks

• Pricing is available through custom quotes.
• The platform has a steeper learning curve than some competitors.
• Smaller businesses may find its enterprise-focused feature set more than they need.

IBM MaaS360

Some businesses aren’t looking for the simplest Windows Intune alternative; they’re looking for the most secure one.

That’s where IBM MaaS360 stands out. In addition to managing devices across multiple operating systems, MaaS360 puts a strong emphasis on security and compliance. It can help IT teams monitor device health, enforce security policies, and identify potential risks before they become larger problems. For organizations operating in industries like healthcare, finance, or government, those extra security capabilities can be just as important as basic device management.

IBM also incorporates AI-assisted insights into the platform, helping administrators prioritize issues and respond more quickly. While you don’t need to be a security expert to use MaaS360, businesses with stricter compliance requirements will likely get the most value from its feature set.

If your organization’s top priority is protecting company data across employee devices, MaaS360 is certainly worth considering.

Why choose IBM MaaS360?

• Strong security and compliance capabilities
• AI-assisted insights for IT teams
• Cross-platform device management
• Well suited for regulated industries

Potential drawbacks

• Custom pricing
• More advanced than many small businesses require
• Some features take time to configure effectively

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

Enterprise-level pricing isn’t always necessary. If your business mainly wants reliable device management without stretching the IT budget, ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is a practical Windows Intune alternative available today.

It covers the features most businesses expect, including device enrollment, app deployment, security policies, remote troubleshooting, and patch management. That makes it a good fit for organizations that want comprehensive device management without immediately jumping to premium enterprise platforms.

One feature that makes ManageEngine particularly attractive is its free edition for small deployments. If you’re managing a limited number of company devices or simply want to evaluate an MDM before committing to a paid plan, it’s an easy place to start.

As your business grows, you can move to one of the paid editions for additional management capabilities rather than migrating to an entirely new platform.

Why choose ManageEngine?

• Free edition available for smaller deployments
• Covers the device management essentials
• Supports multiple operating systems
• Scales alongside growing businesses

Potential drawbacks

• Interface feels less modern than some competitors
• Advanced reporting is available on higher editions
• Some workflows require additional configuration

Iru (formerly Kandji)

Although Iru (formerly Kandji) built its reputation managing Apple devices, it has expanded beyond the Apple ecosystem by adding support for Windows and Android.

If your organization has a strong Apple presence but is gradually introducing other operating systems, Iru offers an appealing middle ground. You still get the polished Apple management experience the platform is known for while gaining broader endpoint management capabilities.

Automation is another major strength. Software deployment, security enforcement, and device configuration can all be handled with minimal manual effort, helping smaller IT teams stay productive as their fleets grow.

Why choose Iru?

• Excellent Apple management
• Expanding Windows and Android support
• Strong automation
• Modern management experience

Potential drawbacks

• Newer cross-platform capabilities are still evolving
• Pricing requires contacting sales
• Linux isn’t currently supported

Mosyle Business

If your company has largely moved away from Windows and now relies mostly on Macs, iPhones, and iPads, Mosyle Business may actually be a better fit than just an alternative to Windows Intune.

Rather than trying to manage every operating system, Mosyle focuses entirely on Apple devices. That allows it to offer deeper Apple integrations while remaining easy to deploy and competitively priced.

It’s especially popular with schools, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive Apple management without paying enterprise-level prices.

Why choose Mosyle?

• Excellent value
• Apple-first management
• Easy Apple Business Manager integration
• Strong security features

Potential drawbacks

• Apple devices only
• Not suitable for organizations managing Windows or Linux devices
• Advanced capabilities require higher-tier plans

Are There Free Microsoft Intune Alternatives?

If you’re searching for Microsoft Intune free alternatives, there are several options worth exploring.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus offers a free edition that’s suitable for small deployments, making it a good starting point for businesses with basic device management needs.

Mosyle Business also provides a free tier for Apple environments, though businesses typically upgrade to unlock more advanced management and security features.

Many commercial MDM vendors—including Hexnode, Workspace ONE, and Iru—also offer free trials. While these aren’t permanent free solutions, they let you evaluate the platform before committing to a paid subscription.

Is There an Open Source Intune Alternative?

If you’re specifically looking for an open source Windows Intune alternative, your options are more limited.

Most enterprise MDM platforms are commercial products because they rely on vendor certifications, cloud infrastructure, and integrations with services like Apple Business Manager, Android Enterprise, and Windows management frameworks.

There are open source endpoint management projects available, but they generally focus on system administration or Linux device management rather than providing a full replacement for Microsoft Intune’s cross-platform MDM capabilities. For most businesses, a commercial MDM will offer a more complete feature set and ongoing vendor support.

What’s the Best Intune Alternative for Linux?

Linux support remains one of the biggest differences between MDM platforms.

Among the solutions in this comparison, Hexnode UEM offers Linux device management alongside Windows, macOS, Android, and Apple devices, making it one of the strongest choices for organizations with mixed operating systems.

If Linux devices make up a significant portion of your environment, it’s also worth verifying each vendor’s supported distributions and management capabilities before making a decision, as Linux support can vary considerably from one platform to another.

Which Microsoft Intune Alternative Should You Choose?

The best Microsoft Intune alternative depends on the devices your business manages and how you want your IT team to work.

If you’re looking for the closest all-around replacement, Hexnode UEM is a strong choice thanks to its broad platform support, intuitive interface, and excellent kiosk capabilities. Organizations with complex enterprise environments may prefer Omnissa Workspace ONE or IBM MaaS360, both of which offer advanced management and security features for large-scale deployments.

If budget is a bigger concern, ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus delivers a solid set of features while offering a free edition for smaller deployments. Businesses with a strong Apple presence should also take a close look at Iru, which is expanding beyond its Apple roots, and Mosyle Business, which remains one of the best-value Apple-first MDM platforms.

At the end of the day, the best Windows Intune alternative depends on your device mix, your budget, and how much time your IT team wants to spend managing endpoints. Think about the devices your employees use today and where your business is likely to be a few years from now. Choosing a platform that can grow alongside your organization will save you from having to switch MDMs all over again.