Endpoint management software lets IT teams inventory, configure, patch and secure the laptops, desktops, servers and mobile devices an organisation relies on. Modern products fall into unified endpoint management (UEM), mobile device management (MDM) and RMM-style patching tools, and the line between them keeps blurring.
This guide lists tools IT and security teams commonly shortlist, from Microsoft-native and Apple-focused platforms to MSP-friendly RMMs and an open-source device management option. Choose by the operating systems you run, whether you need MDM enrolment or just patching, and who administers the fleet.
Tools, licences and pricing checked against vendor and repository pages on November 7, 2026.
What to look for
•Operating system coverage: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android support in one console
•Patch management depth, including third-party application patching
•Enrolment and zero-touch deployment for new devices
•Reporting, compliance and security posture visibility
•Pricing per device and minimum commitments, plus API and automation support
Large enterprises needing real-time endpoint visibility
See vendor pricing
Proprietary
1. Microsoft Intune
Commercial
Best for: Microsoft 365 shops managing mixed devices · See vendor pricing
Intune is Microsoft's cloud-based endpoint management service for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. It handles compliance policies, app deployment and conditional access with Microsoft Entra ID.
Strengths
+ Deep integration with Entra ID and Microsoft 365
Best for: Organisations running Apple fleets · Jamf for Mac $12.50 per macOS device per month billed annually (25-device minimum); Jamf Now from $4 per device per month
Jamf is an Apple-focused device management vendor covering Mac, iPhone and iPad management plus security features. It offers Jamf for Mac, Jamf for Mobile and the small-business Jamf Now.
Best for: MSPs and lean IT teams wanting an all-in-one RMM · See vendor pricing
NinjaOne is an endpoint management and RMM platform covering patching, remote access, monitoring and backup for Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints. It is popular with MSPs and internal IT teams.
Best for: Mid-size IT teams wanting UEM plus patching · See vendor pricing
Endpoint Central, from ManageEngine (Zoho), is a unified endpoint management and security product covering patching, software deployment, remote control and mobile device management.
Best for: Small teams wanting free-to-start Windows patching · First 200 endpoints free; Growth tier (200-1,000 endpoints) from $4 per endpoint per month beyond the first 200, plus support fee
Action1 is a cloud-native patch management and endpoint management platform for Windows that uses a lightweight agent. It handles OS and third-party patching, software deployment and vulnerability remediation.
Best for: Engineering-heavy teams wanting open, scriptable device management · Free, open source core (self-hosted); paid Premium tier (see vendor pricing)
Fleet is an open-source device management and osquery-based platform for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. It emphasises transparency, GitOps-style configuration and an API-first design.
Best for: Large enterprises needing real-time endpoint visibility · See vendor pricing
Tanium is an enterprise endpoint management and security platform known for real-time visibility and control across large device fleets. It covers patching, asset inventory, vulnerability and compliance use cases.
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How to choose
If you need…
Start with
Microsoft 365 environment
Microsoft Intune
Mostly Macs and iPhones
Jamf Pro
MSP or RMM-style operations
NinjaOne
Free-to-start Windows patching
Action1
Open, scriptable management
Fleet
Very large enterprise fleets
Tanium, ManageEngine Endpoint Central
Endpoint Management Software: FAQ
Quick answers to common questions
What is the difference between MDM and UEM?
MDM focuses on enrolling and controlling mobile devices. UEM extends the same model to laptops and desktops and usually adds patching and app management.
Do I need endpoint management if I use Microsoft 365?
Many Microsoft 365 organisations use Intune, but you may still add patching or Mac-specific tools depending on your fleet.
Is there an open-source endpoint management tool?
Fleet publishes its core under an open licence and uses osquery. Some features sit in separately licensed enterprise code.
How is endpoint management priced?
Most vendors price per device per month, often with minimums or annual billing. Check each vendor page, as many require a quote.
