In 2025, managing Apple devices at scale isn’t optional—it’s a business imperative. Whether your organization runs on iPhones and iPads in the field or relies on fleets of MacBooks for internal teams, robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential to staying secure, compliant, and efficient.
As Apple becomes more entrenched in verticals like education, healthcare, logistics, and retail, IT leaders need solutions that support zero-touch deployment, automated compliance, and seamless Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) integration.
After reviewing product capabilities, Apple ecosystem integration, ease of use, and cross-platform compatibility, the Top 5 MDM tools for iOS and macOS in 2025 are ranked and reviewed.
1. Scalefusion – Best MDM for Cross-Industry Apple Deployments
Why It’s #1
Scalefusion earns the top spot for offering a well-rounded, enterprise-ready MDM with powerful Apple device management and a clean, intuitive interface that caters to both technical and non-technical users. Unlike Apple-only vendors, Scalefusion supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS, as well as Android and Windows, making it a go-to platform for organizations with diverse device fleets.
Key Features
- Zero-Touch Enrollment with ABM/ASM: Full integration with Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager for effortless provisioning.
- Kiosk & Single App Mode: Lock devices into dedicated retail apps, digital catalogs, or e-learning platforms with iPad kiosk mode.
- Remote Cast & Control (macOS + iOS): This feature enables live screen sharing for tech support, making it ideal for remote access.
- Policy Automation: Enforce passcodes, encryption, VPNs, app blocklists, and web filters across all Apple devices.
- Custom Dashboards: Define access roles for branch managers, school admins, or helpdesk agents.
macOS-Specific Strengths
- Install .pkg apps and manage kernel/system extensions.
- Configure and defer system updates.
- Enforce FileVault and deploy custom shell scripts.
Pros
- Easy onboarding for IT and non-tech users alike
- Cross-platform (Android, Windows, macOS, iOS)
- Cost-effective for both SMBs and enterprises
- Fast and responsive support
Cons
- Slightly less granular scripting than Jamf
- Smaller community ecosystem
Best For
Retail, logistics, education, and healthcare organizations are managing mixed OS environments with centralized control.
2. Jamf Pro – Gold Standard for Apple-Only Enterprises
Why It’s #2
Jamf Pro remains the gold standard for Apple-first companies. It offers the deepest macOS and iOS configuration abilities in the MDM world and is trusted by education giants, finance institutions, and global corporations.
Key Features
- Smart Groups: Automate policy based on device data and dynamic filters
- Jamf Connect: Seamlessly link Apple logins with Okta, Azure AD, or Google Workspace
- macOS Automation: Push scripts, patch OS versions, and configure kernel extensions
- Self-Service Portal: Allow users to install pre-approved apps without IT intervention
Pros
- Industry-best macOS and iOS management capabilities
- Huge ecosystem via Jamf Nation community
- Advanced scripting and automation for experienced IT teams
Cons
- No support for Android, Windows, or Linux
- Requires technical expertise to unlock full power
- Expensive licensing for startups and small orgs
Best For
Large Apple-only deployments in education, finance, creative studios, and enterprise IT.
3. Kandji – Best for Automated macOS Compliance
Why It’s #3
Kandji is a next-gen Apple MDM solution designed for security-first organizations. Its standout feature—Auto Remediation™—automatically detects and fixes non-compliant macOS systems, making it an excellent choice for industries under tight regulations.
Key Features
- Auto Remediation: Fix missing configurations without manual intervention
- Prebuilt Library of 150+ Policies: Includes macOS security settings, privacy controls, and app configurations.
- macOS Patch & Update Management
- Audit-Ready Dashboards: Supports HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more
Pros
- Tailored for macOS compliance automation
- Minimal manual setup required
- Modern, user-friendly UI
Cons
- No kiosk or single-app support (iOS limitations)
- Higher cost as the fleet scales
- No Android or Windows compatibility
Best For
Healthcare, legal, and finance sectors that prioritize compliance automation for macOS environments.
4. Hexnode UEM – Best for Enterprise Flexibility & APIs
Why It’s #4
Hexnode is a powerful unified endpoint management (UEM) platform offering broad OS support with a focus on customization. It’s powerful in BYOD policies, granular access controls, and integration-ready REST APIs.
Key Features
- Custom Script Support (macOS)
- Web Content Filtering & Location Tracking
- Kiosk Mode on iOS/iPadOS
- Flexible BYOD Policy Management
- Role-Based Access Control for admins, stores, or departments
Pros
- Supports both corporate and personal Apple devices
- Ideal for complex deployments across geographies
- Competitive pricing compared to premium MDMs
Cons
- UI is more enterprise-focused, less modern.
- Lacks the visual polish and UX ease of Scalefusion or Mosyle
- Less deep scripting support compared to Jamf or Kandji
Best For
Large businesses managing Apple and non-Apple fleets with complex compliance needs or custom ERP/POS integration.
5. Mosyle Fuse – Best for Apple-Centric SMBs & Schools
Why It’s #5
Mosyle Fuse is a rising favorite among SMBs and educational institutions for its cost-effectiveness and Apple-specific design. It’s a great fit for environments that don’t need cross-platform features but still require dependable iOS and macOS management.
Key Features
- Zero-Touch Enrollment via ABM
- iPad and Mac Kiosk Mode
- macOS Update Controls and Patch Automation
- Web Filtering and App Restrictions
- Free Version for Schools
Pros
- Simple setup with guided onboarding
- Excellent value for budget-conscious teams
- Clean and functional UI
Cons
- No Android, Windows, or cross-platform support
- Limited integrations outside Apple ecosystem
- Advanced scripting and compliance features are gated in higher tiers
Best For
Apple-exclusive startups, educational institutions, and small retailers seeking a reliable MDM with minimal setup overhead.
Side-by-Side Comparison: iOS & macOS MDM (2025)
Feature/Criteria | Scalefusion | Jamf Pro | Kandji | Hexnode | Mosyle |
Apple Business Manager | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
macOS Script Automation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ⚠️ Basic |
Zero-Touch Enrollment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Remote Support | RemoteCast | Assist | Limited | ✅ | Limited |
Cross-Platform Support | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Compliance Automation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Auto | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic |
Kiosk Mode (Retail/Edu) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pricing | 💲💲 | 💲💲💲 | 💲💲💲 | 💲💲 | 💲 |
Final Thoughts: Which MDM Should You Choose in 2025?
Choosing the right MDM tool depends on how deeply integrated you are with Apple, your industry compliance needs, and whether you manage a multi-OS environment.
- Choose Scalefusion if you want a future-ready platform that balances powerful Apple features with cross-platform support and budget flexibility.
- Choose Jamf Pro if you’re all-in on Apple and need granular control for macOS devices.
- Choose Kandji if compliance automation is mission-critical and you manage sensitive data on Macs.
- Choose Hexnode for large, hybrid fleets needing deep policy flexibility and API integrations.
- Choose Mosyle for streamlined Apple-only deployments with tight budgets and quick setup needs.
Every option here supports modern iOS and macOS workflows, but Scalefusion stands out as the most versatile and scalable MDM choice for dynamic, growing organizations in 2025.