Understanding pricing structures and other aspects of Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is necessary to make wise decisions. Depending on the pricing structure, mobile device management products can range in price.
See how Mobile Device Management pricing is structured and compare MDM products.
Price comparison
Product | Price unit | $/month* |
|---|---|---|
Device | 1.50 | |
Device | 1.00 | |
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus Cloud | Device | 2.50 |
VMWare Workspace ONE (Mobile Essentials) | Device | 3.00 |
42Gears SureMDM | Device | 4.00 |
Miradore | Device | 4.00 |
Microsoft Intune | Technician | 4.00 |
Hexnode | Device | 5.50 |
Esper | Device | 6.00 |
Jamf Pro | Technician | 14.50 |
Ranking: From least to most expensive.
Examine how the features in these columns add up to the prices.
Free trial & compatibility (agent deployment)
*Multi-OS compatibility refers to the ability of the product to be used with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Ranking: Sponsored products with their links are listed at the top. Other products are ranked based on their total number of reviews.
Pricing structure analysis of the top 6 MDM solutions
1. NinjaOne MDM
Pricing: The base pay-per-endpoint structure for NinjaOne starts at $1.50 USD per month for customers with 10,000 endpoints and increases to $3.75 USD for 50 or fewer endpoints, with prices generally varying by volume. NinjaOne’s MDM solution offers optional add-ons that may incur an additional per-endpoint payment, in addition to the base fee.
Key Strengths:
- Real-time monitoring and patch management
- Integrated RMM and ticketing system support
- Comprehensive asset management
- Optional add-ons for customization
Subscription model: NinjaOne typically offers pricing based on the number of devices, with customizable feature sets available at each tier.
Choose NinjaOne MDM to secure, monitor, and manage all your mobile devices with ease.
2. AirDroid Business
Pricing: AirDroid Business plans start at $1 per device per month. Pricing is generally tiered based on the volume of devices and the features included in the Basic, Standard, or Enterprise plans.
Key Strengths:
- Multiple enrollment methods, including Zero-touch and Knox Mobile Enrollment
- Live device monitoring with configurable alerts
- Unattended remote control with privacy options
- Real-time GPS tracking and geofencing
- One-click kiosk mode setup
Subscription model: AirDroid Business offers a 14-day free trial with full functionality. The pricing structure is based on the number of devices and is segmented into Basic, Standard, and Enterprise tiers. Volume-based pricing is available for large deployments.
3. Microsoft Intune
Pricing: $4/technician/month (standalone) or bundled with M365
Key Strengths:
- Deep integration with Azure AD and Microsoft 365
- Conditional access policies based on device compliance
- Advanced threat protection with Microsoft Defender integration
- Selective wipe for BYOD scenarios
- Available bundled with Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans
Subscription model: It is available as a standalone product or bundled with Microsoft 365 plans. The feature set expands with higher-tier plans (e.g., Microsoft 365 E5 includes more advanced security and compliance features).
4. Miradore
Pricing: Free up to 10 devices, $4/device/month for paid tier
Key Strengths:
- Free tier for small deployments
- Simple enrollment across all major platforms
- Real-time location tracking
- Comprehensive reporting capabilities
- Straightforward policy enforcement
Subscription model: Offers a free tier with limited features (up to 10 devices) and a paid tier that includes more advanced functionalities like custom configuration profiles and priority support.
5. VMware Workspace ONE
Pricing: Starting at $3/device/month (Mobile Essentials)
Key Strengths:
- Unified endpoint management across all platforms
- AI-based insights and automation (higher tiers)
- Context-aware conditional access policies
- Advanced analytics and performance monitoring
- Single Sign-On and multi-factor authentication
Subscription model: It offers several tiers (Essentials, Standard, Advanced, Enterprise), with more advanced features (like automation and AI-based insights) included in the higher tiers.
6. Jamf Pro
Pricing: $14.50/technician/month
Key Strengths:
- Optimized for iOS and macOS workflows
- Deep integration with Apple Business Manager
- Extensive automation capabilities
- Strong community and third-party integrations
Subscription model: Typically subscription-based per user or per device, with different tiers offering additional automation and security features at higher pricing levels.
Mobile device management software price breakdown
Types of pricing structures
Per-device pricing: Cost based on the number of devices being managed and monitored.
Per-user/technician pricing: Cost based on the number of users or technicians accessing the platform.
Tiered pricing: Different pricing levels are available according to the features and services included.
Pricing factors
Number of devices/endpoints: The number of devices managed directly impacts MDM software pricing.
- Features: Upper-tier packages offer more complex features and provide greater functional value than lower-tier packages. By adding valuable features, vendors advance to the next tier.
Subscription type: Prices are usually lower when subscribed for more extended periods. For example, vendors.
Extra expenses: Additional costs may include maintenance fees, onboarding requirements, and training fees.
Hidden costs in mobile device management subscriptions
1. Licensing and user fees
Add-on features: Core MDM or software subscription plans may not include all necessary features (e.g., advanced security, reporting, or analytics). These features might require additional licensing fees.
Overage charges: Exceeding the number of licensed devices or users may incur unexpected fees.
Tier upgrades: You may need to upgrade to higher subscription tiers to access certain features, increasing costs.
2. Device and platform compatibility
Unsupported devices: Not all MDM solutions support every device or platform, so managing unsupported devices might require additional solutions or licenses.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) complexity: Managing corporate-owned and personal devices (BYOD) can introduce extra costs in configuration, support, and securing personal data.
3. Implementation and setup costs
Initial setup: There may be consulting fees or additional charges for initial deployment, especially in large or complex environments.
Custom integrations: Customizing the MDM solution to integrate with existing systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, or identity management systems) can incur high costs.
Migration: Switching from an existing system to a new MDM or software solution may require data migration, which could require external support and tools.
4. Maintenance and support
Technical support: Basic support may be included, but advanced or priority support often comes at an extra cost.
Upgrades and patches: Not all updates are covered under standard subscriptions. Certain upgrades may require additional fees.
Downtime and troubleshooting: Hidden costs related to operational downtime or system troubleshooting can add up, particularly if downtime affects productivity.
5. Training and user education
User training: Employees require training to utilize MDM tools effectively. Comprehensive training programs may not be included in the subscription and could require additional investment.
Ongoing education: Additional training may be required as software updates introduce new features or changes.
6. Compliance and security
Compliance audits: Ensuring your MDM solution meets regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) might involve costly compliance audits and additional security measures.
Security add-ons: Standard security features may not be sufficient for high-risk environments, requiring extra layers of protection, like endpoint security, VPNs, or encryption, which may incur additional fees.
7. Infrastructure and scalability
Server costs: If the MDM solution is on-premises or requires a hybrid deployment, server hardware, software, and maintenance may be expensive.
Network and bandwidth: MDM solutions that require significant network bandwidth can increase your internet and data usage costs.
Cloud storage: Managing backups, device data, and applications may require additional cloud storage, resulting in incremental costs that depend on the data volume.
8. Hidden user management costs
Multiple user accounts: Managing multiple users across various locations or with differing access levels can introduce hidden licensing and support costs.
Inactive accounts: Failure to manage inactive accounts could result in paying for unused licenses or unnecessary user fees.
9. Device lifecycle costs
Device replacement: MDM solutions often require the latest OS versions, and maintaining compatibility might necessitate upgrading devices sooner than expected.
Lost or stolen devices: The initial plan may not cover the costs associated with securing, locking, or wiping lost or stolen devices and possibly replacing them.
10. Vendor lock-in
Migration costs: If you need to switch vendors, migration can be complex and costly regarding data transfer, retraining, and potential new licensing fees.
Exit fees: Some vendors may charge fees to export data or end the service, leading to unexpected final costs.
Estimating the price of Mobile Device Management solutions for your company
1. Determine the number of devices
Device count: Most MDM providers charge based on the number of devices to be managed. This can include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices.
User count: Some vendors charge per user, and each user can have multiple devices. A user with more than one device might affect the pricing.
2. Evaluate features and requirements
Core MDM features: Basic features usually include device provisioning, remote wiping, policy enforcement, and basic security features. More advanced features include app management, geofencing, conditional access, and content filtering.
Security needs: The cost may increase if you need advanced security features like encryption, VPN configurations, or integration with security tools.
Compliance requirements: Depending on your industry, you might need features for regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), which could add to the cost.
3. Choose an MDM deployment model
Cloud-based MDM: Usually charged on a subscription basis (monthly or annually), it tends to be more affordable and has easier deployment and scalability.
On-premise MDM: Typically involves higher upfront costs for hardware, software licenses, and IT support. This is ideal for companies needing more control or that have specific security requirements.
4. Consider Vendor Pricing Structures
Different vendors have different pricing models:
Per device: Flat fee per device managed.
Per user: Allows multiple devices per user for a single fee.
Tiered pricing: Vendors offer different pricing tiers based on features (e.g., basic, premium, and enterprise).
Add-ons: Some features, such as advanced analytics, custom integrations, or enhanced support, might not be included in the base package and are offered as add-ons.
5. Factor in Support and Implementation Costs
Support plans: Some vendors include basic support in pricing, while others charge for premium support levels (24/7 access, dedicated account managers, etc.).
Implementation and setup: Costs associated with deploying the MDM solution, training employees, and configuring systems can vary depending on complexity and company size.
6. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Subscription costs: If the service is cloud-based, calculate the annual or monthly fees multiplied by the number of devices/users.
Upfront costs: For on-premise solutions, include the cost of licenses, hardware, and any necessary upgrades to IT infrastructure.
Long-term costs: Include ongoing subscription fees, support costs, upgrades, and scaling as your company grows.
7. Request quotes from multiple vendors
Contact multiple MDM providers for quotes based on your estimated device count, required features, and deployment preferences.
8. Evaluate ROI
Consider how the MDM solution will help reduce costs, improve productivity, enhance security, and ensure compliance with regulations. This will help justify the investment.
FAQ
Further reading
- Top 5 Open Source MDM Software
- Top 5 Mobile DLP Best Practices & Case Studies
- 5 Mobile Device Management Best Practices & Case Studies
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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