5 Android MDM Free Solutions for Small & Mid-size Businesses

Part 1 : What is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a technology solution to simplify device management over Android and iOS devices, and put security and compliance requirements into action in the management process.

Both Android and Apple have official documents on how their operating systems work together with enterprise MDM solutions, and provide options for SMBs and enterprises.

For budget-conscious small businesses and startups, free Android MDM tools are a game-changer, offering essential security and simplified device management without the hefty price tag. Even larger enterprises can leverage these free options to evaluate their effectiveness against paid solutions.

In the following section, we'll recommend 5 of the best Android MDM solutions based on 5 key priorities.

Part 2 : Best 5 Android MDM Free Solutions

Here's a look at the best free Android MDM solutions, evaluated based on the features users prioritize.

1 AirDroid Business - Most Comprehensive Features, Free Trial

AirDroid Business MDM is a highly-rated solution, offering a 14-day free trial to explore its full features. It supports cloud and on-premises deployment and is compatible with Android 4.1+ devices, including AOSP, smartphones, tablets, rugged handhelds, digital signage, and kiosks.

Key Features & Pricing Plans

• Free Plan: 14-day free trial with no setup fees
• Pricing Plans: Basic (as low as $1 per device/month), Standard, Enterprise
• Features:
• Device Security: Offers robust password policies, forced data encryption, and controls for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/USB transfers, ensuring your devices and data stay secure.
• Application Management: Provides powerful app management with features like staged rollouts, forced installations, app black/whitelists, and seamless Managed Google Play integration.
• Efficient Remote Control: Enables effective remote troubleshooting through screen sharing, remote file transfer, and even a black screen mode for active support sessions.
• Ease of Use (Deployment): Simplifies setup with flexible device enrollment options, including QR code, USB, EMM token (Android Enterprise), and zero-touch enrollment.
• Scalability: While its full capabilities shine in paid tiers, the comprehensive free trial allows thorough evaluation for future growth, supporting diverse device types and deployment methods for long-term needs.
• 💡 Additional Key Features: Includes customizable Kiosk Mode for dedicated devices (single/multi-app mode, secure browser, website whitelists).

2Google Workspace - Seamless Google Integration, BYOD Ready

Google Workspace MDM is an excellent free MDM solution for businesses already deeply integrated into Google's productivity and collaboration tools. It excels in managing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), allowing IT admins to control only company data without impacting personal accounts. This solution supports Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Windows, and Linux devices.

3Microsoft Intune - Unified Endpoint Management Leader

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based MDM solution, recognized by The Forrester Wave as a Leader in Unified Endpoint Management. It supports managing Android (including AOSP), Apple mobile, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux devices. Its free plan offers a 30-day trial with full access to paid features for both company-owned and BYOD management.

4ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus - Established & Comprehensive MDM

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is an established free mobile management software that provides a well-rounded set of features for device administration. Its dashboard integrates with other tools for conditional device management. This MDM server supports smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops with Android, Chrome OS, Windows, iOS, or iPadOS systems.

Key Features & Pricing Plans

• Free Plan: 30-day trial for up to 25 devices.
• Pricing Plans: Standard Edition, Professional Edition.
• Features:
• Device Security: Implements robust security policies, offers Kiosk Mode, controls app access, and allows remote wiping of company data for enhanced protection.
• Application Management: Provides comprehensive mobile application management, including app deployment and control, alongside mobile OS update management.
• Remote Control: Features remote tracking and troubleshooting capabilities to help resolve device issues efficiently.
• Ease of Use (Deployment): Offers various enrollment methods like profile owner, device owner, SMS enrollment, NFC, and bulk enrollment for streamlined setup.
• Scalability: The 25-device free tier is ideal for smaller needs, with tiered paid plans available to scale up management as your business grows.
• 💡 Additional Key Features: Includes user profile management to better organize and administer devices within your organization.

5Miradore - Simple & User-Friendly Basic MDM

Miradore is a viable cloud-based MDM solution known for its easy-to-use interface. Its permanently free plan offers essential management features, making it a good choice for businesses with basic needs. It supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices.

Part 3 : Factors to Consider When Choosing Free MDM Solutions

While core MDM functionalities like device security and application management are essential, choosing the right free solution involves other crucial considerations. These include data storage security, how well features support your policies, the solution's ability to scale, and specific device requirements. Let's explore these factors in detail:

1) Data Storage Security

The majority of free Android MDM tools use cloud-based servers to keep user and device data. If you don’t want your company data spilling from the free provider, you’d better check if it is working with reliable servers, and if it is compliant with ISO 27001 or GDPR.

Further, using encryption standards for digital data is critical as well. And AES 256-bit encryption is the most robust one commercially available.

You can check them on the MDM solution official website, such as its security and privacy policies. In AirDroid Business, you can view the credentials in "Security Center."

2) Supported Features

Services provided by free MDM solutions vary depending on the company's device policy. For instance, a company with a BYOD policy may focus more on the protection of employees’ private data and collaboration files. Then, a solution supporting Android work profile will be the best choice.

And yet, a company that organizes fully managed devices, in addition to device security, needs more compulsory features like Kiosk Mode to control the whole equipment.

Here is an overview of the key Android MDM features for your reference:

3) Scalability

Although there will be more considerations on costs during the start-up period, and with low demand over MDM capabilities. However, as the business develops, the number of devices that need to be managed will increase. This requires advanced MDM features, and further, an on-premises deployment method.

So, you'd better choose a free MDM software that provides cloud-based and on-prem solutions at the beginning.

4) Device Requirements

It contains device quantity limitation, supported system, and supported endpoint types for the control end and being controlled end.

The quantity limit is usually ranged from 10 to 100. Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and computers are available for the control end, while the being controlled end has wider device types, such as POS, rugged devices, kiosks, digital signages, etc.

Beginner's Guide

How to Choose Right Device Management Solutions

Everything you need to know, from device management solution comparison, top core features, and checklist to help you at every step. Learn more about MDM.

Download

Part 4 : Why is Mobile Device Management Important to Small & Mid-size Businesses?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions offer critical advantages for small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), going beyond just basic device control. Implementing MDM is vital for enhancing cybersecurity, actively preventing costly data breaches, and strategically supporting overall business growth and client satisfaction.

Resist Cyberattacks

The fact is a bit shocking. Nearly half of cyber attacks target small businesses and the exact number is 43%. It is because small companies are more vulnerable due to the lack of professional technicians to maintain cybersecurity. As a result, 60% of the victims closed.

MDM solutions can make the situation better. Some will offer 24/7 monitoring on the company network as well as will block unsafe connectivity.

For instance, AirDroid MDM takes first-class security control including motion detectors and on-site security to back up the data center. It also applies TLS, RSA, and AES (256-bit) on session encryption to barricade unauthenticated access.

Prevent Data Breach

Data leakage occurs in network attacks, and also in password cracks on devices.

Lost or stolen devices used by employees make 39% of companies suffer data security breaches. Besides, bad password habits in the workplace are ringleaders as well. Research from Keepersecurity shows that poor passwords and non-safekeeping passwords cause a quarter of businesses to lose $5 million or more.

MDM software is to solve the mentioned problems. With the tool, the organization is enabled to wipe all device data remotely at once. In addition, the policy feature allows the IT team to reset passwords and enforce employees using long passwords on the device.

Support Business Growth

According to PRNewswire, 48% of small businesses own apps to stay in touch with their clients. Good customer service not only boosts company revenue but also establishes a reliable image. Ensuring that customers have a seamless and satisfying experience with your products and services is crucial for building long-term relationships and fostering loyalty.

One way to enhance customer service is by leveraging mobile device management (MDM) solutions like AirDroid Business. With features such as remote support, real-time monitoring, and efficient device management, businesses can provide timely and effective assistance to their clients, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Moreover, MDM solutions can help businesses stay connected with their clients through secure and managed communication channels. By maintaining a high level of service quality and responsiveness, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and drive customer satisfaction.

Part 5 : How to Choose the Best Free Android MDM for You?

To quickly find the free Android MDM solution that best fits your business, consider these recommendations based on your primary needs:

🟢 For comprehensive features and powerful remote control:: Choose AirDroid Business. It offers a rich feature set and efficient remote tools, ideal for deep control and support.

🟢 For seamless integration with existing Google or Microsoft services: Opt for Google Workspace or Microsoft Intune. They streamline management within their respective ecosystems, with Google Workspace being excellent for BYOD.

🟢 For very limited budgets and basic device security/management (small device count): Miradore or ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus (free tiers) are cost-effective choices. Miradore has a simple interface, and ManageEngine is highly experienced with Android devices.

🟢 For future scalability and smooth upgrades to paid versions: Prioritize AirDroid Business and Microsoft Intune. Both offer flexible plans and robust growth capabilities.

You may ask

How much does MDM software cost on average?

Maverick

Ideally, pricing varies from one MDM software to another; however, the average starting pricing is $8.2 per month. Check Capterra Pricing Guide here.

Is there any free MDM for Apple Devices?

Maverick

Yes. JumpCloud, Jamf, and Rippling are high-rated iOS MDM software free to use.

How to access MDM on Android?

Maverick

First, you will need to install an MDM app package on the Android device. Then, you can follow these steps to enter the control panel. Click here.

What is MDM app on Android?

Maverick

It can be regarded as an Android mobile device management solution. Some MDM providers will launch apps on Google Play to better offer management services for admin and controlled devices.

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