Brave is a unique browser that also comes with its own search engine (also called Brave), but you can choose from six others if you prefer. While it touts its privacy features as being better than Firefox’s and its speed as better than Chrome’s, the differences there seem to be negligible.  

Founded in 2016, the Brave browser is one of the most promising entrants in the industry. Faster than Mozilla Firefox and Chrome, the powerful combo of unlimited features and a simple design has helped it win over 36 million users already.

A unique thing about Brave is it doesn't limit you to itself — you can use other default browsers within the Brave browser. You can also create keyboard shortcuts for these browsers so that you can get going faster. 

If you want to know more about how Brave can transform the internet for you, read on.

Brave browser: Features

Getting started with Brave is super easy. If you don't want to take on the struggle of setting up a new browser, use the “Import” feature on Brave to import all your settings from the old browser in a click. This feature can also be used to import user profiles, passwords, and bookmarks.

When put on a speed test against Chrome and Firefox, it was found that Brave loads at least 3 to 6 times faster. This is a blessing for those working on time-sensitive projects who cannot afford to lose even a minute.

The privacy offered by Brave is simply unparalleled. It clearly states on its website that it isn’t in the business of selling user data. In fact, it actively fights trackers, malware, hackers, and anyone who might try to break into your system through the browser. 

Brave will let you know exactly how many ads and trackers it's blocking every day. Along with that, you’ll also get to customize your browser shield settings. For example, if you want to keep the ads coming in from a website you’re familiar with and block the ones from the rest, you can adjust those settings accordingly.

For additional security, Brave offers a built-in VPN and firewall. While most other browsers with VPNs limit their functionality to masking IPs alone, Brave goes a step ahead and encrypts everything you do online. In short, there’ll be no way to trace back any activity to your account.

If you don't like the default design of the browser, you’ll have plenty of options to experiment with the colors and the background. You can add images from your system, edit, crop, or resize them and turn on the dark/night mode to protect your eyes during long working hours.

Reading a report or blog is highly convenient and quick with Brave’s Speedreader feature. All unnecessary visual elements are removed upon activating this feature, and only pure content is filtered out and displayed in a simpler format. Reducing design elements also helps the page load faster, which further reduces the reading time.

Brave browser: Privacy

After reading through Brave’s privacy policy and observing its performance over the years, it's safe to claim that it's a privacy-friendly browser. As per its policy, it doesn’t store your data, track your activities or sell details about you to any third party. 

If you want more robust privacy, you can use Brave’s built-in VPN to keep all your online activities anonymous. 

Speaking of built-in tools, Brave also offers integrated ad blockers and tracker blockers so that it becomes impossible for any third party to monitor your web history or disrupt your experience with annoying pop-ups.

Also, since it's a Chromium-based browser, you can look up Brave’s code any time you want and come up with your own ways to make it more secure. 

Brave browser: Ease of use

The interface of the Brave browser is quite similar to Chrome, so if you’re familiar with the latter, getting started with Brave will be a piece of cake for you. 

The main page is quite simple and clutter-free. At the top, you'll find a horizontal display of all your tabs. Right below that, you’ll find the search bar. 

If you want to enroll in the Brave Rewards program to earn some extra tokens, simply click on the red triangular icon on the right side of the search bar to get started. 

To manage your profile, click on the small icon representing your profile picture to the right of the Brave Rewards icon. The options are minimal, so you won't have to spend too much time learning them.

Brave browser: Competitors

Brave is rather new to the market, just like Vivaldi. Its lack of experience puts it at a disadvantage, especially against big tech companies like Google and Microsoft, which are dominating the industry. 

However, there are more than a few reasons why Brave could be your next default browser. Firstly, unlike Chrome, Brave is renowned for the tight security of user data. It not only comes with a built-in tracker blocker and ad blocker but also disables bad cookies by default. 

On top of that, its privacy policy page confirms that it neither collects your data nor sells it to any third party. 

Brave is also the only well-known browser that lets you earn rewards and tokens for watching privacy-respecting ads. The money you earn from these ads can then be forwarded anonymously to creators you want to support through its own payment portal called Brave Payments.

Brave browser: Final verdict

Although Brave is relatively new to the market, its new-age features and adaptive design have given a glimpse into its potential. 

Brave offers some unique features like no other browser. For example, it lets you earn rewards by watching privacy-respecting ads, which you can then donate to support your favorite creators.

Also, it deletes all bad cookies and prevents any unauthorized third-party software from tracking by default. This means that even before you configure its settings, Brave will ensure that all your online activities are safe from day one.

Also check out our roundup of the best anonymous browsers

Managing mobile devices in a corporate setting is crucial for IT teams, regardless of whether the organization is based in one or multiple locations. Microsoft offers its Mobile Device Management (MDM) tool, Microsoft Intune, with Microsoft Endpoint Manager as part of Microsoft 365. 

With a range of features, Intune enables you to effectively manage a fleet of mobile devices and the installed software, making it a popular choice for many corporations that rely on Microsoft.

• Interested in Microsoft Intune? Check out the website here

Is it the MDM solution you're looking for? Here, we look at the features and other aspects of Microsoft Intune to help you decide.

Features

Microsoft Intune is an incredibly powerful device management tool that seamlessly integrates with the services your organization already uses. It offers a wide range of features that can manage every aspect of device usage, from users to apps and security settings. One of the standout features of Intune is its configuration profiles, which can be applied to individual devices or groups and can restrict user access to Bluetooth, limit printer options, manage updates, and even run a device as a dedicated kiosk. 

In addition to these powerful configuration options, Intune also offers a variety of administrative templates, cloud-based settings overview, authentication certificates for Wi-Fi, VPN, and email profiles, and custom settings for managing devices beyond the limits of Intune. The device restrictions offered by Intune also control security and hardware, limit or prevent data sharing, and maintain the integrity of the hardware and data. This means that you can be confident that your devices are secure and that your data is protected. 

Identity protection, Wi-Fi and VPN profiles, multiuser device management, preference files for macOS, and a settings catalog for Windows and macOS are also available. With all these features and more, it's clear that Microsoft Intune is one of the best choices for managing devices in an organization. 

Compatibility

Many devices are typically connected to networks, from printers and PCs to phones and tablets. MDM and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions, therefore, must be able to handle devices from multiple manufacturers, running a mix of operating systems.

Can Microsoft Intune handle this? 

The MDM software is designed to manage various devices, including those operating on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. It uses the existing MDM frameworks in third-party operating systems, such as the Apple Company Portal app and Android Enterprise.

This allows for implementing and managing various device ownership and usage dynamics. For instance, Android devices can be managed under the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), CYOD (Choose Your Own Device), COBO (Corporately Owned, Business Only), and COPE (Corporately Owned, Personally Enabled) systems.

However, for cross-compatibility between management environments to be successful, some knowledge of the individual host systems is required. Therefore, understanding the iOS/iPadOS deployment framework methodology is critical for managing iPhones and iPads.

To utilize devices with Microsoft Intune, they must run Windows 10/11, Android 8.0 or later (including Samsung KNOX 3.0 or above), Apple iOS 14.0, Apple iPadOS 14.0 or above, or Mac OS X 11 or later.

Installation and setup

Managing devices has become much easier with the Microsoft Intune platform. Its cloud-based management console allows users to oversee all enrolled devices conveniently and efficiently. With this platform, users can easily register and manage devices of different operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows. 

The enrollment process can vary depending on the device and operating system. For instance, iOS devices assigned for Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) require resetting before enrollment. However, devices registered for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) purposes will not be wiped. The enrollment process is much more straightforward for Android and Windows devices and can be completed in just a few steps.

Microsoft devices are highly compatible with the Intune platform, with only the Autopilot enrollment type requiring a machine reset or wipe. This makes the platform ideal for businesses that use Microsoft devices and want to streamline their device management process. Additionally, the platform offers a range of management features, including device inventory, monitoring, and policy enforcement, making it easier to manage devices across the organization.

Considering all these factors, it's apparent that the Microsoft Intune platform is an excellent choice for quick and efficient device management. With its easy-to-use interface, cloud-based management console, and compatibility with various devices and operating systems, it's no wonder the platform has become a popular choice among businesses looking to streamline their device management processes.

Overall, installation and enrollment for Microsoft Intune require considerable planning and prior awareness of the organization's mobile inventory. Working methods across all departments should also be understood before Intune is licensed and devices can begin to be enrolled.

Plans and pricing

Microsoft offers a variety of pricing options for Intune, depending on the type of business and device usage. It's important to note that the use of Intune may depend on existing licenses for Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Microsoft 365. 

If these licenses are already in place, the cost for Intune is $2.00 per device per month ($1.50 for non-profits). However, if the other licenses are not accounted for, the total cost is approximately $32.00 per user per month.

For those who are looking for a standalone Intune license, the cost is higher at around $8.00 per user per month. This makes Intune one of the pricier MDM solutions available.

Final verdict

When it comes to Mobile Device Management (MDM), there are numerous options available to businesses. From well-established companies to newer entrants, the market is full of choices. If you see the Microsoft name, it may either pique your interest or give you pause. 

If you're interested in exploring Microsoft Intune, there's much to consider. For example, it boasts broad compatibility with mobile platforms, a cloud-based management console, and device enrollment that can be simple or detailed based on your organization's needs. However, it's essential to remember that the per-device licensing costs of Microsoft Intune may lead you to consider alternative MDM solutions. 

Overall, weighing the pros and cons of various MDM options before deciding is essential. Each business has unique needs, so what may work for one may not be the best fit for another. By researching and considering all factors, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your organization in the long run.

• We've also featured the best MDM solutions

As companies aim to exert more control over the hardware that connects to their networks, users must make certain sacrifices in terms of their privacy, autonomy, and intentions. Despite the increased use of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies due to limited IT budgets, employees may be subject to strict guidelines regarding their device usage while at work. 

Additionally, the organization's own devices are subject to scrutiny.

• Interested in Hexnode? Check out the website here

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software allows for easy control over various devices. It is installed on individual devices and managed from a central server, which can be cloud-based. This umbrella term includes several linked technologies that simplify device security, location tracking, and updates. Hexnode is a popular MDM product used by well-known companies worldwide. 

In this review, we will explore the benefits of this mobile device and application management solution.

Features

Hexnode MDM offers a wide range of features to help you manage various usage concerns. With this powerful tool, you can easily manage devices, applications, security, content, expenses, BYOD, and kiosks. You can enroll and configure wireless devices, blacklist or whitelist websites for mobile browsers, and establish separate work profiles for BYOD. Additionally, you can securely provision Windows hybrids and tablets and track devices with ease. 

The possibilities are endless with Hexnode MDM, making it an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes.

To ensure the utmost security, Hexnode offers a range of options, including strict password rules, system and application-level encryption, web filtering, and data loss prevention (DLP) strategies. These measures include limiting data transfer through USB, Bluetooth, and wireless tethering and directing data through corporate VPNs. Additionally, work profiles can be containerized and copy-paste disabled.

In the event of device theft, the Hexnode software includes theft prevention, location technologies, and the ability to remotely and selectively wipe corporate data. Dynamic grouping allows for efficient implementation of policies, settings, app updates, and other MDM staples, with the added convenience of remotely installing apps on supported mobiles.

Furthermore, it offers the option to configure kiosk mode for devices, which limits access to just one or two apps. For user support, it also provides remote control software.

Beyond MDM, Hexnode also offers three Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) packages with advanced features for managing non-mobile hardware. This also stretches to integrations with crucial business and productivity suites such as Google Workspace, Active Directory, Office 365, Zendesk, etc.

Installation and setup

Hexnode offers a comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) solution that can be implemented on-premises or on the cloud, depending on your organization's specific requirements. With Hexnode's MDM server, users can easily manage and secure their data and hardware on their premises, ensuring it remains protected from unauthorized third-party access.

The cloud-based MDM solution may be the more appropriate option for organizations with limited IT support. This solution allows users to access Hexnode's MDM features over the internet without worrying about managing server issues.

One of the key advantages of using Hexnode's MDM solution is the ease of enrolling individual devices. Thanks to the zero-touch enrollment feature supported by Apple DEP, Android Enterprise ZTE, Samsung Knox, and even custom Android ROMs preconfigured with Hexnode, device enrollment is now hassle-free. This feature can help alleviate the stress associated with device enrollment for the end user, making it a seamless and straightforward experience.

Overall, Hexnode's MDM solution provides a simple and efficient way to manage and secure your mobile devices. Whether you opt for the on-premises or cloud-based solution, you can rest assured that your data and hardware will be protected from unauthorized access and that device enrollment will be a breeze.

Compatibility

Hexnode offers broad compatibility with mobile devices. Android phones, tablets, and iPhones can be used with Hexnode's MDM, along with Windows 10 laptops, tablets, and hybrids. As such, most (if not all) mobiles and portables in your organization can be managed using Hexnode.  

Beyond MDM and into Hexnode's UEM offerings (see below), macOS laptops and desktops are compatible, as well as tvOS and Fire OS media streaming systems. 

There is also support for rugged devices, IoT hardware, and digital signage software.

Plans and pricing

Hexnode provides flexible pay-as-you-grow licensing and pricing options, allowing you to add additional features and devices as needed.

The Express option, available for $1.08 per device per month, offers basic MDM and kiosk functionality. For more advanced features, the Pro option is available for just $1.80 per device per month, providing complete kiosk functionality and advanced MDM. This option includes DEP, ZTE, Knox enrollment, VPN, blacklist, whitelist, and many more features.

For further functionality, the Enterprise option is available for $2.70 per device per month and moves Hexnode towards UEM. This option includes features such as macOS, tvOS, Windows support, and Office 365-based enrollment. The Ultimate package for $3.60 per device per month includes app management for desktop operating systems, iOS home screen layout control, and pre-approved registration.

Lastly, the Ultra option is available for $5.40 per device per month, which includes all the features of the other packages, focusing on security and desktop system management. Each package also includes a provision for one or more technician licenses.

Hexnode offers a 30-day free trial for all packages, so you can fully evaluate the solution before committing to a package.

Final verdict

If you are looking for a mobile device management solution for your organization, you might want to consider Hexnode. Unlike other big-name competitors offering hardware and software packages, Hexnode specializes solely in mobile device management software. 

To use Hexnode, you will require a functioning network and server, although cloud hosting is also available for your convenience. Hexnode offers several MDM and UEM packages, each requiring a license per device. If you want to manage iPhones and Androids used by your colleagues, Hexnode's MDM option is efficient and cost-effective. However, if you need more comprehensive device management that includes desktops, IoT devices, rugged devices, media streamers, and other endpoints, it is recommended that you explore Hexnode's UEM packages. 

With Hexnode's mobile device management solution, you can have complete control over the devices used in your organization, ensuring that all of your colleagues are working with secure and updated devices.

• We've also featured the best MDM solutions

Ed: Paypal has confirmed that Here will be retired on April 3rd 2023. Paypal said in a statement that PayPal Here services (including both the card reader devices and the PayPal Here App) will no longer be available. This means you will not be able to accept payments through PayPal Here with the card reader device or via the PayPal Here App from that date. You can upgrade to our latest point-of-sale solution, PayPal Zettle, to continue accepting payments, manage inventory, and track sales. 

Aside from making payment processing a breeze, the best pos system should offer a suite of services for merchants to gain insights to grow their business. While most know PayPal as an online payments system, not many know that the company has its own PayPal Here POS application and mobile payment processing system. 

With Paypal Here point of sale system, merchants can accept payments anywhere with just a smartphone or tablet. In this PayPal Here POS review, we’ll look at the service’s pricing, features, interface, support, and security to help you determine if the platform is suitable for your business. 

PayPal Here POS: Plans and pricing 

While the mobile app that accompanies your card reader is free to download, merchants will have to purchase a reader that is right for their business. PayPal Here offers three devices that differ in price point and functionality. With all three devices, you’ll have to pay transaction fees that PayPal charges separately.

The cheapest reader ($24.99) is the Chip and Swipe Reader, which accepts chip and magnetic-stripe payments and is EMV compliant to support the latest payment security standards. PayPal’s entry-level reader does not support NFC/contactless transactions from apps such as Apple Pay or Android Pay. 

For that, PayPal offers a Chip and Tap Reader and a Chip and Tap Bundle. The former, which will set you back $59.99, gets you a device that takes chip, contactless, and magnetic-stripe payments. Finally, the Chip and Tap Bundle ($79.99) includes the Chip and Tap Reader along with a charging stand that keeps your reader charged all day long. 

PayPal Here also offers many POS hardware accessories, like printers, cash drawers, POS stands, and more to complete your setup. 

PayPal Here POS: Features 

While PayPal Here isn’t the most feature-rich POS service provider, it does offer some useful features that are worth mentioning.

PayPal Here POS: Interface and in use

Getting started with PayPal Here POS is a breeze. All you’ll have to do is download the app and sign up for an account. You’ll then be greeted with the app's intuitive and clean interface. With a few clicks and scrolls you’ll be able to manage your inventory, view basic sales reports, and edit your business information. 

On the customer-facing end, the mobile readers are just as easy to use. 

PayPal Here POS: Support 

PayPal Here offers multiple channels of customer support for its POS system users. On its website, you’ll find a Help Center where you can search for video tutorials, how-to guides, and answers to your queries pertaining to account setup, payment processing, and more. The service also has an active community forum where users can communicate with one another. 

If you prefer to contact a customer support agent, PayPal Here’s support team is available through the phone or email. On our test, the service’s friendly support team responded to our email query within 72 hours. 

PayPal Here POS: Security 

PayPal Here is PCI-DSS compliant, and all transactions on its readers are end-to-end encrypted, so you won’t have to worry about losing your sensitive data, and that of your customers, to breaches. 

For extra security, PayPal Here monitor client transactions 24/7, as a precaution for any suspicious payment activity or fraud.  

PayPal Here POS: The competition

With no ongoing contract and a low entry cost, PayPal Here is great for small businesses looking for a secure and easy-to-use payment processing system. Large-scale business owners with higher demands, however, may find PayPal Here’s features too basic. 

For these users, services like Adyen POS and Helcim POS that provide advanced features such as plug-ins, integrations, advanced analytics, and detailed reports may be more appropriate. These services, however, see pricing plans that are much more complex than PayPal’s simple pricing. 

PayPal Here POS: Final verdict

With an easy-to-use app, simple backend features, clear pricing, and no contract to tie you down, PayPal Here POS is great for small business owners looking for a simple POS setup. Large-scale business owners with high-volume sales, however, may find the PayPal Here lacks advanced features and isn’t as comprehensive as they’d like. 

That said, PayPal Here’s comprehensive support, ease of use, convenience, and multiple payment options make the service easy to recommend. 

If you need to oversee and monitor mobile devices within your organization from a remote location, it is recommended to use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) suite. MDM options are available for managing different levels of control on phones, tablets, laptops, and other portable devices. There are numerous MDM solutions offered by major software providers.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is ZOHO's MDM solution, utilized by 180,000 businesses globally. This platform supports not only mobile devices but also desktops, network hardware, and servers. ManageEngine is considered a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) system with MDM capabilities. Therefore, this review will focus more on the MDM features rather than the broader range of tools available.

• Interested in ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus? Check out the website here

ManageEngine provides three distinct MDMs, namely Mobile Device Manager Plus Free Edition, Mobile Device Manager Plus Standard Edition, and Mobile Device Manager Plus Professional Edition. This overview will help you understand the key features of each MDM so that you can decide if ManageEngine's MDM solutions are appropriate for your company.

Features

Mobile Device Manager Plus from ManageEngine offers various MDM tools for managing mobile devices. It provides a single console for device management that covers all related tasks. The dashboard is user-friendly and allows for quick enrollment of devices. You can configure profiles for Wi-Fi access, VPN, and other settings and roll out policies for phones, tablets, and computers.

With Mobile Device Manager Plus, you can distribute and manage apps, monitor app licenses, lock devices to specific apps or sets of apps, and create separate corporate and work profiles. The life cycle of all installed apps can be tracked, and apps can be installed silently without any interaction from the device user.

The Security Management tool enforces security policies by identifying and acting against high-risk or compromised devices, such as jail-broken or rooted ones. If necessary, it can remotely wipe device data. User roles determine device usage permissions to shield the corporate network from mobile-based security threats.

Email configuration and management ensure that corporate email is correctly routed and secured. Email containerization restricts access to specific email accounts, while Office 365 and Azure are fully provisioned.

Content Management enables users to share and save documents to their devices, which can be monitored and retrieved by the MDM admin. Over 10 document formats can be distributed and managed with remote updates and blocked third-party cloud sync.

Containerization separates corporate and personal data into separate areas to prevent data compromise. Enterprise data is stored in an encrypted container, with selective access to corporate accounts and the ability to choose which apps can be used on-premises.

Installation and setup

You can install ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus in two ways: on-premises or through the cloud. Setting up new software on a server can be challenging, especially when IT budgets are limited. Therefore, the cloud option is suitable for those just starting with MDMs.

Device enrollment allows for easy management of mobile devices using Mobile Device Manager Plus. Both personally-owned and company-owned devices can be enrolled and managed, making it simple to troubleshoot issues and ensure compliance with policies.

Compatibility

Mobile Device Manager Plus is a versatile tool that can be used on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. It is designed to support multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, making it easy for organizations to access a broad range of mobile devices without any worries. 

With its unmatched flexibility, this software is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes, whether looking to manage mobile devices, secure their data, or optimize their workflows. Whether you are an IT professional looking to streamline your device management tasks or a business owner trying to improve your team's productivity, Mobile Device Manager Plus has you covered.

Usability

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus has a user-friendly browser-based console with a straightforward menu set. The console is divided into Home, Device Management, Inventory, Enrollment, Reports, Admin, and Support screens, which provide easy access to all the necessary features.

For instance, you can configure apps for iOS, Android, and Windows devices under Device Management. This includes silent installation, license management, app permission management, and other options.

Moreover, Mobile Device Manager Plus offers contextual quick links, a knowledge base, an FAQ, and easy-to-use quick links. You can search for devices via a fast search field by name or user, set specific rules, add devices and users to groups, and more.

Pricing

To view the pricing details for ManageEngine products, you must provide your email address and phone number online. If you choose not to follow through with this step, you can expect a follow-up from the company. 

The Standard Edition of the Mobile Device Manager Plus costs $495 annually and supports up to 50 devices, which is equivalent to $0.825 per device per month. On the other hand, the highest quoted price of $29,995 annually is for the management of 10,000 devices, which comes at $0.25 per device per month. The price of MDM decreases with an increased number of devices required for management. 

The Professional Edition of the Mobile Device Manager Plus starts at $895 for 50 devices. Additional user packages are available, and the company also offers add-ons such as failover servers, multilanguage packs, and online and onsite training. 

If you require a larger MDM, you can contact ManageEngine directly to discuss your specific needs. The company offers a free 30-day trial of the Mobile Device Manager Plus Free Edition, which licenses you for 25 devices. The trial is non-recurring and gives you enough time to assess whether the Mobile Device Manager Plus meets your requirements.

Final verdict

ManageEngine's Mobile Device Manager Plus stands out in the crowded marketplace thanks to its comprehensive tools that support all major operating systems, including Chrome OS. 

The console user interface may sometimes seem disoriented, but the simple enrollment process and efficient device management make it a viable option. The range of affordable license options and a 30-day free trial make it even more appealing.

• We've also featured the best MDM solutions

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software allows the remote administration of portable technology, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It ensures security privileges, software, and operating system patching, can find and erase lost or stolen devices, and more.

Most MDM solutions allow the administration of multiple mobile platforms. Increasingly, MDM is being swallowed up by UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) and becoming just a single aspect of digital hardware management. Understandably, the aim is to ensure that all devices, irrespective of manufacture and operating system, can be managed remotely.

Kandji is a little different. Rather than provide an MDM that is closer to a UEM, it offers a focused experience, allowing only the management and administration of Apple devices. This overview of Kandji's features will help you decide if this is the MDM solution for your organization.

Features

Managing and regulating mobile devices on your network is made easy with Kandji. Thanks to the zero-touch enrollment feature, adding a new device is a breeze and doesn't require physical interaction from technicians. This means that employees won't have to schedule a visit with the IT department. You can also enroll devices through G Suite or Microsoft 365.

Kandji's Blueprints feature allows administrators to easily assign apps, controls, and automations to specific devices. Blueprints can be created for particular teams, locations, or purposes.

You can view audit information for devices in Kandji, which displays device status, installed apps, and current activity. Kandji also keeps an extensive log for each system it manages. A library of approved apps and tools can be curated for closely monitored environments, allowing end users to install the necessary apps without IT involvement.

Kandji's compliance features remain in place even if a device goes offline to ensure device integrity. Custom profiles and scripts provide specific device behavior, such as connecting to the correct wireless network. Compliance templates and a library of over 150 security controls make achieving easy security and best practices a breeze.

For macOS devices like MacBook, the Liftoff feature automates an enterprise-ready configuration straight out of the box. 

Not sure about switching from your current MDM to Kandji? Don't worry – it features a migration tool to bring devices from a legacy MDM. 

Installation and setup

Kandji offers various enrollment methods for your devices. You can enroll all devices through Automated Device Enrollment or the Kandji Enrollment Portal.

Automated Device Enrollment is used for newly assigned or restored devices in Apple Business Manager. On the other hand, the Kandji Enrollment Portal is for devices already set up and cannot be reset or restored. Additionally, devices not available in Apple Business Manager can still be enrolled through the Kandji Enrollment Portal.

For iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs not purchased through Apple Business Manager, you can use Apple Configurator 2 to enroll them. This feature is handy for BYOD users. Lastly, the DEP NAG automated enrollment procedure is utilized in the terminal to enroll macOS devices.

Compatibility

Kandji is a mobile device management (MDM) tool focusing primarily on Apple hardware, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, iMacs, and tvOS. It operates using Apple's MDM protocol and is compatible with iOS 14/iPadOS 14 or later for phones and iPads, as well as macOS 10.15 and later and tvOS 14 and higher. However, it does have limitations in terms of device compatibility. 

In addition to managing mobile devices, Kandji can also manage desktops through a combination of Apple MDM and its macOS Agent. One of the benefits of Kandji is that your organization can use it without needing devices connected to Apple Business Manager.

Usability

Kandji is an exceptional software when it comes to managing Apple products. Its user-friendly interface is designed thoughtfully to cater to essential Mobile Device Management (MDM) workflows, including devices, apps, controls, deployment, and compliance. The UI is straightforward and intuitive, featuring drop-down menus and clickable boxes that make it simple to toggle features and settings per your preferences. Even if you have no experience with MDM, you can effortlessly navigate the software, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. 

The best part is that Kandji's interface is not only easy to use but also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall user experience. Its clean and modern design enhances the software's functionality, making it a joy to work with. Kandji is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to manage Apple products with ease and efficiency. With its plethora of features and user-friendly interface, Kandji makes it easy to manage your devices and ensure compliance. 

Plans and pricing

Kandji has a sliding scale licensing system that adds features as the number of devices increases. The basic package costs $399 per month and is for less than 100 devices. This package includes customer support, onboarding, solutions engineering, a migration agent, self-service, Liftoff, and an optional API for an additional $150.

For every additional 100 devices, the package increases by $400. The package costs $1,999 per month for 500 devices, and the API is included for free. The cost for 750 machines is $2,699, $3,499 for 1000 devices, $4,899 for 1500, $6499 for 2,000, and $8,999 per month for 3,000 devices. 

Organizations requiring more than 3,000 devices would need to speak to Kandji's sales department. 

To break it down, Kandji costs $3.99 monthly for 100 devices on the lowest budget and $2.99 for 3,000 devices. This represents a small cost saving. 

Kandji offers a 14-day trial for evaluation purposes, and a free demo is available on request.

Final Verdict

Kandji is a comprehensive mobile device management suite with a smooth and responsive user interface and an unmatched set of features. It is an excellent option for organizations prioritizing MDM over the race toward UEM, providing top-notch management capabilities for Apple devices. 

However, one significant drawback of Kandji is its licensing structure. While the standard price of $3.99 per month for a single device is comparable to other MDM suites, paying the same amount for 50 or 100 devices may seem odd, which could be a significant issue for many MDM customers. 

In conclusion, while Kandji is a reliable and user-friendly MDM solution, it's essential to consider the licensing structure before committing to the service, mainly if your organization relies heavily on Apple hardware.

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It could be argued that some Mobile Device Management (MDM) software offers far too many features. This is often due to the mammoth task the developers set themselves: supporting every mobile device possible.

Jamf takes a different approach, focusing on iOS and macOS devices (with some minimal Android support). But would you ditch a universal MDM in favor of a platform that only supports half (or less) of your workforce's mobile devices?

• Interested in Jamf? Check out the website here

Here we take a look at the key features and pricing of Jamf to help you settle on the right MDM for your organization.

Features

Jamf offers a range of tools to increase IT efficiency and user productivity by deploying apps, managing mobile device configurations, enforcing security settings, and collecting inventory information.

Jamf has several device management products, including its MDM offering, which has three sub-solutions: Jamf Pro, Jamf School, and Jamf Now.

Jamf Pro has a user-friendly interface that simplifies enrolment and software deployment. It enables the provisioning of the perfect setup on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or even Apple TV. Device management supports policies and scripts for general and specific user configurations, and apps can be deployed in various methods, even through an organization-specific app store. Users can choose optional apps, install necessary ones (or have them remotely rolled out), and even have the option to update their devices to reduce help desk time drains.

Jamf Pro has a comprehensive inventory tool that audits hardware, software, and security details. It is ready for custom reports, license management, and warranty records. For security management, Jamf leverages the security features found in Apple devices, with remote patching and system configuration.

The admin-side Jamf user interface promotes straightforward workflows for device deployment and management, and the flexibility to create customized scripts for macOS systems. For the end user, an on-demand app portal can be accessed to reduce issue tickets.

Jamf Now offers a somewhat slimmed down experience, with a simple, IT-free setup and pre-built templates for managing devices and users. There is also an inventory tool. Jamf Now Plus upgrades the basic package to allow the deployment of third-party and in-house apps, deployment of custom profiles and telephone support.

It's very difficult to spot what MDM features Jamf is missing, if any. In terms of managing Apple devices across a small, medium, or full-sized organization, it appears to have everything.

Installation and setup

Accessing Jamf is done through a dedicated cloud console connected to your account, which you have set up. This means that the installation and setup process is handled for you, making it almost ready to use right out of the box. 

To enroll your end users, they need to go to the dedicated enroll page on the cloud server, choose their device type, and provide personal information to be added to the system. It's a straightforward process that will quickly prepare the device for provisioning, auditing, and tracking if needed.

Compatibility

With Jamf's cloud interface, system administrators can access the MDM console from anywhere, making it incredibly convenient. The system is hosted remotely in the cloud, so dialing in is unnecessary. All the features and more are available on your computer, whether you use Mac, Windows, or Linux. 

Log in using the correct credentials through a browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. It's important to note that the MDM console is not recommended for use on a mobile device due to the extensive range of features and settings.

Usability

When you first log into Jamf's cloud dashboard, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of features it offers. However, once you take some time to explore, you'll find that it's a robust platform that can help you manage a fleet of Apple devices with ease.

For example, you can quickly configure LDAP and SMTP servers, as well as create a push certificate. From there, you can access computers, devices, and associated users, along with administration tools like patch management, provisioning profiles, and user group creation.

But that's not all. Jamf Pro also provides a Settings screen that offers a wealth of options for managing user accounts, setting password policies, managing volume app purchasing, adjusting permissions for Jamf mobile apps, rolling out branding configurations, and managing devices and apps. With all of these tools at your disposal, you can ensure that your Apple devices are running smoothly and securely.

Plans and pricing

Jamf Pro (and Jamf School) is an excellent choice for organizations that use iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices, as it is fully compatible with these platforms. The pricing for this package is $3.67 per device per month with annual billing, making it an affordable option for businesses that want to manage their devices.

If you require macOS support, Jamf offers an additional package that you can add to your subscription. This package costs $7.89 per monthly device, enabling you to manage macOS devices alongside your iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. This means you can enjoy centralized management across all devices, allowing you to streamline your workflows and reduce the burden on your IT team.

Overall, Jamf's pricing options are flexible and affordable, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to manage their devices effectively and efficiently. Whether you need MDM solutions for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or macOS devices, Jamf has you covered with its comprehensive range of packages and pricing options. 

Jamf Now is a simpler solution for Apple device management across smaller teams and businesses, costing $2.00 per device per month, for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS.

For more features, Jamf Now Plus costs $4.00 per device per month.

Final verdict

Although the focus on Apple devices may appear limiting, it results in a more intelligent approach to managing device security and updates with Jamf Pro. Mobile Device Management becomes much easier when using hardware from the same manufacturer that runs similar operating systems. However, it becomes ineffective if your organization uses devices from other manufacturers like Android or Windows. 

Some organizations may use multiple MDM solutions to manage devices for specific groups of employees, such as board members. Nevertheless, for businesses primarily using Apple hardware, Jamf Pro and its companion products are more appealing. In this market segment, Jamf Pro has all the tools and capabilities to excel.

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