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

Mobile device management (MDM) is not a fresh dish. As smartphones and laptops are playing a role in work constantly, companies would like to have a control center to work safer, easier and better.

However, in the Android software market, most MDM tools have high requirements on the number of devices and are not friendly on pricing and operation. Therefore, they do not meet small and medium-sized businesses.

Free MDM for Android would be a better option. An Android MDM free tool provides security but with a lower price and simpler steps to manage devices.

If you’re looking for one for your business, here is the answer. In the following paragraphs, we listed best 5 free MDM for small business and introduce their key features, quantity limit, device requirements, etc. Now, let’s start!

Part 1 : What is Android MDM?

Android MDM (Mobile Device Management) is an Android technology solution that helps simplify device management while enhancing the security of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

It is backed by Android Enterprise - the resource to complete enterprise-used mobile device and MDM software development. In 2020, Google announced Android Enterprise Essentials for small and medium-sized businesses as a supplement to meet their targeted need for mobile security and offer affordable budgets.

Free MDM solutions enable small businesses to implement Android MDM. By using the console platform, a company can leverage certain services to secure devices and data, and more, configure settings.

Some features of the free Android MDM solution:

Security	Monitor devices, track information like device status and user logs, and receive abnormal alerts.
Configure device settings	An admin can mandate password rule, shutdown network access, disable USB file transfer, and so on.
Remote control	Erase all sensitive data in case the device is stolen or lost, lockdown device screen to guard against unauthenticated users, remove malware, etc.
App management	allow or disallow app installation, update the latest app version, and launch a self-developed business app.
Others	Workflow, notification, geofencing, file transfer, kiosk mode, report, etc.

Part 2 : Why is mobile device management important to Small & Mid-size Businesses?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Support Business Growth

According to PRNewswire, 48% of small businesses own apps to stay in touch with their clients. Good customer service boosts both company revenue and set up a reliable image.

A mobile device management provider can help apps publish in Google Play.

Like AirDroid Business, it not only supports customizable company-owned application release but also offers testing and staged rollout.

Note :

Staged Rollout is a feature that you can publish your company app based on device number & percentage, countries & areas, device info such as IMEI, IMSI, or SNID, and personalized group.

Wherein releasing apps according to countries and percentages are only in AirDroid.

Part 3 : Best 5 Android MDM Free Solutions

When you look around at search results or software review websites, you will note that completely free MDM solutions can find nowhere. Instead, most offer trials at various times.

But, here, we list certified and almost zero-cost MDM for small businesses. We also place details like device limit, features free to use, trial period, pricing, etc.

1AirDroid Business

Bring continuity to your mobile business by using AirDroid Business MDM. This free MDM for Android devices provides a high end-user experience. And it was named one of the best MDM solutions by G2 2021-2023 Grid Reports.

AirDroid is available for Android 4.1 and higher and can be used to manage phones, tablets, digital signage, media content boxes, kiosks, TVs, home appliances, etc. As for the admin console, it supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

About

Free trial: 14 days with up to 10 added devices
Pricing: $1 per device/month, unlimited device
Feature free to use: AirDroid Business opens all its features to first-time users during the trial.
Setup Policy to restrict device usage, including apps, network, password, and file transfer.
Use AMS service to release, test, and update the company-owned application.
Monitor device screen in real time.
Set up single-app or multiple apps Kiosk Mode.
Remotely control all your mobile devices anywhere, anytime.
Transfer huge amounts of files at once.
Preview all relevant device data within the dashboard.
Use cases: IT & MSP, healthcare, logistics, retails, education, self-service hospitality, etc.

14-days Free Trial

2Google Workspace

Google MDM is one of the best free MDM solutions for BYOD that ensures company and employee data security. With Google Workspace MDM, an IT admin can control device data separately without accessing the employee’s personal account.

This free MDM solution works for both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. To serve small and mid-size businesses, Google Workspace offers a basic mobile device management mode as a lower-investment settlement.

About

Free trial: 14 days with up to 10 added devices
Pricing: $6 per user/month, up to 300 user accounts
Feature free to use:
Passcode enforcement for screen lock and password setting rules.
Two-step verification.
App blacklist or whitelist to manage applications on the device.
Remote wipe user account.
Set up activity alerts to monitor devices.
Use cases: Retail, finance & HR, education, etc.

3ManageEngine MDM Plus

ManageEngine MDM Plus is an old-line open-source MDM best for Android device operations. Parts of its products allow IT staff members to make individualized changes. The toolkit on its dashboard is able to integrate with costless management-related tools, thereby administrating devices based on conditions.

The free MDM server supports comprehensive endpoints including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, TVs, and rugged devices. In addition to Android, Chrome OS, iOS and iPadOS are available.

About

Free trial: 30 days with unlimited added devices
Pricing: $ 0 for up to 25 devices
Feature free to use:
OpManager Free Edition: a customizable monitor solution for small companies to secure networks.
Secure device content and email access.
Install/remove in-house and app store apps.
Create and configure policies.
Create user profiles and assign permission according to roles.
Lockdown a device with kiosk mode.
Remotely troubleshoot and wipe data.

4Miradore

Miradore is another choice to go with. According to G2, it has a 38% small-business market segment.

The Android MDM free tool is major in BYOD IT management and gives an easy-to-use interface. Its free plan contains basic security features to prevent data leakage, such as Lock Mode.

About

Free trial: 14 days
Pricing: $0 for unlimited device with limited features
Feature free to use:
Remotely lock, wipe, reset passwords, and play alarm sound.
Storage encryption.
Detect the latest system version.
Configure email settings, Wi-Fi, and VPN.
Report & notification.
Two-factor authentication.
Remotely troubleshoot and wipe data.
Use cases: IT, education, retail, healthcare, etc.

5Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based MDM solution with a free subscription valid for 30 days. It can be used on Android and Android Open Source Project (AOSP) devices.

Microsoft Intune supports a Zero Trust security strategy for access and data protection on mobile device. Besides, the free mobile device management software works together with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint so that to offer mobile threat defense services.

About

Free trial: 30 days
Pricing: $10.60 per user/month, each user can enroll up to 15 devices
Feature free to use:
Configure security settings via policies.
Configure apps and browser usage restrictions.
Block Wi-Fi and VPN connection.
Set up settings for accessing corporate emails.
Remote wipe and lock.

Part 4 : Factors to Consider When Choosing Android Free MDM for Small Business

It could take months to find the best free MDM server. Before you swamp with reviews and comparison, you should know what help to make a decision.

1 : Data Storage Security

The majority of free Android MDM tools use cloud-based servers to keep users’ 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.

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

2 : Supported Features

Services provided by free MDM solutions vary depending on the 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 full managed devices, in addition to device security, needs more compulsory features like Kiosk Mode to control the equipment.

3 : Device Requirements

It contains device quantity limitation, supported system, and supported endpoints for control and controlled.

The quantity limit is usually ranged from 10 to 100.

Commonly, free MDM for Android is available for device system version 4.0 and above.

And mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and computers are available for endpoints for control, while endpoints for being controlled have wider device types, such as POS, rugged devices, kiosks, digital signages, etc.

4 : Operation

A simple menu bar and easy-to-use dashboard could save your training time. You can take a look at the enrollment methods.

Part 5 : How to Enroll Device to Android MDM Free Software and configure security settings?

Step 1.Start by logging into AirDroid MDM Admin Console.

Step 2.After that, head over to 'Device' at the top horizontal menu, then enroll Device via Device Owner.

Step 3.Create Configure Policy to Deployed Devices as shown below.: 1) Go to Policy & Kiosk > Policy & Kiosk Config Files> select ‘＋Create Config File’ > Choose Policy Template.; 2) Set any and all kinds of device settings and restrictions for the policy file.; What you can administrate: Password, App Blocklist, Camera, Wi-Fi, VPN, Bluetooth, USB file transfer, and others.; 3) Name the file and record/change the secure code.; Note: The code is a double assurance. It is used to delete policy files or remove devices from policy configuration.; 4) Choose devices or device groups and apply the policy.

14-days Free Trial

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.