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 will list the best 5 free MDM for small businesses and introduce their key features, quantity limit, device requirements, etc. Now, let’s start!

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.

Organizations can leverage MDM software to secure devices and corporate data. In some cases, especially during the start-up stage, small and mid-size companies tend to use free MDM software for the sake of cost control. Free MDM solutions provide basic device management features like device enrollment, app management, and certain security features, which are sufficient for to companies with small device quantities.

Here, we list certified and almost zero-cost MDM solutions for SMBs. We also place details like device limit, features free to use, trial period, and pricing to help make decisions.

Part 2 : Best 5 Android MDM Free Solutions

1 AirDroid Business - Try all features freely

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 Business has a free version to try out all its features for 21 days.

The software supports cloud and on-premises deployment methods, which is suitable for different business needs. Since its release, AirDroid Business has become a secure and reliable choice for various industries including logistics and transportation, schools, healthcare, logistics, retail, IT & MSP, hospitality, digital signages, and more.

It is available to manage devices running Android 4.1+ and is suitable for multiple device types, for example, smartphones, tablets, rugged handhelds, digital signage, media content boxes, kiosks, TVs, home appliances, etc.

Key Features & Pricing Plans

• Free Plan: 21-day free trial with no setup fees
• Pricing Plans: Basic (as low as $1 per device/month), Standard, Enterprise
• Features:
• Enrollment: QR code, USB, EMM token (Android Enterprise), zero-touch (for bulk device enrollment), device owner, and other methods.
• Security: Policies for password, mobile OS update, WiFi, Bluetooth, APN, USB file transfer, GPS, camera, forced stored data encryption, etc.
• Application management service: staged rollout feature to release, test, and distribute apps; force installation; autorun app; and configure download environment.
• Mobile application management: Managed Google Play to configure app permission settings and auto-update rules; remove installed app; and clear app cache.
• Kiosk Mode: single/multi-app mode; kiosk browser to give safe browsing experience; website whitelist; and customizable screen layout.
• Remote control: screen sharing; remote troubleshooting; black screen mode; file transfer; etc.
• Alerts & Workflows: Monitor networking, data usage, and more device status in real-time; and set up auto workflow for triggered events. Transfer huge amounts of files at once.
• More: user managment; geofencing and location tracking; 2FA; notification; and reports.

2Google Workspace

Google Workspace MDM is one of the best free MDM solutions for businesses that already using Google's productivity and collaboration tools.

Being in the Google ecosystem, Google Workspace has an advantage in managing BYOD (bring your own device) devices. With it, an IT admin can access and control company data on the device only. There is no need to interfere employee's personal account.

This free MDM solution works for smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS, Chrome OS devices, Windows devices, and Linux endpoints. To serve small and mid-size businesses, Google Workspace offers a Business Starter plan as the lowest-investment package.

3Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a comprehensive cloud-based MDM solution. It has been recognized by The Forrester Wave as a Leader in Unified Endpoint Management.

Microsoft Intune supports managing Android and Android Open Source Project (AOSP) devices. But it is not just an Android MDM Free Solution, it can also be used for Apple mobile, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux devices.

Its free plan is available for company-owned and bring-your-own device management and includes the same features as the paid version.

4ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is an old-line free mobile management software best for Android device operations. 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, and desktops with Android, Chrome OS, Windows, iOS, or iPadOS systems.

Key Features & Pricing Plans

• Free Plan: 30 days up to 25 devices
• Pricing Plans: Standard Edition, Professional Edition
• Features:
• Enrollment: profile owner; device owner; SMS enrollment; NFC; bulk enrollment.
• Security: polices; kiosk mode; control app access; wipe company data remotely; etc.
• Mobile application management
• Mobile OS update
• Users profile management
• Remote tracking and troubleshooting

5Miradore

Miradore is another choice to go with. The Android MDM free tool gives an easy-to-use interface.

Its free plan contains basic management features, such as reset passcode, play alarm sound, storage encryption, system update detection, and reports.

Part 3 : Factors to Consider When Choosing Free MDM Solutions

It could take months to find the best free MDM software. Before you swamp with reviews and comparison, you should know what help to make a decision. Here are four factors to consider in addition to an easy-to-use dashboard.

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?

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 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.

Part 5 : How to Get Started with Android MDM Free Software?

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.