[2025] Top 8 Open Source MDM Solutions and Their Comparison

Fueled by skyrocketing remote work and BYOD policies, the global MDM market is exploding – projected to surge from USD 6.2 billion in 2024 to a staggering USD 68.2 billion by 2031 (CAGR 34.9%, CoherentMI). This unprecedented growth underscores the critical need for robust mobile device management.

While commercial solutions abound, open-source MDMs offer compelling flexibility and cost benefits. But with numerous options available, how do you choose the right one for your organization? This article cuts through the noise by comparing the top 9 open-source MDM solutions based on the key factors that matter most.

Before diving into the tools, consider these essential criteria when evaluating an open-source MDM:

• Target Platforms: Does it support your device ecosystem (Apple, Android, Windows, Linux, Cross-Platform)?
• Deployment & Management Complexity: Is it lightweight or enterprise-ready? What technical skills are required?
• Core Security Capabilities: Does it enforce passcodes, encryption, remote wipe, app blacklisting/whitelisting, and compliance policies?
• Scalability & Performance: Can it handle your current device count and projected growth?
• Community & Support: Is there an active community for help? Is commercial support available if needed?
• Key Differentiators: Does it offer unique features like Zero Trust integration (FleetDM), deep Apple integrations (Zentral), or kiosk mode (HeadwindMDM)?
• Documentation & Usability: Is setup and ongoing management well-documented and intuitive?

We've evaluated the top 9 open-source MDMs against these critical factors:

1. MicroMDM

MicroMDM is an open source MDM server that is particularly suitable for educational scenarios. It supports low-cost and high-efficiency batch management of student and teacher devices, provides flexible application and network access control, ensures data security and privacy, and meets the customized needs of different courses. It is an ideal choice for school device management. Its code is available on GitHub for customization. The users can get support through the MacAdmins Slack community.

Key Features

Automation for device enrollment.	✔️
Practical remote configuration and monitoring.	✔️
OTA (Over-the-air) app installation and updates.	✔️
Advanced security features are available.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Enterprises
• Educational businesses

Pros & Cons

• Cost-effective: Open-source and free, ideal for budget-limited schools.
• Technical learning curve: Requires basic API knowledge for customization, challenging for non-technical teams.
• Highly customizable: API-driven for deep integration with school systems (e.g., class registration, campus ID systems).
• Limited availability of UI and features.
• Flexible device management: Supports DEP and manual enrollment, fitting diverse device deployment workflows.
• Feature gaps in niche cases: Less optimized for specialized educational tools compared to commercial solutions.
• Real-time monitoring: Webhooks enable instant device event tracking (e.g., online/offline status).
• Documentation limits: Less comprehensive than commercial products, may slow down onboarding for beginners.
• Lightweight & easy to deploy: Low technical barrier for IT teams, even in resource-constrained schools.
• Security & compliance: Offers robust security policies (e.g., remote lock/wipe) and customizable compliance via APIs.
• Community support: Active developer community for troubleshooting and updates.

2. NanoMDM

NanoMDM is a minimalist Apple MDM server written in Golang. It aims to provide a lightweight approach to manage and control iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. It simplifies the remote configuration, update, and security management of devices, with features like horizontal scalability, a persistent storage layer, and support for multiple APNs topics. It supports MySQL and PostgreSQL as backend databases, offering flexibility in data management. Despite lacking some components like SCEP and TLS termination, it can be combined with other open - source tools to build a powerful MDM solution.

Key Features

A horizontal scaling feature is available.	✔️
Users will also get multi-command targeting.	✔️
Migration endpoints for better enrollment.	✔️
API-driven interactions.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Small and medium - sized enterprises: Those who rely on Apple devices and need to manage employee devices but have limited IT resources and budgets.
• Educational institutions: Such as schools that want to manage student iPads or Macs in bulk, configure learning - related applications, and set security policies.
• Technical teams: That desire to build their own customized MDM solutions and have the technical capabilities to integrate and expand NanoMDM.

Pros & Cons

• Cost - effective: Being open - source and free, it significantly reduces the cost of device management, especially suitable for organizations with limited budgets.
• Steep learning curve for non - technical users: Some basic API knowledge is required for customization and operation, which may be difficult for non - technical staff.
• Lightweight and easy to deploy: It has low hardware requirements and can be quickly set up, suitable for environments with limited resources.
• Lack of professional support: It mainly relies on community support, lacking a dedicated professional support team. It may be difficult to get timely help when encountering complex problems.
• Highly customizable: It allows for deep customization through its API, enabling integration with existing organizational systems. Users can also build their own SCEP servers and TLS termination environments as needed, increasing personalization options.
• Incomplete documentation: The documentation is not as comprehensive as that of commercial products, which may affect the on - boarding process and usage experience for beginners.
• Scalable architecture: With support for MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, it can handle the management of a large number of devices and is easy to scale horizontally as the number of devices grows.
• Limited functionality in some aspects: Compared with commercial MDM solutions, it may lack some advanced features, such as in - depth data analysis, comprehensive cross - platform management, and support for some specialized Apple device functions.
• Multifunctional: It supports multiple APNs topics and concurrent processing of multiple commands, improving management efficiency. It also supports DEP enrollment, facilitating large - scale device deployment.

3. Zentral

Zentral is an open-source MDM platform built on Python-Django, designed for Apple device management in enterprise and educational environments. It enables centralized control of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices, including device enrollment, configuration profile distribution, and security policy enforcement. Zentral integrates seamlessly with tools like osquery (for inventory tracking) and Google Santa (for application allowlisting) to enhance endpoint security and management efficiency.

Key Features

Availability of GitOps for your MDM configuration.	✔️
Customization for extra features.	✔️
Software update enforcement is there.	✔️
Recovery lock management is present.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Enterprises: Ideal for managing corporate Apple devices (e.g., iPhones/iPads for sales teams) by enforcing security policies, distributing apps, and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
• Educational Institutions: Supports managing student/teacher devices (e.g., iPads in classrooms) by deploying educational apps, configuring device settings, and securing sensitive data in BYOD programs.
• Technical Teams: Empowers customization through its modular architecture, allowing integration with existing systems (e.g., HR or security tools) for tailored workflows.

Pros & Cons

• Cost-Effective: Open-source eliminates licensing fees, suitable for budget-constrained organizations.
• Technical Expertise Required: Requires Python, API, and Git knowledge for setup/customization.
• Highly Customizable: Modular design enables deep customization (e.g., adding plugins) and integration with tools like osquery and Santa.
• Community-Driven Support: Lacks 24/7 professional support compared to commercial solutions.
• GitOps Workflows: Secure configuration management via Git repositories, ensuring traceability and rollback capabilities.
• Documentation Complexity: Less user-friendly documentation for advanced configurations.
• Compliance Automation: Enforces macOS Security Compliance Project guidelines and generates audit reports for regulatory adherence.
• Lengthy Deployment: Time-consuming setup, especially when integrating with multiple systems.
• Strong Ecosystem: Integrates with open-source tools for inventory, application control, and patch management.

4. Commandment

Commandment is an open-source MDM platform built in Python, designed for Apple device management in education, SMBs, and technical teams. It supports zero-touch enrollment via Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for bulk app distribution. Core features include remote configuration (e.g., Wi-Fi profiles, app restrictions), security policy enforcement (e.g., passcode requirements, encryption), and device wiping for lost devices. It integrates with Apple’s APIs but lacks advanced tools like osquery compared to alternatives like Zentral.

Key Features

It effectively supports Apple's Device Enrollment Program.	✔️
Proper app management via Apple's Volume Purchase Program.	✔️
There is certificate-based authentication.	✔️
Seamless enforcement of security policies.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• K-12 Schools: Manage classroom iPads by deploying educational apps, enforcing screen time limits, and securing data in BYOD programs.
• Small Businesses: Secure company-issued iPhones/iPads with passcode policies, remote wipes, and internal app distribution.
• Technical Teams: Customize workflows via its modular codebase (e.g., integrating with HR systems) or test MDM protocols for niche use cases (e.g., IoT-connected iPads).
• Budget-Conscious Organizations: Ideal for nonprofits or government agencies needing basic MDM without licensing costs.

Pros & Cons

• Apple Ecosystem Integration: Native support for DEP and VPP enables seamless device enrollment and app management.
• Limited Active Development: Last updated in 2019, with minimal community support and unresolved issues.
• Cost-Effective: Open-source eliminates licensing fees, suitable for organizations with limited budgets.
• Documentation Gaps: Incomplete guides for advanced configurations compared to commercial tools.
• Centralized Control: Remotely configure devices, enforce security policies, and wipe data from lost/stolen devices.
• Technical Barrier: Requires Python and API knowledge for setup and customization.
• GitOps-Ready: Configurations can be managed via Git for traceability and rollback.
• Scalability Challenges: Not optimized for large fleets; better suited for small-to-medium deployments.

5. HeadwindMDM

HeadwindMDM is an open-source Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform exclusively designed for Android devices . It enables centralized control over device configurations, app deployment, and security policies. Core features include remote wipe, location tracking, network profile management, and kiosk mode (COSU) for single-app use cases . Deployable via Docker containers or on-premise servers (e.g., Ubuntu Linux) , it supports private network setups and integrates with enterprise systems for scalable management.

Key Features

An efficient group-based policy management.	✔️
There is a device enrollment facility via a QR Code.	✔️
Kiosk Mode helps you restrict the single-task operation.	✔️
Availability of Samsung Knox integration.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs): Secure company-issued Android devices (e.g., sales team phones, field tablets) with passcode policies and app restrictions.
• Retail & Logistics: Lock POS terminals or delivery tablets to specific apps (e.g., payment tools, inventory systems) and push updates remotely.
• Education: Manage student iPads/Android tablets by distributing educational apps and enforcing screen time limits.
• Healthcare: Ensure HIPAA compliance by encrypting data and restricting non-medical apps on devices used in clinics.
• Nonprofits: Cost-effectively manage Android devices for fieldwork (e.g., survey tools, communication apps)

Pros & Cons

• Android-Exclusive Focus: Deep compatibility with Android 7+ devices, including Samsung Knox and Huawei EMUI.
• Limited OS Support: Only works with Android; no iOS/macOS compatibility.
• Cost-Effective: Open-source model eliminates licensing fees, ideal for budget-constrained organizations.
• Technical Barrier: Requires IT expertise for server setup, Docker configuration, and SSL certificate management.
• Flexible Deployment: Supports Dockerized setups, on-premise servers, and private networks.
• Community Support: Stagnant GitHub activity and limited documentation for advanced features .
• Security Features: Remote wipe, encryption, and compliance enforcement (e.g., passcode requirements).
• Scalability Challenges: Not optimized for large fleets (e.g., >1,000 devices) compared to enterprise tools.
• Customization: Modular architecture allows plugin development for tailored workflows (e.g., custom app integrations).
• Feature Gaps: Lacks advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and multi-user role-based access control.

6. OneMDM

OneMDM is an open-source Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution primarily designed for Android devices. It enables centralized control over device configurations, app deployment, and security policies. Core features include remote wipe, network profile management, kiosk mode (COSU) for single-app use cases, and compliance enforcement. Deployable via on-premise servers or Docker containers, it supports private network setups and integrates with enterprise systems for scalable management.

Key Features

Excellent database schema design.	✔️
Workflow automation to integrate different data processes.	✔️
Data migration and cataloging are available.	✔️
Facility of AI-powered enhancements.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs): Secure company-issued Android devices (e.g., sales team phones, field tablets) with passcode policies and app restrictions.
• Retail & Logistics: Lock POS terminals or delivery tablets to specific apps (e.g., payment tools, inventory systems) and push updates remotely.
• Education: Manage student Android tablets by distributing educational apps and enforcing screen time limits.
• Healthcare: Ensure HIPAA compliance by encrypting data and restricting non-medical apps on devices used in clinics.
• Nonprofits: Cost-effectively manage Android devices for fieldwork (e.g., survey tools, communication apps).

Pros & Cons

• Android-Centric: Deep compatibility with Android 7+ and OEM features (Knox/EMUI).
• OS Limitation: Only supports Android; no iOS/macOS management.
• Cost-Free: Open-source eliminates licensing costs for budget-focused organizations.
• Tech Skills Needed: Requires IT expertise for Docker/server setup and SSL config.
• Flexible Deployment: Docker or on-premise setups suit private network needs..
• Community Stagnation: Limited active development and sparse advanced documentation.
• Security Tools: Remote wipe, encryption, and compliance policies protect data.
• Scalability Issues: Not optimized for large fleets (>1,000 devices).
• Customizable: Modular design allows plugin development for tailored workflows.
• Feature Gaps: Lacks advanced analytics, multi-user roles, or AI-driven insights.

7. FleetDM

FleetDM is an open-source MDM platform supporting macOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebooks, and cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure). It leverages osquery for deep endpoint visibility via SQL-based queries, enabling real-time device monitoring, compliance enforcement (e.g., CIS benchmarks), and incident response. Deployable via self-hosted servers or Fleet Cloud (a managed SaaS option), it excels in security-driven use cases like vulnerability scanning, software inventory management, and posture-based access control. Key features include remote query execution, automated policy enforcement, and integrations with tools like Splunk, Jira, and Munki.

Key Features

There is an excellent multi-platform support.	✔️
Remote orchestration using run scripts, enforce configs, set webhooks, etc.	✔️
Seamless integration of API & GitOps.	✔️
Effective security compliance and auditing.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Security-Centric Enterprises: Monitor compliance (GDPR/PCI-DSS) and investigate breaches across mixed OS fleets.
• DevOps Teams: Ensure consistency in developer workstations and CI/CD infrastructure (e.g., Docker configurations).
• Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Centralize device health checks and compliance reporting for SMB clients.
• Education/Healthcare: Enforce BYOD policies and HIPAA-compliant encryption on macOS/Windows devices.

Pros & Cons

• Cross-Platform Support: Manages macOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebooks, and cloud workloads.
• Learning Curve: Requires familiarity with osquery and SQL for advanced configurations.
• Deep Visibility: Osquery-powered SQL queries provide granular insights into processes, files, and network activity.
• Resource Intensive: High query frequency may strain large fleets (>10k devices).
• Flexible Deployment: Choose self-hosted (Docker-friendly) or cloud-based (Fleet Cloud) setups.
• Limited Mobile Support: No native iOS/Android management (focused on desktop/cloud).
• Open-Source Freedom: No licensing fees; modular design allows custom workflows.
• Cloud Costs: Fleet Cloud’s premium features (e.g., advanced analytics) come with subscription fees.
• Strong Integrations: Works with tools like Splunk, Jira, and Munki for extended functionality.
• Documentation Gaps: Community-driven resources may lack depth compared to commercial alternatives.

8. Flyve MDM

Flyve MDM is an open-source MDM platform supporting Android (4.2+) and legacy iOS (9.3–12) devices. Deployable via on-premise servers or cloud-based SaaS, it offers core MDM features: remote wipe, app management, policy enforcement (e.g., passcode rules), and GLPI integration for IT asset tracking. Focused on basic-to-moderate device control, it lacks advanced tools like AI analytics.

Key Features

It has excellent security policies and compliance enforcement.	✔️
Geolocation and excellent tracking are integrated.	✔️
Brilliant facility of role-based access control.	✔️
Efficient app deployment and updates for businesses.	✔️

Who It’s For?

• Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Secure company-issued Android/iOS devices with passcode policies and app restrictions.
• Education: Manage student tablets by deploying e-learning apps and blocking distractions (e.g., games).
• Nonprofits: Cost-effectively control field devices (e.g., survey tools) without licensing fees.
• Retail: Lock POS tablets to payment apps and push remote updates.

Pros & Cons

• Cross-Platform: Manages Android (4.2+) and older iOS (9.3–12) devices.
• Limited iOS Support: Fails to manage newer iOS devices (e.g., iPhone 13+).
• Cost-Free: Open-source eliminates licensing costs for budget-focused teams.
• Stagnant Development: No updates since 2023, lacking modern OS compatibility.
• Basic Security: Remote wipe, encryption, and geofencing protect data.
• Tech Skills Needed: Requires IT expertise for on-premise setup.
• GLPI Integration: Syncs with GLPI for IT asset inventory and helpdesk workflows.
• Feature Gaps: No advanced analytics, multi-user roles, or AI insights.

A Brief introduction about Open Source MDM Work?

Here is a simple breakdown that will help you easily understand the actual working steps:

1. Device Enrollment: The first step is super simple, as the devices will get enrolled here into the MDM system. There are two ways to do it. The administrator either does it manually or simply automates enrollment using zero-touch provisioning techniques.
2. Policy Configuration and Enforcement: Now, the security policies will be pushed to the devices through an MDM server. It will ensure compliance with necessary enterprise security standards.
3. Application Management: After the successful implementation of the policies, the organizations will properly control all the activities on the smart mobile devices.

Now, the companies are all set to perform various actions to maintain a smooth workflow in the organization. Some actions that can be well-managed are:

• Overall security and compliance monitoring
• Proper remote device control
• Seamless data and network management

Open Source MDM vs Commercial MDM: Which Solution is Best for You?

• Introduction of Commercial MDM

Before checking the comparison, please have a quick understanding of commercial MDM. It is an enterprise-level solution that is carefully designed to align the deployment, monitoring, and security of mobile devices. These solutions basically manage mobile gadgets, whether they are company-owned or part of a BYOD policy.

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This device management solution can be used to enroll, manage, and monitor large fleet devices. With the centralized platform, organizations are able to deploy smartphones, tablets, rugged devices and others dedicated devices like kiosks and digital signage.

It's available for Cloud Deployment & On-Premises Deployment. Key features include: remote access & control, Google Play apps & enterprise's apps management, policy, single & multi-apps kiosk mode, alerts & automated workflows, geofencing & location tracking, file transfer, notification, user management, reports, etc.

With the impeccable facility of centralized control over wide mobile endpoints, a commercial MDM system simplifies device management.

The following are a few exciting features that you can get with this solution:

• It will provide you with the freedom to enroll your devices with automation.
• With this spectacular tool, you can properly manage security and compliance.
• Seamless application management is obviously there.
• The users will get effortless network and connectivity control.
• Another fruitful feature is real-time monitoring and reporting.

• How Open Source MDM Differs from Commercial MDM Solutions

• Open Source MDM vs Commercial MDM: pros and cons

• Who Should Consider Using Open Source MDM or Commercial MDM?

Further Research

• How do open-source MDM solutions comply with compliance in different industries?

An open-source MDM solution has to align with the regulations in different industries. It is required to ensure businesses like yours about data security, privacy, and operational integrity. A few compliance features of an open-source MDM solution to check are:

• Easy to customize the compliance policies per industry rules.
• These must generate logs for accurate audits and regulatory checks.
• An open-source MDM must securely do the remote management, etc.

Moreover, the following information will tell you how they comply across different industries:

HEALTHCARE

In the healthcare industry, a practical MDM solution helps to maintain data encryption. It will protect the patient records when they are saved and also when they need to be shared. Another factor of compliance here is the right access control to prevent any type of unauthorized access. Along with this, MDM will also do justice by consistently tracking all the device activities.

FINANCE

The next significant industry to talk about is finance. It is an area where protection is necessary for making lots of transactions. So, the right MDM implementation will take care of encrypted communication for mobile banking applications. It will also ensure that only your compliant devices will access the financial networks. Besides, MDM will also block any unauthorized sharing of sensitive financial information.

There are many other industries like these two where MDM plays the best role by complying with industry regulations.

• What indicators show strong community activity and support for an open-source MDM project?

Here are the key indicators that you can see:

• The first point you can notice is the active development and code contributions.
• Another factor to consider is the robust documentation.
• Community engagement and support are also a plus.
• Security and compliance readiness are also indicators.
• Lastly, well-defined guidelines must be present.

• How can open-source MDM integrate with identity management systems like Active Directory?

The integration of open-source MDM solutions is possible with identity management systems using mechanisms like:

• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), or
• Single Sign-On (SSO) mechanisms

It helps the MDM solutions to unite with systems like Active Directory. With AD group policies, IT teams can automate the part of enrollment, apply role-based access controls, and ensure compliance.