What is Android MDM & 7 Best Android MDM Solutions

Android 14 beta has released to testers in April 2023 and is only available for specific mobile phones like Pixel, Lenovo, OnePlus, and etc. As Android devices are used by a large number of enterprises for work purpose, the OS upgrade may have an impact on their device management system. Some functions may disable, for examlpe, the policies. But one positive is the improved security, which means a lot to organizations. Addintionally, Android 14 brings new features to enteprises, such as suspend work apps in work profile, and disable Ultra-wideband (UWB) in corporate-owned device.

Both BYOD (Bring your Own Device) and COPE (Corporate-owned Personally-enabled) devices can be better managed. Just need an Android MDM solution that keeps up with updates.

In this article, 7 top Android device management solutions are listed below. And we will go deep into Android Mobile Device Management to provide necessary assistance.

Part 1: What is Android MDM? How it Works?

Android MDM refers to the process and solutions of managing Android OS devices, such as policy enforcement, app management, file management, data encryption, and user access management in order to enhance company security and productivity.

Part 2: How does Android Mobile Device Management Work?

You will need a terminal, like a PC, to open the MDM admin console then use it as a centralized center. You can also call the terminal controller.

On the managed device side or namely controlled end, such as smartphones and tablets, a supporting application needs to be installed on them. With the app, you can further complete enrollment and network managed devices with the controller.

Enrollment options are various in Android including zero-touch, QR code, NFC, token and etc. Regardless of the method, once enrollment is completes, the IT personnel can use the MDM platform for subsequent device management.

Speaking of Android MDM, it's impossible to get around Android Enterprise (formerly Android for Work), a program with joined device manafactures, resellers, and device management service providers.

Why say so? Android Enterprise is the jumping-off point to grow the Android MDM ecosystem. It turns Android devices to fit in with work needs and ignites the mobile device management software market. Since remote working mode has become mainstream, companies require more enterprise-use tools for device and app administration, as well as data security, resulting in the flourishing development of MDM for Andriod.

Android MDM tools are usually used by the IT department and support these device types:

• Devices used by employees (including employee-owned and company-owned), such as smartphones, tablets, Android TV, POS, custom devices, rugged handheld computer, scanners, etc.
• Devices used by customers, such as self-service kiosks, digital signage, vending machine, etc.

Part 3: 7 Best Android MDM Solutions (Free & Paid)

Depending on which Android MDM solution you choose, the features will vary. Each solution has its perks and allows you to do many different things under one software. Let’s review some of the top-rated tools in the market.

1 AirDroid Business - Manage Various Android Device Types

AirDroid Business is one of the best Android MDM tools in the market and also an EMM provider of Android Enterprise. This tool provides multiple features covering deployment, management, monitoring, remote control and support for enterprise Android devices. And it supports cloud-based deployment and on-premise deployment for enterprises of all sizes.

This system is not only limited to smartphones and tablets. Still, it can also manage Interactive kiosks, unattended devices, rugged devices, Point of Sale devices, vending machines or even any custom devices you might have in your company (as long it runs on Android).

AirDroid MDM pricing packages are incredibly flexible for SMBs and even big enterprises, from $12 - 33 per device per year. It has a free trial period of 14 days and is allowed to experience all features during the period.

2 ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

For a comprehensive mobile management experience, you can choose ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus. This Android MDM open source tool provides remote access, geo-tracking, device management interfacing, and user provisioning, and is able to add custom toolkit.

It allows you to manage and control different kinds of devices, whether computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets that run Android, iOS, macOS, Chrome OS, and Windows.

There are two pricing packages. The Cloud version costs $1,395 per 50 devices per year, while the On-Premise package will set you back $1,095. It has a free trial period of 30 days.

3 Microsoft Intune

This is a cloud-based MDM solution for Android that guarantees the security of your devices and data while providing you with flexibility to choose and scale. Some of the best features of the tool include the likes of remote malware scans, tailored staff notifications, analytics and reporting, and automated software updates.

Microsoft Intune supports Windows OS, macOS, and Android devices.

Microsoft includes its Enterprise Mobility service in bundles, such as Microsoft Security. As for prices, you can choose $8 to $18 per user per month.

4 Google Workspace MDM

Google MDM offers fantastic services such as centralized device management, remote data wipe, screen lock, remote logout, and limited user access.

The best MDM tool supports Android mobile devices from 6.0 Marshmallow and later. Plus, Apple devices are supported as well.

You can try Google Workspace MDM for free in 14 days. Pricing starts from $6 per user per month to $18.

5 Scalefusion

Scalefusion is another excellent platform for Android device and endpoint management. You get kiosk mode, location tracking features, content management, network settings, etc.

Scalefusion supports Android devices from version 5.0 and above.

Its Starter package will set you back $2 per device per month, while the Enterprise package is $6 per device per month.

6 Miradore

If you are looking for a free Android MDM and are just starting, then Miradore is an excellent option. It has a free plan packed with these features: lock and wipe device, reset device passcode, lost mode, storage encryption, detect system update status, and others.

The cloud-based Android mobile device management software supports Android devices from version six and newer. In addition, IOS, macOS, and Windows are supported as well.

The Premium package will set you back $2.75 per device per month and has a free trial period of 14 days.

7IBM Security MaaS360 with Watson

Developed by one of the leading names in the computer industry, IBM, the MaaS360 is one of the best Android MDM software. It is geared towards security and protects all your devices against online threats. It offers AI capabilities to help use the system to its optimum capacity and make it easy to implement policies like BYOD.

It supports a wide range of devices, including Android mobile phones, Windows computers and laptops, and even the Internet of Things devices.

As for the pricing, the MaaS360 packages range from $4 to $9 per device per month.

Its G2 rating is 4.0. To read reviews please click here.

Part 4: What are the Key Features of Android Mobile Device Management?

Due to the open source characteristics and diverse apps in the market, Android mobile devices suffer more cyberattacks than iOS. Plus, the workplace now features a mix of smartphones and tablets in the post-Covid-19 era for remote work. Mobile devices are prone to cybersecurity threats like malware, spyware, data leakages, and the likes. Therefore, companies need to invest in Android device management tools to help maximize security and improve work productivity.

Concretely, it’s used for:

1Secure Company Data

You can use Andriod MDM solutions to implement better security practices within the company. Using them, the IT department can control devices within the system remotely and protect Android devices against online threats.

2Improve Working Efficiency

This is another reason to use Android MDM providers. The administrator can use it to offer specific working applications according to groups. In addition, some of the providers, like AirDroid MDM, are allowed to execute the preset tasks automatically.

3Balance Employee’s Privacy and Work Data

Android offers a built-in security feature named work profile in those GMS (Google Mobile Services) devices. Once it’s set up the feature, the admin can choose to access work profile space without interfering with the employee’s privacy. And the MDM solution will only control device settings and applications within the work profile.

The separated management on personal and work data satisfies both company and employees.

Part 5: How to Set up Android MDM Solution

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to set up and deploy the Android device to an MDM solution.

Part 6: How to Choose the Best Android MDM Software for Your Company

1 Check what deployment methods are supported

There are essentially two deployment options - Cloud and on-premise. And most of the MDM providers are available for cloud deployment.

What’s the difference between cloud and on-premise? The answer is whether your company data is stored on a third-party cloud server or the server you used locally.

Cloud deployment will keep data in the server that is used by Android MDM software, such as AWS. If you want to reduce expenses on hardware and server, it will be an ideal choice.

If you want the device and user information kept on your own server, you should choose an MDM solution with on-premise deployment. It completely holds the privacy in hand, but note that it requires higher technical capacity.

AirDroid MDM offers flexible deployment methods, click here to see which is best for you.

2 Check how data is secured and managed

It is also vital that an Android MDM solution must guarantee your devices and data will remain secure at all costs. Generally, the security and credentials will be listed on the home page. Or, you can check the details in Security Center of the MDM software, such as AirDroid Security.

Here are some certifications and compliance to look at:

• ISO 27001: international standard on managing information security.
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): the strictest privacy and security laws.
• 256-bit AES encryption: encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government. Now it has been commercially used to protect digital data.

3 Take device user into consideration

Device users decide what features need on Android MDM solutions.

If you take a mobile device management strategy for BYOD, CYOD, or COPE, that is to say, device users are aimed at employees, you’d better use an MDM tool compatible with GMS service.

If you want to manage hundreds of Android devices that are used by your customers, an MDM for AOSP devices is better matched for your needs.

FAQs about Android MDM

What is Android device management?

Charudatta

It refers to the process of managing Android devices which includes policy enforcement, app management, file management, data encryption, and user access management in order to enhance company security and productivity. Please click here to learn more.

How does Android MDM work?

Charudatta

You will need a mobile device management platform to handle the entire management and monitoring process. The steps are as follows: enroll device > configure settings/apps > apply configuration files > update > monitoring.

Why do enterprises need an MDM solution?

Charudatta

The most direct reason is to protect company data and further reduce losses caused by it. A cybersecurity breach can be very costly even for large businesses. It is hard to recover the money or retrieve the lost data from your backups and reinforce security. Therefore, investing in an MDM solution is one safety net. Learn more.

How to bulk enroll Android devices for MDM?

Charudatta

You can use zero touch enrollment. Click here to learn more.

What is MDM app on Android?

Charudatta

The MDM app is the tool applied to mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, for connecting the admin and the controlled device. It can refer to the control center that used to set up and manage devices, and also the subsidiary that used to bind devices to the control center.

What is the difference between Android Device Manager and Android MDM?

Charudatta

Android Device Manager is a class for reboot and factory reset function that used by software developers. For instance, Google Find My Device and other device management tools will use it to help deal with device loss. And, Android MDM contains the function of Device Manager but with more features.

Is there any free MDM?

Charudatta

Yes. However, a completely free MDM may not offer pleasing features. Before you rush to pick one, ensure you peruse the features to ensure the free version you choose will suit your needs. We have picked 5 best free MDM, browse them here.

How to access MDM on Android device?

Charudatta

Here is an example to illustrate from enrollment to configuration. Click here.

Why do more people not know about MDM solutions?

Charudatta

Not many companies use MDM solutions because they don't usually think of personal mobile phones as company resources. But the truth is when your employee uses their smartphone inside the company, using network resources, other people can use these devices to gain access to company data. So more and more companies are trying out MDM solutions.