As Apple Silicon reshapes the performance landscape, Macs are rapidly gaining ground in enterprise, education, and remote-first companies. Their speed, reliability, and user satisfaction make them favorites, but managing hundreds or thousands of macOS devices brings new challenges.
Traditional MDM platforms often fall short in macOS-specific workflows: handling Apple Business Manager (ABM) integration, enforcing FileVault encryption, or executing scripts during onboarding. That’s why modern macOS MDM tools in 2025 need more than just basic device enrollment. They must align with Apple’s latest management framework, including Declarative Device Management (DDM), and provide real-time compliance, patch management, and security controls.
This guide highlights 7 of the most powerful and innovative MDM solutions for macOS, covering tools ideal for SMBs, enterprises, MSPs, and education. All support ABM, macOS Ventura/Sonoma, and M1/M2/M3 chips and offer robust MDM features.
What Makes a Great macOS MDM in 2025?
Choosing the right macOS MDM isn’t about brand popularity—it’s about technical depth, usability, and integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Here are the essential capabilities that top MDMs must offer in 2025:
- Declarative Device Management (DDM): The shift from reactive commands to proactive configurations. DDM allows devices to enforce settings based on status, improving compliance speed and reducing server loads.
- Zero-Touch Deployment via ABM: Seamless provisioning through Apple Business Manager and Automated Device Enrollment.
- macOS Version & Silicon Compatibility: We offer full support for the latest Ventura/Sonoma releases and all Apple Silicon generations.
- Remote Scripting & Patch Management: Execute Bash, Python, and post-enrollment scripts, and automate software updates.
- Security Enforcement: FileVault key escrow, Gatekeeper policy, system extension management, and conditional access.
- Multi-Tenant Control: Especially critical for MSPs managing multiple clients.
- Cross-Platform Support (optional): Useful for hybrid Apple-Windows environments.
These benchmarks help IT teams filter hype from true Apple-aligned MDM platforms.
Top macOS Management Tools in 2025
1. Scalefusion macOS MDM
A rising favorite among SMBs, education, and mixed-platform IT teams.
Scalefusion has taken significant strides in 2025 with deep DDM integration and seamless ABM support. Its intuitive dashboard simplifies deployment, while its automation engine streamlines policy pushes and app updates.
Key strengths:
- Full DDM for automated policy compliance and restrictions
- Zero-touch provisioning via ABM
- Built-in FileVault encryption, device location, kiosk mode, and certificate management
- Script scheduling, OS version targeting, and compliance reports
Best for: SMBs and educational institutions seeking robust Mac management without steep pricing or complexity.
2. Jamf Pro
Hook: The gold standard for managing Macs at scale.
Jamf Pro continues to lead with rich macOS-specific features, including granular security controls, advanced scripting, and seamless identity integration. It’s packed with workflows tailored for IT teams in finance, healthcare, and government.
Key strengths:
- Declarative MDM for app deployments and security policy updates
- Integrated endpoint protection via Jamf Protect and Jamf Trust
- Strong integration with Okta, Azure AD, and Google Workspace
- Smart Groups, advanced patch management, SSO enforcement
Best for: Large enterprises with complex compliance and identity needs.
3. Kandji
Kandji’s standout Blueprint system makes large-scale Apple deployments painless. Built with automation-first principles, it leverages DDM to apply settings based on real-time conditions. Its security and compliance capabilities make it a favorite among regulated industries.
Key strengths:
- Self-healing remediation for policy drift
- Prebuilt compliance templates (HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO)
- Declarative management for app version control and restrictions
- Hands-off configuration via Blueprints and agent-based tooling
Best for: Remote-first companies and compliance-heavy organizations.
4. Mosyle Business
Mosyle Business blends MDM, endpoint protection, identity access, and content filtering—all tailored for Apple. Its interface is simple but effective, and its cost-efficiency makes it highly accessible.
Key strengths:
- Declarative support across macOS features and restrictions
- Integrated malware detection and remediation
- Flexible policy enforcement and reporting
- ABM and VPP integration for zero-touch deployment
Best for: Education, budget-conscious SMBs, and secure-first environments.
5. Addigy
Addigy remains a top choice for MSPs thanks to its multi-tenant architecture, custom alerting, and real-time device monitoring. It’s built to manage thousands of endpoints across environments.
Key strengths:
- Full declarative support for macOS
- Real-time script execution and patch tracking
- Multi-tenant dashboard and client isolation
- Live desktop remote control and alert-based automation
Best for: MSPs and outsourced IT firms managing distributed Apple environments.
6. SimpleMDM
SimpleMDM strips out unnecessary layers and offers a lightweight, highly scriptable environment. It supports declarative policies via Apple’s APIs and is ideal for agile teams that prefer command-line control over GUIs.
Key strengths:
- Full declarative support for provisioning and settings
- RESTful APIs and webhook integration
- Pre/post-enrollment scripting and app lifecycle management
- ABM and DEP support
Best for: Startups, tech-driven orgs, and developers managing Mac fleets.
7. Hexnode UEM
Hexnode offers reliable macOS management alongside Windows, Android, and IoT support. Its UEM framework allows IT to manage cross-platform fleets without losing macOS-specific functionality.
Key strengths:
- Declarative configuration and policy support
- ABM provisioning, VPP app delivery, and remote scripting
- Granular policy-based device grouping
- Competitive pricing and strong admin support
Best for: Cross-platform IT environments and multi-OS organizations.
Key Features to Compare (Tool Matrix)
| Feature | Scalefusion | Jamf Pro | Kandji | Mosyle | Addigy | SimpleMDM | Hexnode |
| Declarative MDM Support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ABM + Zero-Touch Enrollment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Patch Management & Scripting | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Limited | ✔️ |
| Security (FileVault, Gatekeeper) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Basic | ✔️ |
| MSP / Multi-Tenant Support | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Cross-Platform Support | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Industry Use Cases
- Education: Scalefusion and Mosyle excel in managing MacBooks in classroom environments, supporting app distribution, screen time enforcement, and remote wipe for lost devices.
- Enterprise: Jamf Pro and Kandji dominate with their deep compliance workflows, identity integration, and enterprise-level support for software updates and telemetry.
- MSPs: Addigy and Hexnode provide role-based dashboards, multi-tenant separation, and bulk policy automation for managing multiple organizations.
- Healthcare & Finance: Jamf and Kandji offer file encryption, activity auditing, and security compliance needed for regulated industries.
- SMBs & Startups: SimpleMDM and Scalefusion are affordable, user-friendly, and support rapid scaling with minimal overhead.
How to Choose the Right macOS MDM
When deciding on your MDM, evaluate these dimensions:
- Device diversity: Apple-only or multi-OS?
- Scale: Are you managing 50 Macs or 5,000?
- Tech skill level: Need hands-off workflows or script-driven flexibility?
- Compliance depth: Do you need prebuilt templates or custom rule enforcement?
- Budget: Consider not just licenses, but training and admin time.
Start with pilot testing. Many vendors offer 14- or 30-day trials—use this to assess real-world setup, automation, and end-user experience.
Conclusion: Future-Proof Your macOS Fleet
In 2025, managing Macs requires more than remote wipe and app installs—it demands Apple-aligned automation, compliance, and a user-first experience. Whether you’re an enterprise IT team, a growing startup, or a service provider, there’s an MDM here that fits your workflow and budget.
Our top pick for balance and flexibility: Scalefusion Apple MDM. For enterprises: Jamf Pro. For automation-first environments: Kandji.
FAQs
Q: Is ABM the same as MDM?
A: No—ABM is for enrollment and licensing. MDM controls configuration, security, and software after enrollment.
Q: Do I need supervision for Macs?
A: Yes, ABM-enrolled Macs are considered supervised and support full MDM controls like FileVault enforcement and system extension management.
Q: Why is Declarative MDM important?
A: It allows devices to autonomously enforce settings, improving speed, accuracy, and battery life.
Q: Can MDM track user activity?
A: Not granularly. MDM sees app usage, update status, and system info, but not personal data—maintaining Apple’s privacy stance.
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