7 Cisco Meraki alternatives: the best MDM solutions for IT teams

Are you searching for a Cisco Meraki alternative? Or perhaps you need a mobile device management (MDM) solution that seamlessly integrates with your IT infrastructure.
Whether you’re an IT team or a managed service provider (MSP), choosing the right MDM software is crucial for efficiently managing mobile devices, securing endpoints, and maintaining compliance.

Cisco Meraki offers a robust MDM solution, but it may not fit every organization’s needs. Some businesses require a more flexible, scalable, or feature-rich alternative. Before diving into the alternatives, check out how integrating StatusGator with Cisco Meraki’s private status ingestion provides real-time insights into your network’s health, enabling you to stay informed about connectivity issues and ensure continuous uptime for your infrastructure.

In this article, we explore the best Cisco Meraki MDM alternatives to help you make an informed decision.

Key features to look for in a Cisco Meraki MDM alternative

When comparing MDM solutions, consider the following factors:

• Real-time monitoring and alerting
• Remote access and control
• Scalability to grow with your organization
• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive security and compliance features
• Strong customer support

Here are some of the best Cisco Meraki alternatives in 2025 for mobile device management. Also, we covered Cisco Meraki monitoring tools in one of our recent articles.

1. NinjaOne

NinjaOne is a leading IT management solution trusted by over 17,000 customers worldwide. This cloud-native platform provides complete visibility and control over Android and iOS devices, alongside Windows, macOS, Linux, servers, virtual machines, and networking devices.

Key features of NinjaOne

1. Inventory Tracking to monitor all endpoint devices in real time, ensuring performance and security.
2. IT Operations Security to manage antivirus, patches, drive encryption, and role-based access controls to protect your IT environment.
3. Scalability that allows to adapt easily to network infrastructure changes as your business grows.
4. Third-Party Integrations to extended functionality.
5. Ease of Use including a simple interface and free unlimited onboarding make adoption seamless.

Strengths of NinjaOne

• Unified Endpoint Management for corporate and BYOD devices within a single pane of glass.
• Automation of IT tasks to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
• Reporting & Ticketing to improve IT service and custom reporting.

Weaknesses of NinjaOne

• Limited Mobile Device Management (MDM) Features are not as robust as competitors like Jamf or Hexnode.
• No Native Network Monitoring requires third-party integrations for full network visibility.
• High Pricing for small businesses needing only basic MDM features.
• Lack of Granular Customization makes it difficult to tailor workflows for some users.
• Inconsistent Support as some users report long response times and limited technical assistance for complex issues.

2. Kandji

Kandji is a cloud-based Apple-only endpoint management solution, ideal for businesses that exclusively use macOS and iOS devices.

Key features

1. Patch Management to automate MacOS updates and third-party app deployments.
2. Remote Monitoring to keep track of Apple devices, applications, and activity logs.
3. Security Automation to enforce compliance with NIST, CIS, and STIG standards.

Strengths

• Built specifically for Apple environments.
• Automated device provisioning and security enforcement.

Weaknesses

• Limited to Apple devices – No support for Windows or Linux environments.
• Basic reporting capabilities – Lacks detailed reporting features.

3. JumpCloud

JumpCloud is a cloud-based directory platform that provides unified endpoint and identity management, making it a strong alternative to Cisco Meraki for mobile device management (MDM). Designed for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs), JumpCloud enables centralized control over users, devices, and applications across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Key features

1. Cross-Platform Device Management across multiple operating systems, offering a more flexible solution compared to Meraki’s Apple-focused MDM.
   
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM) helps enforce security policies, control user access, and integrate with single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security.
   
3. Zero-Touch Deployment allows the provision of new devices with pre-configured settings, applications, and security policies, streamlining onboarding and reducing manual setup efforts.
   
4. Security and Compliance includes disk encryption, endpoint security policies, and compliance tools to help organizations meet regulatory requirements.
   
5. Directory Integration that integrates with major identity providers like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and LDAP-based applications.

Strengths

• Supports multiple OS platforms.
• Includes built-in IAM and security features.
• Cloud-native with no on-premises infrastructure needed.
• Integrates with various third-party applications.

Weaknesses

• Can be complex to configure for new users.
• Lacks some advanced network monitoring features compared to Meraki.

4. Jamf

Jamf is a specialized Apple device management solution that enables organizations to manage, secure, and support macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices at scale.

Key features

1. Automated Device Enrollment, seamless deployment, and configuration of Apple devices.
2. Security & Compliance helps to enforce security policies, monitor compliance, and protect endpoints.
3. Application Management allows to distribute and manage applications efficiently across Apple devices.
4. Remote Access & Support enables troubleshooting and providing IT support remotely.
5. Zero-Touch Deployment to streamline onboarding with automated provisioning.

Strengths

• Dedicated Apple device management is ideal for businesses with a heavy reliance on Apple devices.
• Seamless integration with Apple Business Manager and School Manager.
• Advanced security and compliance features for regulated industries.

Weaknesses

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors.
• Apple-only focus – Not suitable for organizations managing Windows or Android devices.

5. Electric.ai

Electric is a modern IT management platform that provides small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with a comprehensive solution for managing devices, users, and security. Unlike Cisco Meraki, which primarily focuses on network and device management, Electric offers a broader IT support service, acting as a virtual IT department for businesses that need scalable and proactive IT solutions.

Key features

1. Automated IT Support in real-time and automation for managing employee devices, applications, and network security. IT teams can streamline onboarding, offboarding, and troubleshooting without the need for in-house expertise.
   
2. Device and Endpoint Management that allows to enforce security policies, manage software updates, and ensures compliance across macOS, Windows, and mobile devices, making it a flexible alternative to Cisco Meraki’s MDM.
   
3. Security and Compliance helps SMBs maintain best practices with automated compliance checks, password management, and endpoint security enforcement, reducing vulnerabilities.
   
4. Application and License Management provides visibility into software usage, ensuring businesses can optimize SaaS licenses and reduce costs while maintaining compliance.
   
5. Proactive Network Monitoring helps IT teams identify and resolve connectivity and security issues across an organization’s devices and applications.

Strengths

• Tailored for SMBs that need IT support without hiring a full IT team.
• Automates device provisioning and security enforcement.
• Helps optimize software and SaaS license management.
• Provides real-time IT support and troubleshooting.

Weaknesses

• Lacks advanced networking features found in Cisco Meraki.
• May not be ideal for enterprises with complex IT infrastructures.

6. Hexnode

Hexnode is a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution offering real-time monitoring of multiple platforms, including iOS and Android.

Key features

1. Remote Management to control and monitor all endpoints remotely.
2. Device Enrollment with zero-touch and minimal-touch device provisioning.
3. Software Integrations.

Strengths

• Multi-platform support for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
• Security policies and compliance enforcement.

Weaknesses

• Not as scalable for large enterprises.
• Steep learning curve – Interface can be complex for new users.

7. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is an enterprise-grade MDM solution that supports multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and ChromeOS.

Key features

1. Device Lifecycle Management of the entire device lifecycle, from provisioning to retirement.
2. Security & Compliance, remote wipe of the lost devices, and data encryption.
3. Application Management across devices.
4. Content Management to securely distribute and manage files on mobile devices.
5. Remote Troubleshooting for IT support.

Strengths

• Comprehensive multi-platform support that works with a variety of operating systems.
• Advanced security controls including enforcing policies, encrypting data, and protecting corporate information.
• Scalability makes this solution suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Weaknesses

• Complex setup as the initial configuration can be challenging for new users.
• User interface as some users report the dashboard could be more intuitive.

Enhance your MDM strategy with StatusGator’s private status ingestion

While choosing an MDM solution is crucial, ensuring the reliability of your IT infrastructure is just as important. Integration of StatusGator and Meraki’s private status ingestion provides deeper insights into service outages beyond public status pages.

With integrations for services like Cisco Meraki, Microsoft 365, and AT&T, IT teams can get real-time, tenant-specific status updates to improve incident response and minimize downtime.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Cisco Meraki alternative depends on your organization’s unique requirements. Whether you need a multi-platform solution like ManageEngine, an Apple-exclusive tool like Kandji, or an all-in-one IT management platform like NinjaOne, evaluating key features and integrations is crucial.

Additionally, pairing your solution with StatusGator’s Private Status Ingestion can enhance your incident management strategy by providing real-time visibility into critical service outages.

Ready to explore your options? Start a free trial with the MDM solution that fits your needs and optimize your IT operations today.