Microsoft offers some of the most popular solutions for enterprise-level security. One of those options is their Intune product, which is designed for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM).

While Intune is a great solution for many, it's important to remember that it may not align perfectly with the unique security requirements of each and every organization. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative solutions.

To help you decide if an Intune alternative may be a better fit for your endpoint security needs, we've compiled a list of popular alternatives. Each one offers something different from Intune in terms of features, deployment requirements, and cost.

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Intune vs. SCCM

SCCM, which is Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager, is another device security option within the Microsoft ecosystem of products.

SCCM is older than the recent release of Intune and designed strictly for on-premise work environments. This means you must maintain your own on-premise network and server to run SCCM.

Just be aware that Microsoft is in the midst of consolidating its products, especially around endpoint management. In fact, SCCM is currently being rolled into Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune, which makes things a bit more confusing for customers. Currently, however, all products are supported and can be used separately.

There is no cloud option with SCCM, so if you’re looking for a web-based control panel, Intune is the better choice.

However, SCCM does give you more control over your devices. SCCM is agent-based, meaning each device requires a small software install, known as an agent. This agent can essentially give your admins full control of any device on your network.

The main difference between these Intune and SCCM is whether you need to manage a strictly on-premise work environment or if you manage a distributed work environment with BYOD and other related policies.

SCCM is strictly an on-premise solution and will excel in that environment.

SCCM Pros

• Dedicated for on-premise.
• Enhanced control over devices through an agent-based system.
• Health & system performance monitoring.
• Easily patch and update software.

SCCM Cons

• Requires on-premise server and initial server license fee.
• Not specialized for mobile or distributed work environments.

When To Choose SCCM Over Intune

SCCM is best for dedicated on-premise work environments and in-office IT situations.

The enhanced control of being both on-premise and agent-based gives IT departments the tools they need for the complete administration of local devices.

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Intune vs. Jamf

Jamf is an endpoint security solution designed specifically for Apple and Mac environments.

Intune does offer support for Windows, Android, and iOS/Mac, but Jamf is designed specifically for Apple environments and devices.

Jamf has a tighter integration with the different Apple operating systems, which can make managing Apple devices and enabling certain security features far easier. It is primarily used by schools, medical facilities, and certain creative agencies that use Apple devices exclusively.

Jamf can also work with Intune to provide a hybrid MDM solution. It is currently updating its Conditional Access platform to work with Microsoft's new standard, which will continue the level of compatibility.

Overall, Jamf provides many of the same features as Intune, such as automated device enrollment, custom access policies, and configuration profiles. The difference is it's built specifically for Apple products.

Jamf Pros

• Dedicated Apple environment endpoint security and management.
• Self-service options for device enrollment and other features.
• Cloud option or on-premise hosting.
• No minimum user license requirements.

Jamf Cons

• On-boarding can be complicated.

When To Choose Jamf Over Intune

If you manage a dedicated Apple environment, then Jamf is an excellent choice. It also works well for smaller organizations, such as bespoke marketing agencies, which don't require Intune's complete feature set yet still want enterprise-level device security.

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Intune vs. Kandji

Kandji is a relatively new Apple MDM option that targets tech startups and enterprise companies. It is user-friendly, coding-free, and offers a variety of pre-built automation.

Kandji has received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and efficient device management abilities. Users have also noted Kandji's robust security features, such as one-click compliance templates and various compliance controls in their library.

Kandji Pros

• Agile and cloud-based architecture.
• Straightforward migration from competitive MDM offerings.
• It has a straightforward and intuitive user interface and management console.
• "Kandji offers over 150 automation for deployment, patch management, and security policy enforcement to help meet compliance mandates."
• "Kandji is a CIS partner and has CIS Security Software Certification for CIS Benchmarks."
• Users can map macOS devices to CIS and NIST frameworks using Kandji tools.
• Kandji supports devices that require compliance with SOC 2, FedRAMP, HIPAA, and ISO27001.
• Support for  CIS Levels 1 and 2 security.

Kandji Cons

• No support for mobile applications.
• It only supports Apple devices.
• The premium option carries a higher price than most competitors with similar features.
• SSO is supported; however, it requires extensive configuration.
• The Blueprints need to be more precise to leverage.

When To Choose Kandji Over Intune

When deciding between Kandji and Microsoft Intune, users tend to prefer Kandji due to its easy-to-use interface, effective device management, wide range of compliance and security templates, and strong security features. Kandji streamlines software deployment, updates, and patching, works well with other tools, and offers exceptional customer support.

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Intune vs. Addigy

Addigy is a cloud-based solution for managing Apple devices. It combines Mobile Device Management (MDM) with deployment, security, and remote access features.

"This solution supports companies wanting to manage all Apple devices, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS from a single management console."

Addigy maintains and protects Apple IT ecosystems and minimizes downtime. It offers patch management, enterprise mobility, remote monitoring, and unified endpoint management. This Apple MDM software scales with the business as Apple device adoption grows.

Addigy Pros

• Rapid Device Deployment.
• Monitoring & Automation Remediation.
• Security and Compliance Features.
• Automated System Updates.
• Customer Service.

Addigy Cons

• The user community reports the management interface needs to be better and more fluid.
• Users also experienced occasional connectivity problems in the SaaS platform.
• Users request that Addigy update their document more frequently.
• Addigy also doesn't support Windows, Linux, or mobile devices.

When To Choose Addigy Over Intune

Addigy is a better choice than Microsoft Intune for clients who need an uncomplicated and effective platform for managing their Mac and iOS devices. Addigy is renowned for its comprehensive device management capabilities and strong security features. Most organizations prefer Addigy over Microsoft Intune because of their outstanding customer service.

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How To Choose Between Intune Or An Alternative

A robust endpoint security and management system is crucial in a modern distributed and remote work environment. Beyond the obvious need for security, endpoint management also fuels productivity through automation and other functions to support your IT team and other employees.

Choosing the right endpoint security solution can be a straightforward process if you know exactly what you're looking for. For example, if you exclusively use Apple devices and are strictly on-premise — then Jamf or Kandji are the clear choices.

However, in most cases, the decision is more complex — like choosing between Intune and SCCM, for example. Although these two may appear similar on the surface, each excels in specific areas. To make the right choice, you need to consider your specific environment and IT workflow carefully.

Since endpoint management solutions take time and money to implement, the wrong choice can cause your IT department to have productivity issues, not to mention budget problems.

If you need help choosing the right endpoint solutions for your business, Hypershift Technologies can offer the experience required to make the best choice.

Our engineers have deployed and managed endpoint solutions like Intune and all the top alternatives. We can carefully analyze your current IT infrastructure and environment and suggest the perfect solutions to boost productivity and keep your costs as low as possible.

Contact Hypershift Technologies and let one of our security specialists help you decide if Intune or an alternative is best for your endpoint and device management.

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Intune Alternatives Comparison FAQs

What Is The Best Alternative To Intune?

When it comes to choosing an endpoint management solution, it really depends on the unique needs of your organization. There is no one-size-fits-all alternative to Intune!

Which Is Better: Intune vs SCCM

For exclusively on-premise work environments, SCCM can provide IT departments with more control and customization options than Intune. Intune was developed as a flexible cloud-based MDM and MAM platform.

Both Intune and SCCM are Microsoft products and integrate perfectly within the broader Microsoft ecosystem. The choice comes down to your specific work environment and the need for an on-premise solution.

How Much Does Intune Cost?

Intune is also available separately, with pricing starting at $8.00 per user license.

Several Microsoft 365 Plans, such as E3, E5, F1, and F3, include Intune. It is also included in Microsoft Enterprise + Security Bundles E3 and E5. All Microsoft Business and Premium Plans also include Intune.