--- source_url: "https://www.zipsec.com/blog/jamf-vs-kandji-which-apple-mdm-solution-is-best-in-2025" title: "Jamf vs. Kandji: Which Apple MDM solution is best in 2025? | Zip Security" mirrored_at: 2026-08-13T01:01:10.101Z host: www.zipsec.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.zipsec.com/blog/jamf-vs-kandji-which-apple-mdm-solution-is-best-in-2025" --- > **Original source:** https://www.zipsec.com/blog/jamf-vs-kandji-which-apple-mdm-solution-is-best-in-2025 Apple devices aren't centrally managed by default — each Mac, iPhone, and iPad functions as a standalone piece of hardware. For businesses, this creates a gap: IT teams need a way to enforce security policies, push updates, and support employees at scale. That's where [Mobile Device Management](https://www.zipsec.com/blog/navigating-the-cybersecurity-landscape-a-deep-dive-into-device-management) (MDM) comes in. MDM platforms give organizations direct control over employee devices, enabling IT teams to set up, secure, and manage them remotely. These solutions can vary in scope — some focus on Windows, others on Mac — so choosing the right platform depends in part on the makeup of your device fleet. For Mac environments, two providers stand out: [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/), the established market leader known for its depth and breadth of coverage, and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/), the modern challenger known for its simplicity. Both deliver the same foundational features: zero-touch deployment across Apple operating systems, direct integrations with identity and productivity tools, and alignment with common compliance frameworks. How they do this varies: "[Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) emphasizes customization through smart groups, extension attributes, and script-driven automation, while [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) takes a no-code approach that is quick to adopt but less flexible as needs become more advanced." In this article, we'll provide a detailed comparison of [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) — highlighting where they overlap, where they diverge, and how each approaches integrations, pricing, target audiences, and compliance support. Despite their differences in philosophy, [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) share core capabilities: - **Zero-touch deployment** across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and even tvOS; devices can be preconfigured so employees receive them ready to use on day one - **Integration with identity tools** like [Okta](https://www.okta.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [Microsoft Entra](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/microsoft-entra?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and [Google Workspace](https://workspace.google.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Compliance alignment** with frameworks such as [CIS](https://www.cisecurity.org/about-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [SOC 2](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/topic/audit-assurance/audit-and-assurance-greater-than-soc-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [ISO 27001](https://www.iso.org/standard/27001?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and [HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) On paper, either tool can help an organization achieve compliance and manage Apple devices at scale. The real difference lies in how they help you get there — and whether their approaches hold up as your environment grows. Below, we'll dig into how [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) differ across four key areas: onboarding, customizability and policy management, operating system support, and pricing. Each of these factors can influence how easy a platform is to adopt and how well it supports your organization as it grows. ### Onboarding #### [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/): Prebuilt and fast [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) is designed for easy setup, shipping with more than 200 prebuilt automations that handle common MDM needs like password policies, WiFi settings, and app deployment — no custom scripting needed. This plug-and-play model stems from [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/)'s origins as a consulting team that saw how much setup work other MDMs demanded, and set out to remove the need for deep technical expertise. While [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) is often described as the "automation leader," that label can be misleading — most MDMs automate similar tasks. The real differentiator is [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/)'s no-code interface, which makes those automations accessible to non-technical admins. #### [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/): Flexible but requires more upfront work [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) takes an un-opinionated approach to MDM, offering the tooling to fully customize devices from scratch rather than relying on prebuilt automations. Its focus on [open source tooling](https://engineering.jamf.com/opensource/) and extensibility means that anything possible in [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) — and far more — can also be achieved in [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/). The trade-off is complexity: [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) can be challenging to implement without technical expertise. To address this, organizations often turn to orchestration platforms like [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/), which configure [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) with a [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/)\-like simplicity while bundling it with other essential security tools, or hire consultants to handle deployment. These options make [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/)'s flexibility accessible without the prohibitive costs that can be associated with implementation, onboarding, or initial setup. ### Customizability & Policy Management #### [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/): Fine-grained control [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) is built for scale, giving IT teams the ability to apply both universal settings and device-specific configurations. Its **Smart Groups** let admins assign policies based on attributes such as role, department, or hardware specs — for example, deploying a sales analytics tool only to managers, or installing Photoshop only on devices with 32GB+ RAM. This prevents bloat and ensures each team gets the right tools and restrictions. Beyond Smart Groups, [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) collects detailed inventory data by default (hardware, OS, apps, profiles, and more). For anything else, **Extension Attributes** allow admins to script custom data points — like capturing a device hostname or syncing multiple LDAP group memberships into a single field. Together, Smart Groups and Extension Attributes give [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) near-limitless flexibility. Organizations can define policies for all devices, subsets of users, or highly specific configurations, while monitoring virtually any attribute across their fleet. #### [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/): Simplicity with limits [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) organizes devices through [Blueprints](https://support.kandji.io/kb/getting-started-configuring-blueprints), which assign automations by role or department. While simple to set up, [Blueprints](https://support.kandji.io/kb/getting-started-configuring-blueprints) are static — devices can only belong to one profile, with no further tailoring based on specs, location, or other attributes. Unlike [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/), [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) also lacks support for custom attributes, which limits flexibility as environments grow more complex. This rigidity is [why many developers](https://www.reddit.com/r/macsysadmin/comments/1ci9yqg/comment/l2aju9q/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button), even when offered [steep discounts](https://www.reddit.com/r/macsysadmin/comments/1bnj9fv/jamf_vs_kandji_in_2024), stick with [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) or migrate back after outgrowing [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/). ### Operating system support #### [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/): Latest Apple OS only [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) supports only the most recent versions of Apple operating systems across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This approach simplifies management and reduces the risk of legacy vulnerabilities, but it can be restrictive for organizations that rely on older apps or need to stagger OS upgrades over time. #### [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/): Broader flexibility [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) supports provisioning on both the latest and [older macOS versions](https://learn.jamf.com/en-US/bundle/technical-paper-deploying-macos-upgrades-current/page/Creating_a_Smart_Computer_Group_to_Identify_Eligible_Computers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), which is critical for organizations tied to legacy software that may not run on modern OS releases (e.g., [video editing software](https://www.reddit.com/r/macsysadmin/comments/tn6oka/still_possible_to_deploy_specific_versions_of)). Like [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/), [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) recommends staying current for security reasons, as it gives IT teams the flexibility to manage gradual transitions. [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) is primarily Apple-focused, but it can also provide partial Windows support through [Microsoft Intune](https://learn.jamf.com/en-US/bundle/technical-paper-microsoft-intune-mac-computers-current/page/Configuring_the_Intune_Integration.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com). In this setup, [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) shares Apple device data with Intune, giving Windows-heavy organizations visibility into their Apple inventory. This integration is most useful when organizations are primarily Windows-heavy, with Apple devices making up a small part of the fleet. ### Pricing and operational costs Pricing comparisons between [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) are often reduced to the average cost per device, which we've included below. But per-device pricing is only part of the picture. Businesses also need to consider onboarding costs — minimal with [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/), but more significant with [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) unless you dedicate internal bandwidth or use a partner like [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/) to manage setup. There are also ongoing management costs: With both platforms, IT teams must monitor devices to ensure compliance, though Zip can ease this burden by automatically remediating drift. Finally, organizations should weigh not just current needs but also future requirements. Many teams eventually outgrow [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/), and the cost of migrating to a more flexible solution like [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) later can be substantial. #### [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/): All-inclusive [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/)'s pricing is not public, but [Vendr data estimates](https://www.vendr.com/marketplace/kandji) that it costs around $4-8 per device. All core features are included without needing to piece together add-ons. For organizations that want predictable budgeting and minimal configuration overhead, this simplicity can be appealing. The automation built into [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) can also translate into lower operational costs by reducing the amount of manual IT work needed to keep devices compliant and secure. #### [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/): Larger price range, more flexible value [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/)'s pricing [is public](https://www.jamf.com/pricing/?nav=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww4TGBhCKARIsAFLXndSAgzdppETvSLhq4jlxfjuzvz12amixCdUCTBf6EXg_eFU0p3psavMaAkpxEALw_wcB&gad_campaignid=17808946542&gad_source=1&utm_content=17808946542_137834231894_jamf%20pricing_e_c_g_683984326486&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google), where macOS costs $10 per device and mobile devices cost $5.75 per device; they also offer a $4 per device discount to small businesses. The pricing varies depending on deployment size, feature requirements, and whether you opt for cloud or on-premises hosting. Some advanced capabilities may require additional [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) products, which can increase the total spend. While this may raise the upfront cost compared to [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/), [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/)'s extensive customization options can deliver value in environments where fine-grained control is necessary, especially if they efficiently achieve compliance with complex regulations. ### [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/): Best for long-term growth [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) is the better fit for organizations that need flexibility and fine-grained control. Its Smart Groups, Extension Attributes, and support for legacy operating systems make it ideal for complex or growing environments. While [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) requires more effort upfront, this can be offset by orchestration platforms like [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/), which streamline setup and ongoing management. Choose [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) when: - You need highly granular control over device policies and configurations, _or_ - Your environment has complex security, compliance, or integration needs, _or_ - Custom scripting, staged rollouts, and advanced workflows are essential, _or_ - You want a platform that can support your organization from startup through scale ### [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/): Best for straightforward needs [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) is designed for speed and simplicity. With its 200+ prebuilt automations and no-code interface, it's fast to deploy and easy to manage. For some organizations, [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) checks the boxes: they need a more common setup, value a straightforward system even if it's limiting, and don't need any bespoke configurations. In other words, for a "cookie-cutter" organization, [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) is likely the ideal solution. In short, choose [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) when: - Apple devices make up the majority of your fleet and are expected to grow, _and_ - Fast deployment and minimal ongoing configuration are priorities, _and_ - [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/)'s built-in compliance templates meet your current and near-term needs ### [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/): Bringing it together [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/) isn't an MDM itself — we're an all-in-one IT and security platform that deploys and manages industry-leading tools on behalf of organizations. We eliminate complexity through software automation, ensuring there's no need to choose between what's easiest and what's best. We support both Windows and Mac device management, automating deployments in Intune (the market leader for Windows) and [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) simultaneously. Beyond MDM, we deliver best-in-class Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) through CrowdStrike and enable compliance with standards including [SOC 2](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/topic/audit-assurance/audit-and-assurance-greater-than-soc-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com), NIST 800-171, PCI DSS, [HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), and more. By integrating directly with identity providers, we provide a single solution for visibility and control across devices, identities, browsers, and endpoints. Acting as an extension of internal teams, we deliver real-time visibility while handling the heavy lifting in the background — making enterprise-grade security accessible to organizations of every size. [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) and [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) both deliver strong Apple MDM capabilities, but they serve different audiences. "[Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) shines with speed and ease of use, while [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) offers the flexibility enterprises need to scale securely." For most organizations thinking beyond the short term, [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) is the safer bet — especially when paired with orchestration platforms like [Zip Security](https://www.zipsec.com/) that remove the setup and management burden. [Kandji](https://www.kandji.io/) has made impressive progress and could become a more formidable competitor if it closes the gap on customization, but for now, [Jamf](https://www.jamf.com/) remains the more future-proof choice.