The task of school iPad management mirrors an attempt to manage a digital animal sanctuary. Some events reveal iPads as effective educational instruments, but in successive moments, they generate problems with security and disruption alongside administrative problems for education staff. When properly managed, these obstacles become windows to develop peaceful and protected educational practices through technology.
Through a well-planned Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, educational establishments gain control over device focus and content monitoring, application management, and sensitive information protection. MDM solutions for iPad management produce an environment that combines security features with control mechanisms and enhanced productivity for educational purposes.
The selection of Apple MDM solutions is based on industry expertise and extensive research, which identifies the top five solutions. The selected tools provide controlled environments for established IT administrators and new schools implementing Mobile Device Management because they enable iPad optimization for educational purposes.
Here are the 5 best Apple MDM Solutions for k-12 Schools
1. Scalefusion
Scalefusion UEM is an advanced and scalable cloud-based unified endpoint management solution. It is engineered to empower IT teams with features that expedite endpoint management. As an Apple MDM, Scalefusion offers robust features that ensure device protection while maintaining employee productivity. As intuitive as Apple devices, Scalefusion offers a seamless device management experience for IT admins.
Scalefusion provides tailored solutions according to your demand, be it from businesses like SMEs and MNCs to educational institutions. By unifying endpoint management, zero trust access, and security into a single platform, Scalefusion simplifies IT operations and supports the requirements of enterprises.
Key features
- OS update and patch management
- Support for Apple Business & School Manager
- Application management (App Store, VPP, and Private Apps)
- Customize device profile
- Email management
- Share Device mode
- Content Filtering and Parental Controls
- Remote Cast and Access
- Configure FileVault encryption
- Passcode policies
- Reports and Workflows
- AirThink AI for Scripting
- I/0 device access control
- Deep Dive for device analytics
Reasons to choose
- Offers special pricing for educational institutions.
- Zero-touch enrollment through Apple’s DEP streamlines device onboarding.
- Offers IAM and Endpoint Security features as add-ons.
- Strong security with remote lock, data wipe, and passcode enforcement.
- Scalefusion offers device management for Windows, iOS, MacOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS devices.
Reasons not to choose
- There may be a slight learning curve initially due to the extensive range of features offered.
G2 Rating (Out of 5)
- Scalefusion UEM: 4.7
Pricing
- The basic plan starts at $2 per device per month.
- A 14-day free trial with full feature access is available, allowing prospective users to explore the platform before subscribing.
2. Jamf
Jamf is another good Apple MDM solution for Apple devices used in K-12 schools. It offers three products – Jamf Pro, Jamf Now, and Jamf School, each for different deployment scenarios. Jamf Pro handles enterprise-level management, Jamf Now supports small to medium businesses, and Jamf School focuses on device management and security for educational institutions.
Key features
For businesses
- Application management: Install and push all the necessary applications to desired Apple devices.
- Zero-touch deployment
- Remote Assist
- Inventory management
- Self Service app catalog
- Email configuration
- OS update and patch management
- Password sync
- Disk encryption
- Web protection
- Remote lock and wipe
For schools
- Jamf Teacher app
- Jamf Student app
- Time-based profiles & geofenced profiles
- Jamf Parent app
- Jamf Assessment app
Reasons to choose
- Offers same-day support for new operating systems.
- Offers innovative apps with a variety of helpful features designed specifically for teachers, students and parents.
- Enables you to monitor hardware and software distribution by user or device, for more productive planning and budgeting.
- Provides comprehensive Apple ecosystem support.
Reasons not to choose
- Has a steep learning curve.
- The platform can be expensive for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Does not manage a multi-OS (Android, Windows, or Linux) device environment.
G2 Rating (out of 5)
Jamf Now: 4.4
Jamf Pro: 4.8
Jamf School: 4.7
Pricing
- Pricing plans for businesses:
- Jamf Now: Starts at $4 per device per month with no minimum user requirement.
- Jamf Business: Start at $15 per user per month with a requirement of a minimum of 25 users.
- Jamf Enterprise: Custom pricing is available upon request for a minimum of either 25 users or 50 devices.
- Pricing plan for education:
- Jamf Education Enhanced: Starts at $9 per device for a minimum of 25 devices.
- Jamf Education Ultimate: Starts at $20 per device for a minimum of 25 devices.
- A 14-day free trial is available.
3. Kandji
Kandji is a cloud-based MDM solution designed to help businesses and schools manage and secure Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. Its focus on automation and streamlined workflows makes Kandji a practical choice for organizations looking to simplify Apple device management while ensuring compliance and security.
Key features
- Zero-touch deployment
- Application management
- macOS update and upgrade management
- Lost mode
- Remote wipe and lock
- Pre-built templates for security and compliance management
Reasons to choose
- Along with the standard MDM features, Kandji enhances device management with its proprietary macOS agent.
- Kandji is easy to use and quick to set up, which boosts efficiency and simplifies the process.
Reasons not to choose
- Some features require separate subscriptions or upgrades
- Kandji’s pricing can be steep, making it a more expensive option for smaller businesses and public educational institutions.
G2 Rating (Out of 5)
- Kandji: 4.7
Pricing
- The pricing varies based on the number of devices.
- The basic pricing starts at $8 per device per month for a minimum of 25 devices.
- A 21-day free trial is available.
4. Mosyle
Mosyle has emerged as a trusted solution for managing Apple devices, offering a robust, cloud-native platform tailored for businesses and educational institutions. With its focus on macOS, iOS, and tvOS, Mosyle combines enterprise-grade device management. Its lightweight macOS agent enables organizations to leverage advanced capabilities that go beyond standard Apple MDM solutions. Mosyle’s competitive pricing and reliable support make it a practical choice for managing and securing Apple devices in both professional and academic environments.
Key features
- App management
- Zero-touch enrollment
- OS update and patch management
- Automated workflows
- Chrome browser management
- Web filtering
- Mosyle App Catalog
Reasons to choose
- It is one of the most cost-effective options in the market today.
- Provides tailored solutions for both educational institutions and enterprises
- Offers strong security and privacy features.
- Has a clean user interface.
Reasons not to choose
- Mosyle has a steep learning curve as compared to other Apple MDM.
- Offers advanced features that might require a level of technical
G2 Rating (Out of 5)
- Mosyle: 4.6
Pricing
- A 30-day free trial is available.
- Offer three different pricing plans for businesses and schools each.
For businesses
- Mosyle Fuse: Start at $3 per device per month billed annually with a minimum requirement of 30 licenses.
- Mosyle Business Premium: $1 per device per month billed annually with a minimum requirement of 30 licenses.
- Mosyle Business Free: Free for up to 30 devices with limited device management features.
For schools
- Mosyle Manager free: Free for up to 30 devices.
- Mosyle One K12: Starts at $9 per device per year (minimum 30 licenses required).
- Mosyle Manager Premium: $5.50 per device per year (minimum 30 licenses required).
5. Addigy
Addigy is a versatile Apple device management solution that caters to businesses, educational institutions, and managed service providers. Its cloud-based platform combines flexibility with robust real-time management capabilities, enabling IT teams to instantly configure, update, and secure macOS devices at scale. Its focus on automation and user-friendly tools makes it a compelling choice for organizations seeking efficient and scalable Apple device management solutions.
Key features
- Apple Business Manager – based device enrollment
- LiveDesktop
- GoLive for device status
- Help desk management
- Self-service
- Automated OS Update and Patching
- Software deployment
- Inventory management
- Support for Apple School Manager
- Remote lock and wipe
Reasons to choose
- Addigy offers all-inclusive pricing, making deployment easier without researching different packages.
- It lets admins schedule and execute bash scripts, allowing for deep customization in managing your devices.
- Addigy offers tools like SSO and Malwarebytes, which makes Apple management easy.
Reasons not to choose
- Some users report that advanced features can be complex to implement.
- Script sharing within the Addigy community is less extensive.
- New updates and changes take time to reflect.
G2 Rating (Out of 5)
Addigy: 4.5
Pricing
- Addigy offers two pricing options:
- Standard Plan: Starts at $6 per device with limited features for Apple management for education.
- Premium Plan: Starts at $8 per device with all the features available.
- A 14-day free trial is available to explore both plans.
Key Factors While Choosing Apple MDM for k-12 Schools
Selecting an Apple MDM solution goes beyond comparing features, it’s about finding the right fit for a school’s specific needs and challenges. To make an informed decision, consider these key factors:
- Focus on Core Functionalities
Extra features in overwhelming numbers can divert users from true priorities. School administrators should begin by identifying the main institutional difficulties associated with iPad management, followed by defining the essential requirements. The chosen MDM needs to provide solutions that resolve issues with internet supervision, application regulation, device distribution, and classroom management needs. - Ensure Ease of Use
Staff members within the IT department and teaching personnel have limited time to work with systems that require advanced knowledge. An intuitive MDM interface combined with clear navigation and efficient workflows will decrease users’ training duration and achieve effective adoption throughout the educational institution. - Prioritize Reliable Support
Technical problems naturally arise, so schools must prioritize their customer support capabilities. Schools should prioritize MDM providers who provide immediate support from educated personnel and field-tested education sector specialists to help students restore operations without interruptions. - Emphasize Security
Student data protection, together with online safety enforcement, should remain a primary educational concern. Schools must select MDM solutions equipped with enhanced security capabilities to offer content filtering, app management, device encryption, and stringent access constraints that ensure the protection of sensitive data and educational security at all times. - Consider Value Over Cost
Selecting an MDM solution based on inexpensive market pricing may result in inefficient operational costs later on despite financial limitations. Educational institutions must evaluate value across customer service alongside all key features when choosing MDM solutions that maximize their investment. - Test Before Committing
Before making their final selection, schools can check MDM functionality and compatibility through free trials or product demos available from most providers. A practical testing procedure guarantees that the selected solution upholds its operational and technical specifications.
Choose the Right MDM Solution for Your School
iPads should enhance learning, not create additional challenges. A well-chosen MDM solution helps schools maintain the right balance between security, control, and educational freedom. By carefully evaluating options, testing solutions, and selecting a system that aligns with institutional needs, schools can create a safe, efficient, and technology-driven learning environment.
