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Cybersecurity Information SecurityTop 10 Best Workspace ONE UEM Alternatives in 2026
Policy-driven UEM substitutes for provisioning, security configuration, and operational reporting
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Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
enterprise strict mobile compliance
BlackBerry UEM
BlackBerry UEM applies security configuration policies during device enrollment, with reporting for operational visibility.
Fits when Windows users need strict mobile security policies, enrollment control, and visibility reporting across endpoints.
enterprise Meraki networking
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager
Meraki Systems Manager is strong for teams already running Meraki networking, weak when Workspace ONE UEM-level policy breadth is required.
Fits when Windows and mobile teams want Meraki-native cloud MDM control without UEM complexity.
mid cross-platform enrollment
Hexnode UEM
Hexnode UEM is strong for cross-platform enrollment and policy control, weak when matching Workspace ONE UEM integration depth.
Fits when Windows and mobile fleets need consistent policy enforcement with simpler rollout and management.
Workspace ONE UEM is a unified endpoint management platform used to provision, configure, and monitor endpoints across organizations. Its primary job is policy-based endpoint control, including device enrollment and security configuration, with reporting for operational visibility.
- → Users leave due to total platform weight when endpoint management needs are limited to a smaller subset of device types and policies.
- → Admins report friction when onboarding, policy tuning, or governance workflows take more operational effort than planned.
- → Teams may leave to reduce licensing and administrative overhead when the management footprint expands beyond initial scope.
- → Keeping Workspace ONE UEM makes sense when heterogeneous endpoint fleets require consistent policy assignment and enrollment workflows.
- → Keeping Workspace ONE UEM makes sense when identity-group driven policy mapping and governance controls are already standardized across security and IT teams.
Comparison Table
BlackBerry UEM
enterpriseBlackBerry UEM manages and secures mobile devices, applications, and content.
BlackBerry UEM applies security configuration policies during device enrollment, with reporting for operational visibility.
BlackBerry UEM acts as a policy-driven management layer for enterprise endpoints, covering enrollment, configuration, and ongoing monitoring for devices under management. It supports device onboarding workflows and enforces security settings through centrally defined policies that can be applied consistently across managed fleets. Reporting and operational visibility features provide insight into device and compliance status so administrators can track outcomes across organizations.
A tradeoff is that organizations with heavily customized workflows may need more operational planning to map existing AirWatch-style integrations and policy structures into BlackBerry UEM’s administration model. This solution fits scenarios where mobile device security controls must be applied uniformly, such as regulated environments that require strong enforcement of configuration baselines and continuous monitoring of managed endpoints. It is also well suited for teams consolidating governance across multiple device types and wanting consistent policy execution rather than ad hoc per-device changes.
- +Policy-based enrollment and security configuration for managed endpoints
- +Operational reporting supports endpoint visibility for administrators
- +Specialist focus on enterprise mobility and security requirements
- +Direct replacement intent for AirWatch-like enterprise mobility control
- –Potential gaps in breadth versus Workspace ONE UEM admin workflows
- –May not match Workspace ONE UEM integration depth for complex stacks
IT admins at regulated firms
Enforce mobile security baselines
Consistent security posture across devices
Operations teams managing fleets
Monitor endpoint health and status
Faster detection of endpoint problems
Best for: Fits when Windows users need strict mobile security policies, enrollment control, and visibility reporting across endpoints.
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager
enterpriseMeraki Systems Manager provides cloud-based management for mobile devices and endpoints.
Meraki Systems Manager is strong for teams already running Meraki networking, weak when Workspace ONE UEM-level policy breadth is required.
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager is designed for organizations that want mobile device management plus fleet visibility through a Meraki-managed dashboard. It supports device enrollment, policy-based configuration for endpoints, and ongoing monitoring signals that administrators can use to validate compliance and troubleshoot issues. Application management and OS configuration policies are bundled into the same console workflow, which reduces the operational overhead of running separate management tools for device configuration and app deployment.
Compared with AirWatch alternatives that focus on deep enterprise endpoint control across many organizational boundaries, Meraki Systems Manager is narrower in scope and control granularity. It is best suited to environments where endpoint management needs align with Meraki operational patterns, such as managing a mobile and endpoint fleet attached to existing Meraki deployments. A common tradeoff is that advanced, highly customized multi-tenant enterprise requirements may be harder to map to Meraki’s dashboard model than policy-first platforms built for broad organizational hierarchies.
- +Cloud dashboard centralizes enrollment, policy, apps, and device status
- +Strong fit for teams already using Cisco Meraki networking
- +Direct MDM capabilities without adding a separate Workspace ONE control plane
- +Clear device reporting for troubleshooting and day-to-day visibility
- –Less policy breadth than Workspace ONE UEM for complex endpoint programs
- –Weaker fit when workloads require deep third-party integration coverage
IT admins at Meraki-connected orgs
Deploy managed endpoints from one cloud console
Faster enrollment and clearer status
IT teams standardizing mobile endpoints
Control apps and configuration profiles
Reduced drift across devices
Show 1 more scenario
Support teams for device troubleshooting
Diagnose endpoint issues using device reporting
Quicker root-cause identification
Support uses operational reporting to identify misconfiguration and device health trends.
Best for: Fits when Windows and mobile teams want Meraki-native cloud MDM control without UEM complexity.
Hexnode UEM
SMB and enterpriseHexnode UEM manages mobile devices, desktops, applications, and content.
Hexnode UEM is strong for cross-platform enrollment and policy control, weak when matching Workspace ONE UEM integration depth.
Hexnode UEM provides the core enterprise mobility management workflow expected from an AirWatch alternative, including guided enrollment, policy-based configuration, and ongoing device monitoring across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It supports operational reporting for managed endpoints, which helps teams track rollout status, compliance posture, and common operational issues tied to configuration changes. Hexnode UEM is typically better suited for organizations that want a lighter administration experience than complex UEM platforms, especially when the rollout covers multiple OS families and requires consistent policy enforcement.
A tradeoff is that teams with very advanced AirWatch-style workflows and deeply customized automation may find fewer options for highly specific integrations or edge-case management scenarios. Hexnode UEM fits well for device fleets where administrators need faster setup of enrollment and baseline policies, then regular monitoring of endpoint health and compliance. It is a practical choice for IT teams that manage mixed devices and want reporting that supports day-to-day operational visibility rather than building bespoke processes for each department.
- +Cross-platform device management for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- +Policy-based configuration with ongoing compliance and status reporting
- +Simpler rollout path for enrolling and managing mixed device fleets
- +MDM plus UEM workflows that cover common enterprise endpoint needs
- –Less suitable for complex control-plane integrations compared with Workspace ONE UEM
- –Automation and extensibility depth may not match highly tailored UEM environments
- –Advanced suite-level governance patterns may require extra workarounds
IT admins managing mixed endpoints
Enroll and configure Windows and mobile devices
Fewer manual configurations
Security teams handling compliance posture
Enforce settings and monitor device health
Faster remediation of drift
Show 1 more scenario
Managed service teams
Run repeatable UEM rollouts across tenants
Lower rollout effort
Use a streamlined enrollment and management flow to operate multiple endpoint groups.
Best for: Fits when Windows and mobile fleets need consistent policy enforcement with simpler rollout and management.
IBM MaaS360
enterpriseIBM MaaS360 provides unified endpoint management for mobile devices and other endpoints.
IBM MaaS360 is strong for policy-driven mobile enrollment and configuration, weak when full non-mobile endpoint coverage is the priority.
IBM MaaS360 is a mobile-first UEM substitute focused on policy-based endpoint control across enterprise devices. Core capabilities include device enrollment, configuration profiles, and security policy enforcement with operational reporting.
Admin workflows center on role-based access, audit visibility, and device lifecycle management for mobile endpoints. IBM MaaS360 is a paid editor, not a free reader.
- +Established UEM product with direct overlap in mobile device management
- +Policy-based enrollment and configuration for managed mobile endpoints
- +Security controls paired with device and compliance reporting
- +RBAC supports separation between admin roles and operators
- –Mobile management emphasis can underfit broader endpoint control needs
- –Deep automation and API workflows may require more admin effort to design
- –Cross-platform configuration can be heavier than single-OS deployments
Best for: Fits when Windows users need enterprise mobile device management with security controls and reporting beyond basic MDM.
Jamf Pro
Apple-focusedJamf Pro manages and secures Apple devices for organizations.
Jamf Pro is strong for Apple device provisioning and configuration profiles, weak when managing non-Apple endpoints at scale.
Jamf Pro provisions, configures, and monitors Apple endpoints using policy-driven device management. For organizations replacing Workspace ONE UEM in Apple-heavy environments, Jamf Pro focuses on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS management with enrollment, configuration, and reporting for operational visibility.
Device security baselines and configuration profiles are built around Apple platform features rather than generic cross-platform policy. Jamf Pro is a paid editor, not a free reader, and it is positioned for enterprise-scale Apple fleet administration.
- +Deep Apple endpoint management for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS fleets
- +Policy-based configuration profiles and compliance reporting for Apple devices
- +Mature enrollment workflows for Apple devices and macOS imaging use cases
- +Enterprise admin tooling with role-based access controls and audit trails
- –Primary coverage centers on Apple platforms, not mixed endpoint fleets
- –Cross-platform parity with Workspace ONE UEM may require extra tooling
- –Advanced automation typically depends on Jamf scripting and integrations
- –Some shared UEM workflows need redesign when migrating from Workspace ONE UEM
Best for: Fits when Windows users need centralized, policy-based management for Apple-heavy workstations and mobile devices.
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus
SMB and enterpriseMobile Device Manager Plus manages and secures mobile devices across major operating systems.
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is strong for MDM enrollment and device configuration at mid-market scale, weak when unified enterprise UEM breadth is required.
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is a paid MDM product that targets IT teams replacing Workspace ONE UEM style endpoint policy control with a ManageEngine bundle. It focuses on device enrollment, configuration profiles, and monitoring across supported mobile and Windows endpoint types.
Admin control centers on policy assignment and reporting for operational visibility, with ManageEngine integration options inside the broader IT management suite. The platform is positioned as cost-conscious AirWatch replacement value with mid market fit.
- +Direct MDM for enrollment and configuration across supported device types
- +Reporting supports operational visibility for managed endpoints
- +Category-fit for teams comparing cost-conscious Workspace ONE UEM replacements
- +ManageEngine suite integrations support broader IT management workflows
- –Not the same depth of unified cross-org control as Workspace ONE UEM
- –Extensive policy requirements can require careful profile and group design
- –API and automation depth may be narrower than a VMware-class UEM stack
Best for: Fits when Windows and mobile endpoint teams need MDM policy control without a full UEM breadth.
42Gears SureMDM
enterprise mobilitySureMDM manages mobile devices, endpoints, and connected devices.
42Gears SureMDM is strong for fleet-focused enrollment and managed configuration of purpose-built endpoints, weak when broad unified endpoint suite coverage is required.
42Gears SureMDM is a device-fleet management product aimed at managing frontline and purpose-built endpoints, not just mobile deployment. It supports device enrollment, provisioning, and configuration workflows that overlap with VMware AirWatch-style mobile management use cases.
It also provides monitoring and reporting that help operators track endpoint state across organizations. SureMDM’s focus on managed device fleets makes it a practical replacement path for Workspace ONE UEM when the need centers on endpoint control for specific device types.
- +Strong fit for frontline, kiosk, and purpose-built device enrollment and configuration
- +Device fleet management focus aligns with AirWatch-style deployment workflows
- +Reporting supports operational visibility into managed endpoint status
- +Policy-based endpoint control covers core provisioning and configuration needs
- –Less breadth than Workspace ONE UEM for end-to-end enterprise endpoint coverage
- –Integration depth with broader enterprise systems may be narrower than VMware stacks
- –Advanced automation and extensibility surface may lag unified suites
- –Admin workflows may require more manual setup for complex, multi-org structures
Best for: Fits when Windows and mobile teams need fleet-focused device enrollment, configuration, and status reporting for specific endpoint types.
Scalefusion
SMB and enterpriseScalefusion manages mobile devices, computers, and dedicated-purpose endpoints.
Scalefusion is strong for mixed-fleet UEM policies, weak when Workspace ONE UEM-specific VMware integration workflows dominate.
Scalefusion is an endpoint management substitute for teams replacing Workspace ONE UEM, with cross-platform UEM plus direct MDM paths that target mixed device fleets. It focuses on policy-based provisioning and configuration for enrolled endpoints, with admin controls for enrolling devices, applying settings, and monitoring results. The product is positioned for frontline, kiosks, and office endpoints where per-device and per-group configuration patterns matter more than deep VMware-centric dependencies.
- +Cross-platform UEM coverage with direct MDM enrollment options
- +Policy-based device configuration for groups and enrolled endpoints
- +Built for mixed fleets that include kiosks and frontline devices
- +Admin controls designed around device enrollment and operational visibility
- –Less of a VMware-native replacement for Workspace ONE UEM specific workflows
- –API and automation depth for complex integrations can lag specialist needs
- –Advanced reporting customization may feel limited versus full enterprise suites
Best for: Fits when Windows users need cross-platform endpoint control for kiosks and frontline devices across mixed fleets.
Esper
Android-focusedEsper manages Android devices and dedicated-device fleets.
Esper is strong for Android kiosk and POS fleets needing dedicated-device control, weak when mixed-OS endpoint policies drive requirements.
Esper handles Android-focused device management for dedicated fleets, including kiosk and point-of-sale style deployments. Its distinct angle is replacing broad endpoint management with Android enrollment, configuration, and ongoing control for managed dedicated devices.
Esper’s fit is strongest when device security settings and app behavior need to be governed per Android deployment rather than per mixed OS estate. Esper is a paid editor, not a free reader, and targets teams that want Android-specific control instead of Workspace ONE UEM’s multi-OS policy center.
- +Android dedicated device management for kiosks and point-of-sale fleets
- +Device-level configuration for app behavior on purpose-built Android deployments
- +Mid-market positioning focused on Android rather than mixed endpoint estates
- +Admin workflows designed around dedicated devices instead of broad UEM policy
- –Does not replace Workspace ONE UEM’s cross-platform endpoint scope
- –Less suitable when Windows and macOS device provisioning must be unified
- –Limited fit for organizations that expect VMware-style unified reporting across OS
Best for: Fits when Windows users need Android kiosk and POS management for dedicated fleets, not mixed-OS UEM consolidation.
Mosyle Fuse
Apple-focusedMosyle Fuse combines Apple device management with security features.
Mosyle Fuse is strong for Apple-only fleet provisioning and app deployment workflows, weak when mixed-OS UEM policy control is required.
Mosyle Fuse is a paid Apple device management and monitoring option aimed at replacing AirWatch-style UEM workflows on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS fleets. It focuses on enrollment, configuration profiles, and app deployment that map to policy-based endpoint control.
Admins manage devices through a web console with operational reporting for device and compliance status. Integration and automation are mainly surfaced through Mosyle’s app and configuration management workflows rather than broad, cross-platform endpoint orchestration.
- +Apple-first management for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS device control
- +Consolidated console workflows for enrollment, profiles, and app deployment
- +Operational reporting for device and configuration status checks
- +Category-aligned alternative for AirWatch replacement on Apple-only fleets
- –Not positioned for Windows or Linux endpoint management
- –Automation and API surface are narrower than broad UEM expectations
- –Works best when policy scope stays within Apple device management
- –Limited fit for mixed fleets that require cross-OS control
Best for: Fits when Windows users need Apple device enrollment, configuration, and app deployment without full cross-OS UEM scope.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 airwatch alternatives, BlackBerry UEM stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
Before you replace Workspace ONE UEM
Replacing Workspace ONE UEM is usually driven by a need to keep policy-based endpoint control, enrollment workflows, and security configuration reporting while changing platforms. Buyers often compare BlackBerry UEM, Cisco Meraki Systems Manager, Hexnode UEM, and IBM MaaS360 when their endpoint programs include Windows plus mobile.
Others narrow the choice to platform-specific strengths. Jamf Pro fits Apple-heavy provisioning and configuration profiles, while ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus targets mid-market MDM enrollment and device configuration with operational reporting. The right alternative depends on which parts of Workspace ONE UEM must be replicated first.
Decision framework for alternatives to Workspace ONE UEM
Start by listing the exact Workspace ONE UEM capabilities that drive daily operations. Enrollment-time policy enforcement, security configuration, and endpoint reporting are the core replacement targets, so each candidate should be mapped to those mechanics before feature shopping.
Then decide whether the replacement must be platform-wide or can be optimized by endpoint type. Apple-first programs map cleanly to Jamf Pro, while dedicated Android kiosk programs align more closely with Esper and mixed-fleet kiosks can align with Scalefusion.
Map Workspace ONE UEM policy control to the required enrollment outcomes
If the program depends on security configuration applied during enrollment, BlackBerry UEM provides explicit policy-based enrollment security configuration with operational reporting. If the requirement is cross-platform policy-based configuration across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, Hexnode UEM should be evaluated as an enrollment and configuration candidate.
Match the alternative to the endpoint mix, not just the UEM label
Jamf Pro fits when provisioning and configuration profiles for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS are the primary workload. Esper and Mosyle Fuse should be checked when the endpoint strategy is dedicated to Android kiosk or POS fleets or Apple-first deployments rather than mixed-OS unification.
Validate admin workflow complexity for your org structure
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager fits when Meraki networking is already in place and the cloud dashboard workflow aligns with the organization. BlackBerry UEM and Hexnode UEM should be compared for how their policy administration and reporting support complex endpoint programs where Workspace ONE UEM had stronger integration workflows.
Test automation and integration depth against your orchestration needs
If the environment expects integrations beyond core MDM features, Cisco Meraki Systems Manager can be a weaker fit when deeper third-party integration coverage is required. For automation and extensibility depth, evaluate Hexnode UEM and IBM MaaS360 to confirm whether their API and workflow options match tailored Workspace ONE UEM use cases.
Confirm operational visibility requirements for day-to-day operations
BlackBerry UEM, Cisco Meraki Systems Manager, and Hexnode UEM all include reporting tied to enrolled and managed endpoint status. ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus should be evaluated when operational visibility matters alongside MDM enrollment and configuration at mid-market scale.
Common pitfalls when switching from Workspace ONE UEM
Switching away from Workspace ONE UEM fails most often when enrollment-time security configuration and policy administration are treated as interchangeable features. Enrollment outcomes, configuration compliance reporting, and admin workflow depth need validation early.
Many buyers also underestimate how integration coverage affects automation. A platform can support basic MDM enrollment but still fail when tailored Workspace ONE UEM stacks depend on broader third-party integration coverage or extensibility.
Replacing policy-based enrollment without validating security configuration behavior
BlackBerry UEM applies security configuration policies during device enrollment, so it should be tested against the exact enrollment outcomes used in Workspace ONE UEM. Hexnode UEM and IBM MaaS360 also emphasize policy-based enrollment and configuration, so enrollment-time behavior should be compared in the lab.
Selecting a platform based on device coverage while ignoring integration fit
Cisco Meraki Systems Manager can underfit when deeper third-party integration coverage is required beyond Meraki-native workflows. For Workspace ONE UEM replacement cases with complex integration requirements, evaluate BlackBerry UEM and Hexnode UEM against the same integration orchestration points.
Overestimating cross-platform parity after moving from unified UEM
Jamf Pro concentrates on Apple device provisioning and configuration profiles, so it is a weak match for mixed endpoint fleets compared with Workspace ONE UEM’s unified scope. Esper and Mosyle Fuse similarly target narrower endpoint strategies, so they should be chosen only when the endpoint mix matches their dedicated focus.
Assuming reporting will match operational visibility requirements without design work
Workspace ONE UEM reporting supports endpoint operational visibility, so the replacement should be validated for reporting granularity tied to policy outcomes. BlackBerry UEM, Hexnode UEM, and ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus all include reporting, but dashboards and reporting structure still need testing for day-to-day operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alternatives to Workspace ONE UEM
Which Workspace ONE UEM alternative is strongest for policy-based endpoint control during enrollment?
Which option fits organizations that run an existing Meraki networking stack and want MDM inside that operational model?
How do administrators handle cross-platform device estates when switching away from Workspace ONE UEM?
Which alternative is best when the environment is dominated by Windows and mobile devices but unified UEM breadth is not required?
What are the migration considerations for existing AirWatch-style enrollment workflows and policy structures?
How does annotation-heavy workflows transfer during a migration from Workspace ONE UEM to a different UEM console?
Which alternative is more appropriate when the requirement is Android-only kiosk or POS management instead of mixed-OS UEM consolidation?
Which console is better for Apple fleet provisioning when Windows-centric UEM requirements are not part of the scope?
Which alternative is best when the device estate is frontline or purpose-built and fleet-focused control matters more than a unified UEM suite?
Tools featured as alternatives to Workspace ONE UEM
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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