Quick Overview
- 1#1: Jamf Pro - Enterprise Apple device management platform with automated third-party software patching for macOS.
- 2#2: Kandji - Modern MDM solution for Apple devices featuring intelligent and automated patch management workflows.
- 3#3: Mosyle - Secure Apple management platform providing comprehensive patch management for macOS applications.
- 4#4: Addigy - Apple-specific RMM tool with real-time monitoring and automated patching capabilities.
- 5#5: Automox - Cloud-based endpoint management focused on automated patching across macOS and other platforms.
- 6#6: NinjaOne - Remote monitoring and management platform with robust cross-platform patching for Mac devices.
- 7#7: JumpCloud - Cloud directory service enabling policy-driven software patching for macOS endpoints.
- 8#8: Absolute - Endpoint management solution offering visibility and automated patching for Apple fleets.
- 9#9: Microsoft Intune - Cloud endpoint management service supporting macOS app deployment and patch management.
- 10#10: Munki - Open-source toolset for automating software packaging, distribution, and patching on macOS.
We ranked these tools based on feature richness (automation, cross-platform support), reliability, ease of deployment and use, and overall value for Apple device management workflows.
Comparison Table
Keeping Apple devices secure and functional relies on effective patching software, and selecting the right tool is key to streamlined management. This comparison table evaluates top options—including Jamf Pro, Kandji, Mosyle, Addigy, Automox, and more—exploring features, ease of use, and scalability. Readers will gain insights to choose a solution that fits their organization’s size and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamf Pro Enterprise Apple device management platform with automated third-party software patching for macOS. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Kandji Modern MDM solution for Apple devices featuring intelligent and automated patch management workflows. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Mosyle Secure Apple management platform providing comprehensive patch management for macOS applications. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Addigy Apple-specific RMM tool with real-time monitoring and automated patching capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Automox Cloud-based endpoint management focused on automated patching across macOS and other platforms. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | NinjaOne Remote monitoring and management platform with robust cross-platform patching for Mac devices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | JumpCloud Cloud directory service enabling policy-driven software patching for macOS endpoints. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Absolute Endpoint management solution offering visibility and automated patching for Apple fleets. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Microsoft Intune Cloud endpoint management service supporting macOS app deployment and patch management. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Munki Open-source toolset for automating software packaging, distribution, and patching on macOS. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
Enterprise Apple device management platform with automated third-party software patching for macOS.
Modern MDM solution for Apple devices featuring intelligent and automated patch management workflows.
Secure Apple management platform providing comprehensive patch management for macOS applications.
Apple-specific RMM tool with real-time monitoring and automated patching capabilities.
Cloud-based endpoint management focused on automated patching across macOS and other platforms.
Remote monitoring and management platform with robust cross-platform patching for Mac devices.
Cloud directory service enabling policy-driven software patching for macOS endpoints.
Endpoint management solution offering visibility and automated patching for Apple fleets.
Cloud endpoint management service supporting macOS app deployment and patch management.
Open-source toolset for automating software packaging, distribution, and patching on macOS.
Jamf Pro
enterpriseEnterprise Apple device management platform with automated third-party software patching for macOS.
Patch Management with automatic cataloging, deployment, and rollback for thousands of third-party macOS apps
Jamf Pro is the premier enterprise mobility management (EMM) platform tailored for Apple ecosystems, offering robust Mac patching capabilities through automated software update policies and Patch Management modules. It enables IT admins to deploy macOS updates, third-party app patches, and custom software across fleets with granular control, compliance checks, and user self-service options. With deep integration into Apple's native update mechanisms, it ensures timely, secure patching while minimizing disruptions in large-scale environments.
Pros
- Unmatched Apple ecosystem integration for seamless macOS and app patching
- Advanced automation via policies, scripts, and Patch Management for 500+ titles
- Comprehensive reporting, compliance, and Self Service for user-driven updates
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing that may deter smaller organizations
- Steep learning curve for full utilization of advanced features
- Primarily focused on Apple devices, limiting multi-platform use
Best For
Large enterprises and IT teams managing extensive Apple device fleets requiring enterprise-grade Mac patching automation and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription starting at ~$100-300 per device/year, scaled by volume, features, and support level.
Kandji
enterpriseModern MDM solution for Apple devices featuring intelligent and automated patch management workflows.
PatchBot: Automated, policy-driven patching for macOS and extensive third-party app library with approval workflows.
Kandji is a cloud-based Apple device management platform (MDM) that excels in patch management for macOS and iOS devices through its PatchBot feature. It automates software updates for macOS, Microsoft apps, and over 100 third-party applications, with customizable schedules, approval workflows, and compliance reporting. Designed for simplicity, it uses Blueprints to deploy configurations and patches at scale, minimizing manual intervention for IT teams.
Pros
- Intuitive Blueprint system for easy deployment and patching
- PatchBot automates updates for macOS and 100+ apps with smart scheduling
- Modern, user-friendly interface reduces admin overhead
Cons
- Pricing is premium and per-device based
- Limited support for non-Apple devices
- Relies on cloud connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations with Apple-heavy fleets needing automated, zero-touch patch management.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at ~$10/device/month (annual billing, with minimums and volume discounts).
Mosyle
enterpriseSecure Apple management platform providing comprehensive patch management for macOS applications.
Intelligent Patch Management that auto-detects, tests, and deploys updates for macOS and hundreds of third-party apps with customizable approval workflows.
Mosyle is a cloud-native MDM platform specializing in Apple device management, with robust Mac patching capabilities for automating OS updates, security patches, and third-party app deployments. It provides intelligent scheduling, approval workflows, and compliance reporting to keep macOS fleets secure and current. Ideal for organizations in the Apple ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with native Apple services for efficient patch management.
Pros
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration for effortless Mac deployments
- Automated patching for macOS, apps, and 200+ third-party software titles
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance tools for audit-ready insights
Cons
- Limited support for non-Apple platforms like Windows or Linux
- Pricing scales up quickly for very large deployments
- Advanced customization may require a steeper learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises with primarily Apple Mac fleets needing integrated MDM and reliable patching.
Pricing
Starts at $1.50 per device/month (Business plan, annual billing); higher tiers like Bridge ($2/device) and Enterprise (custom) add advanced features.
Addigy
enterpriseApple-specific RMM tool with real-time monitoring and automated patching capabilities.
Intelligent PatchBot for automated patch testing, approval workflows, and zero-touch deployment tailored to Apple Silicon
Addigy is a robust MDM and patch management platform designed specifically for Apple ecosystems, enabling automated patching of macOS, macOS apps, and third-party software across device fleets. It provides intelligent patch deployment with testing workflows, deferral options, and compliance reporting to minimize disruptions. The solution integrates real-time monitoring, scripting automation, and self-service portals for efficient IT management of Macs and iOS devices.
Pros
- Superior Apple-specific patching with automated testing and deployment
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring and detailed compliance reporting
- Powerful scripting and API integrations for custom workflows
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with device count, less ideal for small teams
- Primarily focused on Apple devices, limited multi-platform support
- Advanced features require scripting knowledge and setup time
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations managing extensive Apple device fleets that prioritize automated, secure patching.
Pricing
Starts at ~$6-10 per device per month (billed annually), with volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing.
Automox
enterpriseCloud-based endpoint management focused on automated patching across macOS and other platforms.
Worklets: Custom, serverless scripts for tailored Mac patching and remediation beyond standard policies.
Automox is a cloud-based patch management platform that automates OS and third-party application updates for macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It uses a lightweight agent for deployment and policy-based automation to ensure compliance and minimize vulnerabilities. For Mac patching, it supports Apple OS updates, over 100 third-party apps, and custom scripting via Worklets, making it suitable for remote fleet management.
Pros
- Cross-platform support simplifies mixed-environment management
- Quick agent deployment and automated scheduling reduce manual effort
- Detailed reporting and compliance dashboards provide clear visibility
Cons
- macOS update reliability can be inconsistent for complex enterprise setups
- Pricing scales per-device, becoming expensive for large fleets
- Limited native integrations with Apple-specific MDMs like Jamf
Best For
IT teams managing hybrid Mac and Windows fleets who prioritize cloud-based automation over deep Apple ecosystem customization.
Pricing
Starts at ~$6 per device/month (billed annually) for Standard plan; Premium and Enterprise tiers add advanced features, with custom enterprise pricing.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRemote monitoring and management platform with robust cross-platform patching for Mac devices.
AI-assisted patch risk scoring and automated approval workflows that prioritize low-risk updates for faster, safer macOS deployments
NinjaOne is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that includes robust patch management capabilities for macOS, automating the detection, testing, approval, and deployment of OS and third-party application updates. It supports policy-based patching workflows, patch success tracking, and integration with broader endpoint management features like monitoring and scripting. Ideal for IT admins seeking unified control over mixed-device fleets, it emphasizes reliability and minimal downtime through staged rollouts and rollback options.
Pros
- Automated patching for macOS and 100+ third-party apps with policy-driven approvals
- Detailed reporting on patch compliance, success rates, and vulnerabilities
- Seamless integration with RMM tools for monitoring and remediation in one console
Cons
- Less depth in Apple-specific features compared to dedicated Mac MDM tools like Jamf
- Pricing scales per device, which can be costly for large Mac-only fleets
- Initial setup requires agent deployment and policy configuration learning curve
Best For
IT teams managing hybrid Windows, Mac, and Linux environments who need reliable, automated cross-platform patching within a full RMM suite.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$4 per device/month (billed annually); includes patching as part of core RMM plans with no per-patch fees.
JumpCloud
enterpriseCloud directory service enabling policy-driven software patching for macOS endpoints.
Zero-trust cross-platform patch management from a single cloud dashboard, unifying Mac MDM with multi-OS support
JumpCloud is a cloud-based directory and MDM platform that extends to patch management for macOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It enables IT admins to automate OS and third-party app patching on Macs through policy-driven deployments, scheduling, and compliance reporting. While not exclusively a Mac patching tool, it integrates seamlessly with Apple MDM protocols for reliable update management across heterogeneous fleets.
Pros
- Cross-platform patching support for Mac, Windows, and Linux in one console
- Automated scheduling, approvals, and rollback capabilities for macOS updates
- Strong compliance reporting and integration with JumpCloud's user directory
Cons
- Patch management is bundled within a broader platform, lacking depth of dedicated Mac tools like Jamf
- Pricing scales per user/device, which can be costly for Mac-only fleets
- Limited advanced customization for complex macOS patching scenarios
Best For
IT teams managing mixed Mac, Windows, and Linux environments who want unified directory services with integrated patching.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 devices/users; paid plans start at $9/device/month (billed annually) for up to 150 devices, scaling to $11+ for larger fleets with custom enterprise options.
Absolute
enterpriseEndpoint management solution offering visibility and automated patching for Apple fleets.
Firmware-persistent agent that ensures continuous patch visibility and control even on wiped or stolen Macs
Absolute (absolute.com) is an endpoint resilience and management platform focused on persistent visibility, security, and control for devices including Macs. For Mac patching, it offers compliance reporting, vulnerability insights, and basic update automation through its agent-based system, helping IT track and enforce patch status. While not a dedicated patching tool, it integrates patching into a broader security framework, ensuring devices remain manageable even after wipes or reimages.
Pros
- Persistent firmware-embedded agent survives OS wipes for reliable patching enforcement
- Strong visibility into patch compliance and vulnerabilities across endpoints
- Seamless integration with broader endpoint security and management
Cons
- Patching automation for Mac is less advanced than dedicated MDM tools like Jamf or Mosyle
- Limited third-party app patching capabilities on macOS
- Enterprise pricing can be high without proportional Mac-specific patching depth
Best For
Enterprises needing integrated endpoint security and basic Mac patch compliance monitoring alongside resilience features.
Pricing
Per-endpoint subscription model starting at ~$7-15/device/year, with tiers for advanced features; custom enterprise quotes required.
Microsoft Intune
enterpriseCloud endpoint management service supporting macOS app deployment and patch management.
Unified cross-platform endpoint management that handles Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android patching from a single console
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that enables IT administrators to manage macOS devices, including deploying software updates and patches through MDM policies. It supports automatic OS updates, deferral options, and compliance enforcement for macOS 11 and later, integrating with Apple's declarative device management. While effective for enterprise-scale patching as part of broader device management, it relies on system-level payloads rather than granular third-party app patching.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD for hybrid environments
- Scalable cloud-based management for thousands of Mac devices
- Supports automated macOS security updates and compliance reporting
Cons
- Limited native support for third-party Mac app patching without custom scripting
- Complex console and setup for teams without Microsoft ecosystem experience
- Per-user licensing can be costly for patching-only use cases
Best For
Enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft cloud services seeking cross-platform MDM with solid Mac OS patching capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at ~$8/user/month for Intune Plan 1 (device management); included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans (~$36+/user/month).
Munki
specializedOpen-source toolset for automating software packaging, distribution, and patching on macOS.
Manifest-driven catalogs enabling granular per-machine or per-group software deployment rules
Munki is a free, open-source tool for managing software installations and updates on macOS fleets, using a client-server model where admins host a repository of pkgs and metadata. Clients periodically check in to download and apply updates based on customizable catalogs, manifests, and conditions, supporting both forced and optional installs. It excels at third-party app patching and integrates well with existing infrastructure like web servers.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Highly customizable via scripting and manifests for precise control
- Scalable for large fleets with lightweight client
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring scripting and server setup knowledge
- No native GUI; relies on command-line tools and manual configuration
- Self-hosted repo demands ongoing maintenance without built-in cloud options
Best For
Experienced Mac admins in cost-sensitive organizations needing flexible, scriptable software management.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted)
Conclusion
After evaluating a range of tools, Jamf Pro stands out as the top choice, offering robust enterprise-focused automated patching that simplifies managing macOS devices. Kandji and Mosyle are strong alternatives, with Kandji excelling in modern, intelligent workflows and Mosyle providing secure, comprehensive patch management for macOS applications. The best pick depends on specific needs, but all three deliver exceptional value.
Explore Jamf Pro to experience its unmatched ability to streamline patch management, ensuring your Apple devices stay secure and up-to-date efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison