Jamf vs. Intune: Best MDM to Manage Apple Devices

Organizations managing Apple devices often evaluate Jamf vs. Intune to determine which solution best fits their needs. While both platforms support Apple device enrollment, security, and application management, they differ in their approach and capabilities.

Jamf is purpose-built for Apple devices, while Intune supports broader cross-platform environments and integrates deeply with the Microsoft ecosystem.

These differences become clearer when comparing their capabilities across device management, security, application management, updates, administration, and certificate management.

Jamf vs. Intune: Quick Comparison

This comparison table gives a quick summary of Jamf compared to Intune.

Category	Jamf	Intune
Device Enrollment	Self-enrollment, Apple-focused workflows, zero-touch Apple provisioning, SSO support	Azure/Entra-integrated enrollment with BYOD, ADE, and corporate device support
Security Approach	Apple-centric security policies, behavioral threat analysis, strong endpoint configuration controls	Conditional Access, compliance policies, Microsoft Defender integration, EDR capabilities
Identity & Access Integration	Integrates with Apple identity workflows and third-party IAM tools	Deep integration with Microsoft Entra ID and Conditional Access
Application Management	Lifecycle-based app management (sourcing, deployment, reporting, user experience)	App deployment through Apple Business Manager and Microsoft cloud policy tools
Third-Party Integrations	Integrates with tools like Splunk, Freshservice, ServiceNow, and Google	Integrates with Microsoft ecosystem tools, TeamViewer, Graph API, and security platforms
User Experience	Known for streamlined Apple workflows and automation	Familiar experience for Microsoft-centric IT teams
Pricing Structure	Separate pricing for Apple device categories and macOS management	Multiple tiered pricing packages based on organizational needs
macOS updates	Managed software updates and Apple Declarative Device Management capabilities	Apple software updates managed through Declarative Device Management

What Are Jamf and Intune?

Jamf and Microsoft Intune are mobile device management (MDM) and endpoint management platforms that help organizations secure, configure, and manage company-owned and personal devices. Both solutions are commonly used to enforce security policies, deploy applications, automate device setup, and maintain compliance across an organization’s IT environment.

Jamf is primarily designed for managing Apple devices, including macOS, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It is widely used by organizations with Apple-centric environments because it offers deep integration with the Apple ecosystem and advanced management capabilities tailored specifically to Apple devices.

Microsoft Intune is part of the broader Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android devices, making it a popular choice for organizations managing a mix of operating systems. Intune also integrates closely with services like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Conditional Access, and Microsoft Defender to help organizations strengthen identity and endpoint security.

Jamf vs. Intune: Key Differences

Jamf and Intune can both manage Apple devices, but they differ in their approaches to device management and the level of control they provide. The key differences become clearer when comparing their capabilities across:

• Device enrollment
• Security
• Application management
• User interface and administrative console
• Configuration profiles and policies
• macOS updates and patch management
• Certificate management
• Pricing
• Customer reviews and user experience

Jamf vs. Intune: Device Enrollment

Jamf and Intune take distinct approaches to device enrollment.

Jamf Pro

Jamf is a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution that exclusively manages Apple devices (including Mac Management, iPad / iPhone Management, and Apple TV Management) through a single console and allows users to self-enroll multiple Apple devices of their choice. Jamf Mac Management provides admins the option to configure single sign-on (SSO). Jamf also aids in maintaining software updates.

Jamf admins can manage iPads and iPhones to create a smooth user login experience using Jamf Setup and Jamf Reset applications. Jamf’s Apple TV management supports AirPlay and allows organizations to connect multiple TVs, sync displays, and deploy relevant applications.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune manages Apple devices alongside Windows and Android devices. For Apple devices, Intune supports several enrollment methods, including Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), user enrollment, and direct enrollment.

For macOS, Intune supports the configuration of both personal and corporate devices, including bring-your-own-device (BYOD) options, ADE, and direct enrollment. Device profiles have two separate sections: “Configuration Profiles” and “Endpoint Security.” Combined, the two sections offer extensive customization in caching, policy enforcement, administrative templates, Defender ATP, Domain Joins, and more.

Jamf vs. Intune: Security

Both Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune provide security controls for managed Apple devices, but they approach endpoint security differently.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro provides granular security controls for Apple devices through configuration profiles, policies, restrictions, and device-management workflows. Organizations can enforce security settings such as password requirements, firewall configuration, encryption, and OS update policies.

Jamf can also integrate with Jamf Protect for endpoint security and threat detection.

Jamf Pro security controls give organizations deeper control over Apple-specific security configurations, particularly in environments where macOS and iOS management are the primary focus.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune integrates Apple device security with Microsoft Entra ID, Conditional Access, compliance policies, and Microsoft Defender. Administrators can use compliance policies to evaluate device security posture and Conditional Access to restrict access to organizational resources when devices do not meet required conditions.

For macOS, Intune can also manage security settings such as FileVault, Firewall, Gatekeeper, and other device configuration controls. When combined with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Intune can provide broader endpoint detection and response capabilities.

Jamf vs. Intune: Application Management

Application management is another essential aspect of device management that helps maintain a seamless workflow within an organization. Simple integrations with third-party software and platforms enhance productivity and provide many additional features to users.

Jamf Pro

Application management goes beyond deploying applications from the Apple App Store using Apple Business Manager. Jamf manages apps through a multistep process of five lifecycle phases:

• Sourcing
• Hosting
• Deployment
• Experience
• Reporting

Since acquiring Mondada, Jamf seamlessly integrates its Kinobi products with Jamf Pro and Title Editor to offer a wide variety of titles for both users and admins.

Key Jamf Pro integrations include:

• Jamf integrates with multiple platforms, including Google and Microsoft.
• Jamf Pro integrates with third-party platforms such as Freshservice and Splunk for asset and analytics management.
• Jamf integrates with ServiceNow, known for automating higher education and healthcare systems services.
• TRUCE Contextual Mobility Management enables Jamf Pro to manage iOS and iPadOS devices by using the user’s local information such as location, vibration, and movement.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune allows administrators to synchronize apps purchased through Apple Business Manager by managing licenses and location tokens. Apple Business Manager also includes the Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP), allowing admins to deploy multiple public and private software, such as a self-service app, books, and other content.

Intune uses MSIX packaging for some applications to keep apps up to date. Microsoft 365 Cloud Policy capabilities can also provide additional options for managing supported applications and user settings.

Key Intune integrations include:

• Intune provides a TeamViewer Connector for remote integrations, allowing organizations to track and securely access unattended remote devices across multiple operating systems anytime, without using VPNs.
• It also provides access to Microsoft Graph API and Mobile Threat Defense, providing security and boosting the team’s overall efficiency.

Overall, Jamf provides a more Apple-focused application management experience, while Intune approaches application management as part of a broader cross-platform endpoint strategy.

Jamf vs. Intune: User Interface & Administrative Console

The administrative experience differs between Jamf Pro and Intune because each platform approaches endpoint management differently.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro has an Apple-focused admin console designed around macOS, iOS, and iPadOS management. Navigation is organized around Jamf-specific constructs like Policies, Configuration Profiles, Smart Groups, and Patch Management, giving administrators granular controls for Apple-specific management tasks.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune provides a centralized admin center for managing Apple alongside Windows, Android, and other supported platforms. It provides device, application, configuration, compliance, and security management on a single platform and integrates closely with Microsoft Entra and other Microsoft security services.

To access Apple-specific settings, admins navigate to Devices>macOS or iOS/iPadOS, which can feel secondary to Windows-focused workflows.

Jamf vs. Intune: Configuration Profiles and Policies

Jamf Pro and Intune both offer tools to configure managed devices and automate administrative tasks. However, they differ in how they organize configuration, policies, and device targeting.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro uses Configuration Profiles for Apple-specific settings and Policies for scripts, packages, and scheduled actions. Smart Groups provide granular targeting for configurations, applications, and other management actions.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune uses Configuration Policies and Settings Catalog for device settings. It also supports scripts, remediations, and compliance policies for additional management, with groups and assignment filters used to target users and devices.

Jamf vs. Intune: Smart Groups and Device Targeting

Both platforms allow administrators to target specific users and devices when applying configurations, applications, and policies.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro uses Smart Groups to dynamically group devices based on inventory and management criteria. It supports Extension Attributes, allowing administrators to collect custom device information and use it for targeting. Smart Groups can be used to scope policies, configuration profiles, applications, and other actions.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune uses Microsoft Entra groups and assignment filters to target users and devices. Filters can refine assignments based on supported device properties. Its targeting model is closely integrated with Microsoft’s identity and endpoint-management architecture.

Jamf vs. Intune: macOS Updates and Third-Party Patch Management

Both Jamf Pro and Intune support modern macOS software update management, but their approaches to third-party application patching differ.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro supports Apple’s Declarative Device Management (DDM) for supported macOS update workflows. It provides Patch Policies to automate updates for previously installed third-party macOS applications.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune uses Apple’s DDM-based software update management for supported macOS update workflows. Enterprise Application Management provides a catalog of supported applications and can automate updates for supported applications.

Organizations can also use third-party patch-management solutions when they need broader application coverage. Intune also supports automatic updates for supported macOS PKG applications when a newer version is uploaded using the same bundle ID.

Jamf vs. Intune: Certificate Management for Apple Devices

Both platforms can deploy certificates to managed Apple devices, but their certificate-management capabilities fit into different ecosystem approaches.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro can deploy certificates and certificate-related configuration profiles to managed Apple devices. It supports certificate-based workflows through integrations with certificate authorities and identity infrastructure.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune supports Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) and Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS) certificate profiles for managed Apple devices. It can integrate certificate deployment with Microsoft’s identity and endpoint-management services. Microsoft Cloud PKI provides cloud-based certificate issuance and lifecycle management as an additional Intune capability.

For 802.1X Wi-Fi, VPN, or other certificate-based authentication, however, the MDM remains the certificate-delivery and device-management layer, not the complete authentication architecture.

Jamf vs. Intune: Pricing

Jamf and Intune offer different pricing structures.

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro offers two pricing packages. The first covers iOS, iPad, and Apple TV management, while the second includes macOS. Some users report that Jamf management becomes less stable as the number of endpoint devices increases, while others say some Jamf School features aren’t available in Jamf Pro.

Offering	Price	What’s Included
Jamf for Mac	$12.50/device/month	Core macOS management + Endpoint Protection (Jamf Protect) + Identity & ZTNA (Jamf Connect).
Jamf for Mobile	$5.75/device/month	Mobile device management + Mobile Threat Defense + ZTNA for mobile endpoints.
Jamf Now	Starting at $4/device/month	Streamlined Apple management for smaller fleets (less than 25 users).

Note: For detailed pricing and plan-specific information, organizations can contact Jamf’s sales team to discuss their device management requirements and deployment needs.

Microsoft Intune

Intune offers different pricing packages tailored to the needs of different organizations. While customers were content with Intune’s Windows services, some said the MDM services could be improved, especially in administration and reporting. They also said the dashboard needed improvement, with added technical solutions for small use cases and better reporting capabilities.

Microsoft 365 Plan	Price	Billing
Microsoft 365 E5	$60.00/user/month	Paid yearly
Microsoft 365 E3	$39.00/user/month	Paid yearly

Additional Intune Products

Product	Price	Description
Microsoft Intune Remote Help	$3.50/user/month	Secure helpdesk support and remote assistance
Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management	$3.00/user/month	Manage privilege elevation and endpoint configuration
Microsoft Intune Advanced Analytics	$5.00/user/month	Endpoint analytics, anomaly detection, and insights
Microsoft Intune Enterprise Application Management	$2.00/user/month	Application discovery, deployment, and updates through a hosted app catalog
Microsoft Cloud PKI	$2.00/user/month	Automated cloud-based certificate lifecycle management
Microsoft Intune Plan 2	$4.00/user/month	Advanced capabilities for specialty devices, shared devices, and complex endpoint scenarios

Note: Pricing may vary based on your Microsoft agreement and licensing arrangement. Contact Microsoft Sales for a customized quote based on your organization’s requirements.

Jamf vs. Intune: Customer Reviews & User Experience

Microsoft Intune and Jamf consistently receive high ratings from customers. Customer reviews generally rate both Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune positively. On PeerSpot, Jamf Pro currently has a 9.0/10 average rating, compared with 8.3/10 for Microsoft Intune. Gartner currently rates Jamf 4.6/5 and Microsoft Intune 4.2/5.

Customer reviews can provide additional context about the administrative experience, support, and capabilities users encounter in real-world deployments.

Jamf Pro

Jamf is a comprehensive management system that allows customized deployment and provides granular user restrictions. Its workflow automation and technical support enable customers to save time and increase productivity. Jamf is also scalable with zero-touch setup, helping admins scale their enterprise quickly.

Customers also like its geofencing feature, which lets them apply policies based on location. Some admins who use Jamf’s built-in certificate authority (CA) to distribute certificates to end-users say they felt a need for better third-party solutions. Some users also want a comprehensive solution to handle the entire authentication securely.

Microsoft Intune

Customers appreciate Intune’s overall ability to secure and manage devices. They also feel it integrates better with Windows compared to macOS. Its dashboards, security, and customization capabilities empower end users in many ways. Users also find Intune suitable for software update needs, operating system version updates, and security policy enforcement.

Some users say Intune needs more support for Mac operating systems. Some admins feel the need for a trusted certificate authority to easily integrate Intune with various APs and RADIUS servers. Intune is commonly used alongside Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), an on-premises public key infrastructure (PKI) that can be expensive and limit your cloud operations.

Jamf vs. Intune: Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends less on which platform has more features and more on your device mix, existing technology stack, and Apple management requirements.

Choose Jamf if:

• Your organization manages a predominantly Apple environment.
• You need deeper Apple-specific controls and management workflows.
• Your IT team requires granular management of macOS applications, configurations, policies, and device workflows.
• Apple device management is a core requirement rather than one part of a broader endpoint strategy.

Jamf remains strongly focused on Apple management and currently positions itself around comprehensive Apple management and security.

Choose Intune if:

• Your organization manages Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, or other supported platforms and wants centralized endpoint management.
• Your organization already relies heavily on Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Entra.
• You want device management closely integrated with Microsoft’s identity, compliance, and security ecosystem.
• Your existing Microsoft licensing makes Intune a cost-effective option.

Can Jamf and Intune Work Together?

Yes. Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune can work together, particularly for organizations that use Jamf Pro to manage Apple devices while relying on Microsoft Entra ID and Intune for compliance and access control.

With the integration, Jamf Pro can remain the primary management platform for Macs, while Jamf shares compliance information with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra.

Organizations can then use Microsoft Entra Conditional Access to control access to corporate resources based on whether a Jamf-managed Mac meets defined compliance requirements.

A typical setup looks like:

• Jamf Pro — Apple device management: Handles device configuration, policies, applications, inventory, and other Apple-specific management tasks.
• Intune + Microsoft Entra — Compliance and access control: Evaluates device compliance, registers devices, and uses Conditional Access to make access decisions based on compliance information from Jamf.

Microsoft supports the integration through the Jamf Cloud Connector, allowing organizations to connect Jamf Pro with Intune and use compliance information from Jamf in Conditional Access decisions.

Simplify Onboarding for Jamf, Intune, and Other MDMs With SecureW2

While Jamf Pro and Intune simplify device management, enrolling and securing new devices can still require multiple tools and manual configuration. SecureW2 automates certificate-based authentication across your MDM and network environment.

JoinNow Dynamic PKI automates certificate enrollment and lifecycle management for devices managed through Jamf Pro, Intune, and other MDMs, including automatic certificate revocation when certificates expire.

JoinNow Cloud RADIUS provides cloud-based RADIUS authentication for secure Wi-Fi and network access without requiring on-premises RADIUS infrastructure.

Schedule a demo to see how SecureW2 can simplify certificate-based onboarding and authentication in your environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Jamf and Intune?

Jamf Pro is purpose-built for managing Apple devices, with granular controls and workflows designed around macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Microsoft Intune supports Apple devices as part of a broader cross-platform endpoint-management platform and integrates closely with Microsoft Entra, Conditional Access, and Microsoft Defender.

What can Jamf do that Intune cannot?

amf Pro provides deeper Apple-specific management capabilities and workflows, including granular device targeting, Apple-focused automation, and specialized management tools. Whether those capabilities are necessary depends on the organization's Apple device mix and management requirements.

Are there other Apple MDMs?

Yes. Other Apple MDM platforms include Kandji and Mosyle. Each offers different management, automation, security, and pricing options depending on an organization's requirements. See our comparison guides:

Jamf vs. Kandji

Jamf vs. Mosyle

Is Jamf only for Apple devices?

Yes. Jamf is designed primarily for managing Apple devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, rather than broader cross-platform endpoint management.

Can Intune replace Jamf?

Intune can replace Jamf Pro for organizations that need cross-platform endpoint management and do not require Jamf's deeper Apple-specific capabilities. Organizations with large or complex Apple deployments may prefer Jamf Pro for its granular Apple management, while organizations already invested in Microsoft 365 and Entra may prefer Intune.