Skip to content

Fleet vs. Jamf Pro and NinjaOne: MDM Solution Comparison 2026 #2

New issue

Have a question about this project? Sign up for a free GitHub account to open an issue and contact its maintainers and the community.

Sign up for GitHub

By clicking “Sign up for GitHub”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy statement. We’ll occasionally send you account related emails.

Already on GitHub? Sign in to your account

Draft
GrowthX-Team wants to merge 1 commit into
base: main
Choose a base branch
from
Draft

Fleet vs. Jamf Pro and NinjaOne: MDM Solution Comparison 2026 #2

Changes from all commits
Commits
Show all changes
1 commit
Select commit
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension
Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Loading
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Loading
Diff view
Diff view
114 changes: 114 additions & 0 deletions articles/fleet-vs-jamf-pro-ninjaone-mdm-comparison.md
View file
Open in desktop
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
# Fleet vs. Jamf Pro and NinjaOne: How to choose the right MDM solution

Fleet, Jamf Pro, and NinjaOne all provide [device management](https://fleetdm.com/) capabilities for organizations with diverse device fleets. Fleet delivers [Apple-first MDM capabilities](https://fleetdm.com/releases/fleet-introduces-mdm) alongside open-source, API-first device management with GitOps workflows, SQL-based queries, and full self-hosting capability with cross-platform support for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, and Android. Jamf Pro focuses on Apple device management with zero-touch deployment capabilities, while NinjaOne provides cross-platform remote monitoring and management through a unified cloud-native console. This guide covers deployment approaches, device management capabilities, and decision criteria for IT teams evaluating these tools.

## Overview

Fleet is an Apple-oriented, modern, transparent device management solution with complete cross-platform support for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, and Android devices. If your organization needs an API-first architecture with GitOps workflow support, Fleet provides sub-30-second device reporting that gives teams immediate visibility into device state. Fleet offers full self-hosting capability or managed cloud deployment, providing infrastructure control that isn't available with cloud-only alternatives. Fleet's [osquery](https://fleetdm.com/guides/osquery-a-tool-to-easily-ask-questions-about-operating-systems) foundation lets security teams run SQL-based queries across all managed devices for real-time visibility. Fleet supports Declarative Device Management (DDM) for Apple devices, enabling modern, declarative configuration management. Fleet also supports [MDM migration](https://fleetdm.com/guides/mdm-migration) from existing solutions, so organizations can transition from other MDM platforms while maintaining device management continuity.

Jamf Pro is an Apple-focused MDM platform supporting macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS devices. Fleet and Jamf Pro both integrate with Apple Business Manager for zero-touch deployment. Fleet and Jamf Pro both support SSO/SAML integration and identity provider connectivity. Jamf Pro offers Platform SSO while Fleet's API-first architecture enables custom identity workflows and programmatic SSO configuration. Jamf Pro doesn't support [Windows or Linux devices](https://fleetdm.com/announcements/fleet-introduces-windows-mdm) natively, so organizations with mixed environments will need additional management tools alongside Jamf.

NinjaOne is a cloud-native IT management platform combining remote monitoring and management (RMM) with MDM capabilities for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. NinjaOne provides patch management, remote support, and ticketing features through a single console. NinjaOne operates as cloud-only with no self-hosting option and uses proprietary closed-source software.

Fleet offers open-source transparency with an API-first design and self-hosting options while all three platforms provide device management capabilities for organizations. Jamf Pro focuses on Apple ecosystems while Fleet and NinjaOne provide cross-platform support. Fleet and NinjaOne both offer multi-OS management, with Fleet adding open-source transparency and self-hosting options.

## Key differences

| Attribute | Fleet | Jamf Pro | NinjaOne |
|-----------|-------|----------|----------|
| Architecture | API-first design, unified REST API | GUI-first with Apple integrations | Cloud-native RMM/MDM console |
| Source code | Open-source | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Platform support | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Android | macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, watchOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, Android |
| GitOps support | Native GitOps workflow management | Git, Terraform, and CI/CD support | Not available |
| Declarative Device Management (DDM) | Partial support | Extensive support | Supported |
| Self-hosting | Full self-hosting support | Cloud-hosted with hybrid elements available | Cloud-only |
| Device reporting | Sub-30-second device state reporting | MDM check-in intervals | Agent-based monitoring intervals |
| Queries | SQL-based real-time queries across all devices | Pre-built reports and scheduled inventory collection | Agent-based monitoring and scripting capabilities |
| Vulnerability detection | Built-in software vulnerability reporting | Requires additional tools or integrations | Built-in patching and antivirus integrations |

## Device management workflow comparisons

### Enrollment and provisioning

Fleet and Jamf Pro support zero-touch setup for their respective Apple and [Windows platforms](https://fleetdm.com/guides/windows-mdm-setup), while NinjaOne doesn't have documented zero-touch setup support in the provided sources. Fleet provides zero-touch MDM enrollment for Apple devices through Apple Business Manager integration. Jamf Pro also supports zero-touch setup for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and extends to other Apple devices including tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. NinjaOne provides broader cross-platform MDM capabilities with agent-based deployment.

Fleet and Jamf Pro both integrate with Apple Business Manager, allowing organizations to configure multiple ABM and Apps and Books (VPP) connections. This supports organizations managing devices across varied environments.

NinjaOne uses agent-based deployment for Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, as well as Apple and Android mobile devices. NinjaOne's cloud-native architecture means all operations flow through their hosted infrastructure with no on-premise or hybrid options available.

### Configuration management

Fleet uses Teams and Labels to organize devices and control the scope of management automations. Fleet provides configuration profile management and delivery capabilities through its osquery integration, enabling SQL-based queries for device configuration verification. Fleet's API-first architecture supports programmatic configuration management and GitOps workflows for version-controlled configuration changes.

Fleet and Jamf Pro both provide device organization through grouping mechanisms. Fleet uses Teams and Labels while Jamf Pro provides group-based device organization, allowing administrators to control the scope of management automations and Configuration Profile delivery. Jamf Pro offers tools like blueprints and payload-based configuration profiles for common settings, while Fleet requires you to create and upload your own custom configuration profiles rather than using pre-built templates.

NinjaOne provides policy-based configuration for devices and servers, with grouping based on device attributes. Configuration changes deploy through the NinjaOne agent to managed devices.

Fleet provides native GitOps support for managing device configurations through version control systems. Jamf Pro supports GitOps-style workflows via Terraform providers and Git-based configuration-as-code, while NinjaOne's support for GitOps or configuration-as-code isn't clearly documented and may still rely primarily on manual configuration changes through its console and scripts.

### Software management

Fleet, Jamf Pro, and NinjaOne all support software deployment across their respective platforms. Fleet provides software management through its API and supports custom package deployment. Jamf Pro provides software management and configuration for Apple devices, with deployment capabilities through Apple Business Manager integration. NinjaOne offers cross-platform software management with support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices, including remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools and third-party integrations for broader IT operations.

All three tools let you upload custom software packages for installation and provide scripting capabilities for automation. This ensures that complex software (e.g., security applications like CrowdStrike) can be customized during installation.

Fleet provides software deployment and patching capabilities across all supported platforms. NinjaOne includes OS patch management for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, and third-party application patch management for Windows. Software deployment uses the NinjaOne agent for cross-platform package distribution.

### Security and compliance

Fleet provides security visibility through SQL-based queries that run across all managed devices. Fleet's policies let organizations define compliance requirements and track device compliance status. Fleet includes built-in vulnerability detection and reporting capabilities. Fleet's real-time query capability supports incident response by providing immediate visibility into device state.

Fleet and Jamf Pro both support Apple security features including FileVault management and Gatekeeper configuration through MDM protocol support. Fleet and Jamf Pro both integrate with access control and directory systems. Fleet's API-first architecture enables custom integrations with SIEM platforms, identity providers, and network access control systems.

Fleet enables rapid response to security incidents through sub-30-second device reporting and SQL-based real-time queries, providing immediate visibility into device status and activity across all managed devices. The ability to quickly identify and report on device information is critical during security events, where delays in detection and reporting can give attackers time to cover their tracks or move laterally to additional systems.

Fleet provides additional security capabilities including file integrity monitoring for detecting unauthorized changes, file carving for incident investigation, and policy scoring for quantitative compliance measurement. These capabilities are also available in Jamf Pro (via Jamf Protect) and therefore aren't unique to Fleet; NinjaOne's support for them is unclear from the available evidence. Fleet also offers scope transparency, allowing end users to see exactly what information is being collected from their devices.

Both Fleet and NinjaOne enable SIEM integration for streaming device telemetry to security operations platforms. NinjaOne provides security through patch management and antivirus integrations (Webroot, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender), relying on third-party tools for device protection.

### API and integration capabilities

Fleet, Jamf Pro, and NinjaOne all provide API capabilities, with Fleet's API-first architecture providing the most comprehensive access. All Fleet functionality is accessible through its unified REST API, enabling custom integrations and automation workflows that fit your team's existing processes. Jamf Pro provides integrations, including API-driven workflows, focused on Apple ecosystem tools such as Apple Business Manager, directory and identity systems like Active Directory and SSO/SAML providers, and enterprise systems such as Cisco ISE. NinjaOne supports third-party integrations with PSA tools like ConnectWise, communication platforms like Slack, and remote support tools including Splashtop. Extensive APIs enable data export and automation, supporting RMM workflows, ticketing system integration, and monitoring capabilities across the platform.

Both Fleet and NinjaOne enable SIEM integration for streaming device telemetry to security operations platforms. This capability allows security teams to correlate device state with other security data sources for threat detection and investigation.

### Pricing and licensing

Fleet offers an open-source edition with full functionality available for self-hosting at no licensing cost. Fleet also provides a managed cloud option with enterprise support. This model allows organizations to evaluate Fleet without licensing commitments before scaling deployment.

Jamf Pro now has publicly disclosed per-device pricing tiers on Jamf's official site (e.g., $10 per macOS device per month and $5.75 per mobile device per month, billed annually, with minimums), rather than being exclusively quote-based with no listed amounts. If your organization has mixed device environments that include Windows and Linux, you'll need additional tools alongside Jamf Pro for non-Apple device management, since Jamf Pro exclusively supports Apple ecosystems. This can increase what you'll actually pay when running multiple tools.

NinjaOne uses a per-device pricing model that many reviewers describe as cost-effective for SMBs and MSPs. The cloud-only model eliminates infrastructure costs but removes self-hosting flexibility.

Fleet's [open-source model](https://fleetdm.com) provides an alternative for organizations seeking transparent, auditable device management software without per-device licensing fees.

## Open-source device management

Organizations evaluating MDM platforms often face a choice between vendor lock-in and operational flexibility. Fleet offers a different approach with complete source code transparency, self-hosting options, and cross-platform support that doesn't compromise on Apple device management capabilities.

Fleet combines real-time device visibility with the API-first architecture that IT and security teams need for modern workflows. Whether you're managing a fleet of 500 devices or 50,000, Fleet's osquery foundation delivers the same sub-30-second reporting and SQL-based query capabilities. [Schedule a demo](https://fleetdm.com/demo) to see how Fleet handles device management across your macOS, Windows, and Linux devices.

## FAQ

### What's the main difference between open-source and proprietary device management?

Open-source tools like Fleet provide code that organizations can audit, modify, and self-host, while proprietary SaaS platforms use closed-source code that can't be independently verified. This means security teams can verify exactly what code runs on managed devices with open-source tools. [Try Fleet](/try-fleet) to experience the difference.

### How do cross-platform MDM tools compare with Apple-only options for managing Apple devices?

Cross-platform tools like Fleet provide complete Apple device management capabilities at parity with Apple-focused tools, including zero-touch enrollment through Apple Business Manager, MDM Configuration Profiles, and Apps and Books (VPP) distribution. If your organization uses Windows, macOS, and Linux, you can consolidate tools using cross-platform support rather than running separate tools for each platform. [Schedule a demo](/demo) to see how Fleet manages Apple devices alongside Windows and Linux.

### How does osquery-based querying differ from traditional MDM reporting?

Osquery-based querying lets teams run SQL queries for device state information on-demand, supporting more agile security investigations compared to scheduled inventory collection cycles. Traditional MDM provides scheduled inventory collection and agent-based monitoring, while SQL-based approaches give security teams flexibility to investigate incidents with real-time queries. [Schedule a demo](/demo) to see how Fleet's query capabilities work with your device fleet.

### How long does migration from an existing MDM take?

Migration timeframes vary based on fleet size and complexity. Fleet supports gradual migration alongside existing MDM tools, allowing you to transition devices incrementally while maintaining visibility across your entire fleet during the transition. [Schedule a demo](/demo) to discuss your specific migration requirements and timeline.

<meta name="articleTitle" value="Fleet vs. Jamf Pro and NinjaOne: MDM Solution Comparison 2026">
<meta name="authorFullName" value="GrowthX Team">
<meta name="authorGitHubUsername" value="GrowthX-Team">
<meta name="category" value="articles">
<meta name="publishedOn" value="2026-02-26">
<meta name="description" value="Compare Fleet, Jamf Pro, and NinjaOne for device management. See features, deployment options, and decision criteria for cross-platform MDM solutions.">
Loading