Hexnode vs Esper: A Complete Comparison for Modern Endpoint Management

In today’s hybrid work environments, IT managers face a growing challenge: managing a sprawling array of devices across multiple operating systems, ownership models, and security requirements. From BYOD smartphones to rugged Android tablets and remote desktops, the need for a unified, scalable, and secure endpoint management solution has never been greater.

Enter Hexnode and Esper – two leading Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms designed to simplify device lifecycle management. While both offer robust capabilities, they cater to different organizational needs and deployment models.

This blog provides a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode and Esper, examining their strengths across key dimensions.

Whether you’re overseeing a diverse fleet of devices or managing dedicated endpoints in retail or logistics, this guide will help you make an informed decision aligned with your IT strategy.

Hexnode vs Esper: An Executive Overview

As Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern enterprise IT, Hexnode and Esper have emerged as two distinct players offering robust device management solutions.

While both platforms aim to simplify endpoint administration, their company backgrounds, target markets, and core philosophies reveal key differences that IT leaders must consider when evaluating the right fit for their organization.

Hexnode

• Founded by Mitsogo Inc., Hexnode is a global UEM vendor headquartered in San Francisco, California.
• Established Mission: To simplify enterprise mobility and endpoint security through a unified platform that supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
• Recognition: Named a Major Player in IDC MarketScape 2024 and listed in Gartner’s 2025 Market Guide for UEM Tools.
• Global Reach: Serves customers in over 100 countries across various sectors including education, healthcare, logistics, and government.

Esper

• Origin Story: Built on experience from Amazon Go, Fire TV, and Windows Phone, Esper was designed to address the lack of scalable management for dedicated devices.
• Core Focus: Purpose-built for dedicated device fleets with a DevOps-driven approach to device lifecycle management.
• Growth & Recognition: Ranked #735 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list and #133 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500.

Device & OS Compatibility Deep Dive

Device and operating system compatibility is a critical factor in selecting a UEM solution. IT managers must ensure that their chosen platform can support the full spectrum of devices in their environment – from smartphones and desktops to rugged hardware and emerging platforms like AR/VR. Hexnode and Esper differ significantly in their approach and breadth of support.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers broad multi-platform support, making it suitable for organizations with diverse device ecosystems.

Supported Operating Systems

• Android: Android 5.0 and above, including Android Enterprise, Fire OS, and Android TV.
• iOS/iPadOS: iOS 11.0+ and iPadOS 13.0+.
• Windows: Windows 10 v1703 and above, including legacy support with .NET dependencies.
• macOS: macOS 10.7 and above.
• Linux: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, MintOS (CLI-based enrollment supported).
• ChromeOS: Bulk enrollment and kiosk lockdown support.
• tvOS & visionOS: Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro support for kiosk and remote management.

Supported Device Types

• Smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS)
• Desktops and laptops (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Rugged devices (Kyocera, LG, Samsung Knox integrations)
• IoT endpoints (via Linux and Windows support)
• VR/AR: Support for visionOS devices like Apple Vision Pro
• Digital signage and kiosks (Windows, Android, Apple TV)

Specialized Support

• Legacy Windows: Enrollment supported for Windows 10 v1703–1709 with .NET 4.7.1+ and Visual C++ Redistributable.
• Linux CLI Enrollment: Enables open or authenticated enrollment for ARM and non-ARM devices.
• Rugged Device Toolkit: Includes kiosk lockdown, geofencing, remote control, and app management for rugged endpoints.

Esper

Esper is purpose-built for dedicated Android and Linux device fleets, with deep specialization in edge devices.

Supported Operating Systems

• Android (GMS & AOSP): Android 5.0 and above, with full support up to Android 14.
• Esper Foundation for Android: Custom OS optimized for x86 and ARM architectures.
• iOS/iPadOS: iOS 11+ (limited feature parity compared to Android).
• Linux: Recently added support for Linux-based devices.

Supported Device Types

• Android smartphones and tablets
• Rugged handhelds (Zebra, Honeywell, Bluebird)
• POS systems and kiosks (Elo, Touch Dynamic, iMin)
• Digital signage and media players
• Mini PCs and peripherals
• IoT endpoints (via Esper Foundation and Linux support)

Specialized Support

• Esper Foundation OS: Enables long-term support, custom updates, and secure provisioning for dedicated devices.
• Rugged Device Management: Includes remote debugging, kiosk lockdown, and telemetry for mission-critical rugged hardware.
• Legacy Android Support: Full feature support from Android 5.0 onward, with partial support for older versions.

Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities

Effective device management begins with seamless enrollment and continues with robust control over device behavior, apps, and security policies. Hexnode and Esper offer distinct approaches to enrollment and device management, shaped by their core philosophies and target device types.

Hexnode

Hexnode supports a wide range of enrollment methods for both corporate-owned and BYOD scenarios.

Zero-Touch Enrollment:

• Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) via Apple Business/School Manager.
• Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE) for bulk provisioning of Android 9.0+ devices.
• Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) for Samsung devices.
• Windows Autopilot for pre-configured Windows devices.

BYOD Support:

• Account-driven enrollment for Apple devices using Managed Apple IDs.
• Self-enrollment using Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, or Okta credentials.

Bulk Enrollment Options:

• CSV import
• QR code enrollment
• Email/SMS-based enrollment
• ROM-based enrollment for Android (custom firmware with Hexnode agent)

Esper

Esper focuses on provisioning dedicated Android and Linux devices with minimal IT intervention.

Zero-Touch Enrollment:

• Google ZTE for Android devices purchased via authorized resellers.
• Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment for Samsung devices.
• Esper Seamless Provisioning: No-touch provisioning using serial/IMEI and pre-defined blueprints (requires Esper Foundation OS or AOSP builds).

BYOD Support:

• Limited support for BYOD scenarios; Esper is optimized for corporate-owned, dedicated devices.

Bulk Provisioning Options:

• CSV-based bulk provisioning
• QR code (6-Tap method)
• NFC and APK-based provisioning
• IMEI/Serial number-based enrollment

Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features

Security is a cornerstone of any UEM solution. IT managers must evaluate how platforms protect data, enforce compliance, and respond to threats across diverse device fleets.

Hexnode

Hexnode emphasizes enterprise-grade security across all major platforms, with a strong focus on compliance and data protection.

Data Encryption:

• TLS-based encryption for iOS and Windows.
• HTTPS with certificate validation for Android.
• BitLocker and FileVault support for Windows/macOS.

Containerization:

• Work profile isolation for BYOD scenarios.
• Managed open-in policies and copy/paste restrictions.

Threat Detection & Compliance Monitoring:

• Jailbreak/root detection.
• Geofencing-based compliance checks.
• Device inactivity and encryption status monitoring.

Remote Actions:

• Full device wipe (factory reset) and selective corporate wipe.
• Remote lock with custom message and phone number.
• Lost mode and location tracking.

Compliance Standards Supported

• HIPAA: Security controls for healthcare data protection.
• GDPR: Data privacy enforcement and user consent management.
• SOC 2 Type II: Independently audited with no exceptions.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2022: Certified for global information security standards.
• PCI DSS: Support for secure payment data handling.

Case Study: JailCore – Securing Devices in High-Risk Environments

The Challenge: JailCore needed to manage over 100 rugged Android devices used by correctional officers, with strict security requirements to prevent misuse inside jail facilities.

The Solution: Hexnode provided kiosk lockdown, remote management, and easy deployment – allowing JailCore to restrict devices to their app and manage them centrally.

The Result: Improved security, reduced setup time, and scalable device control across multiple locations.

🔗 Read the full success story here

Esper

Esper adopts a DevSecOps-inspired model, embedding security into every stage of device lifecycle management for dedicated Android and Linux fleets.

Data Encryption:

• Full device or container-based encryption.
• Secure certificate management via SCEP for Wi-Fi and app access.

Containerization:

• Hardened kiosk mode with persistent lockdown.
• App-level restrictions and secure system modification controls.

Threat Detection & Compliance Monitoring:

• Integrity checks (Basic Integrity, CTS Profile Match).
• Security patch version tracking.
• Risk scoring and automated drift correction.

Remote Actions:

• Remote lock, reboot, factory reset, and messaging.
• Remote control and terminal access for diagnostics.

Compliance Standards Supported

• HIPAA: Support for healthcare-grade device security.
• GDPR: Data protection and privacy enforcement.
• SOC 2 Type II: Certified with detailed audit reports.
• ISO/IEC 27001:2022: Certified for information security management.
• PCI DSS 4.0: Compliant for secure payment environments.

Admin & End-User Experience

User experience – both for administrators and end-users – is a critical factor in the success of any UEM deployment. A well-designed console can reduce training time, minimize errors, and improve policy enforcement. Similarly, a smooth enrollment experience for end-users ensures faster onboarding and fewer support tickets.

Hexnode

Hexnode’s admin console is designed for multi-platform management, offering a clean, modular interface with intuitive navigation.

UI/UX Design:

• Web-based console with role-based access controls.
• The dashboard displays device status, compliance alerts, and quick actions.
• Customizable views for device groups, OS types, and enrollment status.

Policy Creation Workflow:

• Policies are created via a guided wizard with platform-specific tabs (Android, iOS, Windows, etc.).
• Templates can be cloned, modified, or archived.
• Policies can be auto-assigned based on device attributes or user groups.

Customization:

• Admins can define what end-users see in the Hexnode app (e.g., compliance info, app catalog, messages).
• Branding options available for portal and app interface.

Esper

Esper’s console is built for dedicated device fleets, emphasizing automation and blueprint-driven workflows.

UI/UX Design:

• Web-based console with a modular layout: Dashboard, Devices, Blueprints, Apps, Pipelines, Reports.
• Real-time telemetry and activity feed for device actions.
• RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) with granular permissions.

Policy Creation Workflow:

• Uses Blueprints to define desired device states (apps, settings, restrictions).
• Policies are applied via templates or directly to devices/groups.
• Drift management ensures devices stay compliant with blueprint configurations.

Customization:

• JSON-based DPC parameters for advanced device behavior control.
• API-first design for CI/CD integration and automation.

Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities

Modern IT environments demand seamless integration between endpoint management platforms and enterprise systems such as identity providers, ITSM tools, and automation frameworks.

Hexnode

Hexnode provides broad enterprise integration support, making it suitable for organizations with diverse IT ecosystems.

API Availability

• RESTful JSON APIs over HTTPS.
• Supports automation of device scans, location tracking, policy updates, and app management.
• Rate-limited to 10 API calls per device per day for standard plans.

Identity Provider Integrations

• Azure AD (Microsoft Entra ID): Sync users/groups, enable conditional access, and support SSO.
• Okta: Supports user sync, SSO, MFA, and device enrollment via Okta credentials.
• Google Workspace: Directory sync and app management.
• Microsoft AD: On-premise directory integration for user provisioning.

ITSM & Enterprise Software Integrations

• Freshservice: Sync assets and perform UEM actions from within the Freshservice console.
• Zendesk: Create support tickets and manage devices directly from Zendesk.
• Check Point Harmony Mobile: Threat detection and response integration.
• Drata & Vanta: Compliance automation tools.
• ServiceNow: Integration is in development, with plans to enable ticketing and device visibility workflows.

Featured resource

Simplifying Compliance: An Actionable Guide for IT

Learn how to navigate compliance challenges with UEM. This guide helps IT teams build a strong security foundation aligned with industry standards.

Download White paper

Esper

Esper offers deep API and SDK integration, optimized for automation and DevOps workflows in dedicated device environments.

API Availability

• Extensive REST-based APIs for device control, app deployment, telemetry, and policy enforcement.
• Supports automation of app updates, device provisioning, and remote commands.
• Includes SDKs for Python and Android for custom workflows and hardware-specific controls.

Identity Provider Integrations

• Okta: Supports SSO via SAML and OIDC, including MFA and user provisioning.
• Other SAML/OIDC Providers: Generic support for enterprise SSO setups.
• No native Azure AD integration; relies on SAML/OIDC configuration.

ITSM & Enterprise Software Integrations

• No native ServiceNow or Freshservice integration is currently documented.
• Focuses on API-first extensibility, allowing custom integrations with ITSM platforms via REST endpoints.
• Partner ecosystem includes OEMs and ISVs for POS, hospitality, and healthcare solutions, but lacks direct ITSM connectors.

Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Understanding the pricing structure of a UEM solution is essential for budgeting, scaling, and long-term planning. Hexnode and Esper both offer transparent, per-device pricing models with tiered feature sets. However, their pricing philosophies reflect their target markets – Hexnode caters to a broad range of industries and device types, while Esper focuses on dedicated device fleets.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers four pricing tiers, all billed per device per month, with discounts for annual billing. A 14-day free trial is available with full access to the Ultra plan.

Pricing Model

• Billing Basis: Per device/month
• Minimum Commitment: 15 devices
• Free Trial: 14 days, no credit card required

Esper

Esper provides four pricing tiers, also billed per device per month, with a 30-day free trial and no credit card required.

Pricing Model

• Billing Basis: Per device/month
• Minimum Commitment: 25 devices
• Free Trial: 30 days, no credit card required

Analyzing Customer Support & Resources

Reliable customer support and accessible documentation are essential for IT teams managing large device fleets. Whether troubleshooting issues or onboarding new admins, the quality of support and self-service resources can significantly impact operational efficiency.

Hexnode

Hexnode provides multi-tiered global support and a rich ecosystem of self-service resources.

Channels:

• Phone (global toll-free numbers)
• Email: support@hexnode.com
• Live chat via website and console
• Ticketing system for technical and sales inquiries

Availability:

• Standard support included across all plans
• Premium support available via Enterprise agreements

Additional Services:

• Scheduled demos and onboarding sessions
• Dedicated account managers for large deployments

Documentation & Knowledge Base:

• Hexnode Help Center: Extensive guides for all supported platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, visionOS)
• Hexnode Academy: Structured training modules and certification paths
• Video Tutorials & Webinars: Covers feature walkthroughs, best practices, and use cases

Esper

Esper offers tiered support plans and a developer-focused documentation suite.

Channels:

• Ticketing via console or Help Center
• Email notifications for ticket updates

Support Tiers:

• Standard: 9×5 support with SLA-based response times (Sev 1: 2 hrs, Sev 2: 12 hrs, etc.)
• Plus: 24×7 support with same SLAs
• Ultimate: Enhanced 24×7 support with faster SLAs (Sev 1: 30 min, Sev 2: 1 hr)

Professional Services:

• Technical Implementation Manager
• Custom app support and fleet scaling consultation
• Quarterly business reviews and Slack channel access

Documentation & Knowledge Base:

• Esper Help Center: Developer documentation, API references, SDK guides, CLI tools
• Esper Resource Center: Whitepapers, case studies, webinars, and TCO reports

FAQs: Hexnode vs Esper

Which platform offers more flexible pricing for a small to medium-sized business (SMB)?

Hexnode is generally more SMB-friendly, with lower minimum device commitments (15 devices) and affordable entry-level plans starting at $2.20/device/month (annual). Esper starts at $2/device/month but requires a minimum of 25 devices and is more tailored to dedicated device fleets.

Can I manage both corporate-owned and BYOD devices on a single platform?

Hexnode supports both corporate-owned and BYOD scenarios across Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, with features like containerization and privacy controls. Esper is optimized for corporate-owned, dedicated devices and offers limited BYOD support.

How do Hexnode and Esper handle the management of rugged, special-purpose devices?

Esper excels in managing rugged Android devices (e.g., Zebra, Honeywell) with features like kiosk lockdown, telemetry, and remote debugging. Hexnode also supports rugged devices (e.g., Kyocera, Samsung Knox) but focuses more on policy enforcement and remote control across platforms.

What is the learning curve like for an IT admin new to Hexnode or Esper?

Hexnode offers a user-friendly console with guided workflows, extensive documentation, and Hexnode Academy for training. Esper has a steeper learning curve due to its DevOps-centric design but provides detailed developer documentation and onboarding support for technical teams.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Endpoint Strategy

Hexnode and Esper represent two distinct approaches to endpoint management, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases.

Who Is It For?

Choose Hexnode if you need:

• A multi-platform UEM that supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and even visionOS.
• Strong BYOD support, zero-touch enrollment, and granular policy control.
• Native integrations with identity providers and ITSM tools like Azure AD, Okta, Freshservice, and Zendesk.
• A compliance-focused solution with certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001.
• A user-friendly admin console and active community support.

Choose Esper if your focus is:

• Managing dedicated Android and Linux device fleets in industries like retail, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare.
• Deep DevOps integration, blueprint-based automation, and CI/CD pipelines for app deployment.
• Touchless provisioning and hardened kiosk mode for mission-critical endpoints.
• Advanced telemetry, remote control, and SDK/API access for custom workflows.
• SLA-backed support tiers and developer-centric documentation.

Before making a decision, consider your organization’s device landscape, operational complexity, and compliance requirements. Both platforms offer free trials – Hexnode for 14 days and Esper for 30 days – so you can explore their capabilities firsthand.

Take the next step: Evaluate your needs, test the platforms, and choose the solution that aligns best with your endpoint strategy.