UEM Migration Handbook
A practical guide designed to help IT teams successfully migrate from Citrix Endpoint Management to a modern UEM solution.
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 – Hexnode, a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform built to manage devices across BYOD, corporate-owned, and dedicated ownership models, and Esper, a device management platform purpose-built for company-owned and dedicated devices such as tablets, kiosks, and POS systems.
This blog provides a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode and Esper, examining their strengths across key dimensions.
Hexnode vs Esper: An Executive Overview
A quick snapshot to help IT teams evaluate which solution better fits their endpoint management needs.
| Feature | Hexnode | Esper |
| Device Support | Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, visionOS | Android, iOS/iPadOS, tvOS, Linux, Windows |
| Deployment Model | Cloud-based with zero-touch enrollment options | Touchless provisioning and staged rollouts |
| Customization & APIs | REST API and the Hexnode Automate workflow-automation engine | SDKs, APIs, and pipeline-based software deployment |
| Compliance & Security | SOC 2 Type 2 report, with compliance support for GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS | SOC 2 Type 2 and PCI DSS compliance, with drift management, kiosk lockdown, and real-time telemetry |
Want to explore the details behind this comparison? Expand the section below for a comprehensive breakdown of platform support, enrollment capabilities, security architecture, integrations, and pricing.
Device and 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. These two solutions, 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, and Linux Mint (CLI-based enrollment supported).
- ChromeOS: Bulk enrollment and kiosk lockdown support.
- tvOS and 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 device fleets across Android, iOS/iPadOS, tvOS, Linux, and Windows, with a focus on edge and company-owned devices.
Supported Operating Systems
- Android (GMS and AOSP): Android 5.0 and above, with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later recommended.
- Esper Foundation for Android: Custom OS optimized for x86 and ARM architectures.
- iOS/iPadOS: iOS 11 and above, with some management capabilities differing from Android.
- Linux: Configuration management, remote access, and zero-touch provisioning for Linux device fleets.
- tvOS: Apple TV fleet management, including app management and configuration enforcement.
- Windows: Windows fleet management from the Esper console, with blueprint-based configuration and script execution.
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 and 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
It 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, company-owned devices with minimal IT intervention using blueprint-driven, no-touch methods.
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:
- Esper is designed for corporate-owned, dedicated devices, which it manages in fully-managed (Device Owner) mode.
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 and 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 and 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.
Esper
Esper adopts a DevSecOps-inspired model, embedding security into device lifecycle management across its dedicated Android, iOS/iPadOS, Linux, and Windows 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 and 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.
Ecosystem and 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.
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 and 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 and Vanta: Compliance automation tools.
- ServiceNow: Sync managed devices, users, and applications with ServiceNow and run Hexnode remote actions directly from the ServiceNow console.
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.
- Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD): Supported through Esper’s SAML and OIDC single sign-on configuration.
ITSM and Enterprise Software Integrations
- ITSM tools such as ServiceNow and Freshservice can be connected through Esper’s REST API for custom ticketing and device-visibility workflows.
- Focuses on API-first extensibility, allowing custom integrations with ITSM platforms via REST endpoints.
- Partner ecosystem includes OEMs and ISVs delivering POS, hospitality, and healthcare solutions.
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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 designed for corporate-owned, dedicated devices, which it manages in fully-managed (Device Owner) mode.
How do Hexnode and Esper handle the management of rugged, special-purpose devices?
Esper focuses on managing rugged Android devices from vendors such as Zebra and Honeywell, with kiosk lockdown, telemetry, and remote debugging. Hexnode supports rugged devices through OEM integrations such as Kyocera, LG GATE, and Samsung Knox, with kiosk lockdown, geofencing, remote control, and app management.
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’s DevOps-centric design is geared toward technical teams and is supported by detailed developer documentation and onboarding assistance.
Hexnode and Esper represent two distinct approaches to endpoint management, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases.
Hexnode suits organizations that need multi-platform UEM across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and visionOS, with strong BYOD support, zero-touch enrollment, and granular policy control. It integrates with identity providers and ITSM tools including Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Okta, ServiceNow, Freshservice, and Zendesk. It also provides compliance support for HIPAA and GDPR alongside SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certifications, plus a user-friendly console and active community support.
Esper suits organizations managing dedicated, company-owned device fleets across Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows – in industries like retail, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare. It offers DevOps-driven, blueprint-based automation with CI/CD pipelines for app deployment, touchless provisioning, hardened kiosk mode, telemetry, remote control, and SDK/API access for custom workflows, backed by SLA-based support tiers and developer-centric documentation.
Before deciding, weigh your 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 firsthand. Evaluate your needs, test the platforms, and choose the solution that aligns best with your endpoint strategy.
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Start Your Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information reviewed as of July 2026. Features, pricing, packaging, and documentation for Hexnode and Esper are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official websites of both companies for the most current information. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
