Hexnode vs Samsung Knox Manage: The Ultimate UEM Comparison for IT Decision-Makers

In today’s enterprise IT landscape, managing a diverse fleet of devices has become a daily challenge for IT managers. With the rise of remote work, ensuring security and compliance is more critical than ever.

Two platforms that consistently surface in UEM evaluations are Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage. Both offer robust capabilities for device management, security enforcement, and enterprise integration – but they approach these goals from different angles.

This blog post provides a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage. Whether you’re managing a small business with mixed devices or overseeing a large enterprise with Samsung-centric deployments, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on your organization’s specific needs.

Hexnode vs Samsung Knox Manage: An Executive Overview

As Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern enterprise IT, Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage have emerged as two distinct platforms offering robust device management capabilities. While both aim to simplify endpoint administration, their company backgrounds, target markets, and core philosophies reveal key differences that IT leaders must consider.

Hexnode

• Developed by Mitsogo Inc., headquartered in San Francisco, California.
• Recognized by Gartner (2025 Market Guide) and IDC MarketScape (2024) as a major player in UEM.
• Serves customers in 100+ countries, spanning sectors like education, healthcare, logistics, retail, and government.
• Focuses on platform-agnostic, centralized management of endpoints across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and more.
• Emphasizes zero-touch deployment, security compliance, and hands-free automation.
• Offers deep kiosk lockdown, IoT management, and digital signage capabilities.

Samsung Knox Manage

• Part of Samsung Electronics, leveraging its global footprint and hardware ecosystem.
• Built to optimize management of Samsung Galaxy devices, but also supports multi-OS environments including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Wear OS.
• Positioned as a cloud-based UEM within the broader Knox Suite, which includes tools like Knox Mobile Enrollment, Knox E-FOTA, and Knox Platform for Enterprise.
• Built to maximize Samsung device capabilities through tight integration with Knox Platform for Enterprise.
• Prioritizes ease of use, remote troubleshooting, and multi-app kiosk configuration through intuitive wizards.

Device & OS Compatibility Deep Dive

Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms must support a wide array of operating systems and device types to meet the diverse needs of modern enterprises. In this section, we compare Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage in terms of their compatibility with operating systems and device categories.

Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities

Effective device management begins with seamless enrollment and continues with robust policy enforcement, app control, and remote support. This section compares Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage across key enrollment methods and core device management features.

Device Enrollment Methods

Hexnode

Hexnode offers a wide range of enrollment options 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 seamless provisioning of Android devices
• Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) for Samsung devices
• Windows Autopilot integration for pre-configured Windows device setup

BYOD Enrollment:

• Self-Enrollment using Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, or Okta credentials
• QR Code Enrollment, Email/SMS Enrollment, and Open Enrollment URLs

Bulk Enrollment:

• CSV Import for pre-approved enrollment with policy pre-assignment
• ROM-based Enrollment for Android devices with Hexnode as a system app

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage provides flexible enrollment options, especially optimized for Samsung devices:

Zero-Touch Enrollment:

• Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) for bulk provisioning of Samsung Galaxy devices
• Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) via Apple Business Manager integration
• Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) for seamless enrollment post-unboxing or factory reset

BYOD Enrollment:

• Manual Enrollment via Knox Manage agent installation and login
• QR Code & Token-Based Enrollment for simplified user-driven onboarding

Core Device Management Features

Hexnode

Hexnode delivers platform-agnostic, policy-driven management across diverse device types:

Policy Enforcement:

• Unified policy engine for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and visionOS
• Granular restrictions (e.g., camera, app store, network settings, roaming, data usage)

Application Management:

• Apple VPP integration for iOS/macOS app distribution
• Managed Google Play for Android Enterprise apps
• App allowlisting/blocklisting, silent installation, custom app catalogs

Remote Control & View:

• Remote View and Remote Control for Android, Windows, and macOS devices
• Real-time troubleshooting and screen sharing

Device Restrictions:

• Advanced restrictions per OS (e.g., disabling Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Safe Mode)
• Data usage policies, VPN enforcement, certificate deployment

Case Study Spotlight: JailCore

The Challenge: JailCore, a correctional facility management software provider, needed to deploy and secure over 100 rugged Android devices used by correctional officers inside jails. The devices ran the JailCore app to document inmate interactions, and the CTO, Robby Clements, was particularly concerned about device misuse and security within a highly sensitive environment.

The Solution: After evaluating multiple UEM solutions, JailCore selected Hexnode for its kiosk lockdown capabilities, remote management features, and ease of deployment. Hexnode enabled the team to lock down devices to a single app, enforce strict usage policies, and manage the entire fleet from a centralized console.

The Result: JailCore successfully deployed its devices with minimal manual intervention, ensuring they were secure, compliant, and purpose-specific. The solution reduced operational overhead, improved data integrity, and enhanced the safety of both staff and inmates by preventing unauthorized device use.

🔗 Read the full success story here

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage emphasizes Samsung-optimized control with deep integration into the Knox ecosystem:

Policy Enforcement:

• Over 300+ enterprise policies including event-based enforcement (e.g., time, location, SIM change)
• Full support for Android Enterprise and Android Management API

Application Management:

• Apple VPP support for iOS app distribution
• Managed Google Play integration for Android apps
• App blocklisting, allowlisting, and silent installation

Remote Control & View:

• Knox Remote Support for unattended troubleshooting on Samsung devices
• Features include screen sharing, file transfer, and screen recording

Device Restrictions:

• Extensive controls for Samsung devices (e.g., NFC, SIM, APN, tethering, USB, developer mode)
• Knox E-FOTA for firmware version control and OS update scheduling

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. This section compares Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage across key security capabilities and regulatory compliance support.

Hexnode

Hexnode provides a multi-layered security architecture designed for platform-agnostic environments:

Data Encryption:

• Supports BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) for full-disk encryption
• TLS and HTTPS-based communication with strong certificate validation

Containerization:

• Work profiles for Android and iOS to isolate corporate data from personal apps
• Managed open-in policies and copy/paste restrictions to prevent data leakage

Threat Detection & Prevention:

• Compliance engine flags jailbroken/rooted devices, missing apps, policy violations, and geofence breaches
• Mobile Threat Defense integrations available

Remote Actions:

• Remote Lock, Device Wipe, Corporate Wipe, and Lost Mode with custom messages
• Real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts

Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

• USB, Bluetooth, and tethering restrictions
• Conditional access for Microsoft apps based on compliance status

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage leverages Samsung’s hardware-backed security and defense-grade features:

Data Encryption:

• Knox Vault for secure key storage and data protection
• Trusted Boot and Real-time Kernel Protection for OS integrity

Containerization:

• Knox Platform for Enterprise enables secure work profiles and app isolation on Samsung devices

Threat Detection & Prevention:

• Knox Device Health Attestation and Samsung Auto Blocker for exploit prevention
• Event-based policy enforcement (e.g., SIM change, location, time, network)

Remote Actions:

• Remote Lock, Wipe, Lost Mode, and Knox Guard for fraud and theft protection
• Knox Remote Support for screen sharing, file transfer, and remote troubleshooting

Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

• Granular controls over NFC, APN, SIM, USB, and developer options
• Firmware control via Knox E-FOTA to prevent OS-based vulnerabilities

Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities

Modern IT environments rely on seamless integration between endpoint management platforms and enterprise systems. This section compares Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage in terms of their API availability, identity provider support, and native integrations with ITSM and enterprise software.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers extensive integration capabilities, designed to support diverse enterprise ecosystems.

API Availability:

• Provides a RESTful JSON API over authenticated HTTPS channels.
• Supports operations like device queries, policy enforcement, remote commands (wipe, lock), and app installations.
• API documentation is publicly available for developers to build custom integrations.

Identity Provider Support:

• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD): Supports user sync, conditional access, and policy assignment.
• Okta: SCIM and OIDC-based integration for user provisioning, SSO, and MFA.
• Google Workspace: User and group sync, app management, and login support.

ITSM & Enterprise Software Integrations:

• Freshservice: Syncs IT assets and enables UEM actions directly from the Freshservice console.
• Zendesk: Links support tickets with device data for contextual troubleshooting.
• ServiceNow: Integration is in development, aiming to streamline ticketing and device visibility across platforms.
• Check Point Harmony Mobile, Drata, Vanta: Security and compliance integrations for threat detection and audit readiness.

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage offers targeted integrations, especially within the Samsung ecosystem and enterprise identity platforms.

API Availability:

• Provides a RESTful API for device, user, and policy management.
• Supports MSP-specific API endpoints for multi-tenant management scenarios.
• API access is region-specific, with endpoints for APAC, Europe, and North America.

Identity Provider Support:

• Microsoft Entra ID: Integration via Microsoft Graph API and SAML; supports OIDC and MFA.
• Okta: SCIM provisioning and OIDC authentication; supports MFA and user sync.
• Ping Identity: SCIM and OIDC support for user provisioning and authentication.
• On-Premise AD/LDAP: Supported via Samsung Cloud Connector with TLS and SASL options.

ITSM & Enterprise Software Integrations:

• No native ServiceNow or Freshservice integration currently documented.
• Focuses on directory and certificate authority integrations (e.g., ADCS, LDAP) for secure identity and access management.
• Knox SDK available for custom enterprise app development and integration with Samsung-specific features.

Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Understanding the pricing structure and licensing models of UEM platforms is critical for IT managers evaluating long-term costs. This section compares Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage based on their publicly available pricing, licensing models, and free trial availability.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers a transparent, per-device pricing model with multiple tiers based on feature sets.

Licensing Model:

• Per-device pricing (not per-user)
• Minimum of 15 devices required to subscribe
• Billed monthly or annually (10% discount for annual billing)
• 14-day free trial available (Trial includes Ultra license with full feature access)

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage uses a license-based model managed via the Knox Admin Portal, with pricing handled through authorized resellers.

Licensing Model:

• Per-device licensing
• Licenses available on monthly, annual, or biennial terms
• Managed via Knox Suite Essentials or Knox Suite Enterprise Plans
• Pricing is not publicly listed; must be obtained via a Knox reseller
• Knox Suite Essentials Plan – Entry-level features
• Knox Suite Enterprise Plan – Full access to Knox Manage, Knox E-FOTA, Knox Remote Support, etc.

Analyzing Customer Support & Resources

Customer support and self-service resources are critical for IT teams managing large fleets of devices. This section compares Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage in terms of their support channels, documentation quality, and community engagement.

Hexnode

Hexnode offers multi-channel global support and a rich ecosystem of self-help resources.

Customer Support Channels:

• Phone Support: Available in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, India, and more.
• Email Support: Dedicated support email (support@hexnode.com).
• Live Chat: Available via the website and admin portal.
• Ticketing System: Raise support tickets directly from the portal.
• Premium Support: Available via enterprise plans with SLAs and dedicated account managers.

Documentation & Knowledge Base:

• Extensive Help Center with categorized guides for each OS and feature.
• Hexnode Academy: Structured training modules and certification paths.
• Video Guides: Tutorials for onboarding, kiosk setup, app deployment, and remote actions.
• Webinars & Whitepapers: Regular expert-led sessions and downloadable resources.

Community Engagement:

• Hexnode Connect: A dedicated community forum for peer support, ideation, and feature discussions.

Featured resource

Understanding Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Ideal for IT managers evaluating solutions like Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage, it provides clarity on how UEM can streamline device management and enhance enterprise security.

Download White paper

Samsung Knox Manage

Knox Manage provides tiered support through Samsung and its reseller network, with a focus on documentation and remote support.

Customer Support Channels:

• Web Support: 24/7 access to FAQs, documentation, and ticket submission.
• Email/Ticketing: Support inquiries via the Knox Admin Portal.
• Phone Support: Available through resellers or Samsung Enterprise Support (varies by region).

Support Tiers:

• Type 3 Support: Samsung provides both Level 1 and Level 2 support for Knox Manage.
• Premium Support: Available via resellers, includes on-site training and dedicated account managers.

Documentation & Knowledge Base:

• Comprehensive Knox Manage Documentation Portal with over 300 policies and how-to articles.
• Knowledge Base Articles: Covers error codes, configuration issues, and advanced setups.
• Admin Guides: Step-by-step onboarding and configuration tutorials.
• Release Notes & API Docs: Updated regularly for new features and endpoints.

FAQs: Hexnode vs Samsung Knox Manage

Can Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage handle both BYOD and corporate-owned devices?

Yes. Both platforms support BYOD and corporate-owned deployments. Hexnode offers flexible enrollment options like self-enrollment, QR codes, and open URLs, while Knox Manage supports manual enrollment and zero-touch provisioning via Knox Mobile Enrollment.

Which platform supports more operating systems and device types?

Hexnode supports a wider range of platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Does Knox Manage work with non-Samsung devices?

Yes, Knox Manage supports non-Samsung Android and iOS devices, but its advanced features like Knox Platform for Enterprise and Knox E-FOTA are exclusive to Samsung hardware.

Which platform offers better remote support capabilities?

Knox Manage provides Knox Remote Support, allowing screen sharing, file transfer, and remote control on Samsung devices. Hexnode offers Remote View and Control for Android, Windows, and macOS, but lacks the same depth of integration for Samsung-specific features.

Is pricing transparent for both platforms?

Hexnode offers publicly listed per-device pricing with multiple tiers. Samsung Knox Manage pricing is handled through resellers and is not publicly disclosed, which may require negotiation and longer procurement cycles.

Do both platforms support integration with identity providers like Azure AD and Okta?

Yes. Both Hexnode and Knox Manage support Azure AD and Okta via SCIM and OIDC protocols. Hexnode also integrates with Google Workspace and Okta for user provisioning and SSO.

Which platform is better for rugged or kiosk device deployments?

Hexnode has broader support for rugged OEMs (Zebra, Honeywell, Kyocera) and offers advanced kiosk lockdown and digital signage features. Knox Manage is optimized for Samsung rugged devices and provides a user-friendly kiosk wizard.

Conclusion

Both Hexnode and Samsung Knox Manage are powerful UEM platforms, but they cater to different operational priorities and IT environments.

Who is it for?

Choose Hexnode if you need:

• Broad platform support across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
• Transparent pricing with scalable tiers for SMBs and mid-market enterprises.
• Deep kiosk, rugged device, and IoT management capabilities.
• Rich integrations with identity providers, ITSM tools, and compliance platforms.
• A strong community and extensive self-service resources.

Choose Samsung Knox Manage if your focus is:

• Managing Samsung Galaxy devices with hardware-backed security.
• Leveraging Knox Suite tools like E-FOTA, Knox Guard, and Knox Remote Support.
• Operating in regulated industries requiring firmware control and advanced policy enforcement.
• Integrating with existing Samsung infrastructure and enterprise identity systems.
• Benefiting from a longer free trial and reseller-managed support.

Before making a final decision, we recommend evaluating your organization’s device mix, security requirements, and integration needs. Both platforms offer free trials, making it easy to test features in your environment. Start your evaluation today and choose the solution that aligns best with your IT strategy.