UEM Migration Handbook
A practical guide designed to help IT teams successfully migrate from Citrix Endpoint Management to a modern UEM solution.
Microsoft Intune is one of the most widely adopted endpoint management platforms, especially among organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
However, many IT teams evaluating endpoint management solutions start searching for a Microsoft Intune alternative when they encounter challenges related to usability, pricing structure, or cross-platform device support.
This guide delivers a deep, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode and Microsoft Intune.
Common reasons organizations look for a Microsoft Intune alternative
Despite its strengths, many organizations evaluating an alternative due to:
- Complex configuration and onboarding
- Licensing structure based on per-user pricing
- Additional costs for premium capabilities
- Limited support for specialized devices such as rugged endpoints
- Steeper learning curve for IT administrators unfamiliar with Microsoft’s ecosystem
For organizations that need simpler deployment, broader device compatibility, or more predictable pricing, alternatives like Hexnode UEM often become attractive options.
Executive Decision Matrix: Hexnode vs Microsoft Intune
Below is a quick high-level comparison to help IT leaders evaluate both platforms.
| Decision Factor | Hexnode UEM | Microsoft Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Breadth | ✓ Supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, tvOS, Fire OS, rugged devices, and digital signage | ✓ Supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, limited Linux; optimized primarily for enterprise endpoints |
| Dedicated & Kiosk Devices | ✓ Advanced single-app and multi-app kiosk modes across Android, iOS, Windows, and tvOS; strong rugged device support | ✕ Supports kiosk mode mainly for Windows and Android Enterprise; less specialized for dedicated device fleets |
| Deployment Architecture | ✓ Pure-play cloud UEM designed for standalone deployment across mixed environments | ✕ Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem (Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Defender) often required for full capability |
| Enrollment Options | ✓ Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, Windows Autopilot, QR/email enrollment, bulk provisioning | ✓ Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox Enrollment, Windows Autopilot, Company Portal enrollment |
| Policy Governance | ✓ Granular OS-level policy controls, scripting, geofencing, kiosk restrictions, encryption enforcement | ✓ Strong identity-based policies via Entra ID, conditional access, compliance-based device governance |
| BYOD Model | ✓ OS-native containerization such as Android Work Profiles and managed app controls | ✓ App protection policies and conditional access policies for BYOD |
| Remote Support & Troubleshooting | ✓ Built-in remote view/control for Android and Windows devices | ✕ Remote Help available primarily for Windows and typically as a premium add-on |
| Licensing Model | ✓ Transparent per-device pricing tiers | ✕ Primarily per-user licensing, often bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions |
| Cost Efficiency | ✓ Predictable scaling for organizations managing shared devices, kiosks, or IoT endpoints | ✕ Per-user model may increase costs in device-heavy deployments |
| Ecosystem & Integrations | ✓ REST API integrations with ITSM tools, identity providers, messaging platforms, and SIEM tools | ✓ Deep native integration with Microsoft ecosystem (Entra ID, Defender, Sentinel, Power Automate) |
| Support & Resources | ✓ Multi-channel support including phone, email, live chat, and documentation resources | ✕ Enterprise support structure tied to Microsoft subscription tiers |
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 & OS Compatibility Deep Dive
Hexnode
Hexnode positions itself as a platform-agnostic UEM solution, supporting a wide variety of operating systems and device types. Supported platforms include:
- Android (5.0+) with full Android Enterprise support
- iOS/iPadOS (11+)
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- macOS 10.7+
- Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, RHEL, and CentOS
- tvOS and Amazon Fire OS
- Apple visionOS devices
Hexnode also provides strong support for rugged Android devices and IoT endpoints, making it suitable for industries like logistics, healthcare, and retail.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune focuses primarily on modern enterprise endpoints with tight integration into the Microsoft ecosystem. Supported platforms include:
- Android Enterprise devices
- iOS/iPadOS (15+)
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- macOS (12+)
- Limited Linux support including Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Intune also supports specialized devices such as:
- Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Surface Hub collaboration devices
- ChromeOS management via Chrome Enterprise connectors
Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities
Device Enrollment Methods
Hexnode
Hexnode provides flexible enrollment options for both corporate-owned devices and BYOD environments. Common enrollment methods include:
- Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)
- Android Zero-Touch Enrollment
- Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment
- Email or QR-code-based enrollment
- Directory authentication via Entra ID, Okta, or Google Workspace
- Bulk provisioning via CSV imports
- Windows provisioning packages
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune supports automated provisioning integrated with Microsoft identity services. Enrollment options include:
- Apple Automated Device Enrollment
- Android Zero-Touch Enrollment
- Samsung Knox enrollment
- Windows Autopilot provisioning
- Enrollment through the Company Portal app
- Automatic enrollment for Entra ID joined devices
Core Device Management Capabilities
Hexnode
Hexnode offers a wide range of device management features including:
- Granular device and user-level policies
- Application management via Apple VPP and Managed Google Play
- Remote view and remote control for Android and Windows devices
- Device restriction controls for camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and apps
- Kiosk mode for Android, iOS, Windows, and tvOS
- Geofencing and time-based policies
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune emphasizes identity-driven policy enforcement and compliance automation. Core capabilities include:
- Conditional access through Microsoft Entra ID
- Compliance policies with automated remediation
- Role-based access control
- Managed application deployment
- Endpoint analytics for device health
- Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features
Hexnode Security Features
Hexnode focuses on device-level security enforcement and operational control. Key capabilities include:
- Enforcement of BitLocker, FileVault, and mobile encryption
- Detection of rooted or jailbroken devices
- Android Enterprise work profile containerization
- Remote actions such as wipe, lock, reset password, and lost mode
- Geofencing-based security policies
- Remote file transfer and screen capture
Hexnode also supports compliance frameworks such as:
- GDPR
- HIPAA
- SOC 2
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- PCI DSS
Microsoft Intune Security Features
Microsoft Intune integrates closely with Microsoft’s Zero Trust security architecture. Security capabilities include:
- Conditional access policies
- Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- App protection policies for BYOD
- Endpoint risk scoring and threat analytics
- Data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities
- Integration with Microsoft Sentinel for incident response
Microsoft’s compliance certifications include:
- GDPR
- HIPAA (via Microsoft BAA)
- SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3
- ISO 27001, 27018, 27701
- FedRAMP and NIST frameworks
Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities
Hexnode Integrations
Hexnode provides integration capabilities through its RESTful JSON API. Supported integrations include:
- Identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace
- ITSM tools like Freshservice, Zendesk, and ServiceDesk Plus
- Messaging platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams
- SIEM tools including Splunk
- Webhooks and custom scripting for automation
These integrations make Hexnode particularly appealing for MSPs and organizations requiring multi-tenant environments.
Microsoft Intune Integrations
Microsoft Intune integrates deeply with Microsoft services through the Microsoft Graph API. Key integrations include:
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Microsoft Defender
- Microsoft Sentinel
- ServiceNow
- Power Automate and Logic Apps
- Configuration Manager and Windows Autopilot
Organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem benefit from these native integrations and centralized identity management.
Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Hexnode Pricing
Hexnode uses a per-device pricing model, allowing organizations to pay only for devices being managed. Plans include:
- Pro
- Enterprise
- Ultimate
- Ultra
Pricing typically ranges from approximately $2.20 to $4.70 per device per month, depending on the feature tier. Key benefits include:
- Predictable pricing
- Lower entry cost for SMBs
- 14-day free trial
- Flexible scaling as device fleets grow
Microsoft Intune Pricing
Microsoft Intune uses a per-user licensing model. Common plans include:
- Intune Plan 1 – $8/user/month
- Intune Plan 2 – $4 add-on
- Microsoft Intune Suite – $10 add-on
Many organizations receive Intune bundled with:
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
However, advanced capabilities often require additional add-on licensing, which can increase total costs.
Customer Support & Resources
Hexnode Support
Hexnode provides direct support channels for administrators. Support options include:
- Phone support in multiple regions
- Email support
- Live chat assistance
- Ticketing system within the portal
- Premium enterprise support plans
Additional learning resources include:
- Hexnode Help Center
- Hexnode Academy training
- Webinars and tutorials
- Community forum (Hexnode Connect)
Microsoft Intune Support
Microsoft Intune support is typically tied to the organization’s Microsoft subscription level. Support resources include:
- Microsoft Premier or Unified Support
- Extensive official documentation
- Microsoft Tech Community
- Microsoft Q&A forums
- In-product support within the admin portal
Microsoft Intune Alternative: Common Questions
Which platform offers better support for rugged or kiosk devices?
Hexnode excels in rugged and kiosk deployments, with native support for Samsung Knox, Kyocera, and multi-app lockdown across Android, iOS, Windows, and tvOS. Intune supports kiosk mode primarily for Windows and Android Enterprise but lacks specialized rugged integrations.
Is Microsoft Intune only suitable for organizations using Microsoft 365?
Microsoft Intune works best when integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, particularly Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Microsoft Defender. While it can be deployed independently, many advanced capabilities depend on these integrations. Organizations using diverse infrastructure or non-Microsoft identity systems may explore alternative UEM platforms that offer broader third-party integrations, where solutions like Hexnode may provide a more flexible fit.
Is Microsoft Intune more expensive than other UEM solutions?
Microsoft Intune uses a per-user licensing model, which can become costly for organizations managing many shared or dedicated devices.
If your organization is deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem particularly Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Defender – Microsoft Intune can provide a tightly integrated endpoint management experience.
But if your priority is managing a diverse fleet of devices across multiple operating systems, including kiosks, rugged devices, and dedicated-use endpoints, with simpler administration and predictable device-based pricing, Hexnode offers greater flexibility.
The most effective way to understand the operational differences between the two platforms is through hands-on evaluation.
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Start Your Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of March 2026. Features and pricing for Hexnode and Microsoft Intune 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.
