Evan
Cole

SureMDM Alternative: Why Hexnode is a Better Choice

Evan Cole

Mar 9, 2026

13 min read

Hexnode vs SureMDM

Modern organizations manage more devices than ever, ranging from employee laptops and smartphones to kiosks, rugged scanners, and IoT endpoints. Ensuring these devices remain secure, compliant, and easy to manage requires a powerful Unified Endpoint Management solution.

While SureMDM is a popular platform for managing rugged and operational devices, many IT teams explore a SureMDM alternative when they need broader cross-platform support, simplified device management, or deeper integrations with enterprise identity and security tools.

This guide compares Hexnode vs SureMDM to help organizations understand how the two platforms differ in platform coverage, security capabilities, integrations, pricing, and overall device management experience.


Why organizations evaluate a SureMDM alternative

Here are the common pain points that drive organizations to switch:

Complex User Interface & Steep Learning Curve: Administrators frequently report that SureMDM’s onboarding process and daily operations involve a complicated UI, making it difficult to deploy and manage without extensive training.

Costly Advanced Features: Pricing can quickly escalate, especially for smaller or mid-market organizations, as many advanced management capabilities and customizations require paying extra for premium tiers.

Limited BYOD Controls: Organizations managing hybrid fleets often face challenges with SureMDM’s limited control and customization over Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments, leading to end-user privacy concerns and potential corporate data risks.


Executive Decision Matrix: Hexnode vs SureMDM

The table below summarizes how Hexnode and SureMDM compare across essential Unified Endpoint Management capabilities.

Decision Factor Hexnode UEM 42Gears SureMDM
Platform Breadth Supports Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, FireOS, tvOS, Android TV, and emerging platforms Supports Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Wear OS, and IoT-focused devices
Dedicated & Kiosk Devices Advanced kiosk management across Android, Windows, iOS, and digital signage environments Strong kiosk and lockdown capabilities through tools like SureLock and SureFox
Deployment Model Cloud-based UEM platform designed for centralized endpoint management Available as both cloud and on-premise deployment
Enrollment Options Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox, Windows Autopilot, QR/email enrollment Apple Business Manager, Android Zero-Touch, Knox enrollment, Autopilot, manual enrollment
Governance & Device Control Granular OS-level policies, automation, compliance rules, and advanced configuration controls Core device management with fewer advanced configuration capabilities in some environments
User Experience Modern interface with centralized dashboard and simplified administration Functional interface but may involve a steeper learning curve for administrators
Automation & Policy Management Dynamic grouping, automation workflows, and compliance-based policy enforcement Basic automation with policy enforcement capabilities
Integrations Integrations with identity providers, security tools, and enterprise platforms Integrations focused on security, network access control, and rugged device ecosystems
Pricing Structure Transparent per-device pricing tiers with scalable plans Tiered pricing with additional add-ons for advanced capabilities
Support & Resources Multi-channel support with help center, training resources, and community platform 24×7 support with knowledge base and technical resources

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.

Platform Support & Device Compatibility

Hexnode

Hexnode UEM supports a wide range of platforms, enabling organizations to manage diverse device ecosystems from a centralized console.

Mobile & Desktop OS

Hexnode supports device management across Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian), ChromeOS, Fire OS, tvOS, and visionOS, allowing IT teams to manage both traditional endpoints and emerging device platforms within a unified management environment.

Enrollment Methods

Hexnode supports several enterprise enrollment workflows including:

  • Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager
  • Android Zero-Touch Enrollment for enterprise Android devices
  • Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment
  • Windows Autopilot for automated Windows provisioning
  • QR code or email-based enrollment workflows
Device Types

Hexnode can manage a wide range of endpoints including:

  • Smartphones and tablets
  • Laptops and desktops
  • Shared and kiosk devices
  • Smart TVs and digital signage displays
  • Certain specialized devices such as Apple TV and devices running visionOS

SureMDM

42Gears SureMDM is designed with strong support for rugged devices, wearable technology, and operational endpoints, making it commonly used in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and field services.

Core Platform Support

SureMDM supports several major operating systems including:

  • Android
  • iOS and iPadOS
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • ChromeOS
  • Wear OS
  • Windows Mobile / Windows CE
  • Certain VR and IoT device environments
Device Types

SureMDM is frequently deployed to manage specialized devices such as:

  • Smartphones and tablets
  • Laptops and desktops
  • Rugged handheld scanners
  • Smartwatches and wearable devices
  • VR headsets
  • Industrial devices such as printers and RFID scanners
  • IoT-connected endpoints
Enrollment Options

SureMDM supports multiple device enrollment methods, including:

  • Android Zero-Touch Enrollment
  • Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment
  • Apple Business Manager enrollment
  • Windows Autopilot
  • QR code enrollment
  • Manual enrollment using the SureMDM agent
Specialized Device Tools

SureMDM also provides dedicated tools designed for operational environments:

  • SureLock – kiosk lockdown for dedicated devices
  • SureFox – secure browser for restricted browsing environments
  • SureVideo – digital signage and media playback management

Comparing Security Posture & Compliance Features

Hexnode

Hexnode UEM provides a layered security framework designed to help organizations protect endpoint data and enforce security policies across multiple operating systems.

Certifications

Hexnode maintains several security certifications and security management standards, including:

  • ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification
  • SOC 2 Type II attestation
Security Features

Hexnode includes a range of device-level security capabilities such as:

  • BitLocker and FileVault encryption enforcement for Windows and macOS devices
  • Web content filtering and device restriction policies, including controls for USB, Bluetooth, and other connectivity options
  • Conditional access integrations that allow organizations to restrict access to enterprise resources based on device compliance
  • Remote security actions, including device lock, wipe, lost mode, and password reset for compromised or stolen devices
Compliance Management

Hexnode allows administrators to define and monitor device compliance policies across supported operating systems. These capabilities include:

  • Platform-specific compliance policies for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS
  • Dynamic grouping of non-compliant devices for automated remediation workflows
  • Compliance checks such as encryption status, jailbreak/root detection, and application policy enforcement

SureMDM

42Gears SureMDM provides endpoint security features designed to protect mobile, rugged, and specialized operational devices often used in field environments.

Certifications

The 42Gears platform maintains several security certifications and security framework alignments, including:

  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification
  • SOC 2 Type II auditing for SureMDM and related products such as SureLock and SureFox

The company also participates in several cloud security transparency and assessment frameworks.

Security Features

SureMDM provides device-level security controls designed to secure operational endpoints, including:

  • Device authentication and access control policies
  • Application management and kiosk lockdown using tools such as SureLock and SureFox
  • Data encryption support depending on the underlying operating system
  • Remote device monitoring and control capabilities

42Gears also offers SureIdP, an identity and access management solution that supports features such as SSO, MFA, and conditional access.

Compliance Tools

SureMDM provides tools that help organizations monitor and manage security posture, including:

  • Device compliance monitoring and reporting
  • Security advisories and vulnerability updates
  • Support for cloud security assessment frameworks such as CAIQ and HECVAT-Lite

Ecosystem & Integration Capabilities

Hexnode

Hexnode UEM supports integrations across identity management platforms, security tools, IT service systems, and device OEM frameworks, helping organizations automate device provisioning and security enforcement.

Identity & Directory Services

Hexnode integrates with several identity providers and directory services to support authentication, device enrollment, and policy assignment:

  • Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD): Enables user synchronization and compliance-based access controls.
  • Google Workspace: Allows user and group synchronization and supports Android Enterprise enrollment workflows.
  • Okta: Supports single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user directory synchronization.
  • Microsoft Active Directory: Enables directory-based user management and policy assignments.
Security & Compliance Tools

Hexnode can integrate with external security and compliance platforms such as:

  • Check Point Harmony Mobile for mobile threat defense
  • Drata and Vanta to support compliance monitoring and security audit workflows

These integrations allow organizations to align endpoint management with broader compliance and security operations.

ITSM & Support Integrations

Hexnode integrates with IT service management and support tools, including:

  • Freshservice
  • Zendesk

These integrations help automate ticket creation, device support workflows, and incident management processes.

OEM & Device-Specific Integrations

Hexnode supports several OEM device management frameworks used in enterprise and rugged device environments, including:

  • Samsung Knox
  • Zebra
  • LG GATE
  • Kyocera
  • Motorola
  • Honeywell

These integrations allow deeper device configuration and management capabilities for enterprise and rugged device deployments.

SureMDM

42Gears SureMDM provides integrations focused on network security, identity access management, and rugged device ecosystems commonly used in operational environments.

Security & Network Integrations

SureMDM supports integrations with several network and security platforms, including:

  • Microsoft 365: Enables configuration of enterprise email profiles and application deployments on managed devices.
  • SIEM platforms such as Splunk: Allows integration for security monitoring and event analysis.
  • Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass: Enables network access control (NAC) policies based on device posture and identity.
Remote Management Integrations

SureMDM supports Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT) for certain Windows devices, enabling capabilities such as:

  • Remote device management
  • Power control
  • Hardware-level access for troubleshooting
OEM & Rugged Device Integrations

SureMDM integrates with several OEM technologies used in rugged device environments, including:

  • Zebra LifeGuard OTA for firmware and security updates on Zebra devices
  • Support for enterprise rugged device platforms from manufacturers such as Zebra, Urovo, and others
Ecosystem Support

SureMDM is commonly used with rugged and industrial devices such as:

  • Zebra TC21 / TC26
  • Zebra MC9300
  • Other rugged handheld devices used in logistics, manufacturing, and field operations.

Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Hexnode

Hexnode UEM uses a per-device subscription model, allowing organizations to scale endpoint management based on the number of devices being managed. The platform offers multiple subscription tiers designed to support different levels of endpoint management functionality.

  • Pro – Core mobile device management features and kiosk capabilities (Per-device monthly subscription)
  • Enterprise – Expanded UEM capabilities including desktop management (Per-device monthly subscription)
  • Ultimate – Advanced UEM features including automation and security controls (Per-device monthly subscription)
  • Ultra – Full feature set with enterprise-scale capabilities (Custom pricing)

Additional details include:

  • Free Trial: Hexnode offers a free trial period that allows organizations to evaluate the full platform.
  • Device-Based Licensing: Pricing is based on the number of managed devices rather than users.
  • Scalable Deployment: Plans are designed to scale as device fleets grow.

This device-based licensing model can help organizations maintain predictable costs as their endpoint environments expand.

SureMDM

42Gears SureMDM offers tiered licensing plans with support for both cloud-hosted (SaaS) and on-premise deployment models. Typical SureMDM pricing tiers include:

  • Standard – Core device management features (Per-device subscription)
  • Premium – Advanced device management and security capabilities (Per-device subscription)
  • Enterprise – Full endpoint management functionality with additional enterprise features (Per-device subscription)

Additional licensing characteristics include:

  • Free Trial: SureMDM offers a free trial period for evaluation.
  • Deployment Options: Available as both SaaS and on-premise deployments.
  • Add-On Modules: Additional products such as SureLock, SureFox, SureVideo, and SureAccess can be licensed separately or bundled depending on deployment requirements.

These deployment and licensing options allow organizations to choose a model that aligns with specific infrastructure, security, or compliance requirements.

Analyzing Customer Support & Resources

Hexnode

Hexnode provides multiple support channels along with a growing ecosystem of documentation and training resources.

Support Availability

Hexnode offers support through several channels including:

  • Email, phone, and live chat support
  • A support ticketing system for technical issues
  • Dedicated support contact channels available through the Hexnode support portal

These channels allow IT teams to reach support specialists when troubleshooting device management issues or configuring policies.

Resources

Hexnode provides a variety of learning and documentation resources for administrators, including:

  • Hexnode Help Center: Documentation, setup guides, and troubleshooting articles for supported platforms
  • Training resources and product tutorials covering device enrollment, policy configuration, and feature usage
  • Webinars and product documentation that help administrators stay updated on platform capabilities and best practices
Community Engagement

Hexnode also maintains a community platform where users can:

  • Participate in discussions related to device management use cases
  • Share implementation experiences and best practices
  • Stay informed about product updates and feature announcements

These resources support IT teams that want structured documentation and peer-driven learning when deploying endpoint management solutions.

SureMDM

42Gears SureMDM provides support channels and documentation resources designed for organizations managing mobile, rugged, and operational devices.

Support Availability

SureMDM offers support through several channels including:

  • Email and phone-based technical support
  • Support portal for submitting and tracking support requests
  • Access to product specialists for troubleshooting and deployment assistance
Resources

42Gears provides a range of documentation and learning materials for administrators, including:

  • SureMDM Knowledge Base and documentation portal with technical guides and configuration instructions
  • Developer documentation and API references for organizations integrating SureMDM into their workflows
  • Educational resources such as webinars, case studies, and product documentation

These resources help IT teams deploy and manage SureMDM in environments that often include rugged devices, kiosks, and specialized endpoints.


SureMDM Alternative: Common Questions

Is Hexnode a viable SureMDM alternative for cross-platform device fleets?
Yes. While 42Gears SureMDM excels in environments dominated by rugged hardware, wearables, and IoT endpoints, Hexnode provides a much broader ecosystem approach for modern enterprise IT. Hexnode offers deep integrations across Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, tvOS, and Apple visionOS. Furthermore, Hexnode supports advanced desktop management features that SureMDM lacks, such as macOS Kernel Extensions, Media Management, and Autonomous Single App Mode.
Which SureMDM alternative offers better BYOD privacy and controls?
A frequent customer complaint regarding SureMDM is its limited control over Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) endpoints, which can lead to employee privacy concerns regarding company oversight on personal devices, as well as an increased risk of data breaches. Hexnode serves as a highly secure SureMDM alternative by providing robust OS-level compliance policies and data containerization capabilities, allowing IT to separate and secure corporate data without compromising end-user privacy.
Are there SureMDM alternatives that simplify device migration and enrollment?
Absolutely. Many organizations seek a SureMDM alternative to escape its complex onboarding processes and occasional enrollment friction (where users can get stuck during agent deletion or setup). Hexnode eliminates these roadblocks with seamless zero-touch enrollment methods (Apple ADE, Android ZTE, Samsung Knox, Windows Autopilot). Additionally, Hexnode Gateway enables IT administrators to remotely migrate devices from a legacy MDM to Hexnode in under five minutes with zero user interaction required.

Both Hexnode and SureMDM provide strong endpoint management capabilities, particularly for organizations managing mobile devices and specialized endpoints. SureMDM is often preferred in environments where rugged devices, wearables, and operational endpoints are a primary focus.

However, organizations looking for broader platform coverage, streamlined device management, and deeper integrations with modern identity and security ecosystems may find Hexnode better suited for managing diverse device fleets.

The best way to evaluate the difference is through hands-on testing and assessing how each platform fits your organization’s device management strategy.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of March 2026. Features and pricing for Hexnode and SureMDM 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.

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Evan Cole

I write about endpoint management. As a content writer at Hexnode, I translate complex IT concepts into clear, actionable insights. My goal is to help organizations navigate endpoint management with confidence and clarity.