UEM Migration Handbook
A practical guide designed to help IT teams successfully migrate from Citrix Endpoint Management to a modern UEM solution.
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 provides a platform for managing rugged and operational devices, organizations may explore a SureMDM alternative to find a Unified Endpoint Management solution that best aligns with their specific platform, management, and identity integration requirements.
This guide compares Hexnode UEM and SureMDM to help organizations understand how the two platforms differ across platform coverage, security capabilities, integrations, pricing, and overall device management experience.
Why organizations evaluate a SureMDM alternative
Here are some common reasons organizations evaluate a SureMDM alternative:
Ease of onboarding and daily administration: Some IT teams prioritize a console they can learn quickly, and Hexnode provides a centralized dashboard designed to simplify device enrollment, policy configuration, and everyday management.
Licensing structure: Organizations comparing costs often look at how modules are packaged, since SureMDM offers add-on products such as SureAccess, that can be licensed separately or bundled, while Hexnode uses per-device subscription tiers (Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Ultra).
BYOD data separation and privacy: For hybrid fleets, Hexnode uses OS-native containerization – an Android Enterprise work profile and an iOS Business Container, to keep corporate apps and data separate from personal data, with a selective corporate wipe that removes only work data and leaves personal content intact.
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 | Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Fire OS, tvOS, and visionOS. | Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Apple TV, Wear OS, VR, and IoT. |
| Dedicated & Kiosk Devices | Single-app, multi-app, and web-app kiosk modes across Android, iOS, Windows, and Apple TV, plus digital signage. | Kiosk and lockdown capabilities through SureLock, the SureFox secure browser, and SureVideo digital signage, included in all plans. |
| Deployment Model | Cloud-based UEM platform designed for centralized endpoint management | Available as both cloud and on-premise deployment |
| Governance & Device Control | OS-level policies, automation, compliance rules, and configuration controls across supported platforms. | Device and app policies, compliance rules, and configuration controls across supported platforms. |
| Automation & Policy Management | Dynamic grouping, automation workflows, and compliance-based policy enforcement. | Automation through its Jobs and Workflow engine, dynamic grouping, and geo/time/network fencing for policy enforcement. |
| Pricing Structure | Per-device pricing tiers. | Per-device pricing tiers, with some capabilities (such as SureAccess ZTNA and IoT management) available as separate add-ons. |
| Support & Resources | Support via chat, email, and phone, plus a help center, training resources, and community forum. | 24/7 support with a 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 a cross-platform UEM with support for rugged, wearable, and operational endpoints, and is used across 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
- Apple TV
- 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 framework alignments, including:
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification
- SOC 2 Type II auditing covering SureMDM and related products such as SureLock, SureFox, and SureVideo.
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, including OS-level encryption and BitLocker management, depending on the platform.
- 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
- 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
- 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 offers multiple per-device subscription tiers spanning core mobile device management and kiosk capabilities up through desktop management, automation, and advanced security controls.
- 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 14-day free trial with access to the Ultra feature set.
- 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.
- Included and Add-On Tools: SureLock (kiosk), SureFox (secure browser), and SureVideo (digital signage) are included in every SureMDM plan, while some products such as SureAccess (ZTNA) are licensed as separate add-ons.
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
Which SureMDM alternative offers better BYOD privacy and controls?
Hexnode supports BYOD through OS-native containerization – Android Enterprise Work Profile and Apple User Enrollment, which separates and secures corporate data while preserving the privacy of employees’ personal data on their own devices.
Are there SureMDM alternatives that simplify device migration and enrollment?
Hexnode supports zero-touch enrollment through Apple ADE, Android Zero-Touch, Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, and Windows Autopilot, and Hexnode Gateway can migrate devices from another MDM to Hexnode while preserving existing user data and settings.
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.
Organizations that prioritize deep integrations with identity and security ecosystems such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and ITSM platforms, along with support for endpoints like Apple TV and Apple visionOS, may find Hexnode a strong fit 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.
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Start Your Free TrialDisclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of July 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.
