Popular comparison

Choosing Between Jamf vs. Kandji: A Complete Feature Showdown

Explore features, strengths, and trade-offs of Jamf and Kandji to stop information hunts and streamline daily teamwork.

Tools > Popular comparison >
Jamf MDM
vs
Kandji​

When it comes to Apple device management, two platforms consistently rise to the top of IT evaluation lists: Jamf and Kandji. Both offer comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions exclusively for Apple devices, but their approaches to automation, security, and user experience differ significantly. 

As organizations increasingly standardize on Apple hardware—with 76% of companies reporting increased Apple adoption over the past two years—choosing the right management platform becomes critical for operational efficiency and security posture.

Jamf vs. Kandji at a glance

Both platforms excel at managing Apple device fleets but take different approaches to automation, complexity, and user experience.

Feature Jamf Kandji
Purpose Comprehensive Apple device management and security Apple-focused MDM with advanced automation and AI
Best when you need Deep customization and enterprise-scale control Streamlined automation with minimal IT overhead
Primary user(s) IT administrators, large enterprises, education IT teams seeking efficiency, mid-market companies
Headline strength Industry standard with 20+ years Apple expertise Modern automation with AI-powered workflows
Limitation Complex setup and steep learning curve Apple-only, limited enterprise customization
Starting price $4/device/month Custom pricing
Signature integration Apple Business Manager, Microsoft Intune Okta, Google Workspace, modern cloud platforms

Overview of Jamf

Jamf is the established leader in Apple device management, serving over 71,000 customers globally and managing more than 30 million Apple devices. Founded in 2002, Jamf has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering specialized solutions for enterprise, education, and small business environments. The platform provides deep integration with Apple's management frameworks and supports the complete device lifecycle from procurement to retirement.

Key Features:

  • Zero-touch deployment with Apple Business Manager integration
  • Advanced policy management and custom scripting capabilities
  • Comprehensive inventory management and reporting
  • Self-service app portals for end users
  • Automated patch management and software updates
  • Remote device actions (lock, wipe, locate)
  • Deep compliance controls and audit trails
  • Extensive third-party integrations (Microsoft, Google, Okta)

Ideal for: Large enterprises, educational institutions, and organizations requiring deep customization and advanced Apple-specific features with complex policy requirements.

Overview of Kandji

Kandji represents the modern approach to Apple device management, emphasizing automation, simplicity, and AI-powered workflows. Founded in 2018, Kandji has quickly gained traction among growing companies seeking streamlined Apple management without traditional MDM complexity. The platform integrates device management with endpoint security, offering a unified solution for IT and InfoSec teams.

Key Features:

  • Automated device setup and zero-touch onboarding
  • AI-powered vulnerability management and threat detection
  • Drag-and-drop workflow orchestration with visual interfaces
  • Built-in endpoint detection and response (EDR) for Macs
  • 150+ pre-built compliance templates and security controls
  • Automated patch management for 200+ applications
  • Real-time compliance enforcement, even offline
  • Native integrations with modern cloud platforms

Ideal for: Mid-sized to large businesses prioritizing automation and efficiency, organizations with lean IT teams, and companies requiring integrated security and compliance management.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Feature Jamf Kandji
Device Enrollment Apple DEP, manual, user-initiated Zero-touch with Apple Business Manager
Policy Management Advanced scripting and custom profiles Visual Blueprints with drag-and-drop
Application Management Comprehensive app lifecycle control Auto Apps library with automated updates
Security Features Jamf Protect (separate product) Built-in EDR and vulnerability management
Compliance Controls Extensive customizable policies 150+ pre-built templates
Reporting Advanced custom reporting AI-powered insights and analytics
User Interface Functional but complex Intuitive and modern design
Offline Management Basic offline capabilities Advanced offline compliance enforcement
Setup Complexity Requires significant configuration Out-of-the-box automation
Learning Curve Steep, especially for advanced features Minimal, designed for ease of use
Integration Ecosystem 300+ marketplace partners 50+ native cloud integrations
Customization Depth Extensive scripting and configuration Streamlined with intelligent defaults

When to Choose Jamf vs. Kandji

Choose Jamf if you need:

  • Deep customization and advanced scripting capabilities
  • Proven enterprise-scale deployment across thousands of devices
  • Extensive integration with existing enterprise infrastructure
  • Advanced education-specific features and classroom management
  • Comprehensive cross-platform support (limited Windows/Android)
  • Industry-standard compliance for highly regulated environments
  • Dedicated support for complex, multi-tenant deployments
  • Long-term strategic partnership with Apple ecosystem expertise

Choose Kandji if you value:

  • Streamlined automation that reduces IT workload
  • Modern user experience with intuitive interfaces
  • Integrated security and compliance without additional products
  • AI-powered insights and automated vulnerability management
  • Rapid deployment and immediate value realization
  • Unified platform combining MDM, security, and compliance
  • Cost-effective scaling for growing organizations
  • Native cloud integrations with modern business systems

How Siit Integrates With Both Tools

Siit enhances both Jamf and Kandji deployments by bringing device management capabilities directly into your ITSM. Through native API integrations, Siit enables conversational IT support that eliminates context switching between platforms.

With Jamf or Kandji integration, Siit can pull device inventory data, trigger remote actions like device locks or password resets, and automate ticket routing based on device status—all directly from within Slack or Teams conversations. IT teams get real-time device context during support interactions, while employees benefit from faster resolution without needing to learn new portals.

Siit also extends these integrations to cover automated onboarding, compliance monitoring, and proactive device management through AI-powered workflows that understand both employee requests and device capabilities. The key advantage: whether you choose Jamf or Kandji today—or decide to switch later—you’ll have access to the same scope of functionality. This consistency means no added burden on your IT Help Desk or ITSM processes, preserving efficiency and avoiding disruption.

Transform your Apple device management into conversational IT support. Start your free Siit trial today and experience how AI-powered workflows eliminate the friction between your team and their devices, regardless of whether you choose Jamf or Kandji.

Explore Siit integrations or Book a demo today.

FAQs

Which platform is better for small IT teams?

Kandji is typically better suited for small IT teams due to its emphasis on automation and ease of use. The platform reduces manual overhead through AI-powered workflows and pre-built templates, allowing lean teams to manage larger device fleets efficiently.

Can I migrate from Jamf to Kandji or vice versa?

Both platforms offer migration tools, but Kandji provides more automated migration assistance from legacy MDM systems including Jamf. The complexity of migration depends on your current configuration depth and customization requirements.

How do pricing models compare between the two?

Jamf uses transparent per-device pricing starting at $5.75/month for mobile devices and $10/month for Macs. Kandji uses custom pricing typically ranging from $5,000-$70,000 annually based on device count and features, requiring sales consultation for exact costs.

Which platform offers better security features?

Kandji includes built-in endpoint detection and response (EDR) and vulnerability management, while Jamf requires separate Jamf Protect licensing for advanced security features. Kandji's integrated approach may be more cost-effective for comprehensive security needs.

Do both platforms support offline device management?

Yes, but Kandji offers more advanced offline capabilities. Its proprietary macOS agent maintains compliance and enforces policies even when devices are disconnected, while Jamf's offline capabilities are more limited to basic MDM functions.

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