Microsoft Intune is Microsoft's endpoint management for Windows, mobile and more, part of Microsoft 365 and Entra, the natural choice for Microsoft centric organisations. A cloud based unified endpoint management service, Intune manages Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices, enrolling them, pushing configuration and compliance policies, deploying apps, and securing them, integrated with Microsoft Entra ID for identity and conditional access and with Microsoft Defender for security. Included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 and sold standalone, it is the default endpoint management for organisations in the Microsoft ecosystem, especially for Windows and mixed fleets. For the Microsoft ecosystem, Intune is a leading choice.
Intune's distinction is being Microsoft's endpoint management, integrated with Microsoft 365, Entra and Defender, and often bundled. For the vast number of Microsoft organisations, it manages devices within their existing identity, security and licensing, ties to conditional access, and is included in common Microsoft 365 plans, so endpoint management fits their environment at little or no extra cost. That integration and bundling set it apart for Microsoft centric organisations.
Microsoft Intune is best for Microsoft centric organisations managing Windows and mixed fleets that want endpoint management integrated with Microsoft 365, Entra and Defender, especially those with Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 where it is included. It suits Microsoft aligned IT teams. It is a weaker fit for Apple heavy fleets wanting the deepest Apple management, where Jamf or Kandji fit, rugged and frontline devices, where SOTI or Scalefusion fit, or non Microsoft environments.
The core strengths are management of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, device enrolment (with Windows Autopilot), configuration and compliance policies, app deployment, and security, integrated with Microsoft Entra ID for identity and conditional access and Microsoft Defender. Intune offers endpoint security, reporting, and Microsoft 365 integration. Its Microsoft integration, conditional access and bundling are its defining advantages.
Intune is around 8 US dollars per user a month standalone, and importantly is included in Microsoft 365 E3, E5 and some other plans, so many Microsoft organisations get it without extra cost, with higher Intune Suite add ons for advanced management. Pricing is very favourable for organisations already in those Microsoft 365 plans. Costs depend on licensing. Confirm details via the Intune site.
Intune integrates natively with Microsoft 365, Entra ID (identity and conditional access), Microsoft Defender (security), and the Microsoft ecosystem, plus third party tools. Its deep Microsoft integration, which ties endpoint management to identity, security and the tools organisations already use, is a signature strength and the core reason Microsoft organisations choose it.
Microsoft integration and bundling are the signature strength: Intune manages devices within Microsoft 365, enforces conditional access through Entra, ties to Defender for security, and is included in common Microsoft 365 plans, so Microsoft organisations get integrated endpoint management at little or no extra cost. For them, this is the main reason to choose Intune.
Intune is capable and well integrated for Microsoft environments, strong for Windows, with Microsoft support, though reviewers note Apple and some management depth lag specialists and the admin experience has a learning curve. Its G2 reviews praise Microsoft integration, conditional access and value, with Apple depth and complexity the main considerations.
For Microsoft centric organisations managing Windows and mixed fleets that want endpoint management integrated with Microsoft 365, Entra and Defender, often bundled, Intune is a leading, cost effective choice. The main caution is that Apple heavy fleets may want Jamf or Kandji for deeper Apple management, and rugged or frontline devices SOTI or Scalefusion, but for the Microsoft ecosystem Intune leads.
These endpoint management / mdm / uem tools come up most often against Microsoft Intune.
Enterprise UEM, formerly VMware Workspace ONE
Apple device management for enterprise, education
Apple MDM with automation and security