Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential in today’s enterprise environment where BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), remote work, and IoT devices are everywhere. While many MDM tools come with hefty license fees, open-source alternatives offer powerful functionality without the cost barrier. In 2025, businesses are increasingly turning to these solutions to gain transparency, control, and customization.
Here are the 10 best open-source MDM software options that stand out in 2025 for their flexibility, community support, and enterprise-grade features.
1. Flyve MDM
Flyve MDM is a mobile device management solution built on top of GLPI, an IT asset management tool. It supports Android devices and is perfect for organizations that already use GLPI. With its open-source licensing and modular design, Flyve offers secure app deployment, policy enforcement, and device tracking with a user-friendly dashboard.
2. WSO2 IoT Server
WSO2 IoT Server goes beyond traditional MDM by supporting enterprise IoT, mobile, and even wearable device management. Backed by WSO2’s robust middleware ecosystem, it provides advanced features like real-time analytics, push notifications, and device enrollment. As of 2025, it remains a preferred choice for large-scale, tech-savvy deployments.
3. ManageEngine MDM (Free Edition for SMBs)
While not fully open source, ManageEngine offers a free edition of its powerful MDM software with core features like app management, device restrictions, and location tracking. It’s widely adopted by startups and small businesses and continues to be popular due to its balance of power and cost-efficiency.
4. Kace by Quest (Community Tools)
Kace offers open-source extensions and community-supported scripts that enhance device management capabilities. Though not open source end-to-end, many enterprises use it in hybrid environments. It excels in patch management, remote control, and inventory tracking, making it ideal for IT teams looking for a semi-open architecture.
5. SOTI MobiControl (Open APIs and Developer Tools)
SOTI is another commercially driven MDM provider, but it supports open development through APIs and SDKs. Tech teams often leverage this flexibility to build tailored MDM features. While not truly open source, it makes this list for its robust developer community and extendable nature.
6. MICROMDM
MICROMDM is a command-line-driven MDM solution for macOS devices. Lightweight and fully open source, it’s ideal for Apple-centric IT environments. It integrates well with DEP and APNs, allowing seamless management of Apple devices with a high degree of automation and customization.
7. Headwind MDM
Headwind MDM is a powerful open-source MDM solution that supports Android devices. It’s popular in logistics, healthcare, and education sectors where managing kiosks and rugged devices is a priority. Headwind allows full control over apps, content, and system settings and can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.
8. OpenRemote
Although OpenRemote is traditionally seen as an IoT platform, it’s increasingly being adopted for MDM use cases due to its flexible rules engine and open-source license. With support for smart building devices and custom user flows, OpenRemote is ideal for advanced automation in smart workplaces.
9. FusionInventory + GLPI
When paired with GLPI, FusionInventory offers asset discovery, device inventory, and software deployment features. While not a full MDM solution out-of-the-box, this combination can be configured for lightweight MDM tasks in smaller IT environments, especially useful for hybrid fleets.
10. Relution (Hybrid Open Source)
Relution provides an open-source edition suitable for education and government sectors. It supports iOS, Android, and Windows devices and includes features like app distribution, geofencing, and policy enforcement. It’s user-friendly and backed by a strong developer community, making it a rising player in the MDM space.
| MDM Software | Open Source | Supported Platforms | Best For | On-Premises Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flyve MDM | Yes | Android | GLPI Users | Yes |
| WSO2 IoT Server | Yes | Android, iOS, IoT | Enterprise IoT & Mobile | Yes |
| ManageEngine MDM (Free Edition) | Partially (Free Edition) | Android, iOS, Windows | SMBs | No |
| Kace by Quest | Partially (Community Tools) | Windows, macOS | IT Teams | Yes |
| SOTI MobiControl | Partially (Open APIs) | Android, iOS | Developers | Yes |
| MICROMDM | Yes | macOS | Apple Ecosystems | Yes |
| Headwind MDM | Yes | Android | Kiosks & Rugged Devices | Yes |
| OpenRemote | Yes | IoT Devices | Smart Workplaces | Yes |
| FusionInventory + GLPI | Yes (when paired with GLPI) | Windows, Linux | Hybrid Fleets | Yes |
| Relution | Hybrid | Android, iOS, Windows | Education & Govt. | Yes |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, open-source MDM software offers a compelling alternative to costly enterprise solutions. Whether you’re managing a remote workforce, securing educational tablets, or tracking IoT devices, these tools give you control and flexibility without locking you into a vendor. As always, assess your scalability needs, compliance requirements, and platform compatibility before choosing.
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