Two MDM platforms, different strengths
Your IT team manages a mixed fleet of iPhones, Android devices, and laptops. You need an MDM that handles enrollment, app deployment, and security policies without making you babysit a dashboard all day. Hexnode and Appaloosa both check those boxes, but they solve different problems in different ways.
Hexnode is a broad UEM platform covering six operating systems, with AI-powered automation and analyst recognition from Gartner and IDC. Appaloosa focuses on mobile-first MDM with a built-in enterprise app store and strong EU data residency, making it a natural fit for European organizations with privacy requirements.
This comparison uses verified data from both vendors's websites, checked on May 9, 2026.
Feature comparison at a glance
| Capability | Appaloosa | Hexnode |
|---|---|---|
| iOS management | Yes | Yes |
| Android management | Yes (Android Enterprise Silver Partner) | Yes (Knox Mobile Enrollment) |
| macOS management | Yes | Yes |
| Windows management | Yes | Yes |
| Linux management | No | Yes |
| Chrome OS management | No | Yes |
| Zero-touch enrollment | Yes (ABM, Android Enterprise) | Yes (ABM, Knox, Windows Autopilot) |
| Enterprise app store | Yes (built-in, private app catalog) | App management only |
| Kiosk mode | Yes | Yes |
| Remote support | Yes (add-on) | Yes (Enterprise tier and above) |
| Patch management | OS updates | OS updates + macOS/Windows patches (Ultra tier) |
| BYOD / Work Profile | Yes | Yes |
| Geofencing | No | Yes (Enterprise tier and above) |
| AI automation | No | Yes (Hexnode Genie) |
| Custom scripting | No | Yes (Ultimate tier and above) |
| SSO / SAML | Yes (Enterprise tier) | Yes (Ultimate tier, Okta) |
| EU data residency | Yes (EU-hosted) | Multi-region (check availability) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
Where Hexnode has the edge
Platform coverage. If your fleet includes Linux workstations, Chromebooks, or Apple TV devices, Hexnode handles them from one console. Appaloosa focuses on the four major mobile and desktop OSes.
Advanced automation. Hexnode Genie uses AI to help configure policies and troubleshoot issues. The Deploy feature automates workflows across device groups. These matter when you manage thousands of endpoints and need to reduce manual configuration time.
Analyst recognition. Hexnode appears in Gartner's Magic Quadrant and IDC MarketScape evaluations. Third-party validation helps when you need to justify your MDM choice to procurement or compliance teams.
Windows Autopilot integration. For organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Hexnode's native Autopilot support simplifies Windows device enrollment.
Where Appaloosa has the edge
Built-in enterprise app store. Appaloosa includes a private app catalog where employees browse and install approved apps. No public app store required. If you distribute custom internal apps (field tools, CRM clients, proprietary software), this saves significant time versus side-loading or third-party distribution.
EU data residency and compliance. Appaloosa runs on EU infrastructure. For organizations subject to GDPR, NIS 2, or sector-specific regulations that restrict data transfers outside Europe, this removes a compliance headache.
Simpler pricing for mid-size fleets. At €1.99/device/month (Essential) to €3.49/device/month (Business), Appaloosa offers app management, kiosk mode, and policy management at a lower entry point than Hexnode's equivalent tiers. The Business tier includes features (kiosk, dynamic groups, update management) that Hexnode reserves for its .20+ Enterprise plan.
Android Enterprise expertise. As an Android Enterprise Silver Partner, Appaloosa has direct access to Google's enterprise mobility resources and early access to Android management APIs.
Pricing side by side
| Tier level | Appaloosa | Hexnode |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | €1.99/device/month (Essential) | .20/device/month (Pro) |
| Mid-range | €3.49/device/month (Business) | .20/device/month (Enterprise) |
| Advanced | Custom pricing (Enterprise) | .70/device/month (Ultimate) |
| Top tier | Included in Enterprise | Custom pricing (Ultra) |
| Minimum devices | 50 | 15 |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
Appaloosa prices in euros, Hexnode in US dollars. For a 200-device fleet on mid-range plans, Appaloosa costs roughly €698/month versus Hexnode's /month. The real difference shows up in what each tier includes: Appaloosa's Business plan bundles kiosk mode and app management that Hexnode splits across its Enterprise and Ultimate tiers.
Which one fits your organization?
Choose Hexnode if:
- Your fleet spans six or more operating systems including Linux and Chrome OS
- You need AI-powered automation for large-scale deployments (1,000+ devices)
- Windows Autopilot integration is a requirement
- Analyst reports (Gartner, IDC) factor into your procurement process
Choose Appaloosa if:
- You distribute private or internal apps and need a built-in app store
- EU data residency and GDPR compliance are non-negotiable
- Your fleet is primarily iOS and Android with some macOS/Windows
- You want kiosk mode, BYOD policies, and app management included in the base plan
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate from Hexnode to Appaloosa (or vice versa)?
Yes. Both platforms support standard enrollment protocols (ABM, Android Enterprise, zero-touch). Migrating means re-enrolling devices under the new MDM. Appaloosa's support team assists with migration planning for fleets of 100+ devices.
Do both support Apple Business Manager?
Yes. Both Appaloosa and Hexnode integrate with Apple Business Manager for automated device enrollment and VPP app distribution on iOS and macOS.
Which is better for BYOD?
Both support Android Work Profile for BYOD separation. Appaloosa includes BYOD policies in its Business tier (€3.49). Hexnode includes Work Profile management in its Pro tier (.20) but reserves geofencing and web content filtering for Enterprise and above.
Does Hexnode offer EU hosting?
Hexnode offers multi-region deployment. Check with their sales team for EU-specific data center availability. Appaloosa hosts all data within the EU by default.