CUSTOMER VOICE
The Customer's Choice
Gartner Peer Insights (UEM)
Intune
Why IT Teams Are Replacing Intune with Endpoint Central
Intune is a capable MDM for Microsoft environments. But when your estate includes non-Windows devices, third-party applications, or hybrid infrastructure, the gaps become operational risks. Endpoint Central works alongside Intune or replaces it for organizations that need deeper control across every endpoint type.
442%
ROI per Forrester TEI
$4.5M
quantified benefits (3 yr)
28M+
endpoints managed
34K+
enterprises worldwide
190+
countries served
Where Intune's documented gaps show
Third-party application patching
Endpoint Central automates patching for 1,000+ third-party applications - Chrome, Adobe, Java, VLC - with test-and-deploy cycles, auto-approval, and rollback.
Intune has no native third-party patch catalog; each app requires manual packaging or a paid external tool.
| Feature | Endpoint CentralHighest edition | Intune Plan 1Bundled in M365 E3/E5 | Intune Plan 2Add-on to Plan 1 | Intune SuiteAdd-on to Plan 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform coverage and Linux management | Windows, macOS, Linux (13+ flavors), iOS, Android, ChromeOS, tvOS, iPadOS, IoT. | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Linux: Ubuntu LTS only. | Same as Plan 1. | Same as Plan 1. Linux: Ubuntu LTS only. |
| Patch management and third-party patching | 9+ OS, 1,100+ third-party apps, drivers, BIOS. | First-party focused. | First-party focused. | Limited (more focused on first-party). |
| Vulnerability scanning and remediation | Native, continuous scanning & automated remediation. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| Malware protection (anti-ransomware + NGAV) | Patented backup, <1% false positive. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| Application control | Intelligent application control. | Basic allow / block only. | Basic allow / block only. | Basic (policy-based). |
| Browser security | Advanced. Web content filtering + URL blocking. | Basic policy-based. | Basic policy-based. | Basic (policy-based). |
| Remote control | Advanced. Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile OS. | Not available. | Not available. | Basic. Windows, Mac, Android only. |
| Digital employee experience | Built-in DEX insights. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| OS imaging and deployment | Hardware-independent imaging with profile migration. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| Peripheral device control | Advanced device-class & file-extension control. | Basic allow / block only. | Basic allow / block only. | Basic allow / block only. |
| Data leak prevention | Content-aware DLP with OCR. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| Endpoint privilege management | Cross-platform EPM. | Not available. | Not available. | Windows only. |
| Enterprise application management | Cross-platform application management. | Not available. | Not available. | Windows, Mac only. |
| Software metering and license management | Built-in metering & license reconciliation. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
| Cloud-based server management | Manage cloud workloads alongside endpoints. | Not available. | Not available. | Not available. |
Based on official vendor documentation, G2, Gartner Peer Insights, PeerSpot, and Software Advice. Plan 2 inherits Plan 1 capabilities as an add-on. Updated April 2026.
Extend Intune or replace it - your call
For Intune users who need more
If your organization is committed to Intune for conditional access and Windows MDM, Endpoint Central extends your endpoint management. It fills gaps in third-party patching, cross-platform management, remote control, and desktop management.
We also utilize the built-in MDM alongside Microsoft Intune, which is very helpful whenever we run into license limitations.
IT Professional
Independently validated.
MARKET VALIDATION
Gartner Magic Quadrant
Challenger in Endpoint Management
MARKET VALIDATION
IDC MarketScape
Leader across all UEM reports
Trusted by IT teams worldwide
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Frequently asked questions.
Endpoint Central is a purpose-built unified endpoint management platform that delivers device management, security, patching, compliance monitoring, and remote support from a single console. Intune originated as an MDM tool and expanded by bundling features from multiple Microsoft products into tiered plans.
Plan 1 covers basic Windows management, antivirus, firewall, and BitLocker. It lacks advanced threat detection, zero-trust policies, self-healing automation, and compliance monitoring. Unlocking these requires Plan 2 or Intune Suite - costing at least a bit more per device than Endpoint Central.
Yes. Automated patching for over 1,000 third-party applications with test-and-deploy workflows, auto-approval, rollback, and driver / BIOS updates.
Endpoint Central offers transparent per-device pricing, along with a free tier for up to 25 devices and a 30-day trial. In comparison, the Intune Suite comes at a significantly higher per-device cost, with Plan 2 upgrades driving the pricing even further up.
