# Endpoint Central vs Intune: Complete 2026 Feature & Pricing Comparison ![Endpoint Central](https://cdn.manageengine.com/images/productlogos/endpointcentral-dark.svg) ![vs](https://www.manageengine.com/ems/images/icon/vs-icon.svg) ## 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. [See feature-by-feature comparison](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/intune-alternative.html#table) ## Proven Impact at Scale - **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 ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - 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. **Third-party apps:** 1,000+ **Drivers & BIOS included** ### Full security suite included; no plan upgrades needed ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - Endpoint Central ships vulnerability management, DLP, anti-ransomware, browser security, device control, EDR, and next-gen antivirus in a single platform. - Intune Plan 1 excludes advanced threat detection and zero-trust enforcement; unlocking them requires Plan 2 or the Intune Suite at additional cost. **Security modules:** 7+ **No upgrades or add-ons required** ### Manage every OS from one console including full Linux support ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - Endpoint Central provides unified endpoint management for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS with built-in remote desktop control. - Intune's full management applies to Windows; macOS and Linux support is limited, and remote desktop requires a separate TeamViewer connector. **OS platforms managed:** 5 **Full Linux distro support included** ### Running in hours on-prem, cloud, or hybrid ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - Endpoint Central deploys on-premises, as SaaS, or hybrid — no Azure dependency. Most teams are operational within hours, with no specialist certifications required. - Intune is cloud-only via Azure AD; co-management with ConfigMgr typically needs extended rollout and certified administrators. **Ease of setup:** 86% (Per G2 reviewers) **Hours to deploy on-prem or cloud** ### One console engineered for endpoint management, not assembled ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - Endpoint Central consolidates patching, compliance monitoring, asset management, desktop controls, and remote support in a single console with unified reporting. - Intune combines features from ConfigMgr, EPM, Endpoint Analytics, and Remote Help — separate products with no dedicated compliance dashboard in Plan 1. **20+ years** of organic engineering **Built-in compliance workflows** ### Transparent per-device pricing versus escalating add-on costs ![check](https://www.manageengine.com/malware-protection/images/mpp-green-tick-icon.svg) - Endpoint Central publishes per-device pricing, includes a free tier for 25 devices, and offers a 30-day full-feature trial. - Intune appears free within Microsoft 365 E3/E5, but third-party patching, advanced security, remote help, and compliance each require paid upgrades. **25 devices free** **30-day full trial** ## Detailed Feature Comparison | Feature | Endpoint Central (Highest edition) | Intune Plan 1 (Bundled in M365 E3/E5) | Intune Plan 2 (Add-on to Plan 1) | Intune Suite (Add-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 ### Complement Intune #### 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, Verified G2 Review ### Replace Intune #### For organizations evaluating a single platform Organizations managing mixed OS fleets, running hybrid infrastructure, or requiring comprehensive endpoint management without assembling add-ons find Endpoint Central's unified approach more efficient. One platform, lower TCO. > “Endpoint Central centralizes patch management, software deployment, asset tracking, and remote troubleshooting into one platform — eliminating the need for multiple tools and reducing administrative overhead. Automated patching reduces security vulnerabilities and downtime significantly.” > — IT Manager, Verified G2 Review ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between Endpoint Central and Microsoft Intune? ![arrow](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/arrow.svg) 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. ### Intune is bundled with our M365 E3/E5 license — why pay for another tool? ![arrow](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/arrow.svg) 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. ### Does Endpoint Central support third-party patching? ![arrow](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/arrow.svg) Yes. Automated patching for over 1,000 third-party applications with test-and-deploy workflows, auto-approval, rollback, and driver / BIOS updates. ### How does pricing compare? ![arrow](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/arrow.svg) 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.