If there’s one thing every frontline operation agrees on, it’s this: downtime is the enemy. Whether your Zebra handhelds are in a warehouse, a delivery truck, or a hospital floor—keeping them secure, updated, and fully functional is non-negotiable. A device that freezes in the middle of a delivery scan or fails to load a patient chart doesn’t just slow work down—it can ripple across the business, costing hours of productivity and sometimes even customer trust.
That’s where the Zebra device management solution steps in. These platforms don’t just monitor devices; they ensure faster deployment, zero-touch updates, reduced IT load, and maximum uptime. For IT teams, they provide visibility and control; for frontline workers, they ensure that Zebra devices “just work” when it matters most.
With so many UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) and MDM (Mobile Device Management) platforms available today, the question isn’t whether you need device management, but which solution is right for you.
Let’s look at the top 5 Zebra device management solutions leading the way in 2025.
1. Scalefusion MDM – Rugged Management Made Simple
Scalefusion is designed for organizations that want straightforward yet powerful management of Zebra rugged devices without unnecessary complexity. It balances ease of use with enterprise-grade control, making it an excellent choice for businesses that don’t have sprawling IT teams but still need scalability.
Here’s what stands out:
- Zero-touch Zebra enrollment with Android Enterprise: IT admins can roll out devices in minutes, not days, using bulk enrollment options.
- Remote cast & control for instant troubleshooting: If a device malfunctions in the field, IT can mirror the screen, diagnose the issue, and even take control remotely—cutting downtime dramatically.
- Kiosk mode to lock devices to business apps: Prevents distractions by restricting devices to only approved Zebra workflows.
- Compliance workflows and security policies: Automates enforcement of encryption, password policies, and app permissions so frontline teams stay compliant without manual checks.
Pricing Tiers:
- Essential: $2/device/month (annual billing) – Basic features like kiosk mode, basic reports, and Android Zero-Touch enrollment.
- Growth: $3.5/device/month – Adds workflows, BYOD, geofencing, and advanced branding.
- Business: $5/device/month – Includes OEM configs, unattended remote troubleshooting, and integrated Windows/macOS manageability.
- Enterprise: $6/device/month – Enterprise-grade automation, APIs, advanced reports.
Why Scalefusion?
It’s built with frontline teams in mind. The platform avoids unnecessary complexity while still offering deep rugged management features. If you want to maximize Zebra uptime and keep IT overhead low, Scalefusion is a top contender.
2. SOTI MobiControl – Enterprise-Grade Rugged Control
When enterprises talk about rugged device management, SOTI almost always comes up. Its MobiControl platform has long been favored by organizations running large Zebra fleets, thanks to its depth of features and enterprise-grade controls.
Key capabilities include:
- Full Zebra LifeGuard OTA integration: Ensures Zebra Android devices always get the latest security and OS updates.
- Detailed diagnostics and advanced reporting: Gives IT teams insights into battery health, app usage, and device performance to proactively prevent failures.
- Remote control for Zebra handhelds and tablets: Similar to Scalefusion, but with more diagnostic depth for IT-heavy environments.
- Enterprise-level automation workflows: Lets IT automate common actions like device resets, patch pushes, or configuration changes.
Pricing:
- Cloud-hosted: Approx. $4/device/month
- On-premise: Slightly less, around $3.25/device/mont
Why SOTI?
It’s a heavyweight solution for enterprises with complex deployments. If your IT team needs granular visibility, deep analytics, and full lifecycle control, SOTI MobiControl is a solid choice.
3. Ivanti Wavelink Avalanche
Ivanti Wavelink Avalanche is a specialist. While others cover general rugged and corporate mobility, Ivanti zeroes in, where Zebra devices dominate. Think warehouses, distribution centers, and delivery networks.
Core strengths include:
- Multi-OS Zebra management (including legacy Windows CE): A lifesaver for businesses still running older Zebra terminals alongside Android models.
- Centralized firmware & software updates: Simplifies the rollout of updates across thousands of devices at once.
- Optimized for warehouse & logistics workflows: Designed to fit the unique demands of scanning, picking, and field delivery operations.
- Strong integration with Zebra’s supply chain ecosystem: Works hand-in-hand with Zebra’s legacy infrastructure.
Pricing:
- Listed at $32/year/device for typical annual licensing
Why Ivanti?
It’s the go-to if your Zebra fleet spans both legacy and modern devices—or if your core business is supply chain heavy. Avalanche ensures you don’t lose control of older devices while modernizing your fleet.
4. VMware Workspace ONE UEM
Most know VMware for powering data centers and corporate laptops. But its Workspace ONE UEM platform also supports rugged devices, including Zebra. Where VMware shines is in unifying rugged and corporate endpoints under one umbrella.
Highlights include:
- Unified endpoint management: Manage rugged Zebra handhelds, laptops, desktops, and even wearables under one pane of glass.
- Enterprise app distribution & lifecycle management: Push business-critical apps, manage updates, and retire apps centrally.
- Compliance & access policies for security: Automate conditional access based on device posture
- Integration with VMware ecosystem: Works seamlessly with VMware Horizon, vSphere, and identity solutions.
Pricing Tiers:
- Mobile Essentials: $5.40/user/month
- UEM Essentials: $9.45/user/month
- Enterprise Edition: $15/user/month
Why VMware?
Best suited for organizations already using VMware for IT infrastructure. If you want rugged device management to blend seamlessly into a broader IT ecosystem, Workspace ONE is a logical fit.
5. 42Gears SureMDM
42Gears SureMDM is known for its flexibility and cloud-friendly approach. It’s rugged-ready but also designed for mid-sized businesses that want enterprise-grade features without enterprise-level overhead.
Notable features include:
- Kiosk lockdown for Zebra devices: Restrict devices to a single app or a set of business workflows.
- Remote troubleshooting with SureMDM Remote: IT can take over faulty devices in the field without pulling them back to HQ.
- App and OS patch management: Keep Zebra devices secure and up to date without manual effort.
- Support for rugged peripherals: Works well with Zebra scanners, printers, and industry-specific apps.
Pricing Range:
- Standard tier: ~$4/month/device
- Premium/Enterprise tier: Up to ~$8/month/device
Why 42Gears?
It’s a strong choice for mid-sized companies managing distributed workforces—flexible enough to scale, but not overly complex to deploy.
Comparison Table: Quick Glance at Pricing & Highlights
| Solution | Price Range | Best For |
| Scalefusion MDM | $2–$6/device/month | Clean interface, scalable Zebra-specific tools |
| SOTI MobiControl | $3.25–$4.95/device/month | Enterprise control with rugged analytics |
| Ivanti Avalanche | $32–$50/year/device | Supply chain legacy device compatibility |
| VMware Workspace ONE UEM | $5.40–$15/user/month | Unified device management for VMware ecosystems |
| 42Gears SureMDM | $4–$8/device/month | Flexible management for midsize rugged fleets |
Final Thoughts
Zebra rugged devices are built to handle the toughest jobs, but without proper management, even the toughest device can fall short. The right MDM or UEM solution ensures uptime, security, compliance, and simplified IT workflows.
So which one should you choose? At the end of the day, Zebra devices may be tough—but downtime is tougher. With the right management solution, your fleet stays secure, your teams stay productive, and your operations keep moving forward.
