24601a0a0f
Closes: https://github.com/fleetdm/confidential/issues/14799 Changes: - Updated the comparison page template to have a hardcoded subtitle and removed the requirement for a `articleSubtitle` meta tag for comparison articles - Added two calls to action to the comparison page template.
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Overview
Fleet is built on osquery, providing device visibility with state updates in under 30 seconds. Cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployments offer identical features with no restrictions. Fleet's open-source codebase enables organizations to verify security practices and avoid vendor lock-in, with native vulnerability detection, policy scoring, file integrity monitoring, and incident response included at no additional cost.
Workspace ONE is an MDM product from Omnissa that provides unified endpoint management. Workspace ONE discourages on-premises deployment and achieves security and compliance functionality through integrations with third-party tools rather than native capabilities.
Key differences
| Attribute | Fleet | Workspace ONE |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Open-source, integrates with git for GitOps workflows | Proprietary, on-prem discouraged |
| Deployment model | Cloud or self-hosted (identical features, no restrictions) | Cloud preferred, on-prem discouraged |
| Device reporting | Under 30 seconds | Standard sync intervals |
| REST API | Unified REST API | Multiple APIs required |
| Security/Compliance | Native vulnerability detection, policy scoring, file integrity monitoring, incident response | Third-party security integrations required |
| Import/Export | Interoperable | Proprietary |
| Source code | Open-source (free and paid versions) | Proprietary |
Device management workflow comparisons
Enrollment and provisioning
When new employees join or devices need to be deployed at scale, zero-touch enrollment lets IT ship devices directly to end users without manual setup. Fleet supports zero-touch deployment for macOS, Windows, and iOS/iPadOS, with Apple Business Manager integration for Apple devices and Windows Autopilot for Windows. Workspace ONE also supports zero-touch enrollment across these operating systems.
Both solutions provide options for preventing end users from removing management and MDM configuration profiles without authorization. Both also support MDM migration using Apple's native capabilities for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Fleet extends this further for Windows and Linux. Fleet offers migration scripts and documentation to help IT teams transition these devices with minimal end-user disruption, allowing teams to move enrolled devices to Fleet without requiring employees to re-enroll or lose data.
Configuration management
Fleet integrates with git repositories for GitOps-based configuration management, allowing teams to define device configurations as code and track changes through version control using Fleet's fleetctl CLI. Fleet also supports Apple's Declarative Device Management (DDM) for proactive state management on Apple devices. The osquery foundation provides validation that configuration profiles have been successfully applied in under 30 seconds, giving visibility into actual device state rather than just confirming profile delivery.
Workspace ONE uses its admin console for profile-based configuration with directory integration but does not support GitOps workflows natively.
Software management
Fleet and Workspace ONE both provide software inventory, deployment, and self-service app installation. Fleet and Workspace ONE support custom package deployment and scripting across multiple operating systems. Fleet offers Apple capabilities through Apps and Books (VPP) integration, while extending software management to Windows and Linux.
Where Fleet differs most is vulnerability detection. Fleet natively identifies installed software and flags known CVEs using data from NVD, CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities, and EPSS probability scores, enabling security teams to prioritize based on actual exploit likelihood. Workspace ONE provides vulnerability management for Windows devices through Workspace ONE Intelligence.
Device inventory
Fleet provides complete device inventory across macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS/iPadOS with data available in under 30 seconds. Workspace ONE does not provide complete device inventory capabilities.
Remote lock and wipe
Fleet supports remote lock and wipe commands across macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS/iPadOS. Workspace ONE supports remote lock and wipe for macOS, Windows, and iOS/iPadOS but has no built-in Linux support.
Security and compliance
Fleet provides security visibility with device state updates in under 30 seconds, enabling teams to detect misconfigurations, monitor compliance status, and respond to security incidents with current device state information. Fleet's security capabilities include:
- File integrity monitoring: Detects unauthorized file changes across enrolled devices, alerting when critical system files are modified.
- File carving: Enables forensic investigation by allowing security teams to retrieve specific files from devices during incident response.
- Incident response: Provides device data in under 30 seconds and remote remediation capabilities for acting quickly on threats.
- Device remediation: Automatically corrects misconfigurations and enforces compliance without manual intervention.
- Policy scoring: Provides measurable compliance metrics so teams can track fleet security posture over time.
- Scope transparency: Shows end users what policies apply to their devices, building trust and reducing support tickets.
Policies can be defined as code and enforced consistently across the entire device fleet. Fleet also offers maintenance windows for controlled update deployment. Fleet's open-source nature allows security teams to audit the codebase and verify security practices.
Workspace ONE achieves security and compliance functionality through its partner ecosystem, integrating with tools like AuthPoint, Beyond Identity, Deep Instinct, Pradeo, and Tenable One. This approach requires additional integrations to achieve capabilities that Fleet provides natively.
Workspace ONE doesn't provide source code visibility, limiting the ability to audit security practices independently.
API and integration capabilities
Fleet offers a unified REST API that enables teams to automate device management workflows, integrate with SIEM platforms, and build custom tooling. Workspace ONE requires multiple APIs for full access.
Fleet provides native webhook support, triggering automated workflows when device state changes, policies fail, or vulnerabilities are detected. Out-of-the-box integrations exist for SIEM platforms, ticketing systems, and automation tools. Device state updates are available in under 30 seconds, providing current data for security operations and compliance monitoring.
Fleet's interoperable import/export format avoids vendor lock-in. Workspace ONE uses a proprietary format.
Deployment flexibility
Fleet offers both cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployment options with identical features and no restrictions. Self-hosted deployments enable organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements to keep all device data within their own infrastructure. Fleet manages all device types from a single console, with Apple Business Manager integration for zero-touch deployment on Apple devices.
Workspace ONE discourages on-premises deployment, steering organizations toward cloud hosting.
Open-source device management
Organizations that want transparency into how their MDM works can benefit from Fleet's open-source foundation. Teams can inspect the codebase, verify security practices, and customize Fleet to fit specific requirements. Fleet provides the same management capabilities whether organizations choose cloud-hosted or self-hosted deployment. Schedule a demo to see how Fleet compares for your environment.
FAQ
What's the main difference between an open-source device management tool and a proprietary one?
Open-source tools like Fleet provide full transparency into the codebase, allowing teams to audit security practices, customize functionality, and avoid vendor lock-in. Proprietary tools like Workspace ONE keep their source code private. Try Fleet for free to see the difference.
How does Fleet manage Apple devices?
Fleet provides full Apple device management including MDM enrollment, configuration profiles, and software deployment for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Fleet supports Apple Business Manager integration for zero-touch deployment, and manages Apple devices alongside Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, and Android endpoints from a single console.
How does device reporting speed affect IT and security operations?
Fleet delivers device state updates in under 30 seconds, enabling security teams to respond to incidents with accurate, current information. Traditional MDM tools may have longer polling intervals, meaning device state information could be minutes or hours old when action is needed. Fleet's osquery foundation enables on-demand querying of any enrolled device.
How do these MDM providers compare in their capabilities?
Fleet and Workspace ONE each provide MDM enrollment, configuration management, and software deployment capabilities. Fleet and Workspace ONE both support multi-platform device management. Fleet differentiates through its open-source foundation, integration with git repositories for GitOps workflows, and device reporting in under 30 seconds. Schedule a demo to compare capabilities for specific requirements.
How does MDM migration work when switching MDM providers?
Fleet supports MDM migration without requiring device wipes, allowing organizations to transition devices from an existing MDM with minimal disruption. The migration process preserves device enrollment and user data while transferring management to Fleet. Organizations can migrate gradually, running Fleet alongside an existing tool during the transition period.