Fleet vs Headwind MDM
Device management for Linux, macOS, Windows, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android from one server. Android device management with a web control panel you can run on your own network. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance.
| Attribute | Fleet | Headwind MDM |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Device management for Linux, macOS, Windows, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android from one server. | Android device management with a web control panel you can run on your own network. |
| Documented capabilities | MDM for Apple, Windows, and Android devices, Software deployment and patching, Device queries with osquery, GitOps configuration | QR-code enrollment for Android 7 and later, App deployment from the web panel, Device groups and shared configurations, Control of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth |
| Best-fit workflow | IT and security teams that manage a mix of computers and phones. | Teams that manage Android phones or tablets, including devices on private networks. |
| Check before choosing | Code in the ee directory needs a Fleet subscription in production. Compare the Free and Premium plans before you deploy. | Kiosk mode and restrictions on what users can change are in the paid Enterprise edition. Check support for your device models on the project's site. |
| Deployment options | Docker Compose, Kubernetes, AWS with Terraform, Render | Ubuntu Linux, Tomcat |
| GitHub stars | 6,984 | 556 |
| License | Custom | Apache-2.0 |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Not recorded |
| Cloud / hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Primary language | Go | Java |
| Last commit | 2026-10-12 | 2026-09-21 |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Moderate |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | Check the current repository | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 1.1k | 264 |
| Star growth | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Alternative to | Not recorded | Not recorded |
This comparison uses recorded capabilities, not hands-on performance tests. A capability missing from one record does not mean that product lacks it. Confirm edition, version and current pricing in the official documentation.
When to consider Fleet
IT and security teams that manage a mix of computers and phones.
Code in the ee directory needs a Fleet subscription in production. Compare the Free and Premium plans before you deploy.
Fleet documentation and sourceWhen to consider Headwind MDM
Teams that manage Android phones or tablets, including devices on private networks.
Kiosk mode and restrictions on what users can change are in the paid Enterprise edition. Check support for your device models on the project's site.
Headwind MDM documentation and sourceFleet vs Headwind MDM questions
- What is Fleet?
- Device management for Linux, macOS, Windows, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android from one server.
- What is Headwind MDM?
- Android device management with a web control panel you can run on your own network.
- Can you self-host Fleet and Headwind MDM?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Fleet and Headwind MDM use?
- Fleet uses a custom license. Headwind MDM uses the Apache-2.0 license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Fleet or Headwind MDM?
- Fleet has 7.0k stars and Headwind MDM has 556. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Fleet and Headwind MDM written in?
- Fleet is mainly written in Go. Headwind MDM is mainly written in Java.