AirDroid Business review: streamlining your company's device management

An Android-based MDM solution like no other

AirDroid website.
(Image: © AirDroid)

TechRadar Verdict

If your organization is seeking an efficient and cost-effective way to manage Android-based devices, this MDM solution is likely the right choice for you.

Pros

  • +

    Scaleable platform

  • +

    Can manage clients from various platforms

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    Transparent pricing

Cons

  • -

    Limited to Android clients

  • -

    Like other solutions, there's a learning curve

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In this mobile-first world, businesses thrive on staying connected, with employees often relying on a fleet of mobile devices to get the job done. Keeping these devices in check while ensuring security and operational efficiency can be daunting. Enter AirDroid Business, an innovative solution providing an arsenal of tools designed to streamline mobile device management (MDM) for companies of all sizes. 

AirDroid Business stands out in MDM solutions by offering a comprehensive and scalable platform for managing, monitoring, and securing various Android devices. Whether managing a small team or overseeing an international operation, AirDroid Business provides the efficiency and flexibility necessary to keep your mobile network running smoothly.

Here’s more about AirDroid Business, its benefits, and costs to help you determine whether it’s the MDM solution for your business.


Interested in AirDroid Business? Learn out more at its website.

Features

AirDroid Business website

(Image credit: AirDroid)

AirDroid Business offers a centralized dashboard for administrators to manage all devices within the organization's network. This control center allows for remote app deployment, real-time device tracking, and enforcement of security protocols to protect sensitive corporate data. It also monitors device health, including battery life and storage usage, and the ability to lock or wipe lost or stolen devices to prevent data leaks.

The platform is known for its robust security features, including encrypted data transmission, role-based access control, and remote device lockdown in case of a security breach.

In addition to device management, AirDroid Business facilitates teamwork and collaboration with features such as screen sharing, file transfer, and two-way communication tools.

What makes AirDroid Business stand out is its scalability. It can adapt to the growth of your organization with customizable device groups, batch operation support, and comprehensive reporting tools.

By minimizing the time spent managing devices, AirDroid Business helps teams focus on core business activities and strategies, increasing productivity and profitability.

What about BYOD management?

As businesses embrace a more flexible work environment, the use of personal devices for professional tasks is rising. While this shift increases productivity and convenience, it also challenges managing a diverse and unpredictable device ecosystem. This is where AirDroid Business also stands out—it's not just another solution but a unique one that makes BYOD management feasible, secure, and efficient, setting it apart from many others.

A successful BYOD policy meets the needs of employees. AirDroid Business improves the BYOD experience by providing the following:

  • Increased autonomy for employees to use their devices, promoting comfort and efficiency.
  • Flexible collaboration tools, including file sharing and messaging, facilitating teamwork across different devices and platforms.
  • Streamlined work processes, allowing employees to access company resources securely from their devices anytime and anywhere.

Implementing AirDroid Business within a BYOD framework offers a competitive advantage by addressing the complexities of device diversity while maintaining data integrity. Here are some key reasons why AirDroid Business is an essential asset for BYOD workplaces:

Customizable Control: Administrators can customize permissions and access levels based on an employee's role and specific needs. 

Cost-Effective: Improved device management can help companies reduce the overhead expenses of providing company-owned devices. 

Easy Integration: AirDroid Business is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring smooth integration into existing workflows for IT departments and employees. 

Real-Time Support: The platform's capability to offer instant support and communication enhances employee productivity and satisfaction.

Supported devices and installation

AirDroid Business is designed specifically for Android devices, but it allows you to control devices on Windows, macOS, and even iOS. You can also access clients through various web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.

Managing gadgets from afar can present a challenge for IT administrators and business owners. Nonetheless, AirDroid Business can streamline this process. 

To get started, you need to create an account on the AirDroid Business website. You’ll find the registration process relatively pain-free. Once you register, you’ll be asked to confirm your account via email. 

Next, assess your business needs. Identify the areas of your operations that could benefit from mobile device management and establish implementation guidelines.

AirDroid Business provides a wide array of services to cater to your needs. These include device tracking, remote control monitoring, application management, file distribution, document sharing, and geofencing. With such a comprehensive suite of features, you can effectively manage your mobile devices from a single platform.

To effectively oversee the devices, you need to install the AirDroid Business Daemon app on each device. The setup process is amazingly simple. 

Once you begin installing the client software, you can log in to your AirDroid Business Admin Console through a web browser to begin managing your devices.

From the console, you have the ability to remotely take over devices and quickly deploy, update, or uninstall applications across devices simultaneously using the Application Management feature. 

You can also swiftly transfer files to and from your managed devices through the File Transfer functionality for file exchanges.

Two other features include: 

Setting Boundaries: Use the “Geofencing” capability to establish perimeters for your devices and receive alerts when a device enters or exits a zone.

Device Monitoring: Stay informed about your device status in time, including battery levels, system versions, and usage details.

Plans and pricing

AirDroid Business pricing

(Image credit: AirDroid)

AirDroid Business offers transparent and flexible pricing plans to meet the needs of small businesses and larger enterprises. The basic plan starts at $12.00 per year for managing up to 10 devices, making it an affordable option for small-scale deployments.

Discounts are available to manage more devices and features, catering to the scalability needs of growing companies. For a full range of services and specific pricing tailored to the size of the device fleet and unique business requirements, engaging in direct negotiations with the AirDroid Business sales team is recommended. 

In addition to remote device management, AirDroid Business provides add-on products such as Policy & Kiosk Mode, offering a more comprehensive array of security and management options essential for businesses needing to lock down devices for specific uses or enforce company policies remotely.

For organizations looking to integrate AirDroid Business into their IT infrastructure, detailed pricing or a tailored quote can be provided upon request to ensure that the solution fits the business's exact needs regarding device management, security policies, and operational efficiency.

Final Verdict

The features offered by AirDroid Business include remote control, file transfer, device health monitoring, and kiosk mode, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage and secure their mobile devices. However, the learning curve associated with implementing these features and the potential need for training employees should be considered.

Moreover, businesses should assess their reliance on internet connectivity to use AirDroid Business effectively. While the solution offers excellent flexibility and accessibility, it's essential to consider the impact of internet outages on day-to-day operations.

Privacy implications are also a significant consideration. With access to sensitive company data and the ability to remotely control devices, businesses must ensure the highest data security and user privacy standards.

Cost is another factor to evaluate. While AirDroid Business offers valuable features, the pricing structure should align with the company's budget and provide a clear return on investment.

Lastly, potential compatibility issues with different devices and operating systems should be thoroughly examined to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure. In other words, if you aren't planning on using this on Android-based devices, you need to look elsewhere. 

In summary, while AirDroid Business is a powerful tool for mobile device management, businesses should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine its suitability for their specific needs.

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Bryan M Wolfe

Bryan M. Wolfe is a staff writer at TechRadar, iMore, and wherever Future can use him. Though his passion is Apple-based products, he doesn't have a problem using Windows and Android. Bryan's a single father of a 15-year-old daughter and a puppy, Isabelle. Thanks for reading!