Fleet

Fleet is an open-core platform for managing and securing an organization’s computers and mobile devices. It suits IT and security teams that need live device visibility, software controls, and compliance checks across several operating systems. The free self-hosted option is a meaningful starting point; Premium’s managed cloud is aimed at much larger fleets.

Overview

Fleet brings device inventory, software deployment and patching, security controls, and compliance monitoring into one platform. A live connection to devices supports near-instant reporting and audit logs, which is more useful for tracking changing endpoint conditions than relying only on occasional inventory snapshots.

Teams can deploy Fleet on-premises, in the cloud, or in air-gapped environments. Self-hosting is available on both Free and Premium, giving organizations that need control over deployment a path that does not depend on managed cloud. Fleet’s source code is public, and the company says its free version will always be free. Founded in 2020, Fleet is headquartered in San Francisco; its site links to a SOC 2 Type 2 trust resource.

Key features

Live inventory and compliance checks

Fleet maintains a live connection to managed devices and provides reports and audit logs for current visibility. It can run live checks against CIS benchmarks, SOC 2, ISO, or an organization’s own baselines. That combination will appeal to teams that want ongoing compliance signals alongside inventory, rather than treating audits as a separate, periodic exercise.

Software and security controls

A catalog of Fleet-maintained apps, automatic remediation for devices that fall out of compliance, and approved software self-service cover both IT-managed patching and end-user requests. Fleet can enforce FileVault, BitLocker, and LUKS2 encryption, as well as remotely lock or wipe devices. These controls make Fleet relevant to security operations as well as device administration, though teams should weigh the Free plan’s lack of support before relying on it for critical operations.

Automation and integrations

Custom workflows can use Fleet’s REST API, webhook events, and fleetctl command-line tool. Integrations include Okta, Snowflake, Tines, runZero, Active Directory, Ansible, Elastic, GitHub, GitLab, Jira, Munki, Splunk, and CrowdStrike. This breadth gives teams several ways to connect Fleet to existing identity, security, and deployment workflows.

Pricing

Free: free, billed monthly. It includes basic features and self-hosting, but no support; help is limited to an open-source issue tracker and community Slack. It is the sensible choice for teams that can manage operations themselves and want a permanently free starting point.

Premium: $7 a month, billed $7.00 per host per month. Premium includes unlimited confidential email support and phone and video call support. Self-hosting is available, but managed cloud is currently available only to customers with 700+ hosts. That threshold makes Premium managed cloud a poor fit for smaller fleets, even if the per-host price is otherwise attractive.

Custom: custom pricing; teams with large deployments can talk to sales. Fleet does not publish a price for this plan, so it is best considered by organizations with large-scale requirements that are prepared to discuss terms directly.

Platforms

Fleet supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and ChromeOS devices. Its platform listings also include API, web, and self-hosted access. That range makes it a contender for organizations managing mixed desktop and mobile fleets rather than a single operating-system environment.

Who it's for

Fleet is best suited to IT and security teams that need current endpoint inventory, software controls, and checks against defined security or compliance baselines. Its self-hosted Free plan can suit teams with the capacity to operate software without vendor support. Organizations wanting managed cloud should have at least 700 hosts in view; smaller teams should consider self-hosting or another product.

Pros and cons

• Broad device coverage: Fleet spans desktop, mobile, and ChromeOS, making it useful for mixed-device organizations.
• Useful security and compliance controls: Encryption enforcement, remote lock or wipe, and live benchmark checks connect everyday device management with security oversight.
• Flexible deployment: On-premises, cloud, and air-gapped deployment options serve organizations with different infrastructure needs.
• Free lacks support: Community channels may be insufficient for teams that need confidential, responsive operational help.
• Managed cloud has a high entry threshold: The 700-host minimum excludes smaller organizations from Premium managed cloud.

Alternatives

FileWave is worth considering if a permanent free tier capped at 15 computers, 15 tablets, and 15 Chrome devices fits your deployment, or if a free trial matters.

Relution offers a free plan for up to five devices, usable on shared cloud or on premises without a time limit, so it may suit a very small deployment.

AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management is an option if its free trial or custom-launcher kiosk package at €49 a month, billed per device and month, matches your needs.

LogMeIn Resolve IT Asset Management may be a fit for teams seeking an MSP-oriented plan that starts at 25 endpoints, with additional endpoints from $1.00/month.

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus offers a fully featured Professional free edition for up to 25 devices, making it a practical alternative for a small fleet.

SureAsset is a free option focused on asset lifecycle management, hardware and software license tracking, API access, and automation.

Zentral is another alternative to compare for device management.

Mosyle Manager offers a free plan with no device-count limit, configured for either iOS/iPadOS or macOS, so it may suit organizations focused on one of those Apple environments.

For broader comparisons, see Mac Management Software and Application Deployment Software.

Verdict

Choose Fleet if your IT or security team needs live endpoint visibility, software remediation, and compliance checks across a varied device fleet, especially if self-hosting is acceptable. Its strongest case is the combination of broad controls and flexible deployment, with a genuinely free self-hosted starting point. Look elsewhere if you need supported operations on the free tier or managed cloud for fewer than 700 hosts.