Overview

FileWave is a unified endpoint management platform for organizations that need to administer a varied device fleet. It is best suited to IT teams seeking one system for enrollment, software delivery, patching, and compliance across operating systems, with a choice of cloud hosting or self-hosting. Its breadth is compelling, but the free edition’s small device allowance and per-device paid pricing make it a more natural fit for managed fleets than for bargain-seeking small teams.

Key features

Enrollment and software delivery

Automated enrollment includes zero-touch deployment and frameworks such as Windows Autopilot, Apple ADE/DEP, and Android and ChromeOS enterprise enrollment. That is useful for organizations provisioning devices at scale, where getting them managed as part of rollout can reduce manual setup. Administrators can deliver apps, updates, scripts, and content through standard installers or Filesets.

Filesets send file-level changes and let administrators edit or remove files after deployment. That gives IT more targeted control over deployed content than a workflow limited to replacing whole packages. Scheduled operating system and third-party application patching is also supported; testing and rollback options for Fileset revisions help teams manage changes more cautiously.

Security and reporting

FileWave says communications among clients, servers, and administrators are encrypted. It also offers remote lock and wipe and administrator two-factor authentication, a useful set of controls for managing lost devices and account access. Its security page states that the company operates under ISO/IEC 27001 information security management standards.

Audit-ready reports cover device, configuration, patch, license, encryption, and compliance information. This makes the platform relevant to organizations that need a broad view of endpoint posture, rather than only app deployment. Support is available 24/5 by email, call, or video, though that schedule is not round-the-clock.

Pricing

FileWave offers a 30-day trial and a free Community Edition. Community Edition is billed forever free and supports up to 15 computers, 15 tablets, and 15 Chrome devices. It includes community support, no support service, and no TeamViewer licenses. The caps make it suitable for a small evaluation or limited deployment, but not a generous no-cost option for a growing fleet.

Professional starts at $12.50 per device, with the billing period unstated. It covers iOS, macOS, tvOS, Windows, Android, and ChromeOS, includes enhanced customer support, and provides two TeamViewer licenses. This is the clearest paid fit for organizations needing broad endpoint coverage and stronger support, though buyers should confirm the billing terms and final quote.

A separate Community plan starts at $15 per device, also with no billing period stated, and is capped at 15 devices each for mobile, desktop, and Chrome. That cap substantially limits its appeal for larger deployments; compare its scope and terms carefully with the free Community Edition before choosing it. The published starting prices are per device, so total cost will rise with fleet size.

Platforms

Supported operating systems include Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Android, and ChromeOS. Managed endpoint types include desktops, laptops, mobile devices, tablets, Apple TV, and Chromebooks. The broader platform coverage also includes Linux, web, API, extension, and self-hosted environments. This range suits mixed fleets; organizations managing only one narrow device category may not need its wider scope.

Who it's for

FileWave is aimed at education, government, media and publishing, corporate, and finance organizations. Its combination of enrollment frameworks, software delivery, patching, and compliance reporting is particularly relevant to IT teams responsible for mixed fleets and operational oversight. Small organizations with only a handful of endpoints may find the free cap workable, but those expecting rapid growth should weigh the per-device cost and support needs early.

Pros and cons

Broad endpoint coverage: support spans major desktop, mobile, and ChromeOS systems, plus Apple TV, making it practical for heterogeneous fleets.
Flexible deployment and delivery: cloud or self-hosted deployment and Filesets give IT teams options for how they run management and deliver changes.
Useful operational controls: scheduled patching, revision testing and rollback, remote lock and wipe, two-factor authentication, and audit-ready reports cover important management needs.
Restrictive free allowance: Community Edition is limited to 15 devices in each of three categories and includes no support service, so it is not a broad free tier.
Pricing terms need confirmation: paid plans are quoted per device, while the billing period is unstated, making cost comparison harder without a direct quote.

Alternatives

ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus is worth considering when a larger free allowance matters: its free edition supports up to 25 devices and is described as fully featured Professional edition. Mosyle Manager suits readers focused on Apple fleets who want a free plan with no device limit, configured for iOS/iPadOS or macOS.

Fleet is an alternative for readers who prioritize public source code and a free version that its maker says will always remain free. Relution may suit a very small deployment: its free plan supports up to five devices and can run on shared cloud or on premises. SureAsset is another free option for readers whose priority is asset lifecycle management, hardware and software license tracking, and API access with automation.

AppTec360 Enterprise Mobility Management is an alternative for teams considering freemium mobility management, including a digital signage and kiosk package. LogMeIn Resolve IT Asset Management is worth comparing for readers looking at asset management with an MSP Launch plan that starts at 25 endpoints. Zentral is another option for teams comparing endpoint management plans, including a listed €3 per device per month SaaS plan.

Readers comparing category options can browse Mac Management Software, Unified Endpoint Management Software, Mobile Device Management Software, and Application Deployment Software.

Verdict

FileWave is a strong choice for IT teams managing mixed endpoint fleets that need enrollment, flexible software delivery, patch controls, and compliance reporting in one platform. Its cloud and self-hosted options add deployment flexibility, while its free tier is too constrained to serve most growing organizations and paid per-device costs require careful budgeting. Choose it for cross-platform control and operational breadth; look elsewhere if a generous free allowance or clearly stated billing terms are the priority.

	Automox	FileWave
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$1/mo	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	Android, api, extension, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows
Free plan	No	No
Paid from	1 /mo	—

Automox vs FileWave

Automox

FileWave