Device-as-a-Service is an innovative business model that offers predictability and low upfront costs to companies who need to equip their teams with vital business devices such as laptops or smartphones.
Below is a list of the best DaaS companies in Germany, Romania, Poland, Hungary and the European Union as a whole.
What can be categorized as a true Device-as-a-Service provider?
Device-as-a-Service is still a relatively new business concept that many business owners and managers aren’t yet familiar with.
To prevent any confusion, we should first clarify how DaaS is different to similar concepts such as device leasing or device rental.
DaaS vs leasing
IT leasing is essentially a business loan companies use to purchase their devices. Instead of paying a large sum of money all at once, they spread out the costs over a longer period of time.
At the end of the leasing period, the company has complete ownership of its devices.
Leasing is very effective at preserving vital business capital, but it leaves the substantial burdens of device configuration, deployment, ongoing management, user support, and end-of-life disposal entirely on the shoulders of the client’s internal IT team.
A DaaS provider, similar to IT leasing, also allows companies to obtain their devices by paying a monthly fee, but that’s where the similarities end.
Unlike IT leasing companies, a DaaS provider manages the devices of its customers from acquisition to retirement.
Devices are often pre-configured and shipped directly to the end-user, ready for immediate use (“zero-touch enrollment”).
It continues through the operational phase with integrated technical support, maintenance, and rapid device replacement or repair services to ensure business continuity.
Finally, it concludes with secure and compliant end-of-life services, including certified data erasure and environmentally responsible asset disposal or remarketing
Another difference between IT leasing and Device-as-a-Service is that a typical DaaS provider does not transfer ownership of devices to the client company once the contractual period is over.
This means the client company must either return the device back to the DaaS provider or replace it with another one.
DaaS vs device rental companies
Device-as-a-Service is somewhat more similar to traditional device rental companies, but even in this case there are substantial differences between the two of them.
A device rental is a simple, transactional agreement that is purely hardware focused. The company pays a monthly fee, gets its devices and that’s it.
Device rental includes no device management services. No support, software configuration, device monitoring, security features etc.
By comparison, the monthly fee paid to a DaaS provider includes the devices themselves, as well as device management services.
This includes device deployment, replacements, repairs, warranty claims, software patches, security features, encryption etc.
Best Device as a Service Providers in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Europe
1. INKI
INKI is one of the largest Device-as-a-Service providers in Europe, and provides its services throughout the entire European Union.
Financial & Contractual: INKI stands out among DaaS providers by offering very flexible contracts. Thus, a company can return a device at any time before the end of their contract in exchange for a flat 90 euro fee.
INKI also accepts business clients of all sizes, from SMB’s to large enterprises.
The devices are acquired using a fixed monthly subscription model, meaning the cost can be classified as an operational expense, and thus fully tax deductible.
INKI’s service also provides insurance for every device, which removes one extra concern companies might have with their devices.
Hardware & Configuration: Inki’s device catalog contains the most common categories of business devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) from a wide variety of manufacturers: Apple, Lenovo, Dell, HP and more.
Devices are delivered with a zero-touch deployment process, allowing them to be shipped directly to employees and automatically enroll in the company’s management system upon their first connection to the internet, making them ready for immediate use.
Lifecycle Management: Inki.tech manages the full device lifecycle, including procurement, deployment, and end-of-life services.
This means INKI handles almost every aspect of device management on behalf of its customers: procurement, repairs, warranty claims, replacements, end of life disposal etc.
Devices are also insured against accidental damage, such as drops and liquid spills. In case of a defect or damage, a device swap service is provided.
Support and service requests are managed directly through the INKI customer app.
Security & MDM: Devices from Inki.tech are preconfigured using Apple Business Manager and Android Enterprise Zero-touch, greatly reducing the workload of the customer’s IT department.
Upon return, all devices undergo a certified data erasure process to ensure complete data security and prevent any potential data leakage.
As for security, INKI ensures its devices are compliant with the ISO 27001 security standard.
Adjacent Services: The core of Inki.tech’s adjacent services is its proprietary device management platform.
This portal allows IT managers to track devices, manage subscriptions, view insurance details, and handle user assignments.
Their business model is built on a circular economy principle, emphasizing the refurbishment and reuse of devices to promote sustainability .
2. Lendis
Lendis offers its services throughout Europe, including confirmed delivery capabilities in Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, making it a strong candidate for companies with a pan-European presence.
Financial & Contractual: Lendis offers its services to companies with 10 or more employees.
The contracts offer a degree of flexibility; after an initial minimum rental period, they can be cancelled on a monthly basis.
However, it is important to note that additional costs may apply for the early return of devices, contingent on the remaining contract term.
Hardware & Configuration: The device catalogue includes a range of business-class hardware from leading brands such as Apple, Dell, and Lenovo, covering laptops, smartphones, and monitors.
Similar to other DaaS providers, Lendis includes zero-touch enrollment process, where devices are delivered pre-configured with all necessary software, security settings, and user accounts, allowing employees to start using the devices upon login.
Lifecycle Management: Lendis provides a complete, end-to-end lifecycle management solution. This includes procurement, logistics, and collection.
The service is backed by 1st and 2nd level IT support, available in both German and English via phone, email, or a ticketing system.
In the event of a hardware issue, Lendis manages the entire process of repairs, replacements, and the provision of spare devices to minimize employee downtime.
Security & MDM: Lendis can preconfigure and enroll devices into your company’s MDM platforms.
Lendis also deletes any information left on returned devices to ensure no data leakage is possible.
Adjacent Services: Lendis extends its “as-a-Service” model beyond technology with its “Home Office as a Service” offering, which allows companies to bundle IT equipment with office furniture for remote employees.
All services are managed through their proprietary software platform, LendisOS, which provides clients with a digital tool for inventory management and service requests.
3. Everphone
Headquartered in Germany, Everphone delivers scalable, international DaaS solutions across many other European countries such as France, Netherlands and more.
Financial & Contractual: Everphone’s model is built on a transparent, fixed monthly rental fee. This all-inclusive price covers sourcing, shipping, incident management, and ongoing customer service, with a promise of no hidden costs or unexpected fees.
Hardware & Configuration: The company offers an extensive catalogue of mobile devices, including a wide range of iPhones and Android smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and more exotic ones such as Fairphone.
The portfolio also includes tablets and laptops.
Everphone also offers a “Choose Your Own Device” (CYOD) model, where employees themselves can choose what device to use, but enter into a co-pay agreement alongside their company.
Lifecycle Management: Everphone provides user-facing self-service portal where employees can directly request help, order replacement devices, or process upgrades without needing to create an IT support ticket.
Everphone also promises to replace any broken, damaged, or lost device with a brand-new unit, “no questions asked”.
Security & MDM: Everphone uses your company’s own MDM program to preconfigure devices.
In addition to MDM, Everphone integrates Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions to actively protect devices from security threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and insecure network connections.
Adjacent Services: A significant value-added service is the “Buy and Rent Back” (BARB) program. This allows a company to sell its existing fleet of devices to Everphone when transitioning to the DaaS model.
4. Circular IT Group
Circular IT group is based in the Netherlands but offers services in most European countries.
Financial & Contractual: Circular IT group has a flexible renting program for businesses, allowing companies to rent devices for a few days to several years.
You can also request to purchase the rented device at the end of the contract period. They will then offer you a custom offer to purchase that device.
Hardware & Configuration: The service supports all major hardware brands, including HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Dell, and Apple.
Clients also have the ability to mix both new and premium refurbished hardware within a single DaaS contract.
Lifecycle Management: Like most DaaS providers, the company offers a customized web shop for easy procurement.
A nice service is “Home delivery plus,” which includes remote employee onboarding and device setup. They also offer maintenance services to fix broken devices, swap existing ones, etc.
Security & MDM: Security and compliance are addressed through multiple features. They provide Blancco compliance reports as proof of certified data destruction for all end-of-life equipment.
Higher paid DaaS plans include an “Intune Link” service, which connects a client’s Microsoft Intune environment with their own SaaS tool, enabling real-time monitoring of device compliance and security posture.
Adjacent Services: A notable service is that Circular IT group offers employee discount programs for purchasing refurbished equipment, promoting the circular economy. All services are managed and tracked through the “Circular IT Portal,” a centralized web interface for data, services, and support.
5. Plenti (Poland)
Plenti is a Warsaw based DaaS startup focused primarily on the Polish market.
Financial & Contractual: Plenti operates on a flexible subscription model, offering rental contracts with durations ranging from one to twelve months. This allows users to access technology for specific projects or periods without the commitment of ownership.
Hardware & Configuration: The Plenti device catalogue is very broad and contains traditional IT devices but also niche electronics.
The catalog includes laptops and smartphones, but also game consoles, VR headsets, drones, smartwatches, and even smart home appliances like air purifiers and coffee machines.
Lifecycle Management: The current model is centered on the rental and return of devices. While detailed enterprise-level support and SLA specifics are not yet fully defined, the core infrastructure for managing a circulating pool of assets is in place.
All devices provided under the service are fully insured against damage.
Security & MDM: Plenti does currently offer device rentals for companies, however they still lack certain features in this area, such as enterprise-grade security and MDM solutions.
Adjacent Services: Plenti’s most interesting innovation is the “PlentiPartners” program. This unique model creates a two-sided marketplace by allowing entrepreneurs and companies to purchase electronic devices and then lease them back to Plenti for rental to end-users.
This asset-light approach provides Plenti with a scalable method for expanding its device inventory and allows partners to generate revenue from their assets.
6. devicenow
A service from the CHG-MERIDIAN Group, devicenow targets global enterprises and operates in over 190 countries.
Financial & Contractual: devicenow is structured as a classic Device as a Service (DaaS) model, converting capital expenditures into predictable, monthly operational expenditures.
An important point is that devicenow is typically oriented towards larger, enteprise customers.
Contract specifics are typically tailored to the enterprise client’s needs, covering large-scale, multi-national deployments.
Hardware & Configuration: The device catalog is extensive and brand-agnostic, featuring a wide range of business-class laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones from manufacturers like Apple, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
Devices are pre-configured and staged according to company specifications and can be enrolled in the client’s existing management systems for a zero-touch experience for end-users.
Lifecycle Management: devicenow offers comprehensive, end-to-end lifecycle management on a global scale. This includes procurement, warehousing, pre-configuration, and shipping.
They also provide next-business-day swap service for defective devices, available worldwide. At the end of the contract, they manage the collection, certified data wiping, and sustainable remarketing or recycling of the assets.
Security & MDM: The service is designed to integrate fully with a client’s existing IT infrastructure, including their preferred MDM and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions.
devicenow ensures robust data security through certified data erasure processes at the end of the device lifecycle, meeting international standards for data protection.
Adjacent Services: devicenow provides a sophisticated lifecycle portal that gives clients a clear overview of their entire device fleet, including device status, user assignments, and service history.
Backed by the financial strength and asset management expertise of CHG-MERIDIAN, they also offer services focused on the circular economy and sustainable IT lifecycle management.
