Employee monitoring software helps you manage your team by tracking employee progress, work hours, and location. Check out our list of the 10 best employee monitoring software solutions on the market today.
Employee productivity can be a really difficult thing to keep track of. While you don’t want to micromanage your team, it’s important to have a system to track employee productivity.
Employee monitoring software is designed for exactly this reason. Let’s break down the very best employee monitoring software solutions on the market today and how they can help you get the most out of your employees.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one employee monitoring software
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Good for security threat protection
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
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Best tools
chosen
What to Look For in a Employee Monitoring Software
- User activity monitoring: Track which applications and websites employees access to understand work habits and potential distractions.
- Productivity analysis: Managers should be able to generate reports on individual and team productivity.
- Email and communication monitoring: You should be able to monitor employee communication, including chat, updates and announcements, and emails.
- Time tracking: The best employee monitoring software lets you track employee hours so you know how much time everyone works.
- GPS and location tracking: Especially useful for remote or field workers, this feature ensures employees are where they’re supposed to be during work hours.
- File and data transfer monitoring: Managers should be able to track files within the software and store them appropriately.
- Alerts and notifications: Set up real-time alerts for specific activities, such as accessing restricted sites or prolonged inactivity.
- Integration capabilities: Ensure the software can seamlessly integrate with other tools and platforms your business uses.
- Privacy features: The software should comply with data protection regulations like GDPR and have options to mask or hide sensitive information.
- Screen recording and screenshots: Some employee monitoring software captures real-time screen activities to review work processes. However, make sure you can turn this feature on and off for privacy concerns.
The 11 Best Employee Monitoring Softwares of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one employee monitoring software
Connecteam is the best employee monitoring software solution on the market. Beside monitoring tools, Connecteam also comes with all the employee management features you need to run your business efficiently.
Let’s take a closer look at how Connecteam can help you monitor your employees while on the job:
Mobile time clock with geofencing lets you know where everyone is while on the job
Connecteam’s GPS-enabled time clock lets team members clock in and out directly from their mobile devices from wherever they’re working.
The GPS location tracking feature captures your employees’ location when they clock in, and you can use Connecteam’s real-time location tracking feature to see where your workers are while they’re on the clock. This ensures you never overpay employees for time they aren’t working.
In addition to the time clock, Connecteam’s geofencing functions allow you to draw digital borders around your employees’ job sites to restrict clocking in and out to particular areas. If an employee leaves the geofence area, both you and the employee will receive an alert on your phone. You can then send them a message to return to their job site.
But rest assured: Connecteam never records employees’ locations when they’re clocked out.
Easily manage employee breaks and overtime
Connecteam automatically alerts employees when they need to take a break or go into overtime. This helps you manage overtime pay, reduces the amount you spend on payroll, and helps ensure compliance with labor laws.
Create and store employee policies right in the app
Create customized policies and employee documents and store them in the Knowledge Base. This may include policies for field workers, including why employee monitoring is necessary. That way, your entire team is aware of company policies and understand why it’s important that managers know where they are and what tasks they’re working on.
Monitor employee tasks and projects while on the go
Easily create tasks and projects and assign them to employees directly in the app. Maintain a live overview of employee performance on each task directly from the app and attach relevant information, notes, forms, or checklists.
This gives your employees the autonomy to do their own work from their job sites while you still have the ability for remote employee monitoring.
Openly communicate with your team from anywhere
Communicating with your entire team is incredibly simple with Connecteam’s built-in employee chat.
Instantly message employees with questions and updates using the in-app chat, and provide easy access to everyone’s contact information with the employee directory. This makes it incredibly easy to maintain communication and stay updated with everyone while they’re working in the field.
And so much more…
In addition, Connecteam offers advanced features like excellent customer service, a user-friendly interface, robust workforce management tools, and complete customizability.
Connecteam’s paid plan starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 users, and small businesses with fewer than 10 users can access the app completely free.
We have tried so many other applications but nothing comes close to Connecteam. Connecteam by far has been the best.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Pros
Extremely attractive and easy to use
Excellent customer support
Affordable solution
Compatible across multiple devices
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
CurrentWare — Good for Office / Deskjobs
CurrentWare is an excellent option for employee and computer monitoring if your business relies on Windows as its operating system. With CurrentWare’s employee monitoring software module BrowseReporter, you can monitor both in-office and remote workers’ browsing history, app usage, login and logoff times, active vs idle time, bandwidth consumption, and more.
CurrentWare also allows administrators to schedule automatic reports, set up alerts for inappropriate web activity, and gain insights into how employees spend their time online. This feature is vital for managing productivity, ensuring compliance with company policies, and enhancing overall cybersecurity.
The software offers other useful business features besides its employee monitoring tool, including a web filter feature branded BrowseControl. This feature blocks risky websites on users’ computers to protect against malware and other cyber attacks.
Another module called AccessPatrol also helps keep your network computers safe by blocking unauthorized portable storage devices, cloud services, and preventing copying files to USB drives based on file type. This helps stop sensitive information from accidentally or intentionally leaking out of your company.
Key Features
- Screenshot monitoring
- Remote PC viewing
- Block websites and apps
- Remote PC power management
Pros
- Central management from a browser-based web console
- Full control of company data
- Offsite mode enforces security policies and continues to collect user activity data when devices leave the network
Cons
- No support for Mac
- No free plan
Pricing
Starts at $5/mo Trial: Yes — 14 Days, extensions possible Free Plan: No
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Teramind — Good for security threat protection
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Teramind is an employee monitoring software solution that allows managers to track user activity on websites, apps, emails, and more. Business owners get a better idea of each employee’s productivity and behavior, with intuitive keystroke monitoring.
It’s also possible to take control of specific computers to restrict the chances of illegal workplace activity with remote desktop control. With Teramind, managers are able to pinpoint and protect confidential information and reduce the risk of data loss.
While Teramind is the most expensive solution on this list, starting at $10 per user/month, it is an ideal solution for businesses purely looking for employee monitoring capabilities. With that said, other solutions on this list include a wider range of features, which may suit companies looking for more of an all-in-one experience.
Key Features
- Keystroke monitoring
- Remote desktop control
- Screen recordings
- Email tracking
Pros
- Multiple employee monitoring tools
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Some features can complicate users
- Customer support can be unresponsive
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
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Veriato — Good for team transparency
Available on
- Web
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Veriato is an employee monitoring tool that allows managers to track user activity, both inside the office and out. You can track employee productivity while also monitoring employee behavior, based on the websites and softwares they’re using. Users can also get a detailed analysis showing the levels of employee engagement in their businesses.
Veriato includes separate plans that perform different aspects of employee monitoring, and vary in target audience and hosting methods. For example, its Cerebral software is designed to detect digital threats, protect data and assess computer user behavior.
In terms of downsides, some users might find Veriato difficult to learn, primarily due to the large number of monitoring features it includes. But this is also one of its strengths. Customers may also be frustrated by the prospect of not having all employee monitoring capabilities on one single plan. Also, pricing isn’t available on its official website, meaning that customers need to contact a representative to get a quote.
Key Features
- Employee engagement analysis
- User activity monitoring
- Productivity reporting
- Keystroke logging
Pros
- A wide variety of monitoring features
- Includes insider threat detection capabilities
Cons
- Poor customer support
- Can be difficult to learn
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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InterGuard — Good for remote workers
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
InterGuard works great as employee monitoring solution for remote teams. This solution includes a wide range of tracking features to keep a close eye on employees. It can identify when employees are active and idle on their computers, as well as when they log in and out. InterGuard also includes GPS capabilities to keep track of field workers.
Most importantly, managers can monitor what emails, websites, software solutions, and social media outlets are being used during work hours. It’s also possible to block employees from resources that might be considered to be unproductive or unsafe.
Interguard is another one of the pricier options on this list, starting at $9.99 per user/month. And it’s pricing transparency diminishes the larger the plan each business requires.
Key Features
- Website/software monitoring
- Active/idle tracking
- Endpoint lockdown
- Data retrieval
Pros
- Attractive user interface
- Wide range of add-on features
Cons
- Requires at least 2-5 users
- Installation period can be time-consuming
Pricing
Starts at $9.99/user/month Trial: Yes — 7-day Free Plan: No
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ActivTrak — Good for workforce analytics
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
ActivTrak tracks productivity, employee behavior, and workload balance for individuals and teams alike. This software keeps employees’ work hours up to date and calculates how long they worked on each task.
From an analytical standpoint, ActivTrak is an ideal choice. Managers can generate analytical reports on work efficiency and productivity. It’s also highly customizable, meaning managers can change settings to send out automated alerts and reports.
Customers may be dissuaded by ActivTrak’s high pricing. Combine that with the fact that most features are only for employee monitoring, customers may be inclined to look elsewhere for similarly priced solutions that include a wider range of features.
Key Features
- Time tracking
- Employee activity reporting
- Compliance/risk management
- Productivity insights
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- Free trials and plans included
Cons
- Dashboards are not customizable
- Doesn’t include keystroke logging
Pricing
Starts at $9/user/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes
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Insightful — Good for time tracking
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
Insightful may be one of the strongest employee monitoring software tools on this list, especially for time tracking.
Insightful records activity and provides workforce analytics so managers can get a better understanding of why employees become idle at specific times of the day. Users can also capture screenshots to deter users from accessing unproductive websites.
However, this employee monitor software doesn’t include non-employee monitoring features so it may not be ideal for businesses looking for a more well-rounded solution.
Key Features
- Time tracking
- Stealth mode
- Workforce analytics
- Time and attendance
Pros
- Attractive UI and easy to use
- Good customer support
Cons
- Lacks important employee management features
- No free versions
Pricing
Starts at $6.40/user/month Trial: Yes — 7-day Free Plan: No
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Hubstaff — Good for tracking productivity
Hubstaff comes with productivity tools and allows managers to track employee working hours easily. Managers can determine how active employees are based on mouse and keyword activity, and managers can take regular, secure screenshots. Therefore, it’s not the best option for teams that work primarily with field workers.
This solution’s capabilities become more advanced and robust through the paid plans. For example, with its basic plan, screenshots are unlimited and users receive 24/7 customer support.
Key Features
- Mouse and keyboard tracking
- Time tracking
- Screenshot employee activity
- Productivity tracking
Pros
- Unlimited screenshots with paid plans
- Geolocation features
Cons
- No advanced tracking
- Basic reporting
Pricing
Starts at $4.99/user/month, 2 users minimum Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes — For one user only
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Work Examiner — Good for small businesses
Available on
- Web
- Windows
With Work Examiner, managers can use this software to record screenshots, track keyboard activity, and track which websites and software employees use. Managers can also track work hours and employee productivity.
One of the downsides of Work Examiner is that it can only be used for employee monitoring. If you’re looking for other operational, communicational, and HR-related functions, you will need to purchase other software.
Unlike other solutions on this list that provide a monthly subscription, Work Examiner charges a one-time license fee.
Key Features
- Screenshot recording
- Keystroke logging
- Software/website tracking
- Content filtering
Pros
- Only requires a one-time licensing fee
- Customer support included with licenses
Cons
- Capabilities limited to employee monitoring
- Only monitors Windows devices
Pricing
Starts at $60/license Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: No
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Monitask — Good for analyzing computer usage
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
Monitask helps teams improve task and project management. With its time-tracking feature, managers can analyze which jobs are taking longer to complete than others. It also provides managers with a breakdown of the websites and software employees are using during work hours.
It’s easy to use and, compared to other solutions, very easy to install on Mac or PC. Monitask also has great customer support.Key Features
- Screenshot capture
- Time tracking
- Website/software tracking
- Workforce analytics
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Highly customizable
Cons
- No way to export data
- Limited logs for time tracking
Pricing
Starts at $4.99/user/month Trial: Yes — 10-day Free Plan: No
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SentryPC — Good for educators
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
SentryPC lets managers track data and employee activity from any company device. For example, users can see when employees log in and out, when they change passwords, and when they install and uninstall apps, amongst other things.
With SentryPC, you can take screenshots of user activity, as well as pinpoint which websites and apps they use that are unproductive to their work. Managers can also restrict users from online resources that are considered unsafe.
In terms of downsides, customers have noted that this software can be difficult and time-consuming to set up.
Key Features
- Keystroke recording
- Employee activity monitoring
- Time tracking
- Content filtering
Pros
- Wide variety of employee monitoring features
- No minimum user requirements
Cons
- Can be difficult to set up
- Customer support is difficult to reach
Pricing
Starts at $59.95/1 PC/year Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Employee Monitoring Softwares
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Start for free
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| Reviews |
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N/A
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $5/mo
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Starts at $10/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $9.99/user/month
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Starts at $9/user/month
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Starts at $6.40/user/month
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Starts at $4.99/user/month, 2 users minimum
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Starts at $60/license
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Starts at $4.99/user/month
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Starts at $59.95/1 PC/year
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
14 Days, extensions possible
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yes
14-day
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no
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yes
7-day
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yes
14-day
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yes
7-day
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yes
14-day
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yes
30-day
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yes
10-day
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no
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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no
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no
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no
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yes
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no
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yes
For one user only
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no
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no
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no
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| Use cases |
Best all-in-one employee monitoring software
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Good for Office / Deskjobs
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Good for security threat protection
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Good for team transparency
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Good for remote workers
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Good for workforce analytics
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Good for time tracking
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Good for tracking productivity
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Good for small businesses
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Good for analyzing computer usage
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Good for educators
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| Available on |
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web, Windows, Mac
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Web, Windows
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Web, Windows, Mac
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Web, Windows, Mac
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What is Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee monitoring systems allow businesses to oversee and track employee activities during work hours. It provides insights into how employees spend their time to improve efficiency and ensure compliance. The software can monitor activities like employee location and job site, keystroke logging, task and project management, application usage, website visits, and communication patterns.
How Does Employee Monitoring Software Work?
Remote employee monitoring software works by recording employee activities. These apps capture data about how employees are spending their time and where they’re located so managers can better manage them. Depending on the software, it may also provide real-time alerts for specific behaviors or unauthorized activities.
Benefits of Employee Monitor Software
Increased productivity
The software identifies unproductive behaviors, allowing for targeted training or process improvements.
Time management
Employees and managers can track time spent on tasks, leading to better project management and prioritization.
Data security
Remote work monitoring software keeps track of any unauthorized data transfers or access to sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Compliance and legal protection
Managers can be sure that employees adhere to company policies and industry regulations.
Remote work oversight
Software to monitor remote workers offers a way to monitor and manage remote employees, ensuring they remain productive and adhere to company standards.
Operational efficiency
Provides insights into inefficient processes and helps managers figure out how to streamline them.
Employee attendance
Tracks start times, breaks, and end times, ensuring employees adhere to their schedules.
Insightful reporting
Generates detailed reports on individual and team activities, offering data-driven insights for decision-making.
Better allocation of resources
Understanding which tools and applications your team uses the most helps guide software licensing decisions and resource allocation.
Enhanced employee accountability
When employees know their activities might be monitored, they are usually more accountable for how they spend their time.
Clearer communication
By monitoring communication channels, managers can identify if clearer communication is needed in certain areas or between teams.
How Much Does Employee Monitoring Software Cost?
Software to monitor employees varies in price depending on the plan you choose and the features the software includes.
Examples of more expensive options include Teramind and ActivTrak, which costs $10 and $9 per user/month. However, Connecteam is our #1 pick because it includes tons of features to manage your entire time on the go, including employee monitoring capabilities. Connecteam is also incredibly affordable, starting at just $29/month for up to 30 employees.
Connecteam also has an entirely free small business plan for teams with up to 10 employees.
>>Get started with Connecteam for free today!<<
FAQs
What does employee monitoring software do?
Employers use employee monitoring software to track how employee are spending their time, including what tasks and projects they’re working on, where they’re located, and what software and applications they’re using.
What are the issues with employee monitoring software?
Employee monitoring software can raise privacy concerns because employees may feel like their employers are invading their personal boundaries, leading to decreased morale and trust. Using this software may undermine human connection and unintentionally take away from the importance of interpersonal communication. Additionally, there may be legal implications because some monitoring might violate privacy laws or regulations.
The Bottom Line On Employee Monitoring Software
Employee monitoring software is like having a super-helpful sidekick for your business. It gives you a sneak peek into how things are going, helping spot any hiccups before they turn into big issues. Plus, it’s a bit like having a security guard for your data, keeping things safe and sound.
To choose the best option for your business, take a look at the list above and find an option that suits your needs. We also recommend trying free trials to test out software before committing to purchase.