10 Best Remote Employee Monitoring Software, Reviewed!
A comprehensive assessment of the Best Employee Monitoring Software in 2024 for Remote Workforce, including a detailed description of its Benefits, Challenges, Pros and Cons, Pricing, and so much more. Pro Tip: You can’t miss out on the real experiences from the products’ real customers!
Introduction
Remote work has become more than just a modern convenience; it has become the backbone of countless businesses today. Effectively managing a remote workforce involves far more than merely tracking hours worked. It’s about fostering a culture of trust, enhancing productivity, and maintaining security—all while ensuring that employees don’t feel stifled or micromanaged.
While there’s a wealth of blogs out there discussing remote monitoring tools, this guide aims to go beyond the basics. We’ll explore the unique features that truly differentiate these tools, the specific challenges they address, and even some of their quirks that make them stand out in a crowded market. Let’s dive deeper into what really makes remote management successful in today’s dynamic work environment!
What is Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee monitoring software refers to tools and technologies designed to track and observe employees' activities, productivity, and behavior during work hours. These tools are typically used by organizations to ensure accountability, enhance productivity, maintain data security, and prevent misuse of company resources.
What You May Not Know About Remote Employee Monitoring Software
Sure, it tracks time and tasks, but did you know that some tools go beyond simple monitoring? For instance:
Emotion Analytics: Tools like Teramind analyze patterns to flag burnout risks.
Custom Productivity Benchmarks: Platforms like ActivTrak let you define what productivity means for your team rather than using generic metrics.
Ethical Monitoring Controls: Software like DeskTime offers transparency features, so employees know exactly what’s being monitored and when.
Key Features of Employee Monitoring Software
Some of the must-have features of employee monitoring software are:
Activity Tracking: Records user activity, such as websites visited, applications used, and files accessed.
Time Tracking: Tracks time spent on tasks, applications, or breaks to evaluate productivity.
Screen Monitoring: Captures screenshots or provides live screen views to monitor ongoing activities.
Keystroke Logging: Tracks keyboard activity to monitor productivity or detect potential security breaches.
Geolocation Tracking: For remote or mobile teams, monitors physical locations via GPS.
Alerts and Reports: Generates alerts for suspicious activities and detailed reports for performance evaluation.
How to Choose the Best Employee Monitoring Software?
- Identify the Problems You're Working to Overcome: You can choose software with the characteristics and functionalities you need to solve your existing problems by identifying them. For instance, you might choose a system that monitors computer activity if you're attempting to gain insights into employee efficiency. Alternatively, aim for a system with threat detection monitoring if security and data breaches are your top concerns.
- Check Compatibility with Current Processes: Consider your existing processes and systems when selecting monitoring software. Would the tool interfere with your employees' daily activities, or would it run silently in the background without disruption?
- Define Crucial Results and Metrics for Success: To avoid wasting time, be upfront about the outcomes you aim to achieve. Are you focusing on increasing team productivity and time management, or do you need insights into how long specific tasks take? By keeping your end goals in mind, you can select software that delivers the desired results without being distracted by unnecessary features.
The 10 Best Employee Monitoring Software in 2024
Insightful : Track productivity with precision using Insightful’s real-time monitoring tools.
Apploye : Streamline time tracking and productivity for modern teams with Apploye.
ActivTrak : Get actionable insights into team behavior with ActivTrak.
Monitask : Boost remote team accountability with Monitask’s tracking tools.
Teramind : Secure your business with advanced insider threat detection by Teramind.
Hubstaff : Optimize remote work with Hubstaff’s time tracking and geofencing features.
Controlio : Track workplace activity with Controlio’s stealth monitoring features.
Veriato : Enhance security with Veriato’s forensic-level employee monitoring.
DeskTime : Simplify productivity tracking with DeskTime’s automated tools.
Time Doctor : Empower teams with Time Doctor's precise time tracking and productivity-boosting insights.
Detailed Description of the 10 Best Employee Monitoring Software in 2024
Insightful
Why Insightful?
Insightful provides real-time tracking and productivity analysis with features like automatic time mapping, screen activity recording, and productivity categorization.
Gaining insight into how employees allocate their time can assist you in devising strategies to enhance productivity, and Insightful offers solutions through its apps and website tracking capabilities. You can identify the most frequently used apps by employees to assess whether they contribute to productivity or serve as distractions. Additionally, it includes a productivity labeling feature that marks unproductive websites and applications, allowing you to know which sites require your attention. It’s especially valuable for remote teams managing complex projects.
Recommended For: Companies of all sizes, looking for automatic time mapping and real-time tracking to optimize workflows.
Standout Features
Automatic Time Mapping
Real-Time Productivity Monitoring
Detailed Team Reports
Stealth Mode Option
Screenshots with Context
Custom Integrations
- Tracks activity automatically with minimal manual intervention, improving productivity.
- Offers live data to assess team performance effectively.
Customer Review
“We can compare productivity trends data using custom day range. I much prefer their data visuals comparing to other similar apps.” (Source: G2)
- It can be expensive for small businesses with limited budgets.
- There are occasional issues with its reporting capabilities.
Customer Review
“What I find challenging about Insightful is the occasional lag when generating detailed reports, especially for larger teams.” (Source: G2)
Notable Clients
- Classic Cat
- Village Gourmet
- TRG
- Grapes
Pricing
Apploye
Why Apploye?
Apploye is a great tool for tracking time and monitoring fieldwork which makes it a perfect choice for remote and on-site teams. It provides productivity insights, task management, as well as ways to boost employee engagement. With Apploye, you can easily measure productivity through activity levels, timesheets, reports, and random screenshots.
And not just that, the platform provides modularized add-ons for specific industry needs instead of providing the same user experience for all. Additionally, calculating billable and non-billable hours is a breeze while enabling you to keep tabs on your remote employees with GPS tracking.
Recommended For: Teams prioritizing easy task management and productivity insights without complex setups.
Standout Features
GPS Tracking
Activity Levels
Customizable Reporting
Task Management
Budget Management
Offline Time Tracking
- Excellent GPS tracking for field-based staff.
- Easy to set up and operate along with being affordable, making it ideal for SMBs.
Customer Review
“Features like activity tracking, screenshots and apps, and URL monitoring are a great bonus. The pricing is also excellent, especially for the value you get!” (Source: GetApp)
- Analytics features are not as robust for large enterprises.
- Fewer app integrations compared to competitors.
Customer Review
“It’s a great desktop app but would be great to have some more integration options.” (Source: GetApp)
Notable Clients
- OakNet
- DentistFind
- GettyCrafts
- Aveo Software
Pricing
ActivTrak
Why ActivTrak?
ActivTrak is a robust employee monitoring and productivity analysis tool designed to help businesses optimize workforce performance. Its standout features include real-time activity tracking, application usage monitoring, and comprehensive productivity analytics. It excels in providing behavior analysis to identify inefficiencies and prevent burnout, making it a top choice for managers aiming to improve team productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for employees.
The tool integrates seamlessly with other applications and has a user-friendly interface, making complex analytics easily accessible for managers who may not have a technical background.
Recommended For: Mid-to-large-sized organizations focused on behavior analytics and workload balance to reduce employee burnout.
Standout Features
Behavior Analytics
Real-Time Activity Monitoring
Risk Analysis
Workload Balance Tools
Goal Setting and Alerts
Cloud-Based Dashboard
- Behavior analysis identifies inefficiencies and helps reduce burnout.
- Accessible from anywhere, easy to use, and ideal for remote teams.
Customer Review
“The interface was very simple to use for the most part. I went from not knowing anything about the portal to diving into reports.” (Source: GetApp)
- Continuous activity monitoring can feel invasive to employees.
- May require significant time and resources to configure properly.
Customer Review
“The plethora of reports and features is nice; however, it was almost a bit overwhelming.” (Source: GetApp)
Notable Clients
- OrangeTheory
- AllState
- Ship Sticks
- Solera
- Fam Brands
Pricing
Monitask
Why Monitask?
Monitask is simple employee monitoring and time-tracking software tailored for startups and small to medium-sized businesses. Its key features include customizable screenshot tools, activity monitoring, and detailed time-tracking reports, all designed to enhance team productivity. The platform is user-friendly, making it perfect for teams that want to start monitoring without a complicated setup process.
Monitask also allows for flexible configurations, such as turning screenshots on or off to accommodate different privacy preferences, helping to balance productivity tracking with employee comfort.
Recommended For: Remote teams aiming to boost accountability without heavy resource consumption.
Standout Features
Screenshot Capture
Task Timer
Affordable Pricing Plans
Team Visibility Tools
Customizable Screenshots
Simple Interface
- Budget-friendly plans, especially for startups and small teams.
- Offers great customer support.
Customer Review
“Easy to setup and so impressed with the support offered.” (Source: GetApp)
- Lacks detailed analytics or in-depth behavior tracking.
- The app shows glitches and can slow down at times.
Customer Review
“The dropdown sometimes does not highlight the task, you'll have to click on the dropdown several times to make it stick. The accuracy of the snapshot also has quirks which we have already gotten used to.” (Source: GetApp)
Notable Clients
- Carrier
- Mack Defense
- DG
- Fima
- Legal Nodes
Pricing
Teramind
Why Teramind?
Teramind is a comprehensive employee monitoring and data loss prevention (DLP) platform. Its powerful monitoring features can track virtually all user behavior including apps, websites, emails, instant messages/chats, social media, document & file transfers, printers, networks and more. The software also guards against insider threats by letting administrators configure rules to notify, block, log-out, redirect or lock-out any user depending on his or her behavior.
Teramind stands out for its ability to provide actionable insights into workforce activities while safeguarding sensitive organizational data, making it a preferred choice for large enterprises and compliance-driven industries.
Recommended For: Businesses needing advanced user behavior analytics to prevent data leaks and breaches.
Standout Features
Insider Threat Detection
Live Activity Monitoring
Compliance Management
Automated Policy Enforcement
Detailed Forensics
Stealth and Transparent Modes
- Advanced tools for insider threat detection.
- Offers great convenience in training with live screen control.
Customer Review
“This software has the option of live viewing and that helps training new employees.” (Source: GetApp)
- Premium pricing makes it less accessible to smaller teams.
- Complex features may overwhelm new users.
Customer Review
“One drawback was the complexity of the platform, which required a learning curve to fully utilize its features.” (Source: GetApp)
Pricing
Hubstaff
Why Hubstaff?
Hubstaff is a versatile time-tracking and employee monitoring tool for remote teams and freelancers. With features like GPS location tracking, time tracking via mobile apps, and detailed productivity analytics, it helps organizations streamline workflows and improve accountability.
Hubstaff also integrates with over 30 popular platforms like Trello, Asana, and QuickBooks, making it a comprehensive solution for managing remote and on-the-go teams. Its robust reporting capabilities allow managers to assess productivity metrics and make data-driven decisions effectively.
Recommended For: Teams working across multiple projects and requiring integrations with tools like Jira and Asana.
Standout Features
GPS and Geofencing
Integrations
Automatic Payroll
Idle Time Detection
Project Management Tools
Offline Mode
- Works well with project management and payroll tools like QuickBooks.
- Provides easy time-tracking capabilities.
Customer Review
“Reliable time-tracking software with useful analytics.” (Source: GetApp)
- Lacks advanced insights into employee behavior.
- May incorrectly flag some activities as idle, leading to frustration.
Customer Review
“It doesn't evaluate productivity in real work and can stress out your staff.” (Source: GetApp)
Pricing
Controlio
Why Controlio?
Controlio is a sophisticated employee monitoring and data security solution that enhances productivity and safeguards sensitive company information. It includes features like real-time user activity monitoring, keystroke tracking, and customizable alerts for suspicious behavior.
Controlio also offers both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options, making it suitable for businesses of any size. Its comprehensive reporting tools are designed to track team efficiency while ensuring data compliance in industries with strict security requirements.
Recommended For: Small to medium-sized enterprises that prioritize activity logs for dispute resolution.
Standout Features
Real-Time Screen Monitoring
Stealth Mode
Advanced Keystroke Tracking
Cloud and On-Premises Options
Behavioral Analytics
Granular Access Control
- Ideal for businesses prioritizing discreet tracking.
- Detailed screen recordings and activity reports in real time.
Customer Review
“The most helpful aspect of Controlio lies in its comprehensive monitoring capabilities.” (Source: G2)
- Highly invasive features may raise ethical issues.
- Not user-friendly for first-time users.
Customer Review
“It was not extremely easy to configure the product from scratch, so my team required the assistance of the tech support.” (Source: G2)
Pricing
Veriato
Why Veriato?
Veriato is an advanced employee monitoring and insider threat detection platform that offers organizations valuable insights into remote workforce behavior. Its features include detailed activity tracking, keystroke logging, and user behavior analytics, which assist businesses in protecting sensitive data and improving productivity.
Veriato's emphasis on security makes it an ideal choice for industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and legal services. Additionally, its AI-driven anomaly detection enables organizations to identify and address potential risks proactively.
Recommended For: Organizations needing AI-driven insights to detect unusual behavior and insider threats.
Standout Features
AI-Powered Risk Detection
Forensic-Level Monitoring
Custom Alerts
Data Exfiltration Prevention
Compliance Tools
Cloud-Based Reporting
- Offers unparalleled insights into activity and potential security threats.
- Alerts managers to suspicious behavior automatically.
Customer Review
“Live and recorded screen monitoring, robust productivity metrics, and dynamic behavior alerts provide unmatched insights into the behavior of remote and in-office employee.” (Source: G2)
- It is quite expensive, making it less suitable for SMBs.
- There is scope for better customization capabilities.
Customer Review
“Need more customization to get more results software for employee activity and productivity monitoring.” (Source: G2)
Pricing
DeskTime
Why DeskTime?
DeskTime is an intuitive time-tracking and productivity analysis tool designed for businesses looking to optimize workforce efficiency. Its features, including automated time tracking, idle time detection, and project-based monitoring, make it ideal for tracking the performance of remote teams.
DeskTime's emphasis on simplicity and real-time insights is particularly beneficial for managing both remote and in-office teams. Moreover, its integration with popular project management tools like Trello and Asana ensures seamless workflow management, making it a preferred choice for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Recommended For: Remote teams seeking project-based productivity tracking.
Standout Features
Fully automatic online and offline time tracking
Project management
Shift and absence scheduling
Optional screenshots
Custom reports
- No manual input required, reducing user effort.
- Helps employees self-evaluate performance.
Customer Review
“The option to mark the apps/sites I'm using as productive or unproductive gives more insight where my time is spent.” (Source: G2)
- The mobile app lacks functionality compared to the desktop version.
- Basic features may not suffice for advanced reporting needs.
Customer Review
“A feature I would love to have is to monitor also documents I'm working in and automatically allocate the time to projects.” (Source: G2)
Pricing
Time Doctor
Why Time Doctor?
Time Doctor is a powerful time-tracking and productivity-monitoring tool designed specifically for remote and hybrid teams. Its key features include task management, distraction alerts, and real-time activity monitoring, all of which help businesses improve accountability and efficiency.
Time Doctor seamlessly integrates with popular project management platforms such as Slack, Trello, and Asana, allowing for effective task tracking within teams. Additionally, its detailed reports offer insights into how time is spent, enabling managers to make data-driven decisions that enhance overall team productivity.
Recommended For: Remote teams and hybrid workplaces looking for precise time tracking and productivity insights.
Standout Features
Random Screenshots
Pop-Up Alerts
Client Access to Reports
Integrations
Detailed Productivity Reports
Offline Time Tracking
- Allows clients to access relevant project data.
- Generates detailed productivity and time-use reports.
Customer Review
“I really like Time Doctor for its robust tracking features that give me a clear picture of our team’s productivity.” (Source: G2)
- Desktop apps may slow down older systems during intensive use.
- Pop-ups can be intrusive for some employees.
Customer Review
“It takes screenshot of us every 3 minutes which is Little annoying. I think taking screenshot of our desktop is enough.” (Source: G2)
Pricing
Benefits of Using Employee Monitoring Software
The main benefits of incorporating employee monitoring software in your organization are:
Enhanced Productivity: Monitoring software tracks employee activities and identifies time-wasting behaviors, helping teams focus on tasks that matter. It provides insights into workflow efficiency and optimizes resource allocation.
Improved Accountability: By logging time spent on tasks and tracking progress, employees are encouraged to meet deadlines and maintain consistent performance.
Data Security: Employee monitoring tools often include features like keystroke logging and real-time alerts for unauthorized activities, which help prevent data breaches and insider threats.
Performance Insights: Detailed reports and analytics provide managers with valuable data to assess employee performance, identify training needs, and implement improvements.
Remote Team Management: These tools are indispensable for managing remote teams by ensuring transparency and providing managers with a clear view of employee activities.
Compliance and Legal Support: Monitoring software can help companies adhere to regulatory requirements by maintaining a log of activities for auditing purposes.
Potential Challenges of Using Employee Monitoring Software
The main challenges of incorporating employee monitoring software in your organization are:
Privacy Concerns: Employees may feel their privacy is being invaded, leading to mistrust or dissatisfaction. This challenge can be mitigated with clear communication about monitoring policies.
High Costs: Advanced monitoring systems with comprehensive features can be expensive to implement, particularly for small businesses.
Over-Monitoring Risks: Excessive monitoring may create a stressful work environment, potentially lowering morale and productivity.
Technical Limitations: Some software may not integrate seamlessly with existing tools or may experience downtime, which could hinder its effectiveness.
Compliance Risks: In some regions, strict labor laws may restrict certain types of employee monitoring, exposing companies to legal issues if not implemented properly.
Misinterpretation of Data: Monitoring data might be misunderstood, leading to unfair assessments of employee performance. Training managers to interpret data accurately is essential to avoid these pitfalls.
FAQs
Q.1. What is remote employee monitoring software?
Ans: Remote employee monitoring software is a digital solution designed to track and manage the activities of employees working remotely. It provides insights into productivity, time usage, and overall performance, often including features like time tracking, screen monitoring, and activity logs.
Q.2. How does remote employee monitoring software work?
Ans: These tools work by installing software on employees' devices or running via cloud-based platforms. They monitor activities like application usage, website visits, and idle time while generating reports to help managers assess productivity.
Q.3. Why do companies use remote employee monitoring software?
Ans: Companies use these tools to enhance productivity, ensure compliance, prevent data breaches, and manage remote teams effectively. By offering transparency, they help organizations identify areas for improvement and foster accountability.
Q.4. Is employee monitoring legal in the US?
Ans: Yes, employee monitoring is generally legal in the US, but companies must follow federal and state laws. Employees should be informed about monitoring practices through policies to ensure compliance and maintain trust.
Q.5. How does remote employee monitoring software maintain employee privacy?
Ans: Many tools include features like customizable monitoring settings, restricted data access, and anonymized reporting. Transparent communication about monitoring practices can further ease privacy concerns.
Q.6. Can monitoring software integrate with other tools?
Ans: Yes, most remote employee monitoring tools integrate with platforms like Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams, and Asana to streamline workflow management and task tracking.
Q.7. Are remote employee monitoring tools suitable for small businesses?
Ans: Yes, there are affordable and scalable options tailored for small businesses, providing essential features like time tracking and basic activity monitoring without overwhelming costs.
Q.8. What are the potential drawbacks of using employee monitoring software?
Ans: Drawbacks include privacy concerns, potential over-monitoring, and employee resistance. To mitigate these, companies should implement transparent policies, obtain employee consent, and ensure monitoring practices are fair.
Q.9. How much does remote employee monitoring software cost?
Ans: Pricing varies widely depending on features and scalability. Basic plans can start at around $5–$10 per user per month, while advanced solutions with enterprise features may cost $20–$50 per user per month.
Q.10. Can remote employee monitoring software improve productivity?
Ans: Yes, by identifying unproductive behaviors and streamlining workflows, these tools help managers and employees focus on high-priority tasks, boosting overall productivity.
Q.11. Which industries benefit most from remote employee monitoring software?
Ans: Industries like IT, finance, customer service, and healthcare often benefit the most, particularly those with remote, hybrid, or highly regulated environments.
This article is written by Shabana Shahnaz, a Product Research Analyst passionate about uncovering the nuances of software solutions. With a sharp analytical mind and a keen eye for detail, Shabana excels at comparing and contrasting software products at Vantage Circle. To get in touch, reach out to editor@vantagecircle.com
