Employee monitoring software tracks how work time is spent, from hours and active apps to screenshots and security alerts. Productivity tools focus on time and activity, while security-focused tools watch for data leaks and risky behaviour. Choose the lightest level of monitoring that solves your real problem, and tell your team exactly what you track.
Monitoring software is one of those tools that can help or harm a team. Used well, it shows where time goes and protects sensitive data. Used badly, it tells your best people you don't trust them.
Here are ten employee monitoring tools in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from time and productivity trackers to security-focused platforms. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today.
Start with the problem. Are you trying to bill clients accurately, understand workloads, protect data or meet a compliance requirement? Each one needs a different level of monitoring.
And check the law where your staff work before you switch anything on, because some places require written notice first.
Employee monitoring software at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActivTrak | Workforce analytics software | Understanding workloads and focus | Yes |
| Clever Control | Employee monitoring software | Activity tracking for small teams | Trial only |
| Controlio | Employee monitoring software | Cloud-based activity monitoring | No |
| CurrentWare | Endpoint security and monitoring | Web filtering and device control | Trial only |
| DeskTime | Time tracking software | Automatic time tracking | Trial only |
| Insightful | Productivity monitoring software | Remote and hybrid team analytics | Trial only |
| InterGuard | Employee monitoring software | Monitoring remote employees | No |
| Kickidler | Employee monitoring software | Live screen viewing and reports | Yes |
| Monitask | Time tracking and monitoring | Time tracking with screenshots | Trial only |
| Teramind | Insider risk and monitoring platform | Data loss prevention | Trial only |
Ten employee monitoring tools
ActivTrak
Best for: Managers who want insight into workloads and focus time without heavy surveillance.
Clever Control
Best for: Small businesses who want activity tracking with screenshots and reports.
Controlio
Best for: Teams who want cloud-based monitoring of apps and websites used at work.
CurrentWare
Best for: Organisations that want web filtering, device control and activity tracking.
DeskTime
Best for: Teams who want automatic time tracking with productivity reports.
Insightful
Best for: Remote and hybrid teams who want productivity analytics across locations.
InterGuard
Best for: Employers who want detailed monitoring of remote workers' activity.
Kickidler
Best for: Businesses that want live screen viewing alongside time and activity reports.
Monitask
Best for: Small teams and freelancers' clients who want time tracking with screenshots.
Teramind
Best for: Organisations that want to detect insider risk and prevent data leaks.
The notice rule some employers miss
Here's the legal detail worth knowing if you have staff in New York State. New York's Civil Rights Law section 52-c says employers that monitor electronically must give prior written notice upon hiring to employees subject to monitoring, have the notice acknowledged in writing or electronically, and post the notice in a conspicuous place.
Other places have their own rules, and this isn't legal advice. But the principle travels well: tell people what you monitor, why and how the data is used, before you start. It's fairer, and it avoids a nasty surprise for everyone.
Questions to settle before you monitor
- Purpose: what problem will monitoring solve?
- Scope: hours only, apps and sites, or screenshots?
- Transparency: how will you tell your team?
- Access: who can see the data, and for how long?
- Local law: what notice or consent rules apply where staff work?
Introducing monitoring fairly
- Write down why you're introducing it.
- Choose the lightest setting that solves the problem.
- Tell the team in person, with the reasons.
- Give everyone written details of what's tracked.
- Review after a few months and switch off what you don't use.
Productivity without surveillance
Often the biggest productivity gains come from better tools, not closer watching. Here's how AI tools increased productivity in the workplace.
And if you're bringing in new software of any kind, my guide to getting your team ready for change shows how to bring people with you.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Do you make employee monitoring tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My honest advice on monitoring staff
Monitoring can't fix a trust problem. If you're worried someone isn't working, a conversation will tell you more than a screenshot ever could.
Where monitoring helps is in spotting patterns: overloaded people, meetings that eat the day, or work that's harder than it looks. Use it to help your team, and say so.
And collect less than you can. Every extra screenshot is data you have to protect, so only switch on what you'll use.
If you're a small team, ask yourself whether a shared task board and a weekly check-in would do the same job. Often they do, and they build trust instead of eroding it. Save monitoring software for the problems a conversation can't solve.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best employee monitoring software?
The one that solves your specific problem with the least intrusion, whether that's time tracking, workloads or security.
Is employee monitoring legal?
Rules vary by location. Some places, such as New York State, require written notice.
What does New York require for employee monitoring?
Civil Rights Law section 52-c requires prior written notice upon hiring, acknowledgment and a posted notice.
Must employees be told about monitoring?
In many places, yes, and it's good practice everywhere.
Can monitoring software take screenshots?
Some tools can, but consider whether you need that level of detail.
Is there free employee monitoring software?
Some tools have free plans or trials with limits.
What's the difference between time tracking and monitoring?
Time tracking records hours. Monitoring can also cover apps, sites and screens.
Can monitoring help remote teams?
It can show workloads and focus time, but it works best alongside regular check-ins.
Does monitoring hurt morale?
It can if it's secret or heavy-handed. Transparency makes a big difference.
How long should I keep monitoring data?
Only as long as you need it, and set a clear retention period.
Can monitoring prevent data leaks?
Security-focused tools can flag risky behaviour and help prevent leaks.
Should small businesses use monitoring software?
Only if there's a clear problem it solves. Many small teams don't need it.
Can I monitor contractors?
Treat contractors carefully and agree any tracking in writing first.
