The Best Employee Tracking Software in 2024 | Reviewed and Compared

The best employee tracking software can help with monitoring employee internet use, plus aid in detecting suspicious activity that puts your business’ confidential information at risk. Besides this, with staff monitoring solutions, you’ll be able to oversee your employee attendance and track their activity with productivity reports and time-tracking tools.

This software is especially valuable for a business owner managing remote employees, but with so many employee monitoring tools available, finding the best solution for your business is no easy feat. In this post, we review and compare the market’s top 10 tools for monitoring employee activities — read on to learn how the likes of Teramind, ActivTrak, and HubStaff can help you.

The Best Tools for Monitoring Employee Activity 2024 | Quick Answer

With no shortage of options (plus sadly ample subpar and even scam solutions), we’ve ensured only the best of the bunch made it on our list.

Through extensive testing and research, we’ve found Teramind to be the cream of the crop for employee monitoring, but here’s a quick breakdown of the market’s top 10 employee monitoring software:

1. Teramind — The Best Employee Tracking Software in 2024 for Productivity and Compliance. Try it Now Free for 14 Days.
2. ActivTrak — Notably the Best Free Employee Monitoring Software for Privacy-Focused Businesses + Has a 14-Day Free Trial.
3. HubStaff — Top Small Business Solution for Tracking Remote Employees, Try the Free Plan and 14-Day Free Trial Before Committing.
4. StaffCop — Powerful Tool for Employee Monitoring in the Workplace + Has a 15-Day Free Trial You Can Check Out.
5. Controlio — The Best Employee Monitoring Software for Mac. Try it Completely Risk-Free for a Full 2 Weeks.
6. mSpy — The Best Small Business Employee Tracking Tool for Mobile Devices. Has a 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a Free Live Demo.
7. EyeZy — Leading Employee Monitoring Tool for Tracking Company Mobile Devices. Try it Free for 3 Days Before Committing.
8. uMobix — Another Powerful Employee Tracker for Mobile that Offers a Solid 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
9. Cocospy — Superb Mobile Employee Tracking Solution. Trial it for $1 for a Full Day’s Reign.
10. Spyic — A Great Option for Monitoring Multiple Devices on 1 Subscription + Offers the Longest Money-Back Guarantee of 60 Days.

Ready to learn what each of these can do for you? Read on for our in-depth reviews or skip ahead to our head-to-head comparison to see how they compare regarding factors like pricing, money-back guarantees, and more.

The Best Employee Tracking Software in 2024 | In-Depth Reviews

Here we take a deep dive into each of our top 10 employee monitoring software tools to give you a solid overview of each one to help you find the best solution for your business. Let’s dive right in.

1. Teramind — The Best Employee Tracking Software in 2024 for Productivity and Compliance

Teramind is the gem of employee monitoring that every business needs to improve productivity and ensure data security and compliance across the board — while maintaining healthy workplace privacy.

With Teramind’s detailed reports, you can monitor employee productivity by individual, department, or organization to identify workflow improvements, and your top performers, plus compare active vs idle time.

You can also mark apps and websites as productive or unproductive, block them altogether, or set up automated messages for lengthy periods of idle time to encourage re-focus and improved productivity.

In terms of security, Teramind is the cream of the crop for peace of mind. You’ll get alerts on suspicious activity, compliance templates, and the powerful OCR system that searches for forbidden activity and helps you build a trail of audit evidence.

Screen recording can be constant, or you can record only if the system detects non-compliance. Even more impressive is that you get a rule builder that lets you decide on relevant actions depending on the offence — log the employee out, notify them, etc.

From time tracking to web and app activity monitoring, viewing employee internet usage, social media, and email — Teramind does it all, plus the screen recording, keylogger, and other security measures make it a serious must-have for every business owner.

2. ActivTrak — Notably the Best Free Employee Monitoring Software for Privacy-Focused Businesses

ActivTrak is a go-to solution for mid-market businesses looking to attain a healthy balance of workplace privacy and employee monitoring — hence their 9,000+ customers and the staggering 550,000+ free users.

This is unsurprising. Unlike most that focus on surveillance, ActivTrak promotes transparency and the use of monitoring for insight as opposed to oversight — to help optimize your processes, improve employee happiness, minimize overworking and burnout, etc.

Apart from time tracking tools, you can also analyze productivity trends (including app and web activity) to discover coaching opportunities, better manage workload distribution, and accurately pinpoint inefficient processes.

As you'd expect from one of the best employee monitoring software solutions, ActivTrak also offers tools to help safeguard your business, customer, and employee data.

This includes real-time threat alerts, sending employees non-compliance reminders (i.e. inserting external hard drives or visiting malicious websites) and screenshot monitoring.

What we find most notable isn't that the security is on par with what you'd find with the best antiviruses, but you can also customize ActivTrak to fit your specific needs.

For example, you can set screenshot intervals to detect suspicious activity, or you can trigger this feature only with certain high-risk activities.

Overall, ActivTrak is a remarkable tool for employee monitoring, and there's a free plan. Need we say more?

3. HubStaff — Top Small Business Solution for Tracking Remote Employees

HubStaff is equipped to help businesses manage their workforce, employee time management, and projects, and it currently serves over 40,000 businesses worldwide.

With affordable subscriptions and tools like GPS location tracking, timesheets, and automated invoicing and payroll, HubStaff proves a valuable asset for small businesses looking for a first-class field or remote employee monitoring solution.

On top of this, unlike most, HubStaff's time tracking works on mobile devices too. On the whole, this helps to reduce the need for check-ins, plus it improves employee time awareness, productivity, and accountability.

Month-end is also a breeze with HubStaff. You can forget costly integrations as you can handle the time tracking, timesheets, payroll, and invoicing, all from within HubStaff.

Over and above this, you'll have detailed reports on where your resources are going and insight into employee productivity, app and website activity, plus the means to track expenses and project deadlines efficiently.

Besides this, HubStaff also has an optional screenshots feature, plus a unique keylogger that differs from the best keylogger apps in the sense that it picks up the frequency of activity as opposed to sensitive data.

On the whole, you'll know what to prioritize and have the means to focus on valuable tasks (and automate mundane ones), all at a bargain price.

4. StaffCop — Powerful Tool for Employee Monitoring in the Workplace

StaffCop is ideal for Enterprises looking for a powerful on-premise employee monitoring solution for complete workflow efficiency and control. From activity monitoring to in-depth analytics, and impressive insider threat detection, StaffCop does it all.

You can monitor web and app activity, track late shifts and long idle time, plus restrict access to certain apps and websites to limit unproductive behaviour on work devices.

As with Teramind, you can also mark activities as productive or unproductive, customize employee activity reports, as well as monitor the time spent on projects and apps, and loads more.

On top of all this, StaffCop's security is phenomenal — from real-time threat alerts to keyword and microphone monitoring, plus live video recordings — your business data is secure from risks, and in the event of non-compliance, you can build a solid audit trail.

You can set up automated alerts for non-compliant actions, plus block unwanted employee behavior altogether with StaffCop's smart rule builder. The screenshot feature also lets you specify the intervals or create unique rules for when you'd like to capture the screen.

From capturing violations live, to automated alerts, and powerful blocking capabilities, StaffCop gives you airtight data and reputation protection.

5. Controlio — The Best Employee Monitoring Software for Mac

Controlio is suitable for practically any-sized business, as you can monitor up to 100,000 employees on one subscription, and as an employee monitoring software that offers cloud, private cloud, and on-premise solutions, it's incredibly flexible and scalable.

You'll find Controlio extraordinary for monitoring employee attendance and gaining insight into staff active and idle times to better identify and improve bottlenecks in your workflow.

In fact, you can get in-depth data on employee productivity on an individual or department level, see a list of open apps and websites, track the time spent on tasks, and monitor clock-ins (and outs), amongst loads more.

On top of this, Controlio offers live screen recordings, a phenomenal keylogger, encryption on par with the best VPN services, plus some advanced capabilities to control user behaviour.

For example, you can block or receive alerts on certain activities, plus detect the use of certain prohibited or derogatory terms, searches, or activities.

However, what really stands out is the flexibility of the screen recorder. You can either continuously record or set custom rules. For example, you can set how long you'd want to record, if, say, the employee inserts a USB.

All of this combined makes Controlio fantastic for protecting your business, gaining valuable data, and ensuring compliance.

6. mSpy — The Best Small Business Employee Tracking Tool for Mobile Devices

mSpy is a phenomenal solution if you're looking to monitor employee mobile devices. As one of the best spy apps for Android and iOS, mSpy leaves little to be desired.

From productivity tracking with detailed reports on employee activities — whether it be apps, websites, or fieldwork — mSpy lets you ensure full transparency in the workplace.

As one of the best keylogger apps, mSpy also gives you insight into everything that's typed, which is superb for employee email monitoring, tracking Skype communications, texts, and everything in between.

The keylogger also lets you set up custom keyword alerts to help you quickly detect suspicious activity and help ensure that staff use work devices as intended.

On top of this, you can also monitor calls if you manage remote employees or field workers, plus get accurate GPS tracking logs to monitor their movements. Besides this, mSpy also has an impressive screen recorder that'll give you live video recordings to help you build audit trails in the event of misconduct.

With over a decade in the industry, mSpy is a solid solution for not only monitoring employee internet use, but it's top-notch for securing your business data and protecting your property.

7. EyeZy — Leading Employee Monitoring Tool for Tracking Company Mobile Devices

EyeZy is renowned for being one of the best parental control apps, but with a boatload of monitoring tools fit for small businesses, it's a leading solution for monitoring mobile work devices too.

With the real-time keylogger, you'll have insight into all employee activity — from searches, chats, you name it, you'll know what's typed across apps. Plus, with custom keyword alerts and screen recording capabilities, you'll have solid, 360-degree monitoring.

In fact, EyeZy also boasts the ability to block access to certain apps and websites and you can even view deleted messages — hence it being one of the best Snapchat spy apps.

From tracking productivity to building up fool-proof audit trails, and pinpointing any suspicious activity and training opportunities, EyeZy does it all with ease. On top of this, EyeZy displays all the data you'd need to see in an easy-to-read way on your neat dashboard, and of course, installation is just as simple.

8. uMobix — Another Powerful Employee Tracker for Mobile

uMobix is a popular phone spy app that's great for small businesses looking to monitor work devices for in-house, hybrid, or remote employees. And with over 30 features, it's by far one of the best Android spy apps, and overall, a leading iOS solution too for gaining valuable insight and complete peace of mind.

You can limit web and app access and even restrict calls and messages (or monitor the time spent on these activities) to improve your workflow and learn how long each activity takes.

Besides time tracking and the above, uMobix is one of the best Android keyloggers, as it even records searches done in incognito mode, and it logs copied and pasted text.

Moreover, you can even track social media online statuses during work hours, get accurate GPS location summaries, and monitor work group chats (and even deleted messages), all from your dashboard.

On top of this, uMobix lets you access the microphone and camera, detect suspicious activity, and remotely lock the device to prevent data leaks or reputation damage.

9. Cocospy — Superb Mobile Employee Tracking Solution

Cocospy is, admittedly, not as feature-rich as others on this list, but what is on offer is more than enough for most needs, including small businesses looking to monitor mobile devices. So what can it do?

Although you can't take screen recordings, Cocospy lets you monitor social media, browser activity, and even group chats on apps like Skype, which is helpful if your business uses such a tool for communication.

On top of this, Cocospy has a solid GPS location tracker, plus it's one of the best geofencing apps on the market, making it a brilliant solution if you're monitoring field workers.

On the whole, Cocospy has the monitoring tools you need to track employee productivity, calls, and block or restrict access to apps, and of course, detect problem employees that pose an insider threat to your business.

With all the essential features you need for monitoring employees, Cocospy is a worthy name on our top 10 and certainly among the leaders in the industry for mobile devices.

10. Spyic — A Great Option for Monitoring Multiple Devices on 1 Subscription

Spyic is a go-to solution if you're looking for a more affordable means to monitor multiple mobile devices on one subscription.

Overall, Spyic's capabilities aren't the best of the bunch, but with that said, it'll certainly prove valuable to small businesses looking for the best spy app for iPhone and Android employee monitoring.

For one, you can view detailed website activity, including a description of each site, plus get in-depth call and SMS logs for insight into who they're communicating with and the duration.

You can also track employees on the move with real-time GPS monitoring, and you can set up geo-fencing alerts to know if an employee isn't where they should be during work hours.

As one of the best WhatsApp spy apps, Spyic also gives you the means to monitor employees' input in group chats.

Interestingly, Spyic also comes with a SIM card tracker to help businesses in the event of a device going missing or getting stolen. Combined, Cocospy's potential makes it a solid option for protecting your business' confidential and physical property.

The Best Employee Tracking Software | Comparison Table

What is Employee Tracking Software? | Why Should I Monitor My Employees?

Employee monitoring software comes loaded with features like detailed reports, video recordings, real-time threat alerts, and more to help you gain insight into how your employees spend their time and to prevent non-compliance, data leaks, and more.

Here are some of the main reasons that employee monitoring in the workplace is important:

1. Employee Productivity Monitoring

Knowing where your resources are going, particularly if you're managing a remote or hybrid team, is more important than ever in today's world.

With one of the best employee monitoring tools, businesses don't have to wonder or doubt whether their employees are doing what they're being paid to do — they'll have the data they need to pick up problems, pinpoint top performers, and make crucial data-based decisions.

With a tool like Teramind, you'll have 360-degree insight into how your employees are performing over the short and long term, plus you'll have control over potential time wasters — such as restricting access to certain apps and websites.

Whether you're looking to enhance employee productivity, reduce idle time or staff spending too long on tasks that aren't valuable, these top 10 employee monitoring software solutions give you what you need to make improvements to your workflow and business.

2. Improve Your Workflow

Identifying issues in your workflow requires data, such as insight into the time certain tasks are taking, amongst other things. If something or someone is slowing your workflow, pinpointing the source will help you find solutions to streamline your processes.

Basically, these employee monitoring software solutions act similarly to the best project management apps — giving you time tracking, project overviews, and a complete overview of how your employees are coping.

For example, a deep analysis of your workflow will help you identify who needs support, whether employees are being overworked, or if you could manage your resources more efficiently.

3. Identify Threats Before it's Too Late

Today, businesses face ample threats to their confidential data, business property, and reputation, and unfortunately, it's not uncommon for the source to be an insider threat — an employee.

This is even more of a concern for businesses that manage remote employees, field workers, contractors, or freelancers, as, without software like Teramind, there's no real way of knowing whether you're at risk of compliance issues, or if they're engaging in suspicious activity.

From something as simple as opening malicious websites to something with ill-intent, like inserting USBs and sharing confidential data to cloud storage solutions — safety — is one of the key reasons monitoring is so crucial today.

4. The Benefit of Detailed Reports

As we've mentioned above, having insight into what's happening day-to-day in your business not only helps a business owner make smarter decisions, but this data is unbelievably beneficial for several reasons apart from this.

From gaining insight that can help you streamline your workflow, improve employee happiness, and better understand your business, inside and out, one of these employee trackers is a must-have for every business, big or small.

Without data, how will you know what needs attention? You won't. But with Teramind, ActivTrak, or HubStaff, you'll never need to guess again.

5. Time and Project Management

Employee attendance, productivity, and timesheets are all crucial aspects of a business — from accurate timesheets to knowing where your resources are going and whether improvements need to be made, having these tools are a gem for any business owner.

Besides business benefits, the best time-tracking tools help establish accountability and transparency in companies, particularly if you're dealing with remote employees.

If someone is slacking off, you'll know and have the data you need to take action. Do they need training? Are they overworked? Are they even working? Is a particular task or app slowing them down?

You'll know with Teramind.

How We Chose the Best Tools for Monitoring Employee Productivity and Activity

Several factors go into choosing the best employee monitoring software and ensuring that there are options for varying needs and budgets.

Here are some of the key ranking factors we used to guarantee our list included only the cream of the crop of what's on the market:

1. Monitoring Features

You're after the best employee tracking software, so this was our top consideration when short-listing our top 10.

We considered the value of the features on offer, and whether their suite of tracking capabilities made them stand out from others on the market.

From powerful, flexible screen recording capabilities to timed screenshots, GPS location tracking, employee email monitoring, and loads more, we're certain each of the providers we've reviewed here meet (and exceed) expectations.

2. Device Compatibility

Not every business is after the best employee monitoring software for Mac.

With the market loaded with different types of employee monitoring software, we ensured we separated the sub-par options and included only the best of the bunch for varying compatibility needs.

Whether you're after the best employee computer monitoring software, or you need a solution to monitor mobile devices, we've reviewed your leading options here.

3. Pricing

As with compatibility, the pricing can vary with different types of employee monitoring software. For example, employee monitoring tools for mobile devices are almost always better suited for small businesses, as the pricing to cover multiple devices can be steep.

Regardless of how much you're willing to part with, our list includes options for those on tight budgets, or those with extra to spend — without having the former impact on the quality of features that you get.

On a final note, we were also sure to include any money-back guarantees, free trials and plans, and demos — be sure to take advantage of these before committing to a paid plan.

4. Usability

Technology like this involves a lot of complex parts. Thankfully, most are incredibly intuitive in design — making them easy to install, understand, and navigate.

When compiling our list of the best, we took real user feedback into consideration, plus we analyzed their customer support and online documentation.

The best employee monitoring tools don't require degrees to work. Try them for yourself before you commit. Why not?

How to Get Set Up Employee Monitoring Software

Different types of employee monitoring software will require a different (but similar) installation method, but with most, you're looking at 3 to 4 steps and a setup that'll take just minutes.

With Teramind, it certainly doesn't get any easier. Here's a quick step-by-step guide:

Step 1 — Sign up for the free trial

Teramind has a 7-day trial for their cloud solution and a 14-day trial for the on-premise option. Choose the one best suited for you, sign up, and create your account:

Next, choose your subscription plan.

Step 2 (Optional) — Deploy the Server

This step is required if you opt for the on-premise or private cloud solution. It isn't necessary if you choose the Teramind cloud, which is fully managed by Teramind.

Step 3 — Install Your Teramind Agent

You'll have the option to choose a visible or stealth (hidden) agent on the device you want to monitor. You can either install it yourself (more on this in a bit), or you can invite your employees to install it themselves if you're after transparent employee monitoring.

From here, choose your installation process:

Next, you'll select the operating system of the target device and copy the URL. Open your browser and paste the link in to continue.

This will take you to an installer page. You'll want to insert a USB to save the installer and transfer it to the target device.

Another option is to log into your Teramind account on the target device, and simply download it from your dashboard. It's also worth noting that when you sign up, you can opt-in for a detailed guide to be sent to you via email to assist with the installation process.

Employee Tracking FAQs