Looking for the best employee monitoring software that also boosts productivity and ensures data security?
We decided to save you the trouble by finding the 5 best employee monitoring software.
Here you’ll find details on what each monitoring tool offers, what they’ll cost you, and most importantly, which ones are worth your time.
You can then select the one that best fits your needs and try that out.
Top Picks for 2025: Best Employee Monitoring Apps
| Software | Best For | Ratings (Capterra) | Starts At |
| Apploye | Live employee monitoring with screenshots and detailed activity reports | 4.8 | $2.50/user/month |
| Controlio | Real-time monitoring and flexible deployment options | 4.4 | $7.99/user/month |
| Insightful | Automatic time tracking | 4.7 | $6.40/user/month |
| Deputy | Scheduling and workforce management | 4.6 | $4.50/user/month |
| RescueTime | Automatic productivity tracking | 4.6 | Free |
How We Evaluate the Best Employee Monitoring Software
We carefully evaluated each monitoring software on this list based on the following criteria:
- Features & Functionality: From time tracking to activity monitoring, we check for tools that offer robust, useful capabilities.
- Ease of Use: A great tool should be simple for both managers and employees to navigate.
- Security & Compliance: Data privacy and compliance with regulations like GDPR are non-negotiable.
- Integrations: We look for software that plays well with your existing tools and workflows.
- Pricing & Scalability: Whether you’re a small team or a large enterprise, affordability and scalability matter.
- Customer Support & Reviews: Real-world feedback and responsive support are critical for long-term success.
5 Best Employee Monitoring Software
Apploye – The Best Employee Monitoring Software of 2025
Apploye employee monitoring software is our #1 choice because of its robust features like instant screenshots & screen recording, apps & URL tracking, live activity monitoring, and so on.
I got total visibility into my team’s activity and instantly see how they are doing in real-time.
Whether I am managing remote teams, an in-office workforce, or monitoring employees working from home, Apploye has me covered with cross-platform monitoring.
We checked each team member’s internet usage and online activities, and then presented them in detailed reports. They saw their own active time, idle time, which websites they visit, and which apps they use during office hours.
This way, we knew if employees were productive.
For me, monitoring employee productivity level and accountability has never been easier. Apploye even offers cloud-based employee monitoring solutions, so you can access real-time data from anywhere.
Key Features
- Automatic random screenshots and full-session screen recording.
- Live employee monitoring feed on your dashboard.
- Track apps and websites team members are using.
- Role-based access for owner, admins, and employees.
- Track time even when the internet disconnects, and it syncs as soon as you’re back online.
- Measure productivity with keystroke and activity tracking.
- Automatic time tracking that is adjustable for specific industries.
- Works for remote and on-premise teams.
- Online timesheets with detailed reports. You can export them whenever you want.
- Manage projects, track budgets, and keep costs in check.
- Integrated payroll with timesheet approval and easy invoicing.
- Works seamlessly with your favorite tools, such as Trello, ClickUp, and Asana.
- Mobile app compatibility for Android and iOS.
Pricing
- Standard (Monthly): $5 per user/month
- Standard (Yearly): $2.5 per user/month
- Elite (Monthly): $7 per user/month
- Elite (Yearly): $3.5 per user/month
Who Should Use Apploye
- Large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses.
- Directors managing remote or hybrid teams.
- Project managers who need task and project monitoring and budget tracking.
- Employers requiring detailed reports on employee activity.
- Teams that need integrated payroll and invoicing solutions.
- Managers who want real-time employee data.
- HR and IT teams looking to measure employee productivity.
- Freelancers and entrepreneurs for managing multiple clients.
Why Apploye is the Best Choice for Most Businesses
While other time-tracking tools are great, Apploye nails it with the best mix of features, ease of use, and affordability. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive Features: Apploye packs everything you need, from time tracking to detailed productivity reports.
- Affordable for Small Businesses: At just $3.5/user/month, it’s one of the most cost-effective solutions without compromising any feature.
- Excellent for Remote Teams: Whether you’re managing remote workers or freelancers, Apploye makes monitoring effortless with zero disruption to your team’s workflow.
Controlio – Best for Discreet Monitoring and Compliance
Controlio is a cutting-edge employee tracking tool aimed at boosting workplace productivity while reducing wasted time. It provides insightful performance analytics and strong monitoring features that help organizations spot and tackle unproductive behaviors.
With a straightforward dashboard, Controlio gives managers and administrators a clear overview of workforce activity. So, they can easily maintain operational efficiency and security.
Key Features
- Live and full-time screen monitoring.
- Data storage and web filtering.
- Real-time tracking of web and app usage.
- File usage and keystroke monitoring.
- Stealth mode and tray icon options.
- Customizable monitoring profiles.
- Remote agent installation via LAN.
- Productivity score calculation.
Pricing
- Cloud: $7.99/user/month
- On-Premises: Custom plan
- Private Cloud: Custom plan
| Reasons to Use | Reasons to Avoid |
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Who Should Use Controlio
- HR departments interested in monitoring employee performance.
- Organizations worried about insider threats.
- Businesses needing to comply with data usage policies.
What Could Be Improved
Controlio packs a powerful feature set, but there are still opportunities for growth.
Providing better tutorials and support can help everyone make the most of this tool. Tackling privacy concerns with clear policies and improved user consent options will also create trust among employees.
Finally, simplifying the installation process for those less proficient in computers could significantly improve the overall user experience.
Insightful – Best for Workforce Analytics and Productivity Monitoring
Insightful, formerly known as Workpuls, is a comprehensive workforce analytics platform designed for productivity-focused teams. It offers real-time employee monitoring, computer activity tracking, and verified attendance to help HR managers and business leaders make data-driven decisions.
With its automatic time mapping and industry-specific tracking, Insightful helps organizations simplify workflows, enhance employee productivity, and improve project management.
Its role-based access, stealth mode, and security features like two-factor authentication further ensure that sensitive information is well-protected.
Key Features
- Real-time employee monitoring.
- Activity monitoring in stealth mode.
- Manual time entries.
- Productivity management.
- App and website usage tracking.
- On-premises deployment.
- Integrated reporting for project management.
Pricing
- Productivity Management: $6.40 per seat/month
- Time Tracking: $8.00 per seat/month
- Process Improvement: $12.00 per seat/month
- Enterprise Solution: Custom
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Who Should Use Insightful
- HR managers and business leaders seeking data-driven insights into employee productivity.
- Organizations looking for industry-specific time-tracking solutions.
- Businesses focused on optimizing team performance and project workflows.
What Could Be Improved
While Insightful offers a wealth of features, the pricing can become steep, especially for advanced functionalities such as Automatic Time Mapping.
Additionally, the detailed activity monitoring, while helpful for management, may raise privacy concerns among employees, which could affect workplace morale. An improvement in transparency or more flexibility around monitoring options might address this issue.
Deputy – Best for Workforce Management and Scheduling
Deputy is a versatile employee scheduling and task management software that simplifies operations, manages workloads, and tracks assignments effectively.
With both desktop and mobile access, it provides flexibility and ensures that employees can stay updated on their tasks from anywhere. Its intuitive dashboard enhances team coordination, making it a valuable tool for dynamic work environments.
Key Features
- Integrated task scheduling and team management.
- Color-coded dashboard for real-time workload monitoring.
- Delegation of tasks to suitable team members.
Pricing
- Scheduling: $4.50 per user per month
- Time & Attendance: $4.50 per user per month
- Premium: $6.00 per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
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Who Should Use Deputy
- Retail businesses.
- Government agencies.
- Educational institutions.
- Nonprofits and restaurants.
What Could Be Improved
Deputy could enhance its offerings by making advanced features more accessible in the lower-priced tiers.
Additionally, more customization options for reports and scheduling could benefit larger organizations with specialized needs. Improved customer support, especially for onboarding large teams, would also add value.
RescueTime – Best for Personal Productivity Tracking
RescueTime is a handy time-tracking tool that helps both individuals and teams boost productivity by monitoring daily activities across desktop and mobile. It runs quietly in the background, automatically tracking apps and websites without any manual effort.
With clear visuals, goal-setting, and detailed reports, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to manage their own productivity or track employee performance.
Key Features
- Automatic tracking of app and website usage.
- Focus sessions for productivity boosts.
- Daily task goals to keep you on track.
- Visual graphs comparing productive vs. unproductive tasks.
- Mobile and desktop monitoring.
- In-depth reports and analysis.
- Integrates with over 300 apps and services.
Pricing
- RescueTime Lite: Free
- RescueTime: $12.00 per month
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Who Should Use RescueTime
- Anyone looking to increase their personal productivity.
- Remote workers that need clear time usage data.
- Managers who want simple, non-invasive employee monitoring.
What Could Be Improved
RescueTime could step up its system with better team collaboration tools like shared dashboards or project-based tracking, making it a stronger option for businesses. The mobile call monitoring feature could also be toned down to respect user privacy.
Top Features to Look for in Employee Monitoring Software
When selecting the right employee monitoring software, businesses should focus on features that align with their goals for enhancing productivity, ensuring compliance, and simplifying team management.
Here’s a rundown of the main features to consider when picking an employee monitoring tool:
1. Real-Time Activity Monitoring
Live work monitoring gives managers a clear view of what employees are doing at any moment. This ensures both remote and on-site workers remain focused on their tasks.
With screen monitoring, you can see employee screens live, while active/idle time tracking reveals how much time is spent working versus idle.
2. Automatic Time Tracking
This feature automatically records the hours employees dedicate to their tasks. It eliminates the need for manual input. This offers insights into work hours, overtime, and breaks.
With automatic time logging, there’s no need for manual oversight, and timesheet generation allows easy export of reports for payroll and HR.
3. Task and Project Monitoring
For businesses needing to track project progress and allocate resources, project time tracking is essential. It ensures that projects stay on time and within budget.
You can also spot workflow inefficiencies and bottlenecks, which is especially important in virtual project management environments.
4. Employee Behavior Analytics
Understanding employee behavior is crucial for identifying top performers as well as those who might be disengaged.
The behavior analytics feature provides data on application usage, web browsing habits, and overall engagement, while keystroke logging monitors typing patterns to assess productivity.
5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
For businesses handling sensitive information, data loss prevention features are a must to protect against breaches and ensure compliance. This feature tracks file movements to prevent unauthorized sharing, and sensitive data alerts notify you of risky activities involving confidential information.
6. Reporting and Analytics
In-depth reporting and analytics allow businesses to make informed decisions about workforce performance and productivity.
7. Screen Capture and Recording
This feature is essential for companies seeking visual evidence of work activity, especially for managing remote employees. You can take periodic screenshots to document employee activity and continuously record screens for auditing.
8. Application and Website Usage Tracking
Monitoring user activity during work hours is vital for keeping them on task. This blocks non-work-related sites and tracks time spent on work-related versus non-work-related apps.
9. Compliance Features
In industries with strict regulatory requirements, compliance monitoring is critical. Features like data encryption, audit trails, and GDPR compliance help ensure businesses meet legal standards.
10. Cloud-Based Access
Cloud-based employee monitoring software offers flexibility, particularly for organizations managing workers from different locations. Managers can access employee activity from any internet-connected device. This eliminates the need for expensive on-premise servers.
How to Implement Employee Monitoring Software Effectively
When rolling out employee monitoring software, you have to be open and clear.
Let your team know why it’s happening. Share easy-to-follow guides. Set up a straightforward policy everyone can get behind.
Then, use the data not just to track, but to celebrate wins and support growth. Keep an eye on how it’s impacting productivity.
And always, always stay within legal lines and respect privacy.
Common Misconceptions about Employee Monitoring Software
Even with all its perks, employee monitoring software still gets a bad rap. Let’s clear up some of the big misconceptions:
It Invades Privacy
Yes, it tracks activities, but most trusted tools offer privacy settings to keep personal stuff off-limits. Transparency and clear guidelines can ease any worries.
It’s Only for Distrustful Employers
No, it’s not about distrust. Many businesses use it to boost productivity, spot workflow issues, and offer better support for their teams.
It’s Complicated to Use
However, today’s monitoring software, like Apploye, is designed to be super easy. With simple interfaces and great training, getting started is not an issue at all.
It Creates a Negative Work Environment
In reality, it’s just the opposite. When Done right, employee activity-tracking software promotes accountability and improvement. Celebrating wins and using the data for growth can actually lift the team’s spirit.
Conclusion
As you can see, choosing the right employee monitoring software can greatly enhance how you manage your team.
Among the plenty of options available, Apploye really shines with its all-in-one features, easy-to-use interface, and smooth integrations.
Whether you’re leading a big crew or a small remote group, Apploye strikes the perfect balance between monitoring and boosting productivity. This makes it the top pick for businesses in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is employee monitoring software legal?
Yes, employee monitoring software is usually legal, but it depends on where you are. Companies need to follow local laws about privacy. It’s a good idea to let employees know what monitoring is happening to keep things transparent and build trust.
How does Apploye compare to other employee monitoring tools?
Apploye stands out with its easy-to-use interface and cool features like real-time tracking and task management, all at a great price. Unlike some other tools out there, Apploye is a solid choice for businesses of any size. It delivers effective monitoring without any complexity.
Can I use employee monitoring software for remote teams?
Absolutely! Employee monitoring software is perfect for remote teams. It allows managers to check productivity and track how much time is spent on tasks. Also, it ensures everyone stays accountable, no matter where they are working from.
How can I ensure privacy when using monitoring tools?
To protect employee privacy, set clear monitoring policies and share them openly with your team. Use tools that focus on specific areas, such as monitoring work hours, and avoid invasive methods.
What is the best employee monitoring software for a small business?
While there are plenty of choices, Apploye stands out as a top pick due to its affordable, super user-friendly, and packed with essential employee surveillance features. You get all the monitoring options you need without the hassle or hefty price tag that comes with larger enterprise solutions. If you’re looking for something simple yet effective, Apploye is definitely the best choice.
Anisur Jahin is Head of Content at Apploye, a SaaS platform for employee monitoring and time tracking. He specializes in creating content in the SaaS landscape that helps businesses optimize their remote and hybrid work environments.
