15 Best Free Remote Computer Monitoring Software and Tools in 2023 - Financesonline.com - The first knowledge sharing application in Vietnam

What is the best free remote computer monitoring software and tool in 2023?

The best free remote computer monitoring software and tool in 2023 is Connecteam. It is an all-in-one personnel management solution with time tracking and task scheduling capabilities. It provides GPS tracking, productivity monitoring via online forms and checklists, attendance monitoring, and instant messaging. It is ideal for companies with deskless workers.

Today’s businesses are running operations at an unprecedented pace. With the digitization of the office, rising business transactions, and the remote work setup, companies need to keep tabs on employees’ performance. They leverage a mix of employee monitoring software and the best remote monitoring software to ensure productivity. Yet, such tools can be costly. If you must check employees closely but are worried about the cost, get the best free remote computer monitoring software and tools.

The best tools to manage remote employees help you keep track of employees, access important reports, and check on PCs outside your office. These employee PC monitoring software free are helpful whether you have a small team or several hundred employees. Thus, we have compiled this list of free remote computer monitoring software and tools to help you choose your platform.

Remote monitoring of computers has been in existence for over two decades. Its first use was in 1987 by Jade Technologies in the United Kingdom. However, the pandemic sparked the extensive use of freeware employee monitoring software. Many firms resorted to a work-from-home approach during the global health crisis. Then, employee monitoring platforms started to include computer monitoring features to ensure the productivity of remote workers. These days, remote employee monitoring software free users from manual processes and focus on more important tasks.

A NASCIO poll revealed that 92% of respondents considered collaboration platforms (remote monitoring included) the top major technology implemented in the United States. It was followed by improved video conferencing and encryption for work-from-home devices. These technologies have become essential for people working remotely as they are locked in their homes.

Chart context menu

Most Important Remote Work Technologies Adopted During COVID-19 in the U.S.

Expanded use of collaboration platforms

Enhanced video conferencing

Enhanced encryption and security for online work at home devices

Introduced employee and/or contractor monitoring tools to measure and monitor productivity

Source: NASCIO

Post pandemic, there is no indication of the work-from-home setup going away entirely. Many firms have appreciated the benefits of remote work. Meanwhile, one in two individuals says remote work is a vital consideration for future employment. This entails the need for the best free employee monitoring software.

Employees also do not mind being monitored. In 2021, 40% of polled workers said they were fine with employers monitoring their login and logout times. Over a quarter were comfortable with at least one monitoring approach. Employers are considering continuing to check their remote workers even post-pandemic and with the hybrid work model. Thus, paid and free computer monitoring software and tools will remain in place.

Best Free Remote Computer Monitoring Software and Tools

1. Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one, user-friendly, and highly scalable employee management solution with extensive time tracking and job scheduling features. Operations, communication, and training are the three primary business functions covered by the platform. It is ideal for businesses with deskless workers.

While Connecteam is not primarily designed as computer monitoring software, it contains many business management functions, including time tracking, GPS tracking, productivity monitoring with online forms and checklists, attendance monitoring, and instant messaging.

The mobile application for Android and iOS devices from Connecteam give users access to all features. Additionally, Google Calendar works perfectly with the platform for better scheduling. Also recently included was a native QuickBooks Online integration from the software vendor.

Use one of the best employee monitoring software for free. Connecteam offers a free version on top of paid plans, which start at $39 per month paid annually for the first 50 users.

Detailed Connecteam Review

2. Pivotal Tracker

Another one of the best free remote computer monitoring software and tools, Pivotal Tracker is an intuitive, story-based project management tool. It enables software development teams to collaborate and produce real-time responses to various feedback. It leverages tried-and-true agile techniques refined throughout hundreds of substantial commercial software development projects.

Everyone has the same access to the same real-time updates of their projects with Pivotal Tracker. Thus, deciding how to move forward is simple. Since every specific detail and piece of information about the project is readily available and sharable, developers can focus on their work rather than writing reports about it.

Detailed Pivotal Tracker Review

Pivotal Tracker integrates with Time Doctor to help you track developers’ time spent on projects and their computer activities. It also works well with numerous third-party services and applications like Slack, GitHub, Zapier, Taco, and Twitter.

The tool is free for up to three collaborators. Depending on the number of collaborators, the size of the file storage, and the number of private projects, Pivotal Tracker offers a range of pricing options. Request a quote from the vendor for groups larger than 50. Try it for free for 30 days.

3. RescueTime

RescueTime is a time management tool that tracks computer usage to gauge productivity. The program allows users to track computer activities, open windows, website visits, and programs used to analyze how your team spends its time each day.

The application’s paid plan includes advanced features like measuring breaks, phone calls, and meetings on top of its primary time monitoring function. You can choose to view extracted data in detail or through a streamlined overview. RescueTime also has a graphing feature that allows users to analyze and report on their productivity as individuals or groups.

Detailed RescueTime Review

RescueTime includes a website blocking feature and on-screen reminders to help users maintain focus and stay on top of unfinished tasks. Monitoring can also be stopped or put on hold. Plus, the tool has Slack, Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, and other integrations for extended functionalities.

Rescue Time Lite is free. Still, you can choose to get RescueTime Premium for more features. It costs $9 per month per user. You may try the tool for free to check.

4. Hubstaff

Tracking time is simple with Hubstaff time tracker software, It is available as a desktop or mobile app. With the tracked time, you can do a lot of things, including pay employees, invoice clients, and see detailed reports.

Hubstaff is ideal for businesses that employ independent contractors or have teams collaborating remotely. In addition to time tracking, Hubstaff also provides scheduling, app and URL tracking, and information on worker activity levels. Automatic payroll, online timesheets, GPS and location, weekly limits, strong APIs, and invoicing are examples of advanced features.

Detailed Hubstaff Review

Hubstaff enables you to monitor your employees’ time spent on specific projects (unlimited projects allowed). View their internet usage while they are working. Use every data to determine your team’s productivity. You can use Hubstaff with applications like Asana, Trello, GitHub, and other business software and systems to streamline work.

Hubstaff Solo Lite is free and ideal for contractors. There are two paid plans—Basic and Premium—starting at $9 per month. Try Hubstaff for free to explore its features.

5. TheWiSpy

TheWiSpy aims to assist you in remotely monitoring Android devices. You can easily and covertly monitor your employees’ activity on company-owned devices with the help of this solution. Additionally, it is useful for keeping an eye on workers’ performances and catching dishonest ones.

The solution lets you listen in on ongoing conversations around the target device, record phone calls, access call logs and SMS of the target device, and access pictures, videos, and other multimedia files. You can also monitor the location of each device. You can monitor all these from the platform’s remote dashboard.

Detailed TheWiSpy Review

TheWiSpy provides easy-to-follow installation instructions, so you can set up the platform yourself. A video tutorial further simplifies installation. Even non-techies can follow the guide’s instructions.

The enterprise pricing plan for TheWiSpy’s Android spy app starts at $10 per Android device. There is also a free trial available. Additionally, you can get enterprise pricing and other details from the vendor if you need to keep an eye on multiple devices.

6. Workstatus

Workstatus is a workforce management tool. With it, you can keep track of the time your team spends on work, Monitor how tasks and projects are coming along and observe usage patterns, and identify apps and websites your team uses. It also regularly takes screenshots of your team’s desktop as proof of work. Altogether, Workstatus lets you gauge team productivity.

This platform also lets you define project budgets and timelines. You can easily identify bottlenecks and risks. As such, you can make better business decisions. Additionally, Workstatus creates timesheets and invoices and tracks billable hours.

Detailed Workstatus Review

In-office, remote, and hybrid employees can all use Workstatus. Additionally, it provides field workers with GPS location tracking and geofencing capabilities. Workstatus additionally lets you control your team’s workload and schedule to increase productivity. Workstatus is accessible on Windows, Mac, and iOS computers as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.

You can leverage the tool for free. However, the enterprise pricing tiers cost between $4.99 and $18 per month. You can also try it for free.

7. ScreenshotMonitor

ScreenshotMonitor is a time tracking and screenshot monitoring solution. You can keep an eye on the time your staff spends online with this tool. As such, you can monitor the productivity and efficiency of your employees.

Even if you are unable to observe your workers in real-time, you or your managers can use ScreenshotMonitor to ensure your staff is productive while on the clock. If the internet connection is down, the application resumes operating in offline mode. It automatically uploads data once the connection is up again. So you don’t lose any data.

Detailed ScreenshotMonitor Review

Additionally, ScreenshotMonitor delivers reports. The tool is customizable. So you can set the metrics the report should measure and reflect. But for extended functions, you can use the RESTful API. Contact support to find out more about this feature.

You can try the tool at no cost or continue using it for free, but with limited features. There are two options for paid plans that cost $6/month and $9/month if you want more features.

8. Desklog

Desklog is a project management and employee monitoring tool. It aims to help you boost overall productivity in your teams. The app is perfect for companies of all sizes that need a tool to support remote work.

In Desklog, the number of tasks and projects is limitless. Additionally, the app can automatically take screenshots of employee computer screens. It also includes an idle time tracking feature and an attendance tracker, so you can check who is working. You can also determine how much time each employee spends working and not working.

Detailed Desklog Review

Additionally, there are trackers for activities, URLs, and applications. You see what websites and applications your team members frequently visit. Access all these data, which are stored and accessible in the data history section of the app. You can gauge your team’s actual productivity with the aid of these features.

Desklog offers a paid plan in addition to a free version. The paid version costs $3.50 monthly or $3.50 monthly but is billed annually. Try it for free to check its features.

9. TMetric Time Tracker

The goal of TMetric Time Tracker, an employee time tracking program, is to help you keep track of your staff’s working hours, breaks, attendances, and leaves. That way, you enable them to contribute effectively and productively to your business or organization. You can also pay them accurately per project. It is, therefore, ideal for businesses that employ freelancers.

The tool offers you flexible billable rates as well as transparent, in-depth reporting. You can use reports to identify problem areas and uncover additional chances to improve workflows and processes.

Detailed TMetric Time Tracker Review

Business software and systems like GitHub, Trello, Asana, YouTrack, and others integrate seamlessly with TMetric.

The tool has a free trial, so you can explore its features. You can choose to continue using it for free too. However, the paid plans offer you more features starting at $5 per month per user.

10. WorkTrak

WorkTrak is an employee monitoring program. It allows you to keep tabs on the whereabouts and activities of your team members in real-time. This platform assists you in increasing productivity and efficiency by giving you the knowledge you need to enhance your project-specific workflow.

The tool also supports multiple users. Hence, companies of all sizes can benefit from it. You can block websites and applications, identify changes to the cloud server, and protect your data from malicious websites with its insider threat detection technology.

Detailed WorkTrak Review

WorkTrak also has screen capture and recorder features useful for documentation, presentations, and audits. Finally, it provides actionable analytics and reports containing specifics on internet usage, downloaded files, and websites visited, among other things.

Use it for free if you only have three users. For an additional user, you must pay $2 per month or $60 per month for 10 users or $60 monthly for 30 users. There is a free trial available.

11. AtTrack

AtTrack is a time tracking platform that offers you a set of tools to monitor the performance, productivity, and activities of your employees. The software aims to fix issues like missed deadlines, client complaints, etc. brought on by your workforce’s misuse of time during working hours.

The tool provides an accurate and thorough measurement of each employee’s working time. It also automatically generates reports that include team workloads, enabling you to assign tasks to each employee fairly.

Detailed AtTrack Review

Additionally, AtTrack provides practical support features that improve the predictability and transparency of your staff’s work. These include screen capture, URL tracking, and app tracking, all of which can be used as proof for clients who request written records of the work completed.

AtTrack has integrations with Jira and Trello, two of the most widely used project management tools available right now. You can use the free version or go pro for $3 per user per month. The business plan is $5 per user per month. Avail of additional modules sold separately. Try it for free.

12. Vite

Vite is an AI-based platform for employee development and monitoring. It provides tools to support employee retention, job satisfaction, and professional development. The tool has a work log that lets you see the progress of your employees. By suggesting fresh opportunities for learning and growth, it aids you in developing a more innovative workplace culture.

Additionally, the application gives you tools to gauge the effectiveness and output of your teams. This is possible with engagement and experience surveys, executive dashboards, ongoing feedback, and other methods. You can also conduct performance reviews for a more thorough look into the standing and development rate of employees.

Detailed Vite Review

Vite integrates with communication and collaboration platforms to assist you in a variety of ways. Slack, Skype for Business, and Asana are some of the integrations. You can perform data collection, more effective employee communication, real-time engagement measurement, and more.

Vite’s Basic plan is free. Still, you can get premium and enterprise plans for $12 and $15 per employee per month, respectively. Meanwhile, you may talk to the vendor for a customized plan. Try the tool first at no cost.

13. Employee Trail

Employee Trail is a program for organizing productivity analysis and employee activity monitoring. It keeps track of your staff’s whereabouts, how they use a program, and how quickly they complete tasks. It lets you track how much time employees spend using specific programs and websites so you can assess their productivity.

The tool also aids in protecting your business from insider threats. Its risk analysis module and IP protection features make this possible. By using these, you can identify staff members who might be a security risk and stop intellectual property theft.

Detailed Employee Trail Review

Employee Trail maintains HIPAA and COPPA compliance despite its exacting employee activity tracking. Whether or not screenshots are enabled, it has configured options that secure sensitive data. Overall, it provides transparency into how organizational resources are used so you can raise worker productivity. This employee computer monitoring software free users from the hassles of regulatory compliance.

This tool integrates with Google Drive. Try it for free. You can choose to use the free version or pay $3 per month. You can also contact the vendor for the advanced plan.

14. Twib

Twib is a sales reporting app. You can track employee activity in the field using the GPS tracking feature. The sales reporting is also real-time, enabling you to monitor the progress of your projects and record the total costs incurred to complete tasks.

To delegate tasks to workers, use remote work tools. Employees do not have to go to the office to check in with remote management of attendance. To track how much time your employees spend working and pay them appropriately, Twib also has timesheet recording functionalities.

Detailed Twib Review

No matter where you or your employees are, you all can use Twib on any device. There are online and offline modes. So, even if you do not have an Internet connection, you can still use the app. However, you must manually sync the data.

Twib integrates well with Google Maps. You can try it for free or use its free version. Paid plans start at $6 per user per month. You can also contact the vendor for a custom plan.

15. My Team Monitor

My Team Monitor is a free employee monitoring software created to assist employers in remotely monitoring the output of their teams. It functions as a tool for taking screenshots, saving a copy of each employee’s PC screen every few minutes.

This software monitors and records all actions taken on the employee’s computers. It also makes it possible to effectively monitor your kids’ computer use at home. You need not download any software as a manager or parent. On your dashboard in the My Team Monitor account, you can see all the screenshots and data.

Detailed My Team Monitor Review

This application captures screenshots and mouse and keyboard clicks. However, My Team Monitor does not log keystrokes like other apps. The activity data is provided in a clear graphical format, making it easier to identify idle time. This shows that employee monitoring software free users from security concerns.

My Team Monitor is entirely free, making it rank a good free employee computer monitoring software. There are no enterprise pricing options to be concerned about.

Leverage the Best Free Remote Computer Monitoring Software and Tool

Remote computer monitoring tools are now a must-have for businesses that practice remote work. With free versions available, freelancers also enjoy the benefits of the best free remote computer monitoring software and tools. The best computer monitoring program and tools do not just monitor computer activities but also allows you to pay your staff accurately. Pair your remote computer monitoring tool with the best HR software, and you have extended functions to handle a larger group of employees.

Try the best free remote employee monitoring software on the list starting with the top product, Connecteam, to determine which one works best for your business. Compare their features, prices, as well as integrations to understand how you can make the most of your money.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? “Think of benefits, not features.”