Quick Overview
- 1#1: LanSchool - Provides real-time screen monitoring, device control, and engagement tools for teachers managing student computers in classrooms.
- 2#2: NetSupport School - Offers comprehensive classroom management with live screen viewing, internet control, quizzes, and collaboration features across platforms.
- 3#3: GoGuardian - Delivers Chromebook-specific monitoring, filtering, and insights to help teachers oversee student activity and ensure safety.
- 4#4: Impero - Combines classroom screen monitoring, web filtering, and safeguarding alerts to protect and manage student devices.
- 5#5: Faronics Insight - Enables teachers to monitor, control, and broadcast screens on Windows and Chrome devices for effective classroom oversight.
- 6#6: Netop Vision - Facilitates real-time viewing, remote control, and limiting of student screens to enhance teaching focus and engagement.
- 7#7: Hapara - Gives teachers visibility into student browser tabs, digital workflows, and online activity for proactive classroom management.
- 8#8: Lightspeed Systems - Provides cloud-based filtering, analytics, and monitoring tools to manage and secure student devices in K-12 environments.
- 9#9: Blocksi - Offers AI-driven Chrome management with real-time monitoring, content filtering, and classroom activity tracking.
- 10#10: Veyon - Open-source solution for monitoring and controlling student computers in multi-platform classroom settings.
These tools were chosen based on their feature richness, reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust support for classroom management.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular classroom monitoring and management tools, including LanSchool, NetSupport School, GoGuardian, Impero, and Faronics Insight, to guide educators in selecting solutions that match their goals. Readers will find breakdowns of key features like real-time monitoring, engagement support, and administrative capabilities, helping them identify the best fit for their classroom needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LanSchool Provides real-time screen monitoring, device control, and engagement tools for teachers managing student computers in classrooms. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | NetSupport School Offers comprehensive classroom management with live screen viewing, internet control, quizzes, and collaboration features across platforms. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | GoGuardian Delivers Chromebook-specific monitoring, filtering, and insights to help teachers oversee student activity and ensure safety. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Impero Combines classroom screen monitoring, web filtering, and safeguarding alerts to protect and manage student devices. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Faronics Insight Enables teachers to monitor, control, and broadcast screens on Windows and Chrome devices for effective classroom oversight. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Netop Vision Facilitates real-time viewing, remote control, and limiting of student screens to enhance teaching focus and engagement. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Hapara Gives teachers visibility into student browser tabs, digital workflows, and online activity for proactive classroom management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Lightspeed Systems Provides cloud-based filtering, analytics, and monitoring tools to manage and secure student devices in K-12 environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Blocksi Offers AI-driven Chrome management with real-time monitoring, content filtering, and classroom activity tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Veyon Open-source solution for monitoring and controlling student computers in multi-platform classroom settings. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
Provides real-time screen monitoring, device control, and engagement tools for teachers managing student computers in classrooms.
Offers comprehensive classroom management with live screen viewing, internet control, quizzes, and collaboration features across platforms.
Delivers Chromebook-specific monitoring, filtering, and insights to help teachers oversee student activity and ensure safety.
Combines classroom screen monitoring, web filtering, and safeguarding alerts to protect and manage student devices.
Enables teachers to monitor, control, and broadcast screens on Windows and Chrome devices for effective classroom oversight.
Facilitates real-time viewing, remote control, and limiting of student screens to enhance teaching focus and engagement.
Gives teachers visibility into student browser tabs, digital workflows, and online activity for proactive classroom management.
Provides cloud-based filtering, analytics, and monitoring tools to manage and secure student devices in K-12 environments.
Offers AI-driven Chrome management with real-time monitoring, content filtering, and classroom activity tracking.
Open-source solution for monitoring and controlling student computers in multi-platform classroom settings.
LanSchool
specializedProvides real-time screen monitoring, device control, and engagement tools for teachers managing student computers in classrooms.
Live thumbnail monitoring of unlimited student screens simultaneously for instant classroom oversight
LanSchool is a veteran classroom management software designed to help teachers monitor and manage student devices in real-time across Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and iOS platforms. It offers comprehensive tools like live screen thumbnails, remote control, screen blanking, web filtering, messaging, and hands-on demonstrations to maintain focus and engagement. With robust admin controls and integrations for LMS like Google Classroom, it's built for scalable K-12 deployments.
Pros
- Extensive monitoring tools including thumbnail views and remote control
- Broad cross-platform support for diverse school environments
- Advanced security features like content filtering and device locking
Cons
- User interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Initial setup requires IT expertise for optimal network configuration
- Pricing scales higher for smaller schools or single classrooms
Best For
K-12 schools and districts needing a reliable, feature-packed solution for large-scale classroom monitoring and management.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $25-$45 per device/year, with volume discounts for districts.
NetSupport School
specializedOffers comprehensive classroom management with live screen viewing, internet control, quizzes, and collaboration features across platforms.
Real-time thumbnail monitoring with drag-and-drop remote control and audio streaming for up to hundreds of student screens
NetSupport School is a robust classroom management software designed for educators to monitor, control, and interact with student devices in real-time. It provides tools for screen viewing via thumbnails, remote control, lesson broadcasting, internet and application restrictions, and collaborative features like chat and hand-raising. The platform supports Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for diverse classroom setups, while including assessment tools, file distribution, and detailed reporting for enhanced teaching efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive monitoring and control capabilities including thumbnail views and remote desktop
- Broad cross-platform compatibility for mixed-device classrooms
- Advanced reporting, quizzes, and internet management tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for full feature utilization
- Resource-intensive on older hardware
- Pricing can be steep for small schools without volume discounts
Best For
K-12 schools and universities with diverse device ecosystems requiring comprehensive monitoring and interactive teaching tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$55 per student workstation with volume discounts; subscription plans from $10-15 per device annually.
GoGuardian
specializedDelivers Chromebook-specific monitoring, filtering, and insights to help teachers oversee student activity and ensure safety.
Live thumbnail views of every student's screen from the teacher dashboard
GoGuardian is a comprehensive classroom monitoring and management platform tailored for K-12 schools, especially those using Chromebooks. It enables teachers to view student screens in real-time, filter web content, lock devices, and share screens during lessons. The software also provides detailed activity reports, behavior insights, and safety tools like Beacon for detecting at-risk students. It's widely used for maintaining focus and ensuring student safety in digital environments.
Pros
- Real-time thumbnail screen monitoring for quick oversight
- Robust content filtering and distraction blocking
- Advanced safety features like AI-driven alerts for student well-being
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Chrome OS, limited multi-OS support
- Pricing can be steep for smaller schools or districts
- Privacy concerns from extensive monitoring capabilities
Best For
K-12 districts heavily invested in Chromebook fleets seeking integrated monitoring and safety tools.
Pricing
Starts at ~$6/device/year for basic Admin features; premium bundles with Beacon up to $12+/device/year; district volume discounts available.
Impero
specializedCombines classroom screen monitoring, web filtering, and safeguarding alerts to protect and manage student devices.
Live thumbnail view of all student screens with instant remote control and lockout capabilities
Impero is a robust classroom management software designed for K-12 educators, providing real-time screen monitoring, device control, and student engagement tools across Windows, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android devices. It enables teachers to view thumbnails of student screens, block distracting websites and apps, send messages, and hand out lessons digitally. The platform also includes safety features like web filtering and behavior alerts to foster a secure learning environment.
Pros
- Multi-platform support for diverse school device fleets
- Advanced monitoring with screen thumbnails and remote control
- Integrated web filtering and behavior analytics for student safety
Cons
- Pricing can be high for smaller schools or districts
- Initial setup requires IT involvement and configuration time
- Advanced features have a learning curve for non-tech-savvy teachers
Best For
Medium to large K-12 schools with mixed-device environments seeking comprehensive monitoring and classroom control.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at approximately $8-12 per device/year, with tiers for additional features like advanced analytics.
Faronics Insight
specializedEnables teachers to monitor, control, and broadcast screens on Windows and Chrome devices for effective classroom oversight.
Adaptive thumbnails that dynamically adjust screen previews based on student activity for quick issue detection
Faronics Insight is a robust classroom management software that enables teachers to monitor student screens in real-time, share content, and control devices across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and iOS. Key functionalities include thumbnail previews of student activity, screen blanking, remote control, app blocking, and power management to optimize classroom efficiency. It supports both managed labs and BYOD environments, with integration options for LMS systems like Google Classroom.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for diverse classroom devices
- Adaptive thumbnail monitoring for efficient oversight of large classes
- Comprehensive device control including power management and app restriction
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller schools without volume discounts
- Some reported performance lags in very large deployments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced administrative features
Best For
K-12 educators in mixed-device environments needing strong monitoring and control for lab-based or BYOD classrooms.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$3-5 per endpoint annually, with tiered pricing and volume discounts for larger deployments.
Netop Vision
specializedFacilitates real-time viewing, remote control, and limiting of student screens to enhance teaching focus and engagement.
Seamless cross-platform device shadowing and control, including mobile iOS/Android support
Netop Vision is a veteran classroom management solution designed for real-time monitoring and control of student devices across diverse platforms like Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android. Teachers can view screens, take remote control, share content, distribute files, conduct quizzes, and manage classroom activities efficiently. It emphasizes security with features like screen blanking and privacy modes, making it suitable for K-12 and higher education environments.
Pros
- Strong multi-platform compatibility across desktops, laptops, and mobiles
- Advanced security features including screen locking and activity logging
- Interactive tools like quizzes, hand-raising, and group management
Cons
- Pricing can be higher compared to newer competitors
- Initial setup and deployment requires IT involvement
- Interface feels dated despite functional updates
Best For
Schools and districts with mixed-device environments needing reliable, enterprise-grade monitoring.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5-10 per device/year for subscriptions, with volume discounts.
Hapara
specializedGives teachers visibility into student browser tabs, digital workflows, and online activity for proactive classroom management.
Highlights dashboard for real-time views of every student's open tabs and activity across Google apps
Hapara is a classroom monitoring and management platform tailored for Google Workspace for Education, enabling teachers to gain real-time visibility into student activity across apps like Docs, Sites, and Chrome tabs. It offers tools such as Highlights for monitoring open tabs and engagement, Student Dashboard for assignment tracking, and direct messaging to support student-teacher interaction. Designed for K-12 educators, it streamlines classroom management while promoting safe digital learning environments.
Pros
- Deep integration with Google Workspace for seamless monitoring
- Real-time tab and activity visibility via Highlights dashboard
- Effective tools for assignment management and student communication
Cons
- Limited to Google ecosystem, no support for other platforms
- Pricing can be steep for smaller schools or districts
- Potential privacy concerns with extensive student tracking
Best For
K-12 teachers and administrators in Google Workspace-heavy schools needing robust real-time classroom oversight.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $120-$150 per student per year, with district volume discounts and custom quotes.
Lightspeed Systems
enterpriseProvides cloud-based filtering, analytics, and monitoring tools to manage and secure student devices in K-12 environments.
Live thumbnail monitoring of all student screens for instant class oversight
Lightspeed Systems offers Lightspeed Classroom, a robust monitoring solution that enables teachers to view real-time thumbnail previews of student screens across managed devices. It supports screen sharing, app and website blocking, device locking, instant messaging, and attendance tracking to maintain focus and engagement in K-12 classrooms. Integrated with their broader platform including filtering and alerting tools, it emphasizes student safety alongside instructional management.
Pros
- Intuitive thumbnail view for quick class-wide monitoring
- Seamless integration with Lightspeed Filter and Alert for comprehensive safety
- Robust device management including blocking and screen sharing
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller districts
- Occasional performance lags with large classes
- Limited advanced reporting customization
Best For
Mid-to-large K-12 school districts seeking integrated classroom management with strong student safety features.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $6-10 per device per year; custom quotes required for full platform bundles.
Blocksi
specializedOffers AI-driven Chrome management with real-time monitoring, content filtering, and classroom activity tracking.
Live Instructor dashboard providing instant thumbnail previews and remote control of multiple student screens simultaneously
Blocksi is a robust classroom monitoring and web filtering software tailored for K-12 schools, enabling teachers to view student screens in real-time via thumbnail previews. It offers granular website blocking, app management, and policy enforcement across Chromebooks, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. The platform includes incident reporting, live chat, and integration with Google Workspace for streamlined classroom management and student safety.
Pros
- Real-time screen monitoring with multi-device thumbnail views
- Advanced web and app filtering with customizable policies
- Detailed reporting and incident alerts for quick teacher response
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small schools or districts
- Steeper learning curve for advanced administrative features
- Occasional latency in monitoring on high-volume networks
Best For
K-12 schools and districts needing comprehensive device monitoring and content filtering in diverse device environments.
Pricing
Starts at $2.99 per device/month for school plans (minimum 50 devices), with custom enterprise pricing available.
Veyon
otherOpen-source solution for monitoring and controlling student computers in multi-platform classroom settings.
Integrated webcam monitoring for visual student oversight without additional software
Veyon is a free, open-source classroom management software designed for teachers to monitor and control student computers over a local network. It provides real-time screen monitoring, remote desktop control, screen locking, file transfer, messaging, and webcam viewing capabilities. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, Veyon supports multi-room setups and integrates with directory services like LDAP.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Robust features including webcam monitoring and remote audio
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring network configuration and firewall adjustments
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky
- No cloud or remote access options; limited to local networks
Best For
Tech-savvy educators managing computer labs in local network environments who prioritize cost-free, customizable solutions.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
Conclusion
Evaluating the leading classroom monitoring tools reveals LanSchool as the top choice, offering exceptional real-time monitoring, device control, and engagement features for versatile classroom management. Close behind are NetSupport School, with comprehensive cross-platform tools and collaboration options, and GoGuardian, a standout for Chromebook-specific oversight, ensuring strong alternatives for varying needs. Together, these solutions showcase the evolution of classroom management, prioritizing both control and student success.
Don’t miss out on transforming your classroom—explore LanSchool today and experience how its powerful tools can streamline management, boost focus, and enhance engagement, setting the stage for more effective teaching.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison