Quick Overview
- 1#1: Prey - Anti-theft software that tracks lost or stolen laptops via GPS, captures webcam photos, and enables remote lock or wipe.
- 2#2: Absolute - Enterprise-grade persistence platform for tracking, recovering, and securing laptops even after OS wipes or theft.
- 3#3: GadgetTrak - Laptop tracking tool integrating with GPS hardware for precise location, motion detection, and theft deterrence.
- 4#4: Hidden - Mac-focused tracking app that reports location, screenshots, and webcam images from stolen devices.
- 5#5: Hexnode UEM - Unified endpoint management solution providing real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote device control for laptops.
- 6#6: Jamf Pro - Apple-centric MDM platform with location services, lost mode activation, and comprehensive device tracking.
- 7#7: Microsoft Intune - Cloud-based endpoint management for Windows laptops featuring location tracking, remote actions, and compliance monitoring.
- 8#8: ManageEngine Endpoint Central - Unified endpoint management tool with asset tracking, geolocation, and remote troubleshooting for laptops.
- 9#9: Scalefusion - MDM platform offering real-time location tracking, kiosk mode, and theft prevention for corporate laptops.
- 10#10: Miradore - Cloud MDM solution for tracking laptop locations, enforcing policies, and enabling remote lock or wipe.
Tools were chosen based on feature strength, operational excellence, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring a balanced selection of top performers for both personal and organizational use.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular laptop tracking software options, such as Prey, Absolute, GadgetTrak, Hidden, Hexnode UEM, and more. It outlines key features, usability, and standout capabilities to help readers identify the tool that best fits their tracking needs. By comparing strengths across leading software, it simplifies the process of choosing the right solution.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prey Anti-theft software that tracks lost or stolen laptops via GPS, captures webcam photos, and enables remote lock or wipe. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Absolute Enterprise-grade persistence platform for tracking, recovering, and securing laptops even after OS wipes or theft. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | GadgetTrak Laptop tracking tool integrating with GPS hardware for precise location, motion detection, and theft deterrence. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Hidden Mac-focused tracking app that reports location, screenshots, and webcam images from stolen devices. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Hexnode UEM Unified endpoint management solution providing real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote device control for laptops. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Jamf Pro Apple-centric MDM platform with location services, lost mode activation, and comprehensive device tracking. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Microsoft Intune Cloud-based endpoint management for Windows laptops featuring location tracking, remote actions, and compliance monitoring. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | ManageEngine Endpoint Central Unified endpoint management tool with asset tracking, geolocation, and remote troubleshooting for laptops. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Scalefusion MDM platform offering real-time location tracking, kiosk mode, and theft prevention for corporate laptops. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Miradore Cloud MDM solution for tracking laptop locations, enforcing policies, and enabling remote lock or wipe. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Anti-theft software that tracks lost or stolen laptops via GPS, captures webcam photos, and enables remote lock or wipe.
Enterprise-grade persistence platform for tracking, recovering, and securing laptops even after OS wipes or theft.
Laptop tracking tool integrating with GPS hardware for precise location, motion detection, and theft deterrence.
Mac-focused tracking app that reports location, screenshots, and webcam images from stolen devices.
Unified endpoint management solution providing real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote device control for laptops.
Apple-centric MDM platform with location services, lost mode activation, and comprehensive device tracking.
Cloud-based endpoint management for Windows laptops featuring location tracking, remote actions, and compliance monitoring.
Unified endpoint management tool with asset tracking, geolocation, and remote troubleshooting for laptops.
MDM platform offering real-time location tracking, kiosk mode, and theft prevention for corporate laptops.
Cloud MDM solution for tracking laptop locations, enforcing policies, and enabling remote lock or wipe.
Prey
specializedAnti-theft software that tracks lost or stolen laptops via GPS, captures webcam photos, and enables remote lock or wipe.
Remote webcam and microphone capture to visually identify thieves and gather audio evidence
Prey is a comprehensive anti-theft and device tracking software that helps users locate, lock, and recover lost or stolen laptops across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. It offers real-time GPS/WiFi location tracking, remote webcam and microphone capture, device wiping, and alarm triggering. With detailed reporting and multi-device management, Prey stands out as a robust solution for personal and business use.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for laptops, desktops, and mobiles
- Advanced features like webcam photos, location history, and remote lock/wipe
- Generous free tier for up to 3 devices with reliable tracking
Cons
- Requires internet connection to report location and activate features
- Some advanced controls and reports limited to paid plans
- Privacy concerns due to camera and microphone access
Best For
Individuals, freelancers, and small businesses needing reliable, multi-device laptop tracking on a budget.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 devices; paid plans start at $7/month for 10 devices (Maker plan), scaling to $35/month for 150 devices (Corporate), billed annually.
Absolute
enterpriseEnterprise-grade persistence platform for tracking, recovering, and securing laptops even after OS wipes or theft.
Persistence Module that embeds at the BIOS level for unremovable tracking
Absolute (absolute.com) is an enterprise-grade endpoint resilience platform specializing in laptop tracking, theft recovery, and persistent device management. It provides real-time geolocation, remote lock/wipe capabilities, and integrates with law enforcement for high recovery rates. The software's core strength lies in its tamper-proof Persistence technology, which survives OS reinstalls, BIOS changes, and drive swaps, ensuring continuous visibility even on stolen devices.
Pros
- Unrivaled Persistence technology for tracking post-OS wipe
- Proven 91%+ recovery rate with FBI partnerships
- Comprehensive endpoint security beyond just tracking
Cons
- Enterprise-focused with steep learning curve for small users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for individuals
- Requires OEM embedding or agent deployment for full efficacy
Best For
Enterprises and mid-sized organizations needing persistent laptop tracking and theft recovery in high-risk environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise quotes; typically $8-20 per device/year based on volume and features (free visibility tier available).
GadgetTrak
specializedLaptop tracking tool integrating with GPS hardware for precise location, motion detection, and theft deterrence.
Stealth webcam photo capture that silently photographs potential thieves
GadgetTrak is a stealth tracking software designed to recover lost or stolen laptops, smartphones, and other devices by providing real-time location data via WiFi triangulation and GPS. It operates invisibly in the background, capturing screenshots, webcam photos of users, and IP addresses to aid in recovery efforts. The software also allows remote locking, data wiping, and alert notifications to enhance security for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Pros
- Stealth mode prevents detection by thieves
- Webcam snapshots and screenshot capture for visual evidence
- Cross-platform support for laptops and mobiles
Cons
- Requires installation prior to device loss
- Free version has limited features and device support
- Setup and management can be somewhat technical
Best For
Individuals and small teams needing affordable, multi-device tracking with visual recovery aids.
Pricing
Free basic plan for one device; Pro plans start at $4.99/month per device with unlimited tracking.
Hidden
specializedMac-focused tracking app that reports location, screenshots, and webcam images from stolen devices.
Undetectable stealth mode with automated webcam photos of anyone using the device
Hidden is a stealthy laptop tracking software designed primarily for Mac devices, enabling users to locate, monitor, and recover lost or stolen laptops. It operates completely invisibly, capturing webcam photos of potential thieves, screenshots, keystrokes, and location data via WiFi or GPS. Remote controls allow users to lock the device, play a sound, or wipe data, making it a robust anti-theft solution.
Pros
- Completely hidden and undetectable operation
- Webcam snapshots and keylogger for thief identification
- Comprehensive remote controls including lock, wipe, and alarm
Cons
- Primarily Mac-focused with limited Windows support
- Subscription model without robust free tier
- Setup requires admin privileges and may conflict with some security software
Best For
Mac users prioritizing undetectable, evidence-gathering laptop protection against theft.
Pricing
$5/month or $49/year per device; lifetime licenses available for $99.
Hexnode UEM
enterpriseUnified endpoint management solution providing real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote device control for laptops.
Geofencing with automated alerts and location-based policy enforcement for proactive laptop recovery
Hexnode UEM is a comprehensive unified endpoint management platform designed for managing laptops, desktops, and mobile devices across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers robust laptop tracking features like real-time geolocation via GPS, Wi-Fi, and IP, remote lock/wipe, and geofencing alerts. The solution enables IT admins to maintain inventory, enforce policies, and ensure compliance in enterprise environments.
Pros
- Multi-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux laptops
- Advanced geolocation tracking with geofencing and lost mode
- Scalable for large enterprise deployments with strong security features
Cons
- Overkill and complex for individual or small-scale laptop tracking needs
- Pricing scales per device, which can get expensive for SMBs
- Advanced features require Enterprise tier for full functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses and IT teams managing diverse laptop fleets requiring integrated tracking, security, and management.
Pricing
Starts at $1/device/month (Express); Professional ($2), Enterprise ($3.50), and Ultimate ($6) plans available, with annual billing and free trial.
Jamf Pro
enterpriseApple-centric MDM platform with location services, lost mode activation, and comprehensive device tracking.
Seamless Apple Lost Mode integration for real-time geolocation and automated recovery alerts
Jamf Pro is a comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) platform designed specifically for Apple ecosystems, enabling IT administrators to track, manage, and secure MacBooks and other Apple devices. It offers robust laptop tracking through inventory management, geolocation via Apple's Find My network, Lost Mode activation, and remote lock/wipe capabilities. The solution excels in policy enforcement, compliance reporting, and asset lifecycle management for enterprise-scale Apple deployments.
Pros
- Unmatched integration with Apple services for precise location tracking and recovery
- Advanced inventory, reporting, and compliance tools tailored for Mac fleets
- Enterprise-grade security features like remote wipe and zero-touch deployment
Cons
- Limited to Apple devices only, with no native support for Windows or other platforms
- High cost structure unsuitable for small businesses or mixed environments
- Steep learning curve for non-expert administrators despite intuitive UI
Best For
Enterprise IT teams managing large-scale Apple laptop fleets who need deep integration and compliance controls.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $10-15 per device per month for enterprise plans.
Microsoft Intune
enterpriseCloud-based endpoint management for Windows laptops featuring location tracking, remote actions, and compliance monitoring.
Integrated remote device actions with Find My Device location services for enrolled Windows laptops
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution from Microsoft that enables IT administrators to manage, secure, and track corporate-owned laptops and other devices across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. For laptop tracking, it leverages Windows Find My Device for approximate location reporting, along with remote lock, wipe, and inventory features. It excels in enterprise-scale deployment but requires device enrollment and Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD for unified management
- Robust remote actions including location lookup, lock, and wipe
- Comprehensive compliance monitoring and asset inventory tracking
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-IT experts
- Location tracking relies on Windows Find My Device, which is not always precise or real-time
- Best suited for enterprises; overkill and costly for individuals or small teams
Best For
Enterprise IT teams managing large fleets of Windows laptops within a Microsoft ecosystem.
Pricing
Intune Plan 1 at $8/user/month; included in Microsoft 365 E3 ($36/user/month) or E5 ($57/user/month) plans.
ManageEngine Endpoint Central
enterpriseUnified endpoint management tool with asset tracking, geolocation, and remote troubleshooting for laptops.
IP-based geolocation and subnet discovery for network-aware device location tracking
ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a unified endpoint management (UEM) platform that includes laptop tracking capabilities through its asset management and inventory modules. It enables IT administrators to monitor device locations using IP geolocation, Wi-Fi networks, and subnet mapping, while tracking hardware/software inventory in real-time. Additionally, it supports remote lock, wipe, and control features for lost or stolen devices, making it suitable for enterprise IT environments rather than standalone anti-theft tracking.
Pros
- Scalable asset tracking for thousands of endpoints
- Integrated remote lock/wipe and inventory management
- Strong reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- No native GPS or cellular tracking for offline devices
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Overkill and costly for small teams focused only on tracking
Best For
Enterprise IT teams needing integrated endpoint management with basic laptop location tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 endpoints; Professional edition starts at ~$595/year for 50 devices, scaling per endpoint (~$1-2/device/month); Enterprise from $1,195/year.
Scalefusion
enterpriseMDM platform offering real-time location tracking, kiosk mode, and theft prevention for corporate laptops.
Advanced geofencing with automated alerts and location history for proactive device recovery
Scalefusion is a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform specializing in remote tracking and management of laptops, desktops, and mobile devices across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It provides real-time location tracking via Wi-Fi triangulation and IP geolocation, along with remote lock, wipe, and kiosk lockdown features for asset security. The solution includes inventory management, geofencing alerts, and scripted actions for automated responses to lost or stolen devices.
Pros
- Robust real-time location tracking with geofencing
- Cross-platform support for Windows and macOS laptops
- Comprehensive remote management including lock/wipe and inventory
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-IT users
- Pricing scales quickly for large fleets
- Tracking relies on Wi-Fi rather than built-in GPS for laptops
Best For
IT teams in SMBs and enterprises managing corporate laptop fleets with integrated security needs.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per device/month for Express plan; higher tiers like Pro ($4/device/month) and Ultimate with custom enterprise pricing.
Miradore
enterpriseCloud MDM solution for tracking laptop locations, enforcing policies, and enabling remote lock or wipe.
Free forever plan with core tracking and management for small fleets
Miradore is a cloud-based Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform that supports laptop tracking through device enrollment on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It enables IT administrators to view last-known locations based on IP or agent reports, perform remote locks, wipes, and enforce compliance policies. While versatile for endpoint management, its laptop tracking relies on periodic check-ins rather than continuous GPS monitoring.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 50 devices
- Cross-platform support including Windows and macOS laptops
- Intuitive dashboard for quick remote actions
Cons
- Lacks real-time GPS tracking for laptops
- Location accuracy limited to network-based reporting
- More suited for management than specialized theft recovery
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking affordable, basic laptop tracking within a broader UEM solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 50 devices; Premium plans start at $1.50 per device per month (billed annually).
Conclusion
The top laptop tracking tools reviewed highlight diverse strengths, with Prey emerging as the preferred choice, combining GPS tracking, webcam capture, and remote control for effective anti-theft protection. Absolute stands out as a robust enterprise solution, ensuring persistence even after OS wipes, while GadgetTrak excels with precise GPS integration and motion detection for enhanced security. Each tool caters to distinct needs, offering reliable options for users seeking to safeguard their devices.
Take proactive steps to secure your laptops—try Prey today, and experience its comprehensive features that make it the top pick for protecting your devices and data.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison