Quick Overview
- 1#1: TeamViewer - Enables secure remote access, real-time screen sharing, and comprehensive PC monitoring for IT support and administration.
- 2#2: Splashtop - Provides high-performance remote desktop access with live screen viewing and activity monitoring for business and personal use.
- 3#3: AnyDesk - Delivers ultra-fast remote control and monitoring of PCs with low latency and strong security features.
- 4#4: Teramind - Offers advanced employee monitoring with AI-driven behavior analytics, screen recording, and real-time alerts.
- 5#5: ActivTrak - Cloud-based workforce analytics tool for tracking PC activity, productivity trends, and user behavior remotely.
- 6#6: Hubstaff - Time tracking software with periodic screenshots, app usage monitoring, and activity level reports for remote teams.
- 7#7: LogMeIn - Enterprise-grade remote access platform for secure PC monitoring, management, and support from anywhere.
- 8#8: Time Doctor - Productivity monitoring tool capturing screenshots, tracking websites/apps, and generating remote activity reports.
- 9#9: RescueTime - Automatic time tracking and productivity monitoring software that analyzes PC usage patterns remotely.
- 10#10: CurrentWare - Employee monitoring suite with internet usage tracking, screen recording, and real-time PC activity oversight.
Tools were selected based on key factors including feature breadth (security, accessibility, analytics), usability, performance, and overall value, ensuring a balanced set that meets diverse needs.
Comparison Table
PC remote monitoring software is key for managing devices, supporting users, and streamlining workflows, with tools like TeamViewer, Splashtop, AnyDesk, Teramind, ActivTrak, and more at the forefront. This comparison table outlines essential features, performance, pricing, and ideal use cases to help readers identify the best option for their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TeamViewer Enables secure remote access, real-time screen sharing, and comprehensive PC monitoring for IT support and administration. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Splashtop Provides high-performance remote desktop access with live screen viewing and activity monitoring for business and personal use. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | AnyDesk Delivers ultra-fast remote control and monitoring of PCs with low latency and strong security features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Teramind Offers advanced employee monitoring with AI-driven behavior analytics, screen recording, and real-time alerts. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | ActivTrak Cloud-based workforce analytics tool for tracking PC activity, productivity trends, and user behavior remotely. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Hubstaff Time tracking software with periodic screenshots, app usage monitoring, and activity level reports for remote teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | LogMeIn Enterprise-grade remote access platform for secure PC monitoring, management, and support from anywhere. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Time Doctor Productivity monitoring tool capturing screenshots, tracking websites/apps, and generating remote activity reports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | RescueTime Automatic time tracking and productivity monitoring software that analyzes PC usage patterns remotely. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | CurrentWare Employee monitoring suite with internet usage tracking, screen recording, and real-time PC activity oversight. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
Enables secure remote access, real-time screen sharing, and comprehensive PC monitoring for IT support and administration.
Provides high-performance remote desktop access with live screen viewing and activity monitoring for business and personal use.
Delivers ultra-fast remote control and monitoring of PCs with low latency and strong security features.
Offers advanced employee monitoring with AI-driven behavior analytics, screen recording, and real-time alerts.
Cloud-based workforce analytics tool for tracking PC activity, productivity trends, and user behavior remotely.
Time tracking software with periodic screenshots, app usage monitoring, and activity level reports for remote teams.
Enterprise-grade remote access platform for secure PC monitoring, management, and support from anywhere.
Productivity monitoring tool capturing screenshots, tracking websites/apps, and generating remote activity reports.
Automatic time tracking and productivity monitoring software that analyzes PC usage patterns remotely.
Employee monitoring suite with internet usage tracking, screen recording, and real-time PC activity oversight.
TeamViewer
enterpriseEnables secure remote access, real-time screen sharing, and comprehensive PC monitoring for IT support and administration.
Unattended access for 24/7 remote monitoring and control without requiring user intervention on the target PC
TeamViewer is a premier PC remote monitoring and access software that enables secure, real-time control and observation of remote computers from anywhere via the internet. It supports unattended access for continuous monitoring, allowing IT admins to check system status, run diagnostics, transfer files, and perform maintenance without physical presence. With robust logging, multi-platform compatibility, and session recording, it streamlines remote support and device management for individuals and enterprises.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices
- Advanced security with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication
- Comprehensive monitoring tools including unattended access, session recording, and remote diagnostics
Cons
- Commercial licensing can be expensive for large-scale deployments
- Resource-intensive on low-end hardware during intensive sessions
- Free version restricts commercial use and advanced features
Best For
IT professionals, businesses, and support teams needing reliable, secure remote PC monitoring and control for multiple devices.
Pricing
Free for personal/non-commercial use; business plans start at $24.90/month per user (billed annually), with higher tiers up to $118.80/month for enterprise features.
Splashtop
enterpriseProvides high-performance remote desktop access with live screen viewing and activity monitoring for business and personal use.
Ultra-low latency 4K streaming at 60fps, providing the smoothest real-time PC monitoring experience.
Splashtop is a high-performance remote access and monitoring platform that enables users to securely view, control, and manage PCs remotely via high-quality screen sharing and unattended access. Designed for IT support, remote work, and business monitoring, it supports features like file transfer, multi-monitor handling, and session recording for effective troubleshooting and oversight. With robust security including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, Splashtop delivers reliable PC monitoring across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.
Pros
- Exceptional streaming quality with 4K at 60fps for clear monitoring
- Strong security with 256-bit AES encryption and 2FA
- Intuitive interface and quick deployment for unattended access
Cons
- Limited built-in activity logging compared to dedicated monitoring tools
- Higher-tier plans needed for advanced multi-user support
- Performance dependent on internet connection quality
Best For
IT teams and remote support professionals in small to medium businesses needing fast, secure PC monitoring and control.
Pricing
Free for personal use; Business Access starts at $5/user/month (billed annually); Remote Support from $299/year for 25 endpoints.
AnyDesk
enterpriseDelivers ultra-fast remote control and monitoring of PCs with low latency and strong security features.
DeskRT proprietary codec delivering frame rates up to 60 fps and sub-16ms latency for real-time PC monitoring
AnyDesk is a high-performance remote desktop software that allows users to securely access, control, and monitor PCs from anywhere over the internet with extremely low latency. It supports unattended access for continuous remote monitoring, file transfers, and multi-platform compatibility including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Ideal for IT support and remote administration, it emphasizes speed and reliability in monitoring system performance, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.
Pros
- Exceptional low-latency performance for smooth remote monitoring
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for unattended access
- Robust security including end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Free version limited to personal use with restrictions on sessions
- Pricing escalates quickly for teams needing advanced monitoring features
- Occasional dependency on internet quality can affect stability
Best For
IT administrators and remote support teams requiring fast, reliable PC monitoring and control for multiple devices.
Pricing
Free for personal use; Professional plan at $14.90/month (billed annually), with Team and Enterprise options scaling up to custom pricing for advanced monitoring needs.
Teramind
enterpriseOffers advanced employee monitoring with AI-driven behavior analytics, screen recording, and real-time alerts.
AI-powered OCR on screen recordings for semantic content analysis and violation detection
Teramind is an advanced employee monitoring and user behavior analytics (UBA) platform focused on PC remote monitoring for insider threat detection, compliance, and productivity tracking. It captures detailed user activities including full screen recording with OCR, keystroke logging, application usage, email monitoring, and web activity. The software leverages AI for real-time anomaly detection, risk scoring, and automated alerts or blocking actions.
Pros
- AI-driven anomaly detection and predictive risk scoring
- Comprehensive screen recording with OCR for content analysis
- Robust DLP, real-time monitoring, and policy enforcement
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex deployment for non-enterprise users
- High pricing requires custom quotes
- Invasive monitoring raises privacy and legal concerns in some regions
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises prioritizing insider threat prevention, compliance auditing, and detailed behavior analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$10-15/user/month for basic plans, scaling up to $25+/user/month for full features; quote-based.
ActivTrak
enterpriseCloud-based workforce analytics tool for tracking PC activity, productivity trends, and user behavior remotely.
AI-driven behavior analytics that predicts productivity risks and violations from usage patterns
ActivTrak is a cloud-based workforce analytics and monitoring platform designed for tracking PC and employee activity to enhance productivity and security. It captures periodic screenshots, monitors application and website usage, assigns productivity scores, and detects potential risks through AI insights. Managers access customizable dashboards, real-time alerts, and detailed reports without requiring invasive keylogging or constant screen recording.
Pros
- Intuitive dashboards and easy agent deployment across Windows and Mac
- AI-powered productivity scoring and risk alerts for proactive management
- Strong emphasis on privacy with screenshot blurring and compliance tools
Cons
- No real-time remote desktop access or live screen viewing
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited support for mobile devices or full keystroke logging
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking non-intrusive productivity monitoring for remote desktop teams.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users; Pro at $10/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
Hubstaff
specializedTime tracking software with periodic screenshots, app usage monitoring, and activity level reports for remote teams.
Activity levels calculated from keyboard/mouse usage combined with timestamped screenshots
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring platform tailored for remote teams, offering PC monitoring through automated screenshots, activity levels based on keyboard and mouse input, and detailed tracking of app and URL usage. It provides productivity insights via customizable reports and integrates with payroll and project management tools for streamlined operations. While effective for verifying work hours and focus, it lacks real-time screen sharing or full remote desktop control.
Pros
- Automated screenshots and activity tracking provide strong proof-of-work evidence
- Extensive integrations with tools like Asana, QuickBooks, and Slack
- User-friendly dashboard with detailed productivity reports
Cons
- No live screen viewing or real-time remote access
- Screenshot frequency can raise privacy concerns without proper policies
- Pricing scales quickly with team size and advanced features
Best For
Small to medium remote teams or freelancers needing reliable time tracking with non-intrusive PC monitoring.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise).
LogMeIn
enterpriseEnterprise-grade remote access platform for secure PC monitoring, management, and support from anywhere.
Proactive alerting engine that notifies on thresholds for CPU, disk space, and custom scripts
LogMeIn Central is a robust remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform tailored for IT teams and MSPs, enabling real-time oversight of PC health, performance metrics like CPU/memory usage, and security alerts across endpoints. It combines monitoring with remote access, patch management, and automated scripting for proactive maintenance. While powerful for enterprise-scale deployments, it emphasizes reliability in remote control over basic monitoring alone.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring dashboards with customizable alerts
- Seamless remote access and control for troubleshooting
- Strong asset inventory and patch management integration
Cons
- Steep pricing that scales quickly with endpoint count
- Cluttered interface requiring time to master
- Occasional latency in remote sessions over poor connections
Best For
Mid-sized IT departments or MSPs managing 50+ endpoints who need integrated monitoring and remote support.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for 25 endpoints (Standard plan); scales to $3,249/month for 1,000+ with advanced tiers; billed annually.
Time Doctor
specializedProductivity monitoring tool capturing screenshots, tracking websites/apps, and generating remote activity reports.
Automated productivity scoring that categorizes tasks as productive, unproductive, or neutral based on customizable rules
Time Doctor is a comprehensive time tracking and employee monitoring software tailored for remote teams and businesses. It automatically logs time spent on tasks, tracks computer activity including app and website usage, captures optional screenshots, and assigns productivity scores based on work patterns. Remote managers access detailed dashboards and reports to oversee performance without needing physical presence.
Pros
- Robust activity tracking with app/website monitoring and productivity ratings
- Optional screenshots for visual proof of work
- Integrations with tools like Asana, Trello, and payroll systems
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to screenshots and constant monitoring
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Setup and customization can have a slight learning curve
Best For
Remote team managers in small to mid-sized businesses seeking detailed productivity oversight and time verification.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; Pro at $9.50/user/month (billed annually); Elite at $20/user/month with AI insights and advanced reporting.
RescueTime
otherAutomatic time tracking and productivity monitoring software that analyzes PC usage patterns remotely.
Automatic productivity categorization and scoring that assigns values to activities for instant insight
RescueTime is an automatic time-tracking tool that monitors PC usage by logging time spent on applications and websites in the background. It generates productivity reports, scores, and insights for individual users and teams, allowing remote admins to view aggregated or individual data from team members' devices. While useful for productivity analysis, it focuses on passive tracking rather than real-time surveillance or invasive monitoring features.
Pros
- Seamless, automatic background tracking with no manual input required
- Intuitive dashboards and productivity scoring for quick insights
- Privacy-respecting approach with focus on improvement over surveillance
Cons
- No real-time remote viewing, screenshots, or keystroke logging
- Limited to time and app usage data without deeper activity details
- Team monitoring requires paid plans and agent installation on all devices
Best For
Remote team managers prioritizing non-intrusive productivity insights and habit improvement over comprehensive surveillance.
Pricing
Free Lite plan; Premium $6/user/month (billed annually); Teams $12+/user/month with custom quotes.
CurrentWare
enterpriseEmployee monitoring suite with internet usage tracking, screen recording, and real-time PC activity oversight.
Unified console integrating monitoring, reporting, and enforcement tools like BrowseControl for seamless web and app restrictions
CurrentWare is a robust PC remote monitoring software suite designed for businesses to track employee computer activity, including application usage, website visits, idle time, and productivity levels. It offers real-time monitoring, automated screenshots, detailed reporting dashboards, and policy enforcement tools like web filtering and device control. Accessible via a centralized web-based console, it enables remote oversight across multiple endpoints without needing physical access.
Pros
- Comprehensive activity tracking with screenshots and real-time alerts
- Easy remote deployment and centralized dashboard management
- Modular tools for web filtering, app blocking, and USB control
Cons
- Primarily Windows-focused with limited Mac support
- Pricing scales quickly for larger deployments
- Advanced reporting requires some configuration learning curve
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing affordable, policy-driven employee productivity monitoring.
Pricing
Tiered per-device pricing starting at $1.99/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $9.99/month (Enterprise) with volume discounts.
Conclusion
The top remote monitoring tools offer distinct strengths, with TeamViewer leading as the overall choice thanks to its secure, versatile feature set. Splashtop and AnyDesk stand out as strong alternatives, catering to performance-focused and low-latency needs respectively, ensuring there’s a solution for every user. This comparison highlights that while TeamViewer excels broadly, others thrive for specific use cases.
Whether for IT administration, business support, or personal use, start with TeamViewer to unlock comprehensive remote monitoring—its balance of security and functionality makes it the ideal starting point, with Splashtop or AnyDesk ready to step in if tailored features are your priority.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison