Quick Overview
- 1#1: GoGuardian - Monitors student activity on Chromebooks, blocks distractions, and provides real-time insights for teachers to manage classrooms effectively.
- 2#2: LanSchool - Enables teachers to monitor, control, and interact with student screens across multiple platforms for enhanced classroom management.
- 3#3: NetSupport School - Offers comprehensive screen monitoring, remote control, and student engagement tools for K-12 and higher education environments.
- 4#4: Impero Education Pro - Provides real-time student monitoring, web filtering, and behavior analytics to safeguard and optimize learning experiences.
- 5#5: Faronics Insight - Delivers wireless classroom monitoring, screen sharing, and device management for teachers to oversee student computers seamlessly.
- 6#6: Lightspeed Systems - Combines filtering, monitoring, and alerting features to track student online activity and ensure safe digital learning.
- 7#7: Blocksi - Chrome-based solution for real-time student screen monitoring, app blocking, and productivity reporting in educational settings.
- 8#8: Hāpara - Facilitates student monitoring through digital dashboards, activity tracking, and instructional workspace management.
- 9#9: Veyon - Open-source classroom management software for monitoring student screens, remote control, and messaging at no cost.
- 10#10: Linewize - AI-powered platform for monitoring student device usage, wellbeing insights, and network management in schools.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors: feature depth (including monitoring, blocking, and safety capabilities), ease of use for educators, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical, reliable support across K-12 and higher education contexts.
Comparison Table
This comparison table details popular student monitoring software, including GoGuardian, LanSchool, NetSupport School, and Impero Education Pro, guiding readers to understand key features like classroom management, reporting, and student engagement tools. It simplifies the selection process by outlining core functionalities, making it a valuable resource for educators seeking to identify the right solution for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GoGuardian Monitors student activity on Chromebooks, blocks distractions, and provides real-time insights for teachers to manage classrooms effectively. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | LanSchool Enables teachers to monitor, control, and interact with student screens across multiple platforms for enhanced classroom management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | NetSupport School Offers comprehensive screen monitoring, remote control, and student engagement tools for K-12 and higher education environments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Impero Education Pro Provides real-time student monitoring, web filtering, and behavior analytics to safeguard and optimize learning experiences. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Faronics Insight Delivers wireless classroom monitoring, screen sharing, and device management for teachers to oversee student computers seamlessly. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Lightspeed Systems Combines filtering, monitoring, and alerting features to track student online activity and ensure safe digital learning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Blocksi Chrome-based solution for real-time student screen monitoring, app blocking, and productivity reporting in educational settings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Hāpara Facilitates student monitoring through digital dashboards, activity tracking, and instructional workspace management. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Veyon Open-source classroom management software for monitoring student screens, remote control, and messaging at no cost. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | Linewize AI-powered platform for monitoring student device usage, wellbeing insights, and network management in schools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Monitors student activity on Chromebooks, blocks distractions, and provides real-time insights for teachers to manage classrooms effectively.
Enables teachers to monitor, control, and interact with student screens across multiple platforms for enhanced classroom management.
Offers comprehensive screen monitoring, remote control, and student engagement tools for K-12 and higher education environments.
Provides real-time student monitoring, web filtering, and behavior analytics to safeguard and optimize learning experiences.
Delivers wireless classroom monitoring, screen sharing, and device management for teachers to oversee student computers seamlessly.
Combines filtering, monitoring, and alerting features to track student online activity and ensure safe digital learning.
Chrome-based solution for real-time student screen monitoring, app blocking, and productivity reporting in educational settings.
Facilitates student monitoring through digital dashboards, activity tracking, and instructional workspace management.
Open-source classroom management software for monitoring student screens, remote control, and messaging at no cost.
AI-powered platform for monitoring student device usage, wellbeing insights, and network management in schools.
GoGuardian
enterpriseMonitors student activity on Chromebooks, blocks distractions, and provides real-time insights for teachers to manage classrooms effectively.
Beacon's AI-driven suicide prevention and self-harm detection with instant educator alerts
GoGuardian is a comprehensive student monitoring and safety platform tailored for K-12 schools, offering real-time visibility into student online activity across Chromebooks and other devices. It includes advanced content filtering, AI-driven risk detection for issues like self-harm or cyberbullying, and off-network protection to ensure safety beyond school premises. The suite also features device management tools and integrations with Google Workspace to streamline classroom oversight and enhance teacher-student engagement.
Pros
- Robust AI-powered alerts for mental health and safety risks
- Seamless integration with Chromebooks and Google Workspace
- Comprehensive filtering and off-network monitoring
Cons
- Higher cost for smaller districts
- Privacy concerns with extensive monitoring
- Initial setup requires IT familiarity
Best For
K-12 schools with Chromebook fleets seeking top-tier student safety and real-time oversight.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at ~$6-12 per device/year, with bundles like Admin, Filter, and Beacon.
LanSchool
enterpriseEnables teachers to monitor, control, and interact with student screens across multiple platforms for enhanced classroom management.
Peek thumbnail view for simultaneous monitoring of dozens of student screens without full takeover
LanSchool is a veteran classroom management and student monitoring software designed for K-12 educators to oversee and control student devices in real-time. It offers features like live screen viewing with thumbnail previews, remote control, application and website blocking, instant messaging, and student hand-raising for help requests. The platform supports Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iOS, making it versatile for diverse school environments while promoting focused learning and quick teacher interventions.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring with multi-view thumbnails for efficient oversight
- Robust distraction management including app/website limiting and screen locking
- Scalable for large districts with strong cross-platform support
Cons
- Initial setup and deployment can be complex for non-technical admins
- Privacy concerns due to invasive monitoring capabilities
- Higher pricing tiers may strain smaller school budgets
Best For
K-12 schools and districts needing reliable, feature-rich monitoring for large-scale classrooms.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $6-12 per device/year (volume discounts apply); perpetual licenses available; custom quotes for add-ons.
NetSupport School
enterpriseOffers comprehensive screen monitoring, remote control, and student engagement tools for K-12 and higher education environments.
Thumbnail View for simultaneously monitoring and interacting with hundreds of student screens at a glance
NetSupport School is a robust classroom management and student monitoring software designed for educators to oversee and interact with student devices in real-time. It offers features like live thumbnail screen views, remote control, application and internet restrictions, instant messaging, file distribution, and integrated quizzes with anti-cheat measures. The tool supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebooks, enabling seamless management across diverse classroom environments while providing detailed activity reports and lesson planning tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring with thumbnail views of multiple screens
- Cross-platform support for diverse student devices
- Advanced tools for assessments, reporting, and behavior management
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced configuration options
- Pricing can escalate for large-scale deployments
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
K-12 schools and universities with mixed-device classrooms seeking powerful monitoring and instructional control.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$90 per student seat (covering tutor licenses for multiples); subscription options from ~$6/student/year; custom quotes required.
Impero Education Pro
enterpriseProvides real-time student monitoring, web filtering, and behavior analytics to safeguard and optimize learning experiences.
Seamless cross-platform compatibility for unified management of diverse school device fleets
Impero Education Pro is a robust classroom management and student monitoring software tailored for K-12 schools, enabling teachers to view student screens in real-time, remotely control devices, and block inappropriate websites or apps. It supports diverse operating systems including Windows, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android, facilitating interactive teaching through features like screen sharing, instant messaging, and group management. The platform also includes advanced filtering, behavior alerts, and proctoring tools to enhance student safety and engagement.
Pros
- Multi-platform support across Windows, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring, control, and web/app filtering
- AI-driven alerts and proctoring for student safety and exam integrity
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller schools or districts
- Initial setup and deployment may require IT expertise
- Performance can lag in very large classrooms with 50+ devices
Best For
K-12 schools and districts with mixed-device environments needing strong classroom oversight and student protection.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $15-25 per device/year with volume discounts and custom enterprise quotes for schools.
Faronics Insight
enterpriseDelivers wireless classroom monitoring, screen sharing, and device management for teachers to oversee student computers seamlessly.
Peek Live thumbnails for instant, low-bandwidth monitoring of hundreds of student screens simultaneously
Faronics Insight is a classroom management and student monitoring software designed for educators to oversee and interact with student devices in real-time. It provides features like thumbnail screen monitoring, screen sharing, website/app blocking, device locking, and direct messaging to enhance teaching efficiency and student focus. Supporting Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, it scales well for labs and classrooms, with additional tools for attendance tracking and lesson broadcasting.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for diverse devices
- Real-time thumbnail monitoring for large classes
- Robust control tools like screen blanking and remote access
Cons
- Higher cost for large-scale deployments
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Occasional performance issues on older hardware
Best For
K-12 schools and educators managing computer labs or BYOD environments with a need for hands-on device control.
Pricing
Per-lab licensing starts at ~$35/device/year or subscription tiers from $4/student/month, with volume discounts.
Lightspeed Systems
enterpriseCombines filtering, monitoring, and alerting features to track student online activity and ensure safe digital learning.
AI-driven behavioral analytics in Lightspeed Alert that detects nuanced risk indicators like suicidal ideation from online searches and communications
Lightspeed Systems offers a comprehensive K-12 edtech platform, with Lightspeed Alert serving as its core student monitoring solution that uses AI to scan online activity for signs of self-harm, cyberbullying, violence, and other risks. It provides real-time alerts to educators and administrators, integrates with web filtering via Lightspeed Filter, and supports device management across Chromebooks, iPads, and Windows devices. The platform emphasizes student safety while enabling data-driven insights through analytics dashboards.
Pros
- AI-powered real-time alerts for student distress signals with high accuracy
- Seamless integration with existing school devices and SIS systems
- Robust analytics for compliance and behavior trends
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller districts
- Occasional false positives require staff training
- Primarily focused on web activity, less coverage for offline or app-based behaviors
Best For
Large K-12 school districts seeking proactive student safety monitoring with AI-driven insights.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on district size and devices; typically $5-12 per student/year, quoted after demo.
Blocksi
specializedChrome-based solution for real-time student screen monitoring, app blocking, and productivity reporting in educational settings.
AI-powered YouTube filtering that distinguishes educational videos from distractions, with custom whitelists
Blocksi is a cloud-based student monitoring and web filtering platform tailored for K-12 schools, offering real-time visibility into online activities across devices like Chromebooks, iPads, and Windows machines. It blocks inappropriate websites, apps, and YouTube content while providing detailed reports, alerts, and policy enforcement based on user groups or time schedules. The solution integrates with Google Workspace and Active Directory for seamless deployment in educational environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time monitoring and instant alerts for suspicious activity
- Advanced filtering including AI-driven YouTube categorization for educational use
- Quick deployment with strong support for Chrome OS and multi-device management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large districts, potentially reducing value
- Some users report occasional false positives in content blocking
- Limited native support for non-cloud-heavy environments or advanced custom scripting
Best For
K-12 schools with Chromebook-heavy fleets needing robust, policy-driven online safety and monitoring.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$1.99 per device/month for basic filtering, up to $4.99+ for premium monitoring and analytics tiers.
Hāpara
specializedFacilitates student monitoring through digital dashboards, activity tracking, and instructional workspace management.
Class-wide real-time browser tab visibility, allowing instant oversight of student online activity without screen sharing.
Hāpara is a classroom management platform tailored for Google Workspace for Education, providing teachers with real-time visibility into student browser activity via its Student Dashboard. It enables monitoring of open tabs across the class, site blocking, messaging, and content curation through customizable Spaces. While it emphasizes safe digital learning environments, it lacks full screen mirroring found in more advanced monitoring tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace and Chromebooks
- Intuitive real-time tab monitoring for quick class oversight
- Built-in safe browsing and content curation tools
Cons
- No full screen sharing or deep application monitoring
- Limited to Google ecosystem, less flexible for other platforms
- Basic reporting compared to enterprise-grade competitors
Best For
K-12 teachers in Google Workspace-heavy districts needing lightweight tab-level monitoring and classroom organization.
Pricing
Starts at about $7 per student per year, with tiered pricing and discounts for larger schools or districts.
Veyon
otherOpen-source classroom management software for monitoring student screens, remote control, and messaging at no cost.
Live screen broadcasting from teacher to all students for seamless demonstrations
Veyon is an 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 demonstration modes. Primarily supporting Windows and Linux, it enables efficient classroom management without recurring costs or internet dependency.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Robust features including live monitoring, remote control, and group management
- Cross-platform support for Windows and Linux in LAN environments
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring network configuration knowledge
- Limited native macOS support and no mobile app
- Interface feels dated and documentation can be sparse
Best For
Tech-savvy educators in budget-limited schools with Windows or Linux computer labs seeking powerful, no-cost monitoring.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
Linewize
enterpriseAI-powered platform for monitoring student device usage, wellbeing insights, and network management in schools.
AI-powered Sextortion Shield and self-harm detection that scans communications proactively
Linewize is a comprehensive student safety platform tailored for K-12 schools, offering real-time web and app filtering, AI-driven threat detection, and monitoring across devices to safeguard students online. It blocks inappropriate content, scans for risks like self-harm or bullying on social media and YouTube, and provides actionable analytics for educators. The solution integrates with school networks and devices for seamless deployment and compliance with child safety regulations.
Pros
- Advanced AI threat detection identifies self-harm, violence, and cyberbullying in real-time
- Comprehensive filtering for web, apps, YouTube, and social media with detailed reporting
- Strong cross-platform support for school-managed devices and networks
Cons
- Setup and customization can have a steep learning curve for smaller IT teams
- Pricing scales with student numbers, potentially expensive for small districts
- Limited free trial options and reliance on integrations for full functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large K-12 school districts needing robust, AI-enhanced monitoring and analytics for student online safety.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing per student/device, typically $6-12 per student annually with volume discounts.
Conclusion
From Chromebook-focused tools to open-source solutions, the reviewed software offers varied approaches to classroom management. GoGuardian stands out as the top choice, excelling in real-time insights and distraction management, while LanSchool and NetSupport School earn praise for their cross-platform compatibility and comprehensive feature sets, making them strong alternatives for different classroom needs.
Ready to elevate your classroom management? Start with GoGuardian to experience its seamless monitoring, distraction control, and teacher insights firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison