Top 5 Best Remote Computer Monitoring Software

Staying connected and keeping an eye on what’s happening on a computer from anywhere is important. Whether you want to check on your kids online, monitor your employees, or secure your own device, remote monitoring software can help. This guide will cover the top five best remote computer monitoring software, highlighting what each one offers to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Importance of Remote Computer Monitoring Software

Remote computer monitoring software is crucial for various reasons, from parental control to workplace productivity and data security. Here are a few key reasons why you should consider implementing such software:

Parental Control

Kids are exposed to various online risks, including cyberbullying, sexual predators, and inappropriate content. Remote monitoring software can help you closely monitor your children’s online activities. This helps ensure their safety and well-being while allowing you to guide their kids through the online world.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately 36.5% of students aged 12-17 have experienced cyberbullying.

Employee Monitoring

For businesses, remote monitoring software is important for managing employee productivity. It enables you to track how staff members use their time, ensuring they stay focused on work tasks. Additionally, it can help monitor internet usage, ensuring employees follow company policies and don’t engage in risky online behavior.

According to a report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $4.24 million. Employee monitoring can help prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information, making it a vital investment for businesses.

Data Security

Data security is a big concern for everyone, whether you’re running a business or managing personal information. Remote computer tracking software can help spot unusual activities that might indicate a security threat. By monitoring access to sensitive data, you can protect against unauthorized access and theft, ensuring that your personal or financial information stays safe.

Top 5 Best Remote Computer Spy Software

The need to monitor computer activity has grown for various reasons, from ensuring employee productivity to keeping children safe online. Remote computer spy software allows you to remotely monitor all activities on a computer, helping you stay informed without being intrusive. The following are the top five best remote computer spy software options available.

1. iKeyMonitor

iKeyMonitor stands out as the best remote computer monitoring software, offering many features for both personal and professional use. Its robust keystroke logging records every keystroke made on the target device, including passwords, messages, and more. Website monitoring tracks all URLs visited, helping ensure safe browsing habits. Application tracking shows which programs are used and for how long. Additionally, iKeyMonitor allows you to monitor activities on popular social media platforms and offers remote access for convenient viewing from anywhere.

Features:

• Monitor SMS Messages
  You can keep track of all text messages sent and received on the target phones. This lets you see who your child is messaging or if an employee is texting during work hours.
• Record Phone Calls
  iKeyMonitor allows you to record phone calls made and received. Whether you want to ensure your child is staying safe or you need to monitor work-related conversations, this feature gives you peace of mind by keeping track of what’s being said.
• Monitor Social Media Chat Apps
  iKeyMonitor lets you track messages on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram. It’s a great way to make sure your child isn’t engaging in risky conversations online or that employees aren’t spending too much time on personal chats during work.
• Track Web History
  You can see a complete history of the websites visited on the device. It logs URLs, timestamps, and other details, so you can spot any inappropriate sites or ensure your child is using the internet responsibly.
• Capture Screenshots
  The software takes screenshots of the device’s screen at regular intervals. This helps you visually see what’s going on, whether it’s for checking your child’s activity or making sure employees are using their devices appropriately.

More highlights:

• Limit Screen Time In Real Time
• Log Keystrokes Remotely
• Track GPS Location
• Set Up Geofencing
• Block Apps And Games
• Listen To Phone Surroundings

PROS:

• It offers a wide range of features suitable for personal and professional use.
• The interface is intuitive, making it easy to use.
• Provides excellent customer support with a team available at all hours to assist with troubleshooting.
• Supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

CONS:

• Requires jailbreak to work on iOS devices

Pricing: Offers both free and premium versions.

System Compatibility: Android 6.0 and above, iOS 8.0 and above.

2. Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a remote computer monitoring app for parental controls. This software allows you to set up Internet access rules, manage app usage, and monitor your children’s online activities across multiple devices. With Google Family Link, you can approve or block app downloads, set screen time limits, and even track your children’s location, ensuring their online safety.

Features:

• Monitor App Activity
  You can easily track which apps your child uses and how much time they spend on them. Additionally, you can set time limits for specific apps to make sure they’re not spending too much time on distractions.
• Manage Apps
  You can decide what apps your child can download from the Google Play Store. If there’s an app that’s not suitable, you can block it.
• Set Screen Time Limits
  You can set daily screen time limits for your child’s device, even specifying how much time they can spend on each app.
• Track GPS Location
  You can track your child’s location in real-time, so you always know where they are. This can be especially useful to ensure they’re safe or just want to check in on them.
• Lock Devices
  If you need your child to take a break from their device, you can lock it remotely. Whether it’s to stop them from overusing it or just to give them a screen break, you’ve got full control.

PROS:

• Google Family Link is completely free to use.
• Works across Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks.

CONS:

• The app works best with new Google accounts. If you’re trying to apply it to existing accounts, it can be difficult.
• Works only with newly created Google accounts
• Limited features compared to a professional spy app

Pricing: Free

System Compatibility: Android 5.0+, iOS 16+

Download: Android, iOS

3. iCloud

While not primarily remote computer spy software, Apple’s iCloud offers several features that can help you monitor Apple devices in real time. With iCloud, you can track the location of the target devices, remotely lock or erase data, and even access backups and shared files. Additionally, iCloud’s Family Sharing feature allows you to monitor your children’s device usage, app purchases, and more.

Features:

• Location Tracking
  Using the Find My iPhone feature, iCloud allows you to track the location of Apple devices in real-time. This can be helpful for both device recovery and keeping track of your child’s whereabouts.
• Remote Lock and Data Erasure
  In the event of theft or loss, iCloud allows you to remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized access and erase all sensitive data remotely to protect privacy.
• Backup Access
  You can access iCloud backups, which include all device data, photos, contacts, and messages. This feature allows you to check the device’s activity history by reviewing the backup files.
• Family Sharing
  iCloud’s Family Sharing feature enables parents to monitor their children’s app purchases, activity on iTunes, and device usage. It also helps in sharing photos, calendars, and location information within a family group.
• App Monitoring
  You can see the apps installed on your child’s device, monitor their activity, and manage app purchases and downloads.

PROS:

• iCloud is free to use with an Apple ID.
• The interface is straightforward, and most users are already familiar with it from managing their Apple accounts.

CONS:

• Not available on Android phones
• iCloud account and password required

Download: iOS

4. PuppyGuard

PuppyGuard is remote parental control and monitoring software that keeps your children safe online. It offers many features to keep your kids safe online, including website and app blocking, social media monitoring, location tracking, and even keystroke logging. With ChildMonitor, you can set time limits, block inappropriate content, and receive real-time alerts for potential risks or suspicious activities.

Features:

• Automatic Call Recording
  PuppyGuard records both incoming and outgoing calls on the target device, including phone numbers, call duration, and timestamps. This is beneficial for you to look to monitor your children’s or employees’ call communications.
• VoIP Call Recording
  In addition to regular calls, PuppyGuard also records VoIP calls from apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and WeChat, ensuring you can monitor all forms of communication.

PROS:

• It is completely free, making it an excellent choice for users on a budget.
• Simple setup and use make it accessible for anyone with limited technical knowledge.

CONS:

• It focuses only on call recording and lacks advanced features like monitoring text messages, social media, or GPS tracking.
• Only available on Android, limiting its use if you have an iOS device.

Pricing: Free

System Compatibility: Android 11.0 and above.

Download: Android

5. Norton Family

Norton Family, a product from a renowned cybersecurity company, is a comprehensive remote computer monitoring app. This software allows you to set web filtering rules, monitor online activities, and track your children’s locations. Additionally, Norton Family provides detailed reports and notifications, informing you about your children’s online habits and potential risks.

Features:

• Web Filtering
  It provides customizable web filtering and blocks inappropriate content, such as adult material, violence, and gambling. It helps you keep your children away from harmful websites.
• Time Supervision
  Helps you control the amount of screen time your children spend on various devices, setting specific time limits for device usage.
• Location Tracking
  This allows you to track your child’s location in real-time, ensuring they are where they are supposed to be.
• Video Monitoring
  Monitors video content on platforms like YouTube to ensure children aren’t exposed to inappropriate videos or channels.

PROS:

• Easy to install and use, with a clean, intuitive interface.
• Provides excellent customer service for troubleshooting and support.

CONS:

• It doesn’t provide social media tracking.

Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans starting at $49.99/year.

System Compatibility: Android 4.1 and above, iOS 11.0 and above.

Download: Android, iOS

FAQs About Remote Computer Monitoring App

Q1. Is remote computer monitoring software legal?

The legality of remote computer monitoring software varies depending on the jurisdiction and the intended use. In general, monitoring devices owned by an organization for legitimate business purposes or monitoring minors for parental control is considered legal.

Q2. Can remote monitoring software be detected?

Many remote computer tracking software solutions offer hidden installation options, making them undetectable to the target user. However, some programs may be detected by advanced security software or savvy users.

Q3. How secure is the data collected by remote monitoring software?

Reputable remote monitoring solution providers like iKeyMonitor offer robust security features, such as encryption and secure data transmission, to protect the collected data from unauthorized access or interception.

Conclusion

Remote computer monitoring software is essential for ensuring safety and boosting productivity. This guide covers the top five options that can assist with parental controls, employee monitoring, and data security. iKeyMonitor stands out for its useful features like keystroke logging and real-time monitoring. If you want effective remote tracking, iKeyMonitor might be the right choice for you.