The Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software
Last Updated on November 1, 2023 Angelos ChronisWorking from home is a new model of work that took the world by storm in 2019-2020. Its rapid introduction, a result of COVID-19 restrictions, brought a host of changes to the workplace and to the working mentality in general.
The benefits to working from home are innumerable, both for the employees, who do not have to commute and can work in a familiar environment, and companies that are able to cut down on transportation costs as well as rent for offices and whatever amenities were offered to employees.
However, this new work model does not come without its challenges. Despite its many benefits, there is one disadvantage to having your entire workforce working from home; that is, slacking off. And that's where technology came to give a solution with employee monitoring software.
This software allows employers to increase productivity by giving them a number of ways to supervise their employees remotely, with direct screen-sharing, clock-in schedules, remote control, etc.
But what about the smaller companies?
It goes without saying that such software is usually expensive and beyond the means of smaller companies. Yet, companies are not left without alternatives. There is open source employee monitoring software aplenty that can offer as much as the pro options do for free.
Tip
Open source employee monitoring software is not just free apps. The term refers to software that you can alter as you wish by tampering with its code.
But which ones can we trust?
We have done all the research for you and have made a list of the best pieces of open-source employee monitoring software.
Menu
- Open source employee monitoring software option 1: AeroAdmin
- Open source employee monitoring software option 2: NetOrbit
- Open source employee monitoring software option 3: eHour
- Open source employee monitoring software option 4: Kimai
- Open source employee monitoring software option 5: we360.ai
- mSpy, One of the Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software
- FlexiSpy, One of the Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software
- Conclusion
Open source employee monitoring software option 1: AeroAdmin
AeroAdmin is our lightweight option. Its 2MB app file is the only thing you'll need to run it both on local and remote computers and make use of all its features. It gives you the ability to take control of and monitor any target computer remotely, even with no one on the other end, and its premium features include things such as a customisable interface and secure data transfer.
What we liked
- Easy-to-use and easy-to-install interface.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
- Secure data transfer.
- Multiple authorisation options.
What we didn't like
- The monitoring is visible.
- Only gain access to the desktop screen. You have to navigate each page.
- All services like emails remain closed and have to be unlocked individually.
Who it is for
AeroAdmin is perfect for startups or companies that have very limited funds and are not working on powerful computers. What it lacks in features, though, it makes up for in ease-of-use and versatility.
Open source employee monitoring software option 2: NetOrbit
NetOrbit is a more comprehensive employee monitoring solution. It has an impressive array of features like location tracking, chat, and email monitoring, as well as the ability to filter what content is available on the target computer. What is more, it logs all employee activity and can produce reports on productivity and usage. On top of that, it can even alert you of employee delinquency.
What we liked
- Complete set of features that allow full control.
- The ability to control unwanted content.
- Live monitoring and admin monitoring.
- A beautiful-looking dashboard with great functionality.
What we didn't like
- No live monitoring on the free version.
- Can be used only on three devices.
Who it is for
NetOrbit is perfect for smaller companies where data security is one of the top priorities. Its device limit makes it a viable option only for companies with a low number of employees, but its features are those of some pro alternatives.
Open source employee monitoring software option 3: eHour
This one is one of our truly open-source employee monitoring software options. Its design is a bit more bare-bones than that of the other apps on the list and its capabilities are limited to time-tracking and booking. Thus, the "monitoring" aspect would work on a basis of trust and good faith rather than direct monitoring. However, what it does do, time tracking, that is, eHour does magnificently. What is more, it is completely online.
What we liked
- No installation or apps to download. Just log in and go.
- Great time-keeping features with a number of reports available.
- Time-slot booking feature that helps maximise productivity.
What we didn't like
- It is browser based. So it works only online.
- No real monitoring features.
- Very few features.
- Simplistic design.
Who it is for
This piece of open-source employee monitoring software would work on any company that is not concerned about its employees slacking off or about data leaks. It is more of an organiser that would work great in conjunction with several other of the apps on this list as well as on its own for free-lancers.
Open source employee monitoring software option 4: Kimai
Kimai is another entry on the more bare-bones end of the spectrum. It is a time-keeping app that focuses on business development with a variety of tools that will help you organise your tasks, clients, and employees for maximum efficiency. What is more, it also has a nice-looking interface and an invoice tool.
What we liked
- Attractive interface.
- Easy-to-navigate and access features.
- Invoice creation tool.
- Android compatible.
- Can be customised and features can be added with extensions.
- A number of tools to manage time and finances.
What we didn't like
- No real employee monitoring features.
- Based on trust rather than supervision.
- Requires more technical knowledge from its users.
Who it is for
Kimai is for the tech wizards among us. While in its basic form it doesn’t really offer that much to the user, in more experienced hands, it could easily come toe-to-toe with some of its professional counterparts.
Open source employee monitoring software option 5: we360.ai
No list would be complete without an option for Apple users. we360.ai; With it, you get a very attractive employee monitoring toolset that will help you monitor your employees' activity through live feeds, regular screenshots, and even a tool to block domains. What is more, it gives you detailed reports on employee activity and productivity.
What we liked
- An attractive set of features that give employers full control.
- Report tools to keep you up to date with your company's doings.
- A mobile app so that you can monitor on the go.
What we didn't like
- It is only a free-trial.
- The interface is a bit crowded.
Who it is for
we360.ai was made for companies that use Apple's products. It has a lot of capabilities that would prove very useful to any kind of business. However, as with most Apple products, it is not free. Thus, it is not affordable if you have over a certain number of employees.
Alternative 1: mSpy, One of the Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software
If the above options do not cover your company's needs, there is no need to worry or turn to overly expensive software. There is a very affordable professional app that will help you monitor your employees and increase your company's productivity, better than open-source employee monitoring software without breaking the bank.
It's called mSpy, a phone monitoring app that works on Android and iPhone. This app is certainly perfect for businesses that issue smartphones solely for company use. You wouldn't want your employees to use them for personal stuff like gaming, dating, etc. during work hours.mSpy Phone Monitor
Track Android phone and tablet, iPhone and iPad remotely and secretly! All information is visible to you!
Monitor all social media apps, FB, IG, Twitter, Snapchat, etc
View SMS/IMs, call logs, contacts, emails, browser history
Record every keystroke and set alarm for specific keywords
To be precise, mSpy:
- Can help you monitor employee emails, web activity, app activity, keylogs, keywords, and more.
- Is completely undetectable, so that you can do everything discreetly and without alerting slackers.
- Works remotely so that you can do everything from the comfort of your own home.
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How to Set Up Geofencing on iPhone and Android with mSpy
Step 1:
Sign up for an mSpy account on the official webpage. Just click on the button below to proceed. Make sure to use a valid email for the registration
Step 2:
Next, pick your desired subscription/plan. Choose the one with the monitoring features you need. Then, complete your purchase to get a confirmation email.
Step 3:
Read the email and you will see the download link for the monitoring program and the complete setup guide for it. Just follow the instructions to finish the installtion.
Step 4:
Lastly, launch any web browser on your phone or PC and go to mSpy. There, use your new account credentials to access the Dashboard and Control Panel. After that, you can start monitoring your employee/s.
Alternative 2: FlexiSpy, One of the Best Open Source Employee Monitoring Software
Another reliable open source employee monitoring software that can read emails, record browser activity, track all keystrokes and keylogs, see file transfer, measure bandwidth activity, and track USB activity and user logins - FlexiSpy. With this software, you can discreetly monitor your employees without them knowing.
FLEXISPY for Computers
Revealing secrets from Windows and Mac computers you target
- Read keylogs
- Track social apps
- See browsing history
- Check webmails
- Find installed apps
- Check local files
- Record Webcam & Mic
- Send remote commands
With FlexiSpy's unique features, you can watch your employees in real-time using your FlexiSpy app installed on your PC or mobile. With its recording feature, frequent monitoring is not necessary because FlexiSpy records every activity on your employees' computers and you can check the video clips with detailed information along with the dates and times where the recording has been made.
It's such an amazing monitoring software to manage your manpower and determine their performance in working with their computer unit.
Conclusion
These were the top 5 open source employee monitoring apps. Hopefully, you have found something to suit your needs. If you still need something more, there is a chance that a simple assortment of timetables and productivity reports might not be enough to protect your company from fraud and bad employees; You may also have to resort to listening in to cafeteria conversations or checking their personal emails to prevent information or data theft.
FAQs
The kind of software used for such activities is called employee monitoring software. It allows you to monitor your employees' screen time. However, not all of said apps allow you to do so undetected. Something like that would require specialized software like FlexiSpy.
No, it is impossible to establish a Microsoft teams' connection without the receiving party noticing. What is more, Microsoft teams is a two-way communication app. This means that you both receive and send sound and video, so, your boss would be found out instantly.
You can track employee productivity through various means, like monitoring apps, QA analysis and by hiring a skilled supervisor that will make sure to monitor and improve employee productivity.