How can I monitor my Mac remotely?

Remote monitoring of devices and systems has never been more crucial. As digitalization continues to expand, remote system monitoring is essential in helping businesses oversee their connected devices and maintain strong connections with employees.

While monitoring software is widely available for Windows, Mac-based companies often struggle with fewer options for their devices like Macs and MacBooks. If your organization relies on Apple devices, explore the best remote monitoring software solutions designed specifically for Mac below.

Top 10 remote monitoring software for Mac

Here are the top 10 remote monitoring software for Mac. Take a look at the following quick view first:

Name	Description	Best for
AnyViewer	A versatile remote desktop software that allows you to remotely access and monitor Macs, offering real-time monitoring, cross-platform support, and secure remote control.	Ideal for businesses and individuals needing simple, secure remote access and monitoring of Macs, with cross-platform support for mixed-device environments.
Apple Remote Desktop	A comprehensive macOS-specific remote management tool designed for system administration, troubleshooting, and file management across multiple Macs.	Best for organizations using only Macs and requiring robust system administration and remote support features.
Teramind	An all-in-one monitoring system offering a range of advanced features such as activity logs, location tracking, remote desktop access, and tools for ensuring regulatory compliance. It also provides robust data loss prevention and insider threat management functions.	Ideal for organizations requiring strong security measures, compliance oversight, and thorough employee activity tracking, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance.
ActivTrak	A cloud-based monitoring solution designed to identify overall efficiency patterns and help prevent employee burnout. It features tracking of website and software usage, along with screenshot monitoring capabilities.	A complete monitoring solution equipped with advanced features such as activity logs, location tracking, remote desktop control, and tools for ensuring regulatory compliance. It also includes capabilities for data loss prevention and managing insider threats.
Hubstaff	A time-tracking and productivity tool that includes location tracking, automated payroll, and online invoicing features, with a primary focus on monitoring active work hours.	Ideal for small to medium-sized distributed teams that require basic time tracking and contractor management capabilities.
Toggl Track	An easy-to-use time-tracking tool with customizable features and an intuitive dashboard for managing teams and projects, with a strong emphasis on timesheet management.	Perfect for organizations that require straightforward time tracking and billing management for both teams and freelancers.
Time Doctor	A comprehensive time-tracking tool offering detailed analytics on employee time usage, website monitoring, and app activity. It also provides project-level insights for better performance management.	Ideal for companies seeking in-depth time analytics and productivity tracking, with the ability to integrate seamlessly with third-party tools.
Monitask	A cloud-based solution that tracks online timesheets, app usage, screenshots, and mouse/keyboard activity. It also includes location tracking and provides real-time updates.	Ideal for businesses that require moderate security features alongside time tracking and project management functionality.
Desktime	An automated tracking platform that monitors app usage, internet activity, and document work. It also includes a private time feature for employees.	Suitable for organizations that need automated time tracking combined with basic document monitoring features.
Insightful	Software designed for companies that prioritize employee well-being and productivity optimization, while also requiring basic monitoring features.	Businesses seeking flexible pricing options for essential time tracking and productivity monitoring features.

Option 1. AnyViewer

AnyViewer is a versatile remote desktop software that monitors and manages multiple Macs remotely. While it's typically used for remote access and control, it also includes key features that make it a great tool for Mac monitoring. Whether you need to oversee a few machines or a large fleet of Macs, AnyViewer makes it simple and efficient to stay on top of performance and activity.

Besides, AnyViewer is perfect for unattended remote access, whether you're managing Macs in different locations or handling systems remotely without requiring user interaction. Its high-level security features, such as end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, ensure that your devices and data remain protected while you're remotely monitoring or troubleshooting any issues.

Key Features of AnyViewer

• Remote Access: AnyViewer lets you remotely access and control Macs to monitor them from anywhere.
• Real-Time Monitoring: You can see how your Macs are performing in real-time. Check CPU usage, memory, and network activity to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Multiple Device Monitoring: Manage and monitor several Macs simultaneously from one screen. It's easy to switch between devices and keep everything under control.
• Screen Sharing: If a Mac user has an issue, you can use screen sharing to help them fix it. You can take control and troubleshoot the problem remotely.
• Cross-Platform Support: While focused on Macs, AnyViewer also lets you monitor Windows PCs and Android devices, making it useful for mixed-device environments.
• Secure Monitoring: AnyViewer uses encryption to ensure all remote sessions are safe and private.
• Group Device Management: You can group your Macs for easier organization by department or location.

AnyViewer Pricing

• Free plan: Includes essential remote access and monitoring features for personal or small business use.
• Professional plan: $3.58/month, billed annually at $42.96. Includes extra features for small teams.
• Enterprise plan: $16.58/month, billed annually at $199. Includes advanced features and priority support for larger organizations.

AnyViewer is a great choice for remotely monitoring and managing Macs. It lets you track system performance, monitor user activity, and troubleshoot issues from anywhere. The free version is perfect for small teams, and the premium version adds features like unlimited device management and better security. If you need a simple, secure, and free remote monitoring software for Mac, AnyViewer is a solid option.

Option 2. Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is a comprehensive remote management tool designed specifically for macOS devices, offering robust features for IT administrators and support teams. It is ideal for businesses and organizations using Apple products and provides a seamless experience for managing multiple Macs from a central location. Whether you need to perform administrative tasks, troubleshoot issues, or remotely control machines, ARD simplifies these processes with ease.

Key Features of Apple Remote Desktop

• Remote Control: ARD allows you to control any Mac on your network from anywhere. You can fix problems, install software, or change settings without being physically at the machine.
• File Transfers: You can send files between Macs or collect files from remote machines, making it easy to share or back up data.
• System Monitoring: ARD helps you keep an eye on system performance, like CPU and memory usage, so you can spot issues early.
• Multiple Device Observation: You can monitor and manage multiple Macs at once, making it easy to keep track of the status of different systems.

Apple Remote Desktop Drawbacks

• Mac Only: ARD only works on Macs, so it's not useful if you have a mix of Mac and Windows or other devices.
• Setup Can Be Complicated: Setting up ARD can be tricky for people who are not familiar with networking or permissions.
• Cost: ARD costs a one-time fee of $79.99 per Mac, which can add up if you have a lot of devices.

Apple Remote Desktop Pricing

• Standard License: $79.99 per Mac (one-time fee). The price includes all major features and updates, but it does not come with a subscription model, so ongoing costs are minimal.

Apple Remote Desktop is best suited for businesses or organizations that exclusively use Macs and need a tool for system administration, file management, or remote support. It is ideal for IT professionals and support teams working in environments that rely heavily on Apple products. However, alternatives like AnyViewer may be more suitable for those with mixed device environments or businesses looking for broader compatibility.

Option 3. Teramind

Teramind is one of the most robust employee monitoring tools available, offering various advanced features. It includes activity logs, location tracking, regulatory compliance support, security enforcement, and more—all while respecting employee privacy.

Whether your business operates in a highly regulated industry like healthcare or you want to boost productivity among remote employees, Teramind delivers flexible solutions and actionable insights that align with your company's policies. Plus, it offers reliable customer support to ensure a seamless experience.

Key Employee Monitoring Features of Teramind

• Remote Desktop Control: If there's a compliance or security issue, Teramind lets admins remotely take control of an employee's Mac to fix it.
• RDP Session Recording: Teramind records sessions to document incidents for training or legal purposes.
• 15+ Monitoring Channels: It tracks various communication channels like email, app usage, internet activity, and even keystrokes to prevent insider threats.
• Smart Rules & Alerts: You can set custom rules to monitor specific activities and receive automatic alerts when they occur.
• Unproductive Work Time Analysis: Teramind tracks idle or unproductive time, giving insights into how employees spend their active hours.

Teramind Drawbacks

• Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise to fully configure.
• Cost: Teramind can be expensive, especially for small businesses or organizations with many employees.
• Overwhelming Features: With so many features, it can be overwhelming for users who only need basic monitoring capabilities.

Teramind Pricing

Teramind offers pricing based on the number of users and required features, with different tiers to suit various business needs:

• Starter: From $15 per user per month
• UAM (User Activity Monitoring): From $30 per user per month
• DLP (Data Loss Prevention): From $35 per user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations needing advanced features like video recording, forensic auditing, and more.

Option 4. ActivTrak

ActivTrak is a well-known user activity monitoring tool that is cloud-based, making it easily accessible from any Mac. Unlike other employee monitoring software, ActivTrak focuses on identifying larger trends such as efficiency roadblocks and signs of employee burnout.

Key Features of ActivTrak

• Employee Activity Logs: ActivTrak prioritizes employee well-being by analyzing habits to prevent burnout and enhance collaboration. It tracks website and software usage and offers screenshot monitoring for additional insights.
• Productivity Software: It evaluates work patterns to identify unproductive time, process bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies. Productivity metrics provide actionable insights to boost team performance.

ActivTrak Drawbacks

• Limited tracking of individual activity history.
• Fewer time-tracking features compared to competitors.
• Do not monitor suspicious behavior like keystrokes or emails, increasing security risks.

ActivTrak Pricing

• Free: $0
• Essentials: $10 per user/month
• Professional: $17 per user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available.

ActivTrak is a reliable and cost-effective monitoring solution for Macs, offering strong features for productivity tracking. However, its lack of detailed activity history may pose compliance and security challenges for organizations.

Option 5. Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a versatile time-tracking and productivity tool designed for distributed teams. It simplifies tracking active work hours and offers additional features like location tracking, automated payroll, online invoicing, and real-time dashboards to enhance operational efficiency.

Key Features of Hubstaff

• Time-Tracking: Hubstaff's user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage employee schedules, track individual contributions, and distinguish between billable and non-billable hours. It's ideal for overseeing project timelines and contractor work.
• Reporting: Automated time reports and cost management tools help teams stay within budget and streamline project oversight.

Hubstaff Drawbacks

• Limited features for analyzing workforce productivity beyond time-tracking.
• Mac monitoring tools are prone to crashes.
• Lacks advanced monitoring for data security, compliance, and performance incentives found in other software.

Hubstaff Pricing

Hubstaff Time

• Free: $0
• Starter: $5.83/user per month
• Pro: $8.33/user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Hubstaff Desk

• Free: $0
• Starter: $5.83/user per month
• Pro: $8.33/user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Hubstaff Field

• Pro: $10/user per month
• Desk Field: $12.50/user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Hubstaff is a practical tool for small remote teams seeking simple time-tracking and payroll management. While affordable and intuitive, it lacks the advanced monitoring capabilities needed for robust security, compliance enforcement, and employee performance optimization.

Option 6. Toggl Track

Toggl Track is a flexible and easy-to-use time-tracking tool designed to simplify the process of logging work hours. With its intuitive dashboard, it's ideal for managing larger teams, remote workers, multi-department projects, and freelancers, all while eliminating the hassle of manual timesheets.

Key Features of Toggl Track

• Ease of Use: Toggl Track is highly customizable with an intuitive interface, making it easy to integrate into your business workflow.
• Payroll Assistant: It tracks billable and non-billable hours across projects, making it a valuable tool for payroll management.

Toggl Track Drawbacks

• Lacks project management features.
• No real-time monitoring beyond basic time tracking.
• Basic analytics provide limited insights into employee productivity.

Toggl Track Pricing

• Free: $0
• Starter: $9 per user/month
• Premium: $18 per user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Toggl Track is a user-friendly, affordable option for teams seeking a customizable time-tracking and billing solution. However, it falls short in providing security features and in-depth analytics compared to other employee monitoring tools.

Option 7. Time Doctor

Time Doctor is a time-tracking tool that goes beyond basic tracking by offering detailed analytics on how employees spend their time, including website and app usage. Its intuitive online dashboard simplifies employee performance reviews and provides valuable insights into productivity.

Key Features of Time Doctor

• Productivity Analytics: Time Doctor provides detailed, user-friendly analytics on tasks and projects, helping organizations improve employee time management.
• Integrations: It offers numerous third-party integrations, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows.

Time Doctor Drawbacks

• Some users consider it too expensive for the features it offers.
• Certain integrations can be difficult to set up and may not work smoothly.
• Lacks advanced security and compliance features.

Time Doctor Pricing

• Basic: $5.90 per user/month
• Standard: $8.40 per user/month
• Premium: $16.70 per user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Time Doctor is effective for tracking employee time, managing schedules, and identifying top performers. However, it lacks the advanced features found in more comprehensive employee monitoring tools, particularly in terms of security and compliance.

Option 8. Monitask

Monitask is a cloud-based, user-friendly solution designed for business owners and managers to track various aspects of employee activity. It goes beyond simple time tracking by monitoring app usage, taking screenshots, logging mouse and keyboard activity, and more.

Key Features of Monitask

• Employee Activity History: Monitask offers comprehensive security features like location tracking, screenshots, and activity logs, providing better security than many competitors.
• Central Dashboard: The intuitive live dashboard offers real-time updates on employee productivity, project success, desktop screenshots, and other essential business data.

Monitask Drawbacks

• Time-tracking tools can be cumbersome, making it hard to incorporate break time into timesheets.
• Some users report technical issues that cause the online dashboard to break down.
• It is relatively expensive compared to other tools.

Monitask Pricing

• Pro: $5.99 per user/month
• Business: $8.99 per user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available

Monitask goes beyond simple time-tracking by providing real-time updates on employee activity and project status, making it a strong project management tool. It also offers some security features like keystroke monitoring, but it is less comprehensive than more advanced employee monitoring solutions like Teramind. Additionally, technical issues and its higher price may be a concern for some users.

Option 9. Desktime

DeskTime is an employee monitoring tool that tracks app and internet usage, program activity, and employee work habits. The platform is fully automated and easy to use, automatically recording when employees start and stop working. It provides detailed reports on productivity, performance, and more.

Key Features of DeskTime

• Detailed Document Tracking: DeskTime tracks not only internet usage but also the titles of documents and files employees work on.
• Private Time: Employees can toggle "private time" to temporarily prevent tracking when working on personal tasks during business hours, offering more control over what gets monitored.

DeskTime Drawbacks

• Automated tracking sometimes fails to accurately capture idle time.
• Lacks task assignment features and has limited project management capabilities.
• Does not include advanced security and compliance features.

DeskTime Pricing

• Pro: $6.42 per user/month
• Premium: $9.17 per user/month
• Enterprise: $18.33 per user/month

DeskTime helps identify employee work patterns and the time spent on specific projects, which can aid in improving performance and pinpointing bottlenecks. However, it falls short as a comprehensive security and project management tool.

Option 10. Insightful

As the name suggests, Insightful focuses on providing valuable insights into both real-time and historical time-tracking data to boost productivity and enhance performance reviews. The platform offers flexible, tiered solutions tailored to your organization's needs, allowing you to save money if you require less data.

Key Features of Insightful

• Tiered Pricing: Insightful offers customizable solutions for productivity tracking, time tracking, process improvement, and enterprise needs, allowing you to select the best plan based on your business requirements.
• Real-time Tracking: The intuitive dashboard provides real-time monitoring of employee work patterns, helping you track progress, identify risks, and distinguish between billable and non-billable hours.

Insightful Drawbacks

• Lacks security and compliance features like keystroke logging, file tracking, and monitoring of suspicious activities.
• Time-tracking features sometimes experience failures.
• Limited project management capabilities.

Insightful Pricing

• Productivity Management: $6.40 per user/month
• Time Tracking: $8 per user/month
• Process Improvement: $12 per user/month
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Insightful makes it easier to track employee schedules and monitor real-time productivity. However, it lacks essential project management and security features and does not offer advanced remote monitoring tools like screen recording or integrations with popular tools like Google Drive or Slack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monitoring your Mac remotely is essential for businesses that rely on Apple devices. Among the top software options, AnyViewer stands out for its ease of use, real-time monitoring, and cross-platform compatibility. Whether you're overseeing a few machines or a large fleet of Macs, AnyViewer provides an efficient, secure solution for remote monitoring and troubleshooting. While other tools like Apple Remote Desktop and Teramind offer robust features, AnyViewer provides a cost-effective, user-friendly choice for businesses of all sizes.