In this article, we’re going to discuss:

• How open-source tools provide full control over your data and customization.
• The trade-offs between cost savings and the technical expertise required.
• When open-source tools may lack enterprise-level features and support.
• The top employee monitoring software open source tools and their key benefits.

Not every business has the budget for enterprise software—and for tech-savvy teams, open-source employee monitoring tools can be a smart, flexible alternative. But they come with trade-offs: while the price tag is appealing, setup and maintenance often require deeper technical know-how.

In this article, we’re going to explore the best open source employee monitoring software options available today. You’ll learn what each tool offers, how customizable it is, and what security risks to consider—so you can choose a solution that fits your workflow, budget, and capabilities.
‍

1. ActivityWatch: Private, Cross-Platform Tracking You Can Control

ActivityWatch is an open-source employee team monitoring software that tracks app usage, window activity, and idle time, all while keeping data stored locally. This allows teams to maintain control over sensitive information, offering privacy without relying on the cloud.

It’s highly customizable and works across Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, it lacks features like centralized reporting or automated alerts and requires a solid level of technical expertise to set up and maintain.

Pros:
✅ Full control over data privacy
✅ Customizable and flexible
✅ Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Cons:
❌ Requires technical expertise to set up and manage
❌ Lacks enterprise features like automated alerts and centralized reporting

2. WakaTime (Self-Hosted Option): Developer-Focused Time Tracking

WakaTime is a time tracking software open source tool mainly targeted at developers. It integrates with most code editors and IDEs, providing automatic logging of coding activity. The self-hosted version offers full control over the data, which can be hosted on your own server or a cloud platform of your choice.

It’s a great solution for teams focused on coding productivity, but it may not provide enough general employee monitoring features for broader team needs. While the tool is simple to set up, it requires development expertise to make the most of its self-hosted capabilities.

Pros:
✅ Full control over coding activity tracking
✅ Easy to integrate with various IDEs
✅ Self-hosted, offering data privacy

Cons:
❌ Limited to developer-focused activity tracking
❌ Requires technical expertise for self-hosting
❌ Lacks broader team monitoring capabilities
‍

3. TimeTagger: Lightweight and Customizable

TimeTagger is a simple, employee time tracking software open source tool that allows users to log and categorize their time. While not traditionally designed for full employee monitoring, it can be adapted to track work-related activity and provide basic insights into time allocation.

Its minimalist design makes it ideal for teams looking for a lightweight solution that’s easy to install and modify. However, it lacks advanced features like automated reporting, centralized dashboards, and alerts. As a result, it may require additional custom development to meet specific organizational needs.

Pros:
✅ Lightweight and easy to use
✅ Customizable with minimal setup
✅ Ideal for small teams or projects

Cons:
❌ Lacks advanced monitoring features
❌ Requires customization for detailed reporting
❌ Limited scalability for larger teams
‍

4. StaffCounter: Comprehensive Monitoring with a Customizable Dashboard

StaffCounter is a full-featured open-source employee monitoring tool that tracks user activity, including screenshots, keystrokes, and app usage. It offers a customizable dashboard that allows businesses to tailor the reporting and monitoring experience.

Though StaffCounter can be self-hosted, it’s more complex to set up than simpler tracking tools, requiring some IT expertise for installation and maintenance. Additionally, due to its comprehensive tracking features, businesses should be cautious about how they use the tool, as it may raise privacy concerns for employees.

Pros:
✅ Comprehensive monitoring features (keystrokes, screenshots, app usage)
✅ Customizable dashboard and reporting
✅ Self-hosted for data privacy

Cons:
❌ Requires significant technical expertise to set up and maintain
❌ May raise privacy concerns with employees
❌ Complex for smaller teams or non-technical users
‍

5. Project Hamster: Simple Time Tracking for Linux Teams

Project Hamster is an open-source time tracking tool designed for Linux users. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and provides a simple way for individuals to log their working hours, making it great for teams that need a basic tool without complex features.

While it’s not a full employee monitoring solution, it can be adapted for use in smaller teams that need minimal monitoring capabilities. Since it’s focused on time tracking rather than comprehensive activity monitoring, its application in larger businesses or teams is limited.

Pros:
✅ Lightweight and easy to use
✅ Simple time tracking for individuals
✅ Works well for small teams or individual use

Cons:
❌ Limited functionality for broader employee monitoring
❌ Only available for Linux, which limits compatibility
❌ Lacks advanced features like reporting and alerts
‍

How to Decide If Open-Source Employee Monitoring Is Right for Your Team

Choosing between open-source and commercial remote employee tracking software depends on your team's needs, budget, and technical resources. Open-source tools provide complete control over data, offer customization, and usually come with a lower price tag.

However, they typically require more technical expertise for setup and maintenance, and they may lack the advanced features, support, and scalability found in commercial solutions.

Consider the following factors when choosing the right solution for your team:
‍

• Technical expertise: Open-source tools require more hands-on involvement. Does your team have the IT resources to handle setup and maintenance?
  
  
• Budget: Open-source tools are free, but they may require a significant investment of time and resources for customization and troubleshooting.
  
  
• Feature needs: If your team requires advanced reporting, automated alerts, or integrations with other tools, commercial tools might be a better fit.
  ‍

What should teams consider before choosing an open-source employee monitoring tool?

While open-source tools provide customization and privacy, they often focus on specific use cases (like developer activity tracking). Teams should consider whether the tool’s capabilities align with their broader needs and whether they have the technical resources to manage self-hosting.
‍

What are the disadvantages of open-source employee monitoring tools?

Open-source tools offer full control and customization but often lack out-of-the-box features, support, and scalability that commercial solutions provide. They also require more technical expertise to set up and maintain, making them more suitable for teams with dedicated IT resources.
‍

Start Monitoring Smarter with the Right Tool for Your Team

Choosing the right employee monitoring solution depends on your team’s size, technical expertise, and specific needs. Open-source tools offer flexibility and control, but they may require more effort to set up and maintain compared to commercial options like Insightful (formerly Workpuls), which come with robust features and ongoing support.

If you have the resources and want a customizable, cost-effective option, open-source tools can be a great choice. However, if you need a tool with out-of-the-box functionality, scalability, and dedicated support, commercial solutions might be worth considering.

Start a 7-day free trial of Insightful today to explore its powerful monitoring features and discover how it can streamline your team’s performance tracking.

‍