Monitask vs. Hubstaff: Which Employee Monitoring App Should You Choose?Employee monitoring apps have become core tools for remote teams, freelancers, and managers who need visibility into time, productivity, and task progress. Two established options in this space are Monitask and Hubstaff. This article compares them across features, pricing, privacy, ease of use, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right solution for your team.
Quick verdict
- If you need a lightweight, privacy-minded, straightforward time tracker with basic screenshots and minimal learning curve, Monitask is a solid pick.
- If you need advanced workforce management — including robust reporting, GPS tracking, payroll, large-app integrations, and extensive admin controls — Hubstaff is the more feature-rich option.
Core feature comparison
| Area | Monitask | Hubstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Time tracking | Desktop and web time tracking with manual and auto modes | Desktop, mobile, and web with rich time capture options |
| Screenshots | Automatic screenshots at set intervals | Automatic screenshots + optional hide sensitive apps |
| Activity levels | Keystroke and mouse movement activity metrics | Activity tracking with optional screenshots |
| GPS & geofencing | Not primary focus | Yes — GPS, geofencing, field team tracking |
| Payroll & invoicing | Basic exportable reports | Built-in payroll, timesheet approvals, invoicing |
| Integrations | Limited (some task trackers) | Extensive: Asana, Trello, Jira, QuickBooks, Slack, Zapier |
| Reporting & analytics | Simple time and activity reports | Advanced customizable reports and insights |
| User limits & scaling | Better for small-to-medium teams | Designed to scale to large teams and field work |
| Privacy controls | Simple privacy options | Granular controls and admin policies |
| Pricing | Generally lower cost | Higher-tier plans for advanced features |
Features in detail
Time capture and tracking
Monitask provides straightforward desktop and web-based time tracking with options for manual start/stop or automatic session recording. Hubstaff supports desktop, mobile, and web clients, giving you more flexibility for teams that work across devices or in the field.
Screenshots and activity monitoring
Both capture screenshots and measure activity (mouse/keyboard). Monitask focuses on periodic screenshots and a simple activity metric. Hubstaff offers configurable screenshot settings, privacy features to blur or omit screenshots for sensitive apps, and richer activity detail.
GPS, field tracking, and mobile
Hubstaff includes GPS location tracking, geofencing, and mobile time capture — important when you need to monitor field teams or route-based work. Monitask lacks advanced mobile/GPS features and is better suited to desktop-based work.
Reporting, payroll, and billing
Hubstaff’s built-in payroll, expense tracking, invoicing, and highly customizable reports make it a strong choice if you want an all-in-one workforce management platform. Monitask offers exportable time and activity reports sufficient for billing but not full payroll processing.
Integrations
Hubstaff integrates with many project management, accounting, and communication tools via native connectors and Zapier. Monitask has fewer native integrations, so teams relying heavily on 3rd-party tools may find Hubstaff easier to fit into existing workflows.
Privacy and security
Both services emphasize security, but there are differences in control granularity. Monitask’s simpler model may be perceived as less intrusive for small teams. Hubstaff provides granular admin controls, screenshot privacy options, and compliance features useful for larger organizations.
Ease of use and setup
Monitask is lightweight and quick to deploy, with a minimal learning curve. Hubstaff’s broader feature set requires more setup and admin configuration, which can be worthwhile for teams that need the extra capabilities.
Pricing and value
Monitask typically sits at a lower price point and is cost-effective for small teams or freelancers. Hubstaff has a wider range of plans and add-ons; the base tier covers core tracking, but advanced features (payroll, GPS, advanced reports) raise the cost. Consider total cost as your team scales and whether you need the advanced modules.
Use cases and recommendations
-
Choose Monitask if:
- You run a small remote team or are a freelancer.
- You want simple time tracking with occasional screenshots.
- Simplicity, low cost, and quick setup matter.
-
Choose Hubstaff if:
- You manage field teams or mobile workers and need GPS/geofencing.
- You require built-in payroll, invoices, or deep integrations.
- You need advanced reporting and enterprise controls.
Privacy and employee acceptance
Monitoring can affect morale. Communicate clearly about what you track, why, and how data will be used. Use features like blurred screenshots, activity thresholds, or opt-in modes where appropriate, especially if privacy concerns are high.
Final thoughts
Both Monitask and Hubstaff are competent employee monitoring tools targeting different needs. Monitask offers simplicity, lower cost, and an easy-to-use experience for small teams. Hubstaff delivers a more comprehensive workforce management platform, better for scaling, field teams, and organizations needing payroll or deep integrations. Match the product to your team’s size, workforce type (desktop vs. mobile), and the importance of advanced features like GPS and payroll.
If you tell me your team size, device mix (desktop/mobile), and must-have features, I can recommend the most cost-effective plan and setup.
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