Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. Products

Typing trackers: the five best free keylogging tools for Windows and Mac

Rick Stella
By

best free keyloggers for windows and mac os x shutterstock 178295108
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Keyloggers are designed to record each keystroke performed on the computers on which they are installed. Some keyloggers even automatically record which programs are running, and send information to whoever installed it without the user’s knowledge, creating a simple and discrete method for monitoring activity.

Keep in mind that commercial keyloggers aren’t necessarily illegal, as long as you’re the owner of the computer on which the software is installed. You may encounter some moral, and possibly legal issues if you’re not.

Recommended Videos

Here are our top picks for the best free keyloggers for Windows and Mac. Also, feel free to check out our favorite picks for the best parental control software, along with our step-by-step guide for blocking an unwanted website.

Related

Kidlogger (Windows/Mac OS X)

As one of the most in-depth free keyloggers out there, Kidlogger does more than just provide parents with keystroke info. Kidlogger captures periodic screenshots and webcam images when using chat programs like Skype, while simultaneously logging application and webpage usage info.

KidLogger
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You can also define a list of specific keywords or phrases, such as “drugs” or “sex.” Kidlogger also tracks the amount of active time for any user on a computer, and emails detailed reports straight to your inbox.

Revealer Keylogger (Windows)

Revealer Keylogger records every keystroke typed on a target computer, regardless of the programs that are used, while also allowing you to customize the application’s startup settings.

Revealer Keylogger
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The program also functions undetected in nearly all situations, and boasts password protection to boot. The ability to automatically send reports via email is exclusive to the premium package ($40), though the freemium option should suffice for those merely looking for a simple way to log keystrokes and little else.

Spyrix Keylogger (Windows)

You can’t have it all for free. Though some notable features are missing from the free version of Spyrix Keylogger, it’s still a solid option. Spyrix gives you the ability to capture any keystrokes that are typed on a target computer, with the option to take periodic screenshots as well.

Spyrix Keylogger
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The program does show up in your computer’s active processes, and the software’s install folder isn’t exactly hidden. However, computer admins are still able to password protect the program to prevent unwanted changes from being made. On top of that, you can even monitor removable flash drives and printers, or remotely uninstall the software if need be.

Blackbox Express (Windows)

If you’re looking for a complete keylogging service with the ability to track multiple computers, look no further than Blackbox Express. Not only do you have the ability to watch one local computer, but the software allows you to track up to 200 other computers on the same network. The software offers all the basic functionality you’ve come to expect from a standard keylogger, including the ability to log keystrokes, capture screenshots, and monitor page visits and app usage — along with options for viewing instant messaging activity, and more.

Blackbox Express
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Blackbox Express also has the ability to send email and text alerts whenever a user types a defined keyword. Plus, the interface and setup wizard make using it a breeze. Blackbox Express does show up in the Task Manager as an active process, so keep that in mind.

DanuSoft Free Keylogger (Windows)

DanuSoft Free Keylogger is a solid program that features minimal bells and whistles. It provides low-profile monitoring, and logs user keystrokes while stealthily running in the background.

DanuSoft Keylogger
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The program requires administrator-created keywords to hide or show the program. Unfortunately, the software remains visible in the computer’s Task Manager, and there’s no password protection option. DanuSoft Free Keylogger is extremely lightweight and easy to use, which should appeal to novice keylogger users.

Do you have a favorite keylogger which didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below.

[Header image courtesy of: Evdokimov Maxim/Shutterstock]

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rick Stella
Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
How to take a screenshot on a Mac
The keyboard and trackpad of the MacBook Pro 14-inch.

For most new Mac users -- especially if they're coming from Windows -- one of the first questions they need to ask is how to take a screenshot on a Mac? There's no dedicated Print Screen key like there is on Windows, but there is keyboard shortcut, and if you want something more akin to Microsoft's Windows Snipping tool, there are some great screenshot apps you can use, too.

Here's how to take a screenshot on a Mac in a few different ways.
How to take a screenshot using keyboard shortcuts
MacOS keyboard shortcuts are the quickest ways to take screenshots, whether you're capturing the entire screen or just a portion. By default, Apple's methods save your screenshot to the desktop, but if you want to copy the screenshot to the clipboard, there's a keyboard shortcut you can use instead.
How to capture a selected area

Read more
The best MacBook to buy in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with its M3 generation of chips, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. That’s not always easy, though, as buying the newest MacBook isn’t always the right decision. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.

Read more
Best refurbished MacBook deals: Get a MacBook Air for $140 and more
A stack of MacBooks is pictured from the top down.

If you’re in the market for one of the best laptops it’s worth turning your attention toward Apple’s MacBook lineup, and if you’re looking for some savings it can be helpful to shop MacBook deals. Due to the popularity of Apple’s MacBooks they don’t often see significant discounts, but a good way to land some impressive MacBook deals is by shopping refurbished. Most refurbished MacBooks are backed by warranties and decent return windows, allowing you to shop refurbished MacBooks with the confidence you might have when shopping for a brand new one. We’ve tracked down what we feel are the best refurbished MacBook deals currently taking place, so feel free to start shopping for a refurbished MacBook with some savings.
MacBook Air 11.6-inch (2015) -- from $140

Once the latest MacBook Air but now eight years old and still competent, the MacBook Air 11.6-inch (2015) is a great starting point for anyone new to macOS or who just needs something financially on par with a Chromebook. It's a refurbished model but it comes with a one-year warranty so there's peace of mind here. It won't run the latest macOS unfortunately, but its Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and 128GB of SSD storage helps you perform the basics. It still has all the style of a MacBook so we're thinking this could be a good entry point as your child's first MacBook or if you want a project.

Read more