At a Glance
The Chrome Extension tracks browser-based activity across web apps like Gmail, Salesforce, and Google Workspace. It is quick to deploy with no IT involvement, but is limited to what happens in the browser.
Desktop Connect goes further — it tracks both browser activity and desktop applications (Excel, Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.), captures data every 6 seconds rather than on an activity-event basis, cannot be disabled by the employee, and supports IT-managed silent deployment via Intune/MDM/RMM.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chrome Extension | Desktop Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks web/browser activity | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tracks desktop apps (Excel, Photoshop, etc.) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Data capture interval | Variable (activity-based) | Every 6 seconds |
| Can be disabled by employee | Yes | No |
| Silent IT-managed deployment | Via Google Admin | Intune / MDM / RMM |
| Maps multiple machines to one user | ❌ | ✅ |
| Screenshot & live screen view | ❌ | Optional add-on |
| Custom activity categories | Limited | 9 pre-built + 5 custom |
When to Upgrade to Desktop Connect
- Your team uses desktop software — if employees work in Excel, Adobe tools, AutoCAD, or any non-browser app, the Chrome Extension misses a significant portion of their productive time.
- You need more reliable data — Desktop Connect runs at the system level and cannot be paused or removed by the user, providing consistent gap-free activity data.
- You want software license insights — Desktop Connect tracks which apps are actively used to identify unused licenses and reduce software spend.
When to Stick with the Chrome Extension
The Chrome Extension is still a solid foundation if your team works entirely in the browser, you don't have IT resources for agent deployment, or you prefer a lighter-touch self-managed setup.
