Top 10 Online Proctoring Tools: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Introduction

Online proctoring tools are specialized software platforms designed to monitor and supervise remote examinations using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), human oversight, and hardware control. By leveraging webcams, microphones, and screen-sharing technology, these tools create a “virtual testing center” that allows candidates to take exams from the comfort of home while maintaining the same standards of integrity as a proctored physical hall. These systems typically function in three ways: live proctoring (real-time human monitoring), record-and-review (recording sessions for later human audit), and fully automated proctoring (AI-driven detection of suspicious behavior).

The importance of these tools lies in their ability to scale education and certification globally. Key real-world use cases include preventing “screen-hopping” or unauthorized resource access during exams, detecting second-device usage via mobile detection, and providing identity verification through facial recognition or government ID scans. When choosing a tool, evaluators must look for seamless Learning Management System (LMS) integration, robust data privacy protocols (like GDPR and SOC 2), high-performance stability in low-bandwidth regions, and a “student-first” user experience that minimizes exam anxiety.

Best for: Higher education institutions, global certification bodies, and enterprise HR departments conducting large-scale recruitment or internal compliance training. It is ideal for organizations that need to validate high-stakes credentials across geographically dispersed populations.

Not ideal for: Small-scale informal quizzes, low-stakes internal meetings, or organizations with very strict “no-software-install” policies on personal devices, where alternative methods like open-book assessments or project-based evaluations may be more effective.

Top 10 Online Proctoring Tools

1 — Proctorio

Proctorio is a leading automated proctoring platform that integrates directly into your existing LMS browser (via an extension). It is designed for massive scalability, handling millions of exams annually without the need for human scheduling.

• Key features:
  • Zero-knowledge encryption ensures student data is only viewable by the institution.
  • Customizable “Recording” and “Lockdown” settings (e.g., disable printing, clipboard, or tabs).
  • Identity verification using automated ID card snapshots and facial detection.
  • Real-time “Suspicion Score” generated by AI based on behavioral cues.
  • No scheduling required; students can take exams 24/7/365.
  • Integration with Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and Google Classroom.
• Pros:
  • Extremely scalable as it doesn’t rely on human proctor availability.
  • One of the most privacy-conscious tools due to its end-to-end encryption model.
• Cons:
  • Relying entirely on AI can lead to “false positives” (e.g., flagging a student for sneezing).
  • Browser extension-only model may struggle with certain localized hardware settings.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, FERPA, COPPA, and ADA compliant.
• Support & community: Extensive online knowledge base and 24/7 technical support for test-takers and admins.

2 — ProctorU (by Meazure Learning)

ProctorU is widely considered the gold standard for high-stakes testing, offering a heavy emphasis on live human interaction combined with AI behavioral analysis.

• Key features:
  • Live+ proctoring: A human proctor monitors the entire session in real-time.
  • Multi-factor identity verification including challenge questions.
  • AI-driven “Eye-tracking” and “Audio Analytics” to assist human proctors.
  • Secure browser lockdown that prevents access to local files and external sites.
  • Integrated “LTI” (Learning Tools Interoperability) for seamless LMS connection.
  • Advanced reporting dashboards for institutional integrity trends.
• Pros:
  • Real-time human intervention allows proctors to stop cheating before it finishes.
  • High trust level for professional boards (Medicine, Law, CPA).
• Cons:
  • Higher cost per exam compared to fully automated solutions.
  • Requires students to schedule exams in advance, reducing flexibility.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 compliant.
• Support & community: 24/7 live support for students; dedicated account managers for enterprise clients.

3 — Examity

Examity is a flexible proctoring service that offers “tiered” levels of security, allowing organizations to choose between automated, record-and-review, or live proctoring based on the exam’s importance.

• Key features:
  • “V-5” algorithm for predictive behavioral analysis.
  • Dynamic scheduling system for on-demand human-led exams.
  • Automated mobile device detection to prevent secondary screen cheating.
  • “Fairness First” student dashboard to reduce technical friction.
  • Identity verification with facial recognition and biometric keystroke analysis.
  • Deep integration with Workday, Greenhouse, and major academic LMS.
• Pros:
  • Tiered pricing allows for cost-savings on low-stakes quizzes while securing finals.
  • Strong emphasis on reducing student anxiety through a clear onboarding flow.
• Cons:
  • Some users report inconsistent proctoring quality across different global regions.
  • The setup process can be more complex than “plug-and-play” alternatives.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR compliant.
• Support & community: Strong global presence with support available in multiple languages.

4 — Honorlock

Honorlock gained notoriety for its “Search & Destroy” feature, which identifies leaked exam questions online, and its innovative approach to detecting mobile devices used during an exam.

• Key features:
  • “Search & Destroy” technology tracks down and removes copyrighted exam content.
  • Patent-pending technology detects secondary devices (phones, tablets) in the room.
  • Hybrid proctoring: AI monitors the exam and “pops in” a human proctor only if needed.
  • No standalone software or login required for students (integrates with LMS).
  • Voice detection that recognizes specific keywords (e.g., “Siri,” “OK Google”).
  • Browser Guard technology that creates a secure, sandboxed testing environment.
• Pros:
  • Excellent balance between automation (low cost) and human oversight.
  • The best mobile device detection in the current market.
• Cons:
  • Exclusively works on the Google Chrome browser.
  • Privacy advocates have raised concerns over the “secondary device” scanning logic.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, FERPA, and GDPR compliant.
• Support & community: 24/7 US-based chat support with very fast response times.

5 — Mercer | Mettl

Mercer | Mettl is a global leader in pre-employment and corporate assessment, providing a robust suite of proctoring tools used by HR departments and professional certification bodies.

• Key features:
  • AI-based “Cheating Detection” with a 95% accuracy rate for 18+ violation types.
  • Secure Exam Browser (Mettl Secure Browser) that locks down the OS.
  • “SpeechSense” technology that separates candidate voice from background noise.
  • Multi-layered identity verification (OTP, ID Card, Facial Scan).
  • Customizable integrity reports with time-stamped video flags.
  • 24/7 live monitoring dashboard for administrators.
• Pros:
  • Highly optimized for recruitment and technical coding assessments.
  • Excellent performance in low-bandwidth regions (e.g., emerging markets).
• Cons:
  • The UI is more “corporate” than “academic,” which may not suit K-12 needs.
  • Advanced analytics features can be overwhelming for smaller teams.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and Privacy Shield.
• Support & community: Global 24/7 support with localized experts in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

6 — ProctorTrack (by Verificient)

ProctorTrack is known for its high-tech approach to identity verification and its unique “two-camera” monitoring system that uses a student’s phone as a secondary vantage point.

• Key features:
  • Two-camera monitoring: Uses the webcam and a smartphone for 360-degree views.
  • “SPADE” dashboard for student privacy (allows students to view/delete data).
  • PEBble Browser: A proprietary browser built specifically to block AI chatbots.
  • Automated ID verification and biometric “Selfie” scans.
  • Mobile app that acts as a secure calculator and environment scanner.
  • Integration with over 20 different LMS platforms.
• Pros:
  • Offers some of the most rigorous identity checks in the industry.
  • The secondary camera significantly reduces the chance of hidden notes.
• Cons:
  • Higher “technical friction” for students due to multi-device setup.
  • The software can be very demanding on older hardware.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
• Support & community: Dedicated onboarding specialists and 24/7 technical helpdesk.

7 — Talview

Talview is a modern, AI-first platform that combines proctoring with video interviewing, making it a standout choice for high-volume recruitment and executive certifications.

• Key features:
  • AI-powered “Proctoring + Interviewing” in a single candidate journey.
  • Mobile-first design allowing for assessments on smartphones and tablets.
  • Multi-modal proctoring: Automated, Live, and Record-and-Review.
  • Detailed candidate “Credibility Score” based on behavioral signals.
  • Offline mode for areas with intermittent internet connectivity.
  • White-labeling options for corporate branding.
• Pros:
  • Best-in-class mobile experience for candidates without laptops.
  • Unified platform for recruitment saves time for HR teams.
• Cons:
  • Lacks some of the specialized “LMS-specific” features found in academic tools.
  • Pricing is geared more toward enterprise contracts than individual courses.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, PDPA, and CCPA compliant.
• Support & community: 24/7 multi-channel support and a comprehensive partner ecosystem.

8 — PSI Bridge

PSI Bridge is part of the massive PSI testing network, focusing on professional licensure and high-stakes government certifications where security is the absolute priority.

• Key features:PSI Secure Browser locks down the entire computer at the kernel level.
  • Integrated “Zero-Wait” check-in process to reduce candidate frustration.
  • “Business Rule” customization: Define exactly what counts as a violation.
  • Multilingual proctors for global exam delivery.
  • High-definition video recording of both the candidate and their screen.
  • End-to-end management from exam creation to results review.
• Pros:
  • Deeply established in the global professional certification market.
  • The most secure browser lockdown among the top 10 list.
• Cons:
  • The interface feels a bit dated and utilitarian.
  • Support response times can be slower during peak testing windows.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials.
• Support & community: Specialized enterprise support for government and corporate sectors.

9 — SmarterProctoring

SmarterProctoring is a unique “management system” that coordinates all types of proctoring, including in-person physical testing centers and virtual proctoring.

• Key features:
  • Unified dashboard to manage virtual, physical, and instructor-led proctoring.
  • “SecureSession” utility app to block local applications and screenshots.
  • Automated scheduling for physical testing centers integrated into the LMS.
  • AI behavior tracking with optional expert human review.
  • Student “Accommodation” management for ADA compliance.
  • No per-user logins for students; all access is via the LMS.
• Pros:
  • The best choice for “hybrid” institutions that use both online and local centers.
  • Simplifies the complex logistics of managing multiple proctoring modalities.
• Cons:
  • The AI features are slightly less advanced than specialized AI tools like Proctorio.
  • Can be complex to set up if only using 100% online proctoring.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and FERPA compliant.
• Support & community: Excellent documentation and responsive US-based support team.

10 — ExamSoft (ExamID & ExamMonitor)

ExamSoft is built for the “highest of high stakes,” used by medical boards and law schools where testing must continue even if the internet fails.

• Key features:
  • Examplify: A secure testing application that works entirely offline.
  • “ExamID” biometric verification at the start of every exam.
  • “ExamMonitor” records video/audio and uploads it once internet is restored.
  • Advanced analytics to track “Learning Outcomes” per question.
  • Military-grade encryption for all exam content and answer files.
  • Comprehensive post-exam audit trails for every keystroke.
• Pros:
  • Unrivaled reliability—exams cannot be interrupted by Wi-Fi drops.
  • The strongest data analytics for curriculum improvement.
• Cons:
  • Expensive licensing makes it inaccessible for smaller schools.
  • Strict hardware requirements can be a barrier for some students.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, ADA, and GDPR.
• Support & community: High-touch account management and intensive training for faculty.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Online Proctoring Tools

Choosing the right platform requires balancing security needs against the “cost” to the student or candidate. Below is our scoring rubric used for this evaluation.

Which Online Proctoring Tool Is Right for You?

Selecting the right tool depends heavily on your specific “stakes” and user population.

• Solo Users & Small Coaches: If you are an individual educator, you likely don’t need these heavy enterprise platforms. Consider using simple “LMS Lockdown” features built into tools like Moodle or basic video conferencing with manual review.
• SMBs & Boutique Certification Bodies: Honorlock or Examity are excellent choices. They offer high-end security (like mobile detection) without the massive infrastructure requirements of the larger players.
• Higher Education Institutions: Proctorio is the most cost-effective for large state universities needing massive scale, while SmarterProctoring is better if your university still maintains physical testing labs.
• Professional Licensing (Med/Law/CPA): ExamSoft or ProctorU are the industry standards. The risk of a “leak” or cheating in these industries is too high to rely solely on automated AI.
• Corporate HR & Recruitment: Mercer | Mettl and Talview are the clear winners. They integrate with recruitment software (ATS) and focus on technical validation rather than just academic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does online proctoring invade student privacy?

Most enterprise tools are strictly regulated by laws like GDPR and FERPA. While they do record video and audio, reputable tools (like Proctorio) use zero-knowledge encryption so that the proctoring company cannot actually view the student’s data—only the institution can.

2. Can these tools detect phones used under the desk?

Tools like Honorlock use specialized Wi-Fi and audio detection to identify if a student is accessing the exam URL or secondary apps on a phone, while ProctorTrack uses a second camera to see the entire room.

3. What happens if my internet drops during an exam?

Most tools have “re-entry” logic that allows you to resume once connected. However, ExamSoft is the only one that allows you to complete the entire exam offline, only requiring internet for the final upload.

4. Are these tools accessible for students with disabilities?

Top-tier tools are ADA and WCAG 2.1 compliant. They allow instructors to set “exceptions” for specific students, such as allowing extra time, bathroom breaks, or the use of screen readers.

5. How does AI proctoring differ from Live proctoring?

AI proctoring uses algorithms to “flag” suspicious behavior for later review by a human. Live proctoring involves a person watching the video feed in real-time, often with the ability to chat with the student and stop the exam immediately.

6. Do I need to buy a new webcam?

Generally, any standard internal laptop webcam (720p or higher) is sufficient. Some high-stakes exams may require an external 1080p camera to show a wider angle of the room.

7. Can proctors see my files or passwords?

Legitimate proctoring tools use “Browser Lockdown” to prevent you from opening files, but they do not have the technical ability to “read” your hard drive or see your personal passwords stored in your browser.

8. What is a “False Positive”?

This is when the AI flags a student for something innocent—like reading a question out loud or a cat jumping on the desk. This is why the best tools always have a human review the flags before any disciplinary action is taken.

9. Is there a free version of these tools?

No, professional proctoring involves high costs for server storage and human labor. However, some LMS platforms have very basic “Lockdown” features included in their standard license.

10. How do I prepare my students for their first proctored exam?

The best practice is to run a “Practice Quiz” with zero points. This allows students to install the software, test their webcam, and experience the proctoring environment without the stress of a real grade.

Conclusion

The “best” online proctoring tool is ultimately the one that aligns with your institutional values regarding privacy, security, and student experience. While AI-driven automation like Proctorio offers incredible scale, high-stakes environments will always benefit from the human touch of ProctorU or the offline reliability of ExamSoft. As we look toward the future, the integration of biometric verification and AI-behavioral insights will continue to make remote testing as secure—if not more so—than traditional classroom settings.