Managing a team isn’t always easy, especially when you’re working remotely or in a hybrid setup. As a leader, you know how important it is to stay connected with your team, even if you’re spread out across different time zones or locations. That’s where the right remote management tools can make all the difference—helping you streamline processes, improve collaboration, and keep track of team progress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best collaboration tools for remote teams. From holding meetings to handling security and sharing files, you'll find what you need to maintain a productive remote workforce.
What are remote management tools?
Remote management tools are software solutions designed to help leaders and managers oversee remote or hybrid teams effectively. These tools can vary depending on the manager's needs, but they generally assist with various aspects of team management, including communication, collaboration, project tracking, and performance monitoring, no matter where team members are located.
20 of the best remote management tools
Whether you're managing projects, protecting data, or communicating with team members in real time, there's a tool for every need. Here are 20 of the best remote management tools that can help you manage all aspects of remote work.
Best remote work tools for communication
1. Zoom
Zoom remains one of the top choices for video conferencing among remote teams, and for good reason. It is user-friendly, offering high-quality video and audio calls, which is crucial for maintaining clear communication across remote teams.
Zoom can accommodate both small teams and large organizations—you can host up to 500 or 1000 participants depending on the license. You’ll also find features like screen sharing and meeting recording, making Zoom ideal for presentations, training sessions, and team updates.
Plus, the platform offers virtual backgrounds, letting you maintain privacy while adding a fun element to your calls. Zoom’s compatibility across various devices (Windows, macOS, mobile platforms) makes it a versatile choice for managers looking to foster real-time collaboration and keep communication flowing smoothly across their teams.
For managers already within the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Teams is a powerhouse for collaboration. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering a centralized platform for chat, video conferencing, and file sharing. With tools like screen sharing, virtual meeting rooms, and real-time document editing, Teams helps keep remote teams on the same page, no matter where they are.
One of its standout features is its strong security, including end-to-end encryption, which ensures your team's communications are protected. For managers looking for a versatile, all-in-one platform, Teams is a solid option that supports integration with other tools like Trello and Asana, making project management smoother.
3. Google Meet
Google Meet is a great option for teams that rely on Google Workspace. It offers high-definition video meetings and accommodates up to 100 participants, which is perfect for team check-ins or client meetings. This tool is accessible from any device with internet access, ensuring flexibility for your remote workforce.
As a manager, you’ll appreciate features like live captioning for accessibility and the ability to record meetings directly to Google Drive for easy reference. Google Meet also integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, streamlining the scheduling process. For teams already in the Google ecosystem, this tool simplifies communication without the need for additional software.
4. Slack
Slack isn't just a chat tool; it's a powerful platform for remote management. It fosters communication with channels, direct messaging, and video calls. Slack's integration with countless apps, including Google Drive and Trello, makes it a flexible choice for project management.
Managers can easily share files, track project progress, and use the search function to find past conversations and important files. With strong security features, including two-factor authentication and encryption, Slack is an excellent choice for teams looking for a secure, flexible communication tool.
5. Google Chat
Google Chat, part of Google Workspace, is an easy way for teams to communicate. Unlike Google Meet (GM), which focuses on video calls, Google Chat is for text messaging and long-term project rooms.
For managers, this tool helps create a more organized, collaborative environment by allowing teams to communicate asynchronously, while also integrating seamlessly with Google Meet for video calls when needed.
It also supports file sharing, making it easy for teams to share documents and stay on the same page. With security features like data loss prevention and encryption, Google Chat is a solid choice for teams looking for a straightforward, secure communication tool within the Google ecosystem.
Best for project management and task-tracking
6. Trello
Trello is a visual tool that makes managing projects easier for remote teams. It uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize and prioritize tasks. As a manager, you’ll love how customizable it is—each card can include labels, due dates, checklists, and attachments to keep everything in order.
Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to track project progress and collaborate with team members. Trello integrates with a variety of apps, including Slack and Google Drive, expanding its functionality. Plus, it’s available on both desktop and mobile, so you can stay on top of tasks from anywhere.
7. Jira
Jira is a powerful tool for remote management and task-tracking, and it’s especially popular among software development teams. With features for sprint planning, backlog grooming, and issue tracking, Jira helps you stay organized and efficient.
Its customizable workflows allow you to tailor the tool to your team's processes, and the real-time reporting offers actionable insights, making it easier for managers to make data-driven decisions. With robust security features, Jira is a secure and reliable option for managing remote teams and tasks.
8. Asana
Asana is a versatile project management tool that helps teams stay organized and on track. With features like task assignments, due dates, and project timelines, you can easily manage workloads and ensure deadlines are met. As a manager, you’ll appreciate how it integrates with other tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive, creating a seamless workflow.
Its user-friendly interface allows for quick onboarding, even for those new to project management software. The reporting features provide insights into project progress and team performance. Compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, it ensures accessibility for your remote workforce.
9. Monday.com
Monday.com is a comprehensive work operating system designed to streamline project planning and tracking for remote teams. Whether you’re overseeing a marketing campaign or software development project, its customizable boards fit any workflow. With features like automation, Monday.com helps reduce repetitive tasks, saving valuable time.
It integrates with popular tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, expanding its capabilities. Real-time data visualization allows teams to make quick, informed decisions. With security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication, it’s a safe choice for teams looking for a scalable project management solution.
Best for security measures and data protections
10. HashiCorp Vault
HashiCorp Vault is a top-tier solution for managing sensitive data and protecting credentials. As a leader, you need to ensure that your team’s credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information are stored securely. Vault offers a centralized platform to manage this, supporting dynamic secrets—temporary credentials that reduce the risk of exposure.
It integrates with a wide range of operating systems and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring flexibility.
The platform also features audit capabilities, allowing you to track who accessed what and when, making it ideal for organizations that prioritize strong security measures in their remote operations.
FortiGate is a robust firewall solution that provides advanced threat protection and secure remote access. It offers features like intrusion prevention, web filtering, and VPN support, safeguarding your network against cyber threats. FortiGate's integration with cloud platforms ensures seamless protection for remote devices.
As a manager, you’ll appreciate its real-time threat intelligence, which keeps you informed about the latest risks, and its centralized management system that simplifies security tasks.
12. Egnyte
Egnyte is a cloud-based platform designed for secure file sharing and collaboration. It ensures your team’s data remains safe with granular permissions, encryption, and real-time monitoring. Supporting integration with popular tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, it extends its functionality.
Its hybrid architecture, combining both cloud and on-premises storage, provides flexibility and control, so you can decide how best to manage your data. With compliance features designed to help meet industry-specific regulations, Egnyte is an excellent choice for businesses in regulated industries such as healthcare and finance.
Check Point provides a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions for businesses. Its products offer advanced threat prevention, secure remote access, and data protection. The unified security architecture simplifies management and reduces operational complexity. The platform supports integration with various management tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom) to streamline security policies across devices.
Its real-time threat intelligence and automated incident response capabilities ensure quick detection and mitigation of threats. With continuous updates and proactive protection, Check Point helps businesses stay one step ahead of cyber attacks.
Google Apigee Sense is a security tool designed to protect your APIs from malicious attacks. It offers threat detection, traffic analysis, and anomaly detection to safeguard your APIs. Integrating seamlessly with the Google Cloud Platform ensures a unified security approach. Its machine-learning capabilities help identify and block suspicious activity in real time.
This tool provides detailed insights into API traffic, enabling better decision-making, and making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance API security in a remote work environment.
Best for file sharing and cloud storage tools
15. Google Workspace
Google Workspace is a suite of remote management tools that offers a wide range of features for businesses. It includes apps like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs, all of which allow for seamless real-time collaboration.
Google Workspace's cloud-based storage allows for easy access to files from any device, making it perfect for remote teams. It supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on documents simultaneously.
The platform's integration with tools like Google Meet and Google Chat enhances its functionality. With robust security measures, Google Workspace ensures your data remains protected. It's an ideal choice for organizations looking for a comprehensive cloud solution for remote working.
16. Dropbox
Dropbox is a user-friendly cloud storage service that’s perfect for businesses looking for simple yet reliable file syncing, sharing, and backup. It ensures your data is always accessible, even on the go, and integrates smoothly with popular apps like Microsoft 365 and Slack.
The platform's collaboration features allow teams to work together seamlessly on shared files. Dropbox's security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, protect your data. It's a reliable choice for businesses seeking a straightforward cloud storage solution for their remote workforce.
17. Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive suite of remote work tools offering apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It provides cloud-based storage through OneDrive, ensuring easy access to files from any location. Microsoft 365's integration with Microsoft Teams enhances its collaboration capabilities.
The platform supports real-time editing, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously. With enterprise-grade security measures, Microsoft 365 ensures your data remains secure. It's an excellent choice for organizations looking for a robust remote management tool that integrates with their existing Microsoft products.
18. Livedrive
Livedrive is a cloud storage solution tailored for businesses that require secure file backup and sharing. It provides features like file versioning, remote wipe, and continuous backup, ensuring your data is always protected. Livedrive's integration with popular apps like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace extends its functionality.
The platform's user-friendly interface simplifies file management and collaboration. With strong security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication, Livedrive ensures your data remains safe. It's a great choice for businesses seeking a reliable cloud storage solution for their remote workforce.
19. Box
Box is a cloud-based platform that offers secure file storage and collaboration for businesses. It provides features like workflow automation, real-time co-authoring, and detailed analytics, enhancing productivity. Box's integration with apps like Slack, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace expands its capabilities.
The platform's robust security measures, including encryption and access controls, protect your data. Box's compliance features help organizations meet industry regulations, making it suitable for sectors like healthcare and finance. It's an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing data protection and collaboration in their remote work environment.
20. iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Apple, offering seamless integration with Apple devices. It provides features like file syncing, sharing, and backup, ensuring your data is always accessible. This tool supports collaboration through apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, allowing teams to work together on documents.
The platform's user-friendly interface simplifies file management and sharing. With strong security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication, iCloud Drive ensures your data remains safe. Ideal for businesses and individuals using Apple products, it’s a reliable choice for remote work environments relying on Apple’s ecosystem.
Pick your favorites
The right remote management tools can make a big difference in how you lead and collaborate with your remote team. Whether it's improving communication, simplifying project management, or ensuring strong security, there's a tool for every team's needs. Choose the ones that align with your goals, integrate easily into your workflow, and help your team succeed in a remote work environment.
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