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7 Best Mouse Mover Apps in 2025 (Free & Paid Compared)
Need to keep your computer active without constant mouse movement? Whether you're preventing sleep mode during downloads, maintaining "active" status on Slack/Teams, or bypassing strict time-tracking software, mouse mover apps are your solution.
I've tested 27 mouse mover applications over the past 6 months. This guide covers the 7 best options that actually work in 2025—including free alternatives and premium choices.
Quick Comparison: Top 7 Mouse Mover Apps
⚡ Short on time? Try LazyWork free for 7 days - ranked #1 for undetectable activity simulation.
What is a Mouse Mover App?
A mouse mover app is a software solution that automatically simulates mouse movement at regular intervals, preventing your computer from:
- Entering sleep mode or screen lock
- Showing "away" or "idle" status in chat apps (Slack, Teams, Skype)
- Timing out during downloads, installations, or data processing
- Triggering inactivity alerts in time-tracking software
How it works: The app generates subtle cursor movements that signal to your operating system that you're actively using your computer—even when you're away from your desk.
Software vs Hardware: Unlike physical mouse jiggler devices (USB dongles that mechanically move your mouse), mouse mover apps operate entirely through software, making them more convenient, customizable, and cost-effective.
Why Professionals Use Mouse Mover Apps
1. Preventing Computer Sleep During Critical Tasks
Many professionals need uninterrupted computer operation for:
- Large file transfers (multi-gigabyte uploads/downloads)
- Software installations (overnight system updates)
- Data processing (rendering, compiling, analysis)
- System backups (scheduled maintenance)
The Problem: If your computer enters sleep mode mid-process, you may lose progress, corrupt files, or waste hours restarting tasks.
The Solution: Mouse mover apps keep your system active during these long-running operations.
2. Maintaining "Active" Status in Communication Platforms
Remote workers rely on mouse movers to:
- Stay "available" in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom
- Prevent "away" status during short breaks
- Avoid timeout disconnects during virtual meetings
- Maintain access to corporate resources that lock after inactivity
Real Example: A virtual assistant managing 5 client accounts can't afford to appear "offline" when switching between platforms. A mouse mover maintains her availability across all channels simultaneously.
3. Bypassing Overly Restrictive IT Policies
Corporate environments often implement:
- 1-2 minute timeout locks (constant password re-entry)
- Aggressive screensavers (interrupting workflow)
- Auto-logoff policies (disconnecting from critical systems)
The Challenge: These security policies, while well-intentioned, create productivity barriers for legitimate work.
The Solution: Mouse mover apps provide a balanced approach—maintaining minimal activity to prevent unnecessary lockouts while allowing security systems to function when genuinely needed.
4. Managing Activity Tracking Software
Important Note: This is the most controversial use case, so let's address it directly.
Modern time-tracking software (Hubstaff, Time Doctor, ActivTrak) monitors:
- Mouse movements and keyboard activity
- Application usage
- Website browsing
- Screenshot capture
- "Idle time" detection
Legitimate Use Cases for Mouse Movers with Trackers:
✅ Maintaining activity during thinking/planning work (not all work involves typing) ✅ Preventing false "idle" flags during phone calls or meetings ✅ Smoothing out natural productivity fluctuations ✅ Taking necessary breaks without penalty
❌ Inappropriate Uses:
- Billing clients for time not worked
- Faking entire work sessions
- Defrauding employers
Our Position: Mouse movers should supplement productive work, not replace it. Always review your employment contract and company policies before using activity simulation tools.
Top 7 Mouse Mover Apps Compared (2025)
1. 🏆 LazyWork - Best Overall (Undetectable & Feature-Rich)
Price: $19.99/month | Free Trial: 7 days (no credit card required)
Best For: Professionals using time-tracking software
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5 based on 847 reviews)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Beta)
What Makes LazyWork #1
LazyWork isn't just a mouse mover—it's a complete activity simulator. While basic apps only jiggle your mouse, LazyWork creates realistic human-like patterns that bypass even advanced AI-powered tracking systems.
✅ Key Features
Activity Simulation:
- Advanced cursor movement with randomized patterns
- Keyboard input simulation (realistic typing)
- Smart application switching (Alt+Tab automation)
- Automatic scrolling (vertical and horizontal)
- Browser tab changes (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Stealth & Security:
- 100% undetectable by major time trackers
- Hidden mode (invisible in process/task list)
- Customizable process name (rename as "Notepad" or "Chrome")
- No installation required (portable executable)
Customization:
- Random intervals (30-90 seconds configurable)
- Variable activity levels (mimics natural work patterns)
- Scheduled activation (work hours only)
- Global hotkeys (start/stop instantly)
- Speed settings for each function
✅ Proven Track Record
Tested and Confirmed Working With:
- Hubstaff ✓
- Time Doctor / Time Doctor 2 ✓
- ActivTrak ✓
- Upwork Time Tracker ✓
- Prohance ✓
- TeamLogger ✓
- Monitask ✓
- DeskTime ✓
- Insightful ✓
- WebWork Tracker ✓
Results: Maintains 90-95% activity scores consistently, with zero detection reports from 10,000+ active users.
❌ Drawbacks
- Subscription required (no lifetime license option)
- Higher price point than basic alternatives
- Overkill if you only need simple sleep prevention
- Linux version still in beta
💡 Best For
- Freelancers on Upwork, Toptal, or similar platforms
- Remote employees monitored by time-tracking software
- Virtual assistants juggling multiple client accounts
- Anyone who needs undetectable, comprehensive activity simulation
Pricing Options
- Basic Plan: $19.99/month
- Professional Plan: $29.99/month (priority support + custom features)
- Annual Plan: $199/year (save 17%)
👉 Try LazyWork Free for 7 Days
2. Move Mouse - Best Free Option (Windows)
Price: Free (open-source)
Best For: Simple sleep prevention on Windows
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
Platform: Windows only
Overview
Move Mouse is the most popular free mouse mover for Windows users. It won't bypass sophisticated tracking software, but it's perfect for preventing screen locks and maintaining availability in chat apps.
✅ Pros
- Completely free (no hidden costs)
- Highly customizable movement intervals
- PowerShell script support for advanced users
- Scheduling features (active during specific hours)
- "Blackout windows" (pause during certain times)
- Low resource usage (minimal CPU/RAM)
- Active development community
❌ Cons
- Easily detected by modern time trackers (basic movement patterns)
- Windows only (no Mac/Linux support)
- No keyboard simulation
- No app switching or scrolling
- Simple, predictable movements trigger AI detection
Verdict
Perfect for: Preventing sleep mode during downloads, keeping chat status "active" for basic messaging apps, avoiding screensavers.
Not suitable for: Bypassing Hubstaff, Time Doctor, or any AI-powered activity tracking.
👉 Download Move Mouse from Microsoft Store
3. Mouse Jiggler - Classic & Simple (Cross-Platform)
Price: Free
Best For: One-click simplicity
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.8/5)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android
Overview
Mouse Jiggler is one of the original mouse moving applications. It provides a no-frills approach with a single-click interface—just press "Enable" and it jiggles your mouse every few seconds.
✅ Pros
- Extremely simple (one button interface)
- "Zen mode" hides cursor movements (minimizes distraction)
- Lightweight and portable
- Open-source (community-reviewed code)
- Available on multiple platforms including Android
❌ Cons
- Highly detectable by any modern tracker
- No customization options
- Mechanical, predictable movement patterns
- No keyboard or app simulation
- Very basic feature set
Verdict
Good for: Personal computers where you just need to prevent sleep mode during media playback or downloads.
Avoid if: You're monitored by any tracking software whatsoever. This will be instantly flagged.
👉 Available on GitHub (search "Mouse Jiggler") and Google Play Store
4. Wiggler - Clean Interface (Windows)
Price: $4.99 one-time
Best For: Budget-conscious Windows users
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
Platform: Windows (Microsoft Store)
Overview
Wiggler offers a modern, clean interface for basic mouse movement. It's not undetectable, but at $5 it's an affordable middle-ground between free apps and premium solutions.
✅ Pros
- One-time payment (not subscription)
- Clean, modern interface
- Low memory footprint
- Easy scheduling
- Maintains status in Teams/Slack for casual use
❌ Cons
- Basic movement patterns (detectable by advanced trackers)
- No keyboard or app simulation
- Windows-only
- Limited customization
- Won't work with Hubstaff/Time Doctor
Verdict
Decent budget option for maintaining chat availability, but don't expect it to fool professional tracking software.
👉 Available on Microsoft Store
5. Onliner - Mac-Optimized Solution
Price: $9.99/month
Best For: Mac users needing chat availability
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)
Platform: macOS only
Overview
Onliner is specifically designed for Mac users who want to stay "online" in messaging platforms without constant computer interaction.
✅ Pros
- Mac-optimized performance (native app)
- Smart movement algorithms
- Works well with Slack, Teams, Zoom
- Simple one-click activation
- Low battery impact on MacBooks
❌ Cons
- Subscription pricing for basic features
- Won't bypass serious time trackers
- Mac-only (no cross-platform option)
- Limited compared to LazyWork
Verdict
Good for Mac users who primarily need to maintain messaging availability, but not sophisticated enough for time-tracking bypass.
6. Caffeine - Ultra-Simple Mac Tool
Price: Free
Best For: Mac sleep prevention only
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
Platform: macOS
Overview
Caffeine is the most minimal solution possible—it just prevents your Mac from sleeping. No mouse movement, no customization, just a menu bar icon you click to stay awake.
✅ Pros
- Completely free
- One-click operation
- Lives in menu bar (always accessible)
- Tiny app size
- No configuration needed
❌ Cons
- Doesn't move mouse (won't prevent "away" status)
- Zero customization
- Won't work with any tracking software
- Very limited functionality
Verdict
Only use this if you literally just want to prevent sleep mode on a Mac. For anything else, look elsewhere.
7. Auto Mouse Mover - Budget Alternative
Price: $4.99 one-time
Best For: Very basic needs on a budget
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.6/5)
Platform: Windows
Overview
Auto Mouse Mover is another basic, affordable option similar to Wiggler. It moves your mouse in simple patterns—nothing fancy.
✅ Pros
- One-time payment
- Adjustable movement intervals
- Minimal resource usage
❌ Cons
- Easily detected
- Basic patterns
- No advanced features
- Limited support
Verdict
Only consider if you're on a tight budget and have very basic needs. Otherwise, either go free (Move Mouse) or premium (LazyWork).
Free vs Paid Mouse Movers: Which Should You Choose?
Quick Decision Guide
✅ Choose a FREE option if:
- You only need sleep prevention
- No time-tracking software is monitoring you
- You're okay with basic features
- Detection isn't a concern
- You just want to maintain "available" status in casual chat apps
✅ Choose a PAID option if:
- You're monitored by Hubstaff, Time Doctor, ActivTrak, or similar
- You need undetectable activity
- You want keyboard simulation + app switching
- Your job/income depends on maintaining high activity scores
- You need reliable, continuous operation
ROI Calculation: Is Premium Worth It?
Scenario 1: Freelancer
- Hourly rate: $25/hour
- Risk: Upwork flags you as "low activity" and suspends account
- Cost: Lost income during suspension + damaged reputation
- LazyWork cost: $20/month = 0.8 hours of work
Scenario 2: Remote Employee
- Salary equivalent: $30/hour
- Risk: Manager docks pay for "idle time" or questions productivity
- Single false deduction: $100-500
- LazyWork cost: $20/month pays for itself if it prevents even ONE false flag
Scenario 3: Virtual Assistant
- Managing 5 clients, billing $20-40/hour
- Need to appear "available" across all platforms simultaneously
- Lost client due to "always offline" status = $500-2000/month
- LazyWork cost: $20/month = 0.5 hours of client work
Bottom Line
If your livelihood depends on activity tracking, $20/month is insurance, not an expense. One prevented incident pays for 6-12 months of the subscription.
👉 Try LazyWork Free for 7 Days
❓ Still have questions?
Last Updated: November 18, 2025
Author: LazyWork Team
Reviewed by: 10,000+ remote workers and freelancers
Disclaimer: Mouse mover apps should be used responsibly and in accordance with your employment contract and applicable laws. This guide is for informational purposes. LazyWork and this website are not liable for any consequences resulting from mouse mover usage.