Idle Pilot vs Mouse Jiggler

Compare Idle Pilot (cloud-based) to mouse jigglers. See why cloud scheduling beats hardware for staying active on Slack.

Quick Verdict

Idle Pilot wins for remote workers who need reliable, schedule-based presence without hardware dependencies.

Mouse jigglers keep your laptop awake but don't directly control Slack. They can be detected by IT, drain battery, and stop working when your laptop lid is closed. Idle Pilot runs from the cloud, is schedule-aware, and works even when your device is off.

Feature Comparison

FeatureIdle PilotMouse Jiggler
Works with laptop closed Yes No
Schedule-aware Yes No
Lunch breaks Yes No
IT/security riskLow (no local install)High (detectable hardware)
Setup time2 minutesImmediate
Cost$4/month$10-30 one-time

Idle Pilot Advantages

  • Works when laptop sleeps or lid is closed
  • Schedule-based (only active during work hours)
  • No hardware to buy or hide
  • Won't get flagged by endpoint security
  • Includes lunch breaks and vacation mode

Mouse Jiggler Advantages

  • No account setup required
  • Works offline (no internet needed for device)
  • One-time purchase (some models)

Which Should You Choose?

If you close your laptop during the day

Use: Idle Pilot

If you work in a secure/monitored environment

Use: Idle Pilot

If you want scheduled work hours with lunch breaks

Use: Idle Pilot

If you need a quick offline solution for one device

Use: Mouse Jiggler

What is Mouse Jiggler?

Hardware USB devices or software that simulates mouse movement to prevent your computer from sleeping.

Ready to try Idle Pilot?

Set up in 2 minutes. No credit card required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can IT detect a mouse jiggler?
Yes. USB mouse jigglers show up as HID devices in system logs. Software jigglers can be detected by endpoint security tools. Idle Pilot appears as a normal Slack web session.
Does Idle Pilot work like a mouse jiggler?
No. Mouse jigglers simulate physical activity to keep your computer awake. Idle Pilot directly maintains your Slack presence status from the cloud, regardless of your computer state.
Which is better for remote work?
Idle Pilot is better for remote workers because it works when your laptop is closed, respects your schedule, and doesn't require hardware that could raise IT concerns.

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