ProctorDIY vs SMOWL
ProctorDIY
proctordiy.comSMOWL
smowl.netSide by side
| Figure | ProctorDIY | SMOWL |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $625/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 9 |
| Spec score · Exam Proctoring Software | 7.6 (#12) | 8.6 (#3) |
| Compliance | The privacy page lists HIPAA, FERPA, GDPR, and SOC 2 Type 2 among its compliance standards. | SMOWL identifies GDPR, FERPA, CCPA, and the European Union AI Act as regulatory frameworks addressed on its privacy page, and describes its proctoring as ISO 27001 and ENS certified. |
| Headquarters | New York, New York, United States | The registered office is Calle Arturo Campión 22, 20018 Donostia/San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain. |
| Identity checks | Students can be verified with face, ID, and knuckle scans measured against a stored biometric profile. | SMOWL can compare a webcam image of the test taker with an identity document and take periodic images during the exam. |
| Identity verification | The student workflow uses face, ID, and knuckle scans to verify identity against a stored biometric profile. | The authentication feature compares a live face image with an identity document and takes periodic snapshots during the activity. |
| Integrations | The product integrates with LTI-compatible learning management systems and names Canvas, Blackboard, D2L, Sakai, and Moodle. | The service lists Moodle, Canvas, Open LMS, Classe365 and Blackboard integrations, with certified integrations for Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard and D2L. |
| Live proctoring | Instructors or teaching assistants can live-proctor up to 25 students remotely with AI assistance. | SMOWL LIVE lets supervisors watch sessions, detect incidents immediately, chat with examinees and intervene during high-stakes tests. |
| Purpose | ProctorDIY provides remote exam proctoring that lets instructors monitor their own students with AI assistance. | SMOWL provides online and in-person digital exam proctoring for educational institutions, certification bodies, and businesses. |
| Support | Support is available 24x7x365 by live chat, phone, email, and support ticket. | The vendor lists chat, phone, help-center resources, onboarding, training, custom SLAs and optional priority or live-supervision services. |
| System requirements | The requirements page lists macOS Sierra 10.12 or later and Windows 7 or later; Chromebook support is limited to select LMSs and product levels. | SMOWL supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android; Chrome and Firefox are recommended browsers, and desktop software is required for CLASS, PLUS and PRO computer monitoring. |
Plans
SMOWL
- SMOWL Class 5000$7,500 a year
- SMOWL+ 5000$15,000 a year
- SMOWL Pro 5000$25,000 a year
- Activity-based licensePriced on request
- SMOWL CLASSPriced on request
- SMOWL ENTERPRISEPriced on request
- SMOWL PLUSPriced on request
- SMOWL PROPriced on request
- User-based licensePriced on request
In their own words
ProctorDIY
ProctorDIY provides remote exam proctoring that lets instructors monitor their own students with AI assistance. Instructors or teaching assistants can live-proctor up to 25 students. Identity checks compare face, ID, and knuckle scans with a stored biometric profile. During an exam, the application checks for blacklisted applications and devices, captures screenshots and webcam data, and flags possible policy violations. Processed sessions and time-stamped, pre-flagged violations are returned to the instructor dashboard within 48 hours. The service integrates with LTI-compatible learning systems, including Canvas, Blackboard, D2L, Sakai, and Moodle. Students launch a lightweight application that the maker says downloads in under a minute and requires no administrative rights. The product is available on web, macOS, Windows, Android, as an extension, or self-hosted; Chromebook support depends on the LMS and product level. The maker offers cloud-based or on-premise data management. During an exam, the application may access connected devices, the screen, webcam, process and system logs, and keystrokes. Student data is typically deleted 90 days after the final course submission date. Pricing is on request.
SMOWL
SMOWL provides digital exam proctoring for educational institutions, certification bodies, and businesses, for online and in-person assessments. Computer Monitoring can record applications, browsing activity, connected devices, and use of generative AI tools during exams. Browser Lock can restrict actions such as opening tabs, leaving the test screen, or using unauthorized shortcuts. Identity checks compare a webcam image with an identity document, and periodic images can be taken during an exam. Environment monitoring can use a second camera, such as a phone or tablet, to show the test taker’s surroundings. Post-exam reports group detected incidents and provide visual evidence and descriptions for review. Integrations include Moodle, Canvas, Open LMS, Classe365, and Blackboard; D2L is also named as a certified LMS partner. A trial offers 25 licenses for 21 days through mySmowltech. Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are supported, with Chrome or Firefox recommended. Pricing is available on request, and there is no free plan.