The use of mobile spyware is increasing every day as new technologies emerge and more and more people become aware of their benefits. Once installed on the target cell phone, they allow you to monitor and even control it remotely.
In this article, we are going to tell you about the different aspects of cell phone tracking applications. We will also provide you with a list of the six best spy apps to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
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Why spy on a phone?
There are many reasons why people might want to spy on someone else’s cell phone. Let’s see, in the following, how a phone tracker can work for you and your loved one.
Detecting infidelity (but not legal)
There are many reasons why people spy on their partners and spouses. Some of the most common reasons include jealousy, suspicion, lack of trust or sometimes concerns about infidelity. Fortunately, technology has advanced to the point where it can now be used to prevent infidelity!
Tracking someone’s phone is illegal and can cause serious problems in relationships. But if you just want to know if your partner is cheating on you or not, a phone tracker is perfect for that purpose.
Watching your children
Parents can use this software to ensure the safety and protection of their children and even set limits on the use of the device.
The main causes of parental control can be:
- Looking for inappropriate content, such as sexting or cyberbullying.
- Monitoring for signs of addiction to games or social media apps, which can be an indicator of mental health issues.
- Find out if children are being bullied, abused or harassed.
- Know if they are taking drugs or drinking alcohol.
Monitor your business equipment
If you run a business, it is important to protect your assets. That’s why device monitoring is a critical aspect of any business. It helps them maintain their operations and achieve their goals.
A phone tracker can be installed on the company’s equipment and will allow you to monitor it remotely. This way you can identify if someone is trying to steal your equipment or if they are using it for personal use. This will help you reduce the risk of theft and unauthorized use of company-owned devices.
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The best mobile spy software
There are many types of cell phone spy software available on the market. Some are more advanced than others and some are cheaper than others as well.
Here is our selection of the 6 best and most used mobile spy software:
mSpy
mSpy is a parental control software that has been designed with the best technologies to offer you a wide range of functions. The monitoring application works by placing a secure connection between the target device and the software servers.
After properly installing and activating the application, it is intended to simultaneously collect data and upload it to a cloud-based control panel.
One of the great features of this software is that the application runs in the background in stealth mode, in order to guarantee total discretion.
The best features
mSpy has many properties that set it apart from the crowd:
- It has a keylogger or “keylogger” function. The keylogger installs a special keyboard on the phone and records everything that is entered, even deleted texts.
- The Screen recorder function takes pictures every time the screen changes and sends them to the user.
- MSpy allows parents to block unwanted calls, texts and access to social networks.
- It displays conversations in third-party monitoring apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Skype. But you also have the possibility to hack a TikTok account.
- The keyword tracking feature allows you to receive notifications each time your child types in one of the keywords (e.g. alcohol, drugs, sex) that you have previously listed.
- A remote lock feature if the phone disappears is also available.
Ease of use
mSpy can be installed without jailbreak on any type of mobile device including smartphones and tablets, with iOS and Android operating systems. To install mSpy, you will need physical access to the target phone. Once you have done this, you need to download the application from an online store and install it on the device.
All data collected from the mSpy application is uploaded to the company’s cloud server. You will have access to all these data from your mobile, via a very ergonomic dashboard. From there, you can remotely monitor, access and control the target phone.
Once on the official website, a chat box opens and you can talk directly with a physical person. Other means of communication are available to facilitate the installation and use of the spyware.
Price
There are two different price plans available from mSpy: Basic and Premium. Please note that these prices can change depending on the promotions applied at the time you decide to buy.
The Basic subscription includes the most basic services of the application, such as access to sms messages, photos, videos and calls. The Premium service includes the full range of functions for optimal control of your target device.
Note that the technical support by e-mail is free and accessible at any time.
Here are the prices found on the mSpy website, at the time this article was written:
| Rate /month | |
| Basic offer | 30 € |
| Subscription (1 month) | 35 € |
| Subscription (3 months) | 20 € |
| Subscription (12 months) | 8,50 € |
Our opinion
mSpy is widely regarded as the leading phone tracking application, as many users on the Internet will attest. That’s why we decided to put it at the top of the list. It lets you monitor everything from text messages, phone calls and social media applications to location tracking and web history. It is one of the most popular parental control software available today. It is also one of the most effective!
Not only is it reliable, easy to set up and available for iOS and Android cell phones, but the app provides users with a clear analysis of their smartphone activity. Moreover, mSpy software does not require root access or jailbreak. It works without any modification to the target device. This is suitable even for those who have no technical knowledge.
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uMobix
Launched in 2020, uMobix is a software developed by a Hungarian company in Budapest. The idea is this: uMobix is a cloud-based software that allows users to access their documents and files from any device, anywhere. It is available on all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS.
The best features
The best features of the uMobix spy software are the following:
- It provides precise information on the location of the person being monitored through GPS tracking.
- The keylogger function: uMobix not only records every keystroke made on the target device, but also shows you the items copied to the clipboard.
- The software is available in several languages, so it can be used in different countries without any problems.
- uMobix records all text messages and call logs. The application goes one step further by giving you the ability to block unwanted callers.
- It has an application blocker to help you control what your children or employees can see on their smartphones.
- uMobix also offers a remote control function so you can take pictures with the camera and listen via the microphone of the target device.
Ease of use
Mobix has a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use by any type of user. It is compatible with all types of smartphones, including Android and iOS devices. Moreover, you don’t need to root your smartphone or jailbreak it to use this application!
Moreover, you don’t need a physical access to the target device to install uMobix on an iPhone. You only need to provide the iCloud credentials of the target smartphone for the installation process. This implies that you can perform remote installation of UMobix on iOS based mobiles.
Price
After the free trial, the use of uMobix is not free. Two offers are available, the basic offer is fixed while the premium offer decreases according to the number of months of subscription. Prices also vary depending on the system you want to install it on (iOS or Android).
| Android (price/month) | iOS (price/month) | |
| Basic offer | 27,99 € | 29,99 € |
| 1 month premium offer | 54,99 € | 49,99 € |
| 3 month premium offer | 22,99 € | 26,66 € |
| 12 month premium offer | 13,33 € | 12,49 € |
Our opinion
To build an honest opinion, it is necessary to mention the disadvantages of each spy system. As far as uMobix is concerned, the main drawback found is the limited number of social networks you can access on iOS. Indeed, only Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger are accessible on iOS. The second disadvantage is the lack of alerts when a geographical area is exceeded, as well as the accessibility of the customer service only by chat.
Despite its recent arrival on the market, and even if it is not the most accomplished in its category, especially on iOS, uMobix remains a powerful and easy to use mobile tracker. It can be used for personal and professional purposes without the person being monitored having any idea!
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Xnspy
XNSPY is an advanced monitoring software that has been around for over 10 years. It is a customizable and very comprehensive parental control application. It has the particularity of allowing the monitoring and tracking of online and offline activities of the smartphone. But not only that!
The best features
Xnspy has many other features worth mentioning:
- Track multiple devices at the same time. With this application, you can monitor your child’s activities on smartphone, tablet or computer.
- A web filter that prevents inappropriate sites from being opened when the device is connected to the Internet.
- A feature called GeoFencing, which alerts you if the child enters or leaves an area of your choice.
- Manage contacts on the phone, block or unblock numbers. You can also find out which number is most often contacted.
- Monitoring of text messages and chat conversations in real time, including deleted messages from WhatsApp or Telegram apps.
- The ” Keyword Alerts” feature allows you to set up alerts for specific keywords that parents want to be notified about, when those words are used in discussions with friends.
Ease of use
Xnspy has a very user-friendly interface. It is very easy to navigate through its different services, even for people without specific technical knowledge. The user simply logs in to their account and can see everything the other user has done since their last login.
The application is compatible with all the latest versions of Android and iOS. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
For those who want help, the service offers live chat support to all its customers, any time of the day or night.
Price
The company offers three payment options and two offers:
| Basic offer | Premium offer | |
| Monthly formula | 30 € | 36 € |
| Quarterly formula | 14 € | 20 € |
| Annual formula | 5 € | 7,50 € |
Xnspy does not offer a trial without subscription, but will refund you if you are not satisfied.
Our opinion
The software offers an excellent quality/price ratio compared to its competitors, except for a few small negative points. We have captured two of them:
- the inability to record phone calls and social media messages.
- the target device must also be rooted or jailbroken to work.
Xnspy is the most secret and best-hidden application you can find. It has many features that make it one of the most popular applications in this industry. It is an all-in-one software that can be used to monitor your employees, your children and even your spouse.
The basic edition is not recommended due to the limited options it offers, so you are tempted to go for the high-end purchase offer. However, the prices displayed on the company’s official page are completely affordable.
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Spyzie
Spyzie is another application that allows you to spy on someone’s smartphone without their knowledge. It can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as monitoring your children, your employees or your partner. The Spyzie team is committed to protecting its applications from all kinds of hacks and intrusions, making itone of the most secure applications currently on sale. Indeed, the latter was created with state-of-the-art technology. It is installed on a separate section of the memory storage that links to the operating system. This makes it undetectable and only you have the power to control or remove it.
The best features
Here are some of the key features of Spyzie:
- Spyzie displays call logs with timestamps and duration. This will help you know who your child talks to most often. There is even a “clue” function, which allows you to see deleted calls.
- GPS position tracking: you can display the location of the person being monitored in real time as well as the path taken. You can also track the target smartphone using Wi-Fi location. This feature is very useful in case of theft.
- The Geo-fencing option allows you to create both safety and danger zones. Once these zones are exceeded, you will be notified immediately.
- Spyzie offers a keystroke recorder that allows you to see all the keystrokes.
- The keyword alert monitors the words used and warns you if dangerous language is used.
Ease of use
Spyzie comes with many interesting actions. It supports Android and iOS devices (up to Android 9 and up to iOS 12). Another advantage is that you don ‘t need to jailbreak the smartphone to install the monitoring application.
You just need to have access to the target smartphone, in order to install the Spy application (for Android). If the target phone is an iPhone, you don’t even need to install the monitoring application. You will only need the target’s iCloud login credentials. However, you may need to access the phone for synchronization.
Finally, the dashboard and control panel are intuitive, making it easy to find the information or commands you need.
Price
The payment plans cover different features and levels of monitoring. Of course, a basic plan is offered at a low price but does not offer access to all the attributes. The Premium account, for example, gives you a control panel application that allows you to keep an eye on all activities.
Here is a summary of the packages currently applied on the official Spyzie website:
| Android | Basic offer/month | Premium offer/month | Family/month offer (for 3 devices) |
| Monthly formula | 41 € | 51 € | 71 € |
| Quarterly formula | 20 € | 24 € | 34 € |
| Annual formula | 8,50 € | 10 € | 17 € |
| iOS | Premium offer/month | Family/month offer (for 5 devices) | Business offer/month (for 25 devices) |
| Monthly formula | 51 € | 102 € | 407,50 € |
| Quarterly formula | 27 € | 68 € | 238 € |
| Annual formula | 11 € | 34 € | 85 € |
Our opinion
Spyzie is certainly a very good cell phone spy application, just like the other applications mentioned above. This is because of its ease of use, high efficiency and reliability.
With all the data you access, confidentiality is protected so that privileged information does not fall into the wrong hands. However, for a solid foundation, the premium version is the best choice, as it offers complete protection and leaves no room for the unexpected.
Spyzie also has an excellent reputation among customers. This is another reason why this application is considered the best in its category.
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Spyic
Spyc has been around for over a decade and has managed to build a loyal following of users, who have many positive stories to tell about this tracking tool. As across-platform application that works remotely, it can work for Google Android, Apple iOS and other popular operating systems.
Spyic is above all a powerful business analysis tool for companies. It helps you analyze your employees’ behavior. The software provides you with information to improve the productivity and performance of your facility. You can also use it to find out which employees are leaking confidential information about your company, spending too much time on social networks or accessing unauthorized websites.
The best features
Below are some of the key points that make Spyic stand out:
- You can set up alerts when the phone leaves a specific area or when specific numbers are contacted.
- A Geofencing service that tracks the movements of your target phone.
- Detailed tracking of chat messages and social network activity is possible. As part of parental controls, this can help you protect your minor children from cyberbullying and other online dangers.
- Spyic allows you to track browsing habits by discovering which websites are visited. You can also read a mini-description of these sites and even get details such as the exact time and date of connection.
- The ability to see all incoming and outgoing calls, with verification of call duration and frequency.
Ease of use
Although the software does not require a jailbreak or root access, you will need to know the iCloud login credentials of the target iPhone with respect to iOS devices. For Android devices, physical access to the target Android phone will be required to complete the configuration.
Price
Each of Spyc’s price plans supports call log tracking, real-time location, browser history, photos, text messages, contacts and video preview. Note that each subscription has a fixed limit on the number of devices you can control.
The site offers a two-month guarantee, during which you can test your application. If you are not satisfied, Spyc will refund your subscription fee.
| Basic offer/month | Premium offer/month | Family/month offer (for 3 devices) | |
| Monthly formula | 41 € | 51 € | 71 € |
| Quarterly formula | 20 € | 24 € | 34 € |
| Annual formula | 8,50 € | 10 € | 17 € |
| iOS | Premium offer/month | Family/month offer (for 5 devices) | Business offer/month (for 25 devices) |
| Monthly formula | 51 € | 102 € | 407 € |
| Quarterly formula | 27 € | 68 € | 238 € |
| Annual formula | 11 € | 34 € | 85 € |
Our opinion
Spyic isintuitive, user-friendly and extremely economical in terms of battery consumption, as it does not run too many processes in the background.
With prices similar in every way to those offered by Spyzie, Spyc is also a powerful remote tracking solution. The business offer makes it an excellent business tool. It can be used by any employer seeking to control the business phones of its employees.
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Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch was founded in 2002 and has a long history of providing parental control solutions and employee monitoring services to customers worldwide. The company claims that its tracking application has been installed on 12 million devices, across 196 countries. Most of them are companies.
That being said, Hoverwatch is also a popular app with a proven track record of monitoring calls, messages and social media activity for parents concerned about their children’s safety.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and is full of features that we will soon list for you.
The best features
Let’s see some of the main features of the Hoverwatch application:
- Just like its counterparts in the digital surveillance field, Hoverwatch allows you to track phone calls, SMS and MMS messages on the target device. Even unanswered or missed calls are recorded.
- The app also offers parents the opportunity to learn more about their children’s habits and friends on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
- Hoverwatch is very effective in tracking the GPS position of the target phone. But the great thing is that the Geofencing feature continues to work even after the target user has disabled Wi-Fi and GPS on their device.
- Once the user has unlocked the screen, the software waits a few moments and then takes a picture via the front camera. All the activity takes place incognito!
Ease of use
Like its peers, Hoverwatch is easy to install. The process is broken down into three small steps: creating a Hoverwatch account, installing the application on a target device. During this step, you need to access the target device and then follow some instructions to complete the configuration. Once this is done, Hoverwatch will start monitoring the device. Step 3 is to log in (with the credentials created in step 1) to view the reports from the dashboard. However, you can only use Hoverwatch on Android devices or PCs – Windows or Mac to be precise.
Price
Hoverwatch has a professional package, allowing you to connect 5 devices at a time, and a business package allowing you to connect up to 25 devices.
The application has a trial period, free of charge, that allows you to test all monitoring capabilities for 5 days. This is more than enough to realize the efficiency of the software. However, once you have paid, there is unfortunately no return available.
| Staff (price/month) | Professional (price/month/device) | Business (price/month/peripheral) | |
| 1 month subscription | 25,42 € | 10,18 € | 6,11 € |
| 3 months subscription | 20,36 € | 6,79 € | 4,08 € |
| 12 month subscription | 8,49 € | 3,39 € | 1,70 € |
Our opinion
Overall, Hoverwatch turns out to be a type of Android phone/device monitoring app, which is more geared towards small and medium-sized businesses. This is quite evident in the way its pricing formulas have been designed, offering follow-up for up to 25 people at a time.
When it comes to services offered and innovation, Hoverwatch is one of the best mobile spy applications on the market today. Hoverwatch offers you a full range of features, which is commendable for a mid-range spy and surveillance app. So if you are concerned about your safety or the safety of your loved ones, Hoverwatch deserves your full attention!
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How does mobile spy software work?
It is a software designed to track the location of a mobile device and extract data from it. Once installed, it can do everything from recording phone calls and text messages, to monitoring social media activity, to tracking location.
There are two main types of spyware: live monitoring software and tracking software. The former can record phone calls, read text messages and other forms of real-time communication. The second records all activity on the device in one way or another either through periodic screenshots or by recording keystrokes.
How does the installation work?
The best way to install a tracker on a cell phone is to use software designed for this purpose. There are a number of reliable applications that provide this service. They are all downloadable at no cost, but the cost of the service will vary depending on the number of features.
Installing spyware is not difficult to do. Simply go online and create an account with the company that provides this service. Many companies offer this service and will provide you with all the instructions to install it properly.
The installation process varies depending on the type of software chosen. However, some steps are common to all facilities. For example, the spyware must be downloaded to the target phone before it can be installed. Then it must be activated before you can start tracking the phone data.
Is it possible to spy on a phone without software (remotely)?
No, it is not possible to spy on a phone without software. This is not possible because the data on the phone is encrypted and the person who owns the phone will have to give his password.
As you can see, remote spy apps are the most common and popular way for people to track someone else’s phone. They work by installing an application on a target device, then accessing it remotely from their own device. This can be done via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Some of these applications even allow you to remotely control the target device and access all its data, including call logs, messages, social media accounts, emails, browsing history, etc.
What does the law say about the use of such a surveillance application?
It all depends on the location and the person installing it. For example, in Germany, these applications are illegal because they violate German privacy and data protection laws. In other geographical areas, such as Russia, there are no laws restricting their use.
In France, the law is quite clear on this subject. If you wish to implement surveillance of your company’s equipment, you are allowed to do so, provided that you inform your employees and give them the opportunity to refuse its use.
The French government has also passed a law prohibiting spying on your spouse or your children (of age) without their consent. This law is called the Act to Strengthen the Protection of Personal Data (Digital Act). It was published on the website of the Official Journal of the French Republic on May 8, 2018. However, this practice may be allowed in the context of parental control of minor children.
Is it possible to spy on a phone for free?
There are many types of smartphone spy software available for purchase, but there are also free versions.
Some types of this software can be downloaded from the Internet. However, you should make sure that you download genuine software from a trusted website, as there are many fake software that can damage your device or steal your information.
Also, if you are looking for a phone spy application that costs nothing, you will only be able to use a limited number of features. You also limit the number of devices that can be monitored. If you want more options and unlimited device tracking, it will cost you a little more money.
Another disadvantage of free tracking software is that it can be difficult to install. They may not work on your phone and may contain many ads.
How do I know if I am being spied on on my phone?
Overheating
Phones that work well should not overheat. If your device is unusually warm, it may indicate that someone is spying on you. Of course, installing spyware is not the only reason for an overheated phone, so don’t panic!
Discharged battery
Any sudden change in your smartphone’s battery life can also indicate that something is going on. Spyware works behind the scenes 24/7 to spy on your digital activity. That’s why a battery that drains quickly (even if you don’t stream videos or play a lot of online games), is a warning sign.
Random pop-up messages
Unsolicited advertisements may indicate spyware infiltration, as spyware is often associated with adware. Disruptive messages can also take the form of text messages, notifications from applications you haven’t installed or emails from unknown sources.
Here are some other signs that should alert you
- You notice that your phone has an abnormally high data consumption.
- You notice that your phone’s Wi-Fi signal is always on, even when you’re near a wireless router.
- Your browser continues to redirect to sites you did not intend to visit.
- You receive ads for products that you did not search for or purchase online.
Is monitoring a phone the same as hacking it?
The short answer is no. There is a big difference between the act of surveillance and the act of phone hacking. Surveillance is a set of techniques that allow an individual or organization to track and record the behavior of another party. Hacking, on the other hand, is an illegal intrusion into a computer system.
In other words, monitoring is the act of viewing and analyzing data on a device without modifying it. This can be done using various applications or via an offline connection to the device.
In contrast, hacking occurs when an attacker gains unauthorized access to a device and modifies its data, usually with malicious intent. A hacker would need to have some sort of technological know-how to break security measures and gain unauthorized access to data.
Conclusion
It seems these days we are more connected to our screens than each other. A phone tracker gives parents the peace of mind that their children and family are safe at all times. It allows employers to properly safeguard their assets and households to anticipate problems of infidelity.
However, choosing the right control software can be difficult. There are many types of software and monitoring tools that have different functionalities. Users have to find a balance between these different features and what they are willing to pay.
