10 Best Phone Spy Apps for Android & iPhone in 2024

According to the latest research, screen time has affected children’s behavior and psychology. Kids who use it for long have exhibited signs of OCD(Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and EBD(Emotional and Behavior Disorders).

Digital devices are now part of our lives; therefore, parents must ensure their children’s safety. As such, spy apps can be installed on child's phones by parents to monitor kid's safety.

These apps among others track locations, manage screen time, and control applications as well as visited websites. This means that it is hard to find an app from a myriad of options available.

Here are the top 10 best spy apps in 2024 to make your choice easier. Keep reading!

Brief Guide to Our Top Recommendations

Here is a brief list of the best spy apps for Android and iPhone:

• Msafely — The best-rated phone spy app that can recover from iCloud/Google, and has all services in place. No need to install it on iOS users.
• SpyX — It ensures easy installation with efficient monitoring by recovering data through iCloud/Google accounts. It does not need installation on iOS devices.
• SpyPhone.cc — This is useful since you don’t have to install an app in order to spy on social media activities which can be done through iCloud or Google accounts.
• mSpy — A comprehensive monitoring solution suitable for both iPhone and Android devices; it requires app installation though.
• EyeZy — This provider offers real-time alerts alongside extensive monitoring features, but the app has to be installed first before being used all times while using this system.
• Clevguard — It helps block apps and websites; however, it needs an app download within your target device in order to work effectively.
• uMobix — Another amazing thing about uMobix is that it can monitor and erase data easily; for example, installing the app takes only a click on Android while those using iPhones are supposed to have their iCloud credentials.
• TheOneSpy — You need TheOneSpy software if you want full surveillance including live screen recording.
• Hoverwatch – It’s best for multiple devices but requires an application installation prior to use in all cases.
• FlexiSPY – Moreover, FlexiSPY does comprehensive monitoring such as remote camera access but in order to enjoy its complete functionality jailbreaking/rooting has to be done.

10 Best Spy Apps

But now, without further ado, here is a list of the top 10 phone applications to spy in 2024;

1. Msafely: Best Overall Spy App

Msafely is an advanced spy app that offers comprehensive monitoring solutions without having to install anything on your child’s device. It silently pulls information from the iCloud ID of an iPhone or the Google account on Android.

This means it can be an ideal option for those parents who would like to secretly and effectively monitor their children's activities.

Key Features

Features In addition to this, Msafely has a wide range of features catering to diverse monitoring needs:

• Social Media Monitoring (WhatsApp, Discord, Facebook, and Instagram)
• Monitor All Installed Applications
• Read All Text Messages Including Deleted Ones.
• Call Monitoring
• Viewing Images And Videos

In addition, the friendly dashboard of Msafely displays all information on the computer screen so that one can easily follow children’s phone activities.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

There are different pricing options offered by Msafely depending on individual needs:

• Monthly Plan: $39.99 per month.
• 3-Month Plan: $23.33 per month.
• 12-Month Plan: $8.33 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• All apps that have been installed are monitored.
• Supports all kinds of gadgets (iPhone, Android, tablets).
• Can read even deleted text messages.
• Also listens to phone conversations.
• Maximum stealth guaranteed by no application installation required.
• Access to Photos on the device

Cons:

• You need your child’s iCloud or Google account.

2. SpyX: Best for Simple Setup

Spyx is a versatile and user-friendly parental control app providing extensive monitoring solutions without any requirement for app installation on the target device.

SpyX enables covert and efficient surveillance through the utilization of iCloud logins on iPhones and Google credentials in cases where Android devices are used. Therefore, this feature makes it an ideal option for parents who wish to ensure that their kids are not being caught red-handed when engaging in activities online.

Key Features

There are several key features of SpyX that allow parents to observe the way their children behave online:

• Social Networking Tracking (WhatsApp, Insta and Snaps)
• Monitoring of phone calls and SMS
• Determine the location of the target device in real-time.
• Find out which apps they have been using and for how long.
• Remote capturing of screenshots, screen recording, and audio.
• Create virtual fences and get alerted when the target device enters or leaves them.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

SpyX has three subscription plans:

• Monthly Plan: $49.98 per month.
• 3-Month Plan: $28.32 per month.
• 12-Month Plan: $11.66 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You don’t have to install it on a targeted smartphone;
• It monitors all activities across social media platforms as well as applications;
• Real time GPS tracking and geofencing;
• The interface is user-friendly;
• Compatible with Androids and iPhones too;

Cons:

• Data synchronization may be slow leading to late information arrivals;
• Doesn’t have a keylogger option;
• More expensive than other spy apps for iPhone and Androids

With its ease of setup coupled with its expansive range of features, SpyX is an effective tool for child protection in the digital world.

3. SpyPhone.cc: Best Social Media Spy App

Spyphone.cc is a great surveillance software for couples but can also work well as a parental control app. It enables you to monitor the target device remotely without installing any apps on it. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who wishes to spy on their children’s or spouse’s activities secretly.

Key Features

There is a wide range of features available in this app:

• Listen to phone calls.
• Read all text messages.
• Social Media Monitoring (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook)
• App Monitoring
• View photos and videos.
• Access contact lists and email accounts.
• Listen to voicemails and access Facetime calls

Pricing and Subscription Plans

SpyPhone.cc has an uncomplicated pricing plan:

• Monthly Plan: $99.98 Per Month
• 3-Month Plan: $66.66 Per Month
• 12-Month Plan: $24.99 Per Month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No need for installing an app on the destination apparatus.
• It has comprehensive monitoring of social media apps that are installed.
• It allows access to calls, texts, and media content.
• It is invisible and cannot be detected by anyone else.

Cons:

• The iCloud or Google password must be known.
• Some other companies offer lower prices than this one does.

4. mSpy: Best Spy Application for iPhone and Android

mSpy is a powerful parental control app that should be installed on the phone to be monitored. Once it gets installed, it goes undercover and becomes undetectable. This app works also on iPhones as well as Androids making it one of the smartest choices any person can make on her device.

Key Features

mSpy comes with several features to facilitate effective monitoring:

• Call and SMS Monitoring
• Social Media Monitoring
• GPS Tracking
• Record all keystrokes (Keylogger)
• Monitor all installed apps and their usage.
• View photos and videos stored on the device.
• Track browsing history and bookmarks.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

mSpy offers different subscription plans:

• Monthly Plan $48.99 per month.
• 3-Month Plan $28.00 per month.
• 12-Month Plan $11.67 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring features.
• Makes itself undetectable by working covertly.
• Runs smoothly in both iOS and Android operating systems
• A user-friendly dashboard which simplifies navigation process

Cons:

• Must be installed onto a targeted device.
• The installation process might take 10 minutes of your time
• No free trial mode available

5. EyeZy: Best for Real-Time Alerts

EyeZy is a strong parental app that provides all-embracing surveillance solutions. Once installed, the app has numerous features that assist parents in keeping tabs on their children’s online activities and ensuring their safety.

This software has become very popular due to its user-friendly interface and effective monitoring functions.

Features

Key features of EyeZy include;

• Instant alerts
• Social media monitoring
• It records all the keys made on your device.
• GPS tracking
• Check on browsing history and bookmarks.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

EyeZy offers a subscription plan:

• Monthly Plan: $38.39 Per Month
• 3-Month Plan: $22.39 Per Month
• 12-Month Plan: $7.99 Per Month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
• User friendly with easy-to-use interface.
• Immediate real-time notifications.

Cons:

• Need to physically access the target device for installation purposes.
• No free trial provided.
• Can be expensive when using multiple devices.

6. Clevguard: Best for Blocking Apps and Websites

Clevguard is a highly respected name in the field of parental control because of the extensive monitoring solutions that it provides. It has all the features parents need to make monitoring easy so as to keep their children safe online.

To use Clevguard, you have to download the app from their website, sign up, and start tracking your child’s activities with ease. Parents will love this as no rooting or jailbreaking is required from their target device hence saving them a lot of time.

Key Features

Some of the main features of Clevguard are:

• Tracking activities on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
• Blocking access to certain apps or websites.
• Keeping track of the real-time location of the target device.
• Monitoring every keystroke made on the device.
• Recording every incoming/outgoing call or text message sent through the phone.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Clevguard offers different types of subscription plans:

• Monthly Plan: $49.99/month
• 3-Month Plan: $25.33/month
• 12-Month Plan: $11.67/month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No root or jailbreak needed
• Comprehensive monitoring functionalities
• User-friendly interface
• Compatible with iOS and Android devices both

Cons:

• Requires physically accessing set up position on the targeted device,
• Doesn’t provide a free trial period.

7. uMobix: Best for Tracking and Deleting Content

Modern parents are the target audience of uMobix, which offers a package of functions for checking children’s activity on the Internet.

It gives out an integrated monitoring experience that doesn’t require rooting or jailbreaking the target device. The Android devices can be easily managed through a single click installation of uMobix. You will need the iCloud credentials to access iPhones.

Key Features

The key features are as follows:

• Call and SMS Monitoring
• Social Media Monitoring
• GPS Tracking
• Keylogger
• View installed apps and access the gallery.
• Remotely delete unwanted items from the device.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

For example, below we have provided some plans you might need:

• Monthly plan: $49.99 per month.
• 3-month plan: $29.99 per month.
• 12-month plan: $12.49 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Android devices can be installed with just one click
• All-inclusive spy features
• Real-time location tracking
• Deleting unwanted things
• User interface is easy to use

Cons:

• No one-click installation for iOS devices is available now;
• iCloud credentials must be provided
• There are no free trial versions

8. TheOneSpy: Best for Comprehensive Monitoring

TheOneSpy is a versatile phone monitoring app made for parents and bosses as well. It can track phone and computer activities through its wide array of features. This particular monitoring app supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices giving users flexibility in their choice.

Installing it requires you to have to physically access the target device. iPhones require iCloud credentials while androids are monitored by simply installing an application.

Key Features

Some of its key features include:

• Social Media Monitoring
• Call and SMS Monitoring
• Live Audio and Screen Recording
• Block access to specific websites.
• GPS Tracking
• Keylogger

Some of the benefits that come with this version will be missing from XLite Edition since it is only associated with premium editions.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

TheOneSpy comes with different subscription plans namely;

• XLite Edition: $25 monthly, $45 quarterly, $75 yearly.
• Premium Edition: 50$ monthly, 95$ quarterly, 150$ yearly

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring features.
• Easy to set up and navigate.
• Compatible with many devices (Windows, Mac OS X, Android OS, iOS).
• 14-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Physical access to the target device is necessary during the setup stage.
• It costs more than many competitors

9. Hoverwatch: Best for Multiple Devices

Parents use hoverwatch to keep an eye on their children while employers use it to monitor their workers. The software has a variety of functions that help users trace activities on Android, Windows, and Mac devices.

But it fails in supporting iOS devices. The installation process demands manual access to the gadget to be spied upon. After being installed, it goes undercover thus making it impossible to detect its presence.

Key Features

Hoverwatch has some key features which include:

• Recording all keystrokes made on the device.
• Monitoring actions taken on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
• Tracking all incoming and outgoing calls and text messages.
• GPS Tracking of the target device.
• Screen activities capturing as well as screenshots taking.
• Saving all contacts from the target device.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Hoverwatch provides various pricing plans:

• Personal (One Device): $29.95/month
• Professional (5 Devices): $49.95/month
• Business (25 Devices): $149.95/month

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Competitive prices.
• Comprehensive monitoring features.
• It operates invisibly in stealth mode.
• Supports multiple devices - Android, Windows, and Macs).

Cons:

• Not available for iOS devices.
• Physical access is required during the installation procedure.

10. FlexiSPY: Best for Comprehensive Monitoring

When it comes to monitoring Androids, iPhones, and computers, FlexiSPY has a comprehensive solution. Users can download the app through their website and parents are able to monitor kids on any device.

Once installed, FlexiSPY runs invisibly on the phone without any notification or indication of its presence. The full functioning of certain features may call for rooting or jailbreaking the targeted device.

Key Features

A range of key features provided by FlexiSPY include:

• Live call recording and interception.
• Monitoring WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram activities.
• Recording every keystroke made on the smartphone.
• Controlling the phone’s camera remotely.
• Real-time location tracking system for mobile phones.
• Tracking bookmarks and browsing history trails.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Here are several subscription plans offered by FlexiSPY:

• Lite: $29.95 per month.
• Premium: $68 per month.
• Extreme: $199 per quarter.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
• Supports multiple devices (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac).
• Real-time GPS tracking system.
• Camera remote access feature is available as well.

Cons:

• It requires full functionality by jailbreaking or rooting an Android phone.
• Some other competitors have relatively lower prices compared to this company.
• Many crucial functionalities are locked behind expensive subscription paywalls.

How to Choose the Best Spy App?

Choosing the right spy app can be confusing among these numerous options. Whether you're an individual or a mobile app development company exploring surveillance tools, make sure you consider some important aspects when selecting a spy app.

• Compatibility: Make sure that the spying software is compatible with the operating system of your target device (iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac). You may also wish to check if it needs rooting or jailbreaking to work efficiently.
• Features: A good program should be equipped with various surveillance features such as call and SMS tracking, social media monitoring, GPS tracking, keylogger, and web activity monitoring. The more features a tool has got – the better it can meet your monitoring needs.
• Ease of Installation: Look for an application that is easy to install and configure. For instance, some apps offer one-click installation for Android devices while others need iCloud credentials on iPhones.
• Stealth Mode: See that this kind of software works in a stealth mode which makes it undetectable by monitored users. All kinds of surveillance are kept secret.
• Customer Support: Always look out for applications that have reliable customer support facilities. This will assist you in case you encounter any difficulties during installation or while using it.
• Pricing: Examine different apps’ price plans. Choose programs with flexible subscription plans and high value for money. Besides, there are those that have demo accounts or even money-back guarantee.

Step-By-Step Guide – How to Use a Spy App

We’ll use the Msafely app as an illustration to provide a step-by-step guide on how to begin monitoring your child’s phone, but the steps will be similar on other apps.

1. Sign Up for an Account: To create an account with Msafely, visit their website and click on “Sign Up Free” using your email.
2. Choose Your Plan: Choose a subscription that meets your requirements. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly plans are available through Msafely.
3. Connect the Target Device: For how to spy on an iPhone: enter Apple ID details (iCloud credentials) of the target device. A verification code will be sent to the target device which you will need to input in order to complete the connection. For Android devices: enter Google Account login information and continue the installation process. Note that other Spy Apps may require that you download and install such apps onto the target device and then operate it in stealth mode thereafter.
4. Start Monitoring: After successful setup, log into your Msafely dashboard from any device. You can now track various functions like text messages, call logs, social media activities, and GPS location among others.
5. Customize Settings: Change the settings for surveillance based on your preferences. This will allow you to set up notifications, ban particular applications or sites, and also monitor what is happening in real-time.

FAQs

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The use of spy apps or monitoring software must be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It is important to note that using such tools without the knowledge and consent of the person being monitored may be illegal and could result in significant legal consequences. The responsibility to ensure the legal and ethical use of these apps lies solely with the user. We do not endorse or promote any illegal activity, and users are advised to use these tools responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.