Phone monitoring apps have become increasingly popular among parents and employers who want to keep track of their kids‘ or employees‘ phone activities. With the rise in cyberbullying, digital dangers, and productivity concerns, monitoring apps provide much-needed oversight and security.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right monitoring app for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we have researched and reviewed the 19 best phone monitoring apps for both iPhone and Android devices in 2023.
Contents
Our Evaluation Criteria
We looked at over 50 different phone monitoring apps and evaluated them based on the following criteria:
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Features: The range of monitoring capabilities from calls and texts to location tracking and app/web activity.
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Platforms Supported: Whether the app works for iPhone, Android, or both operating systems.
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Price: Free or paid subscriptions, one-time fees, and pricing options.
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Ease of Use: The setup process, dashboard, and how intuitive the interface is.
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Stealth Capabilities: How well the app works in invisible, stealth mode.
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Reliability & Accuracy: How consistent and precise the monitoring data is.
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Customer Support: Availability of resources like FAQs, live chat, email, etc.
The 19 Best Phone Monitoring Apps
Based on our extensive evaluation, here are the top 19 phone monitoring apps on the market today:
1. mSpy
mSpy is our top pick for Best Overall Monitoring App. It has excellent features like GPS location tracking, remote camera/mic access, extensive social media and text monitoring, web/app blocking, and very intuitive dashboards. mSpy works seamlessly for both iPhone and Android monitoring with robust stealth modes. Pricing starts at $8.33/week.
Key Features:
- Call & Text Monitoring
- Social Media Monitoring (WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc)
- GPS Location Tracking
- Web & App Activity Monitoring
- Contacts, Calendar, Email Monitoring
- Media Files & Remote Camera Access
- Alerts for Suspicious Activities
- Excellent Customer Support
2. FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is the most powerful monitoring app we reviewed with every major feature you could ask for. It offers incredible depth into call logs, texts, instant messaging, GPS location, apps, websites, photos/videos, and more. FlexiSPY is pricey but provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Key Features:
- Call Interception & Recording
- Instant Messaging Monitoring
- Email Monitoring
- Media Files & Browser History Access
- GPS Location Tracking
- Geo-Fencing Options
- Excellent Dashboard & Reports
- Works on iPhone & Android
3. Spyic
Spyic provides excellent phone monitoring and tracking capabilities for both Android and iPhone users. We like their user-friendly dashboard, competitive pricing, and solid feature set. Spyic makes remote monitoring easy and effective.
Key Features:
- Texts, Calls & Location Monitoring
- Social Media Monitoring
- Media Files & App Monitoring
- Web History & Bookmarks Tracking
- Alerts for Suspicious Activities
- Affordable Monthly Plans
- No Jailbreaking Needed
4. Spyzie
Spyzie is a fast-growing monitoring app with features like keylogger, screenshots, media monitoring, GPS tracking, advanced messaging monitoring, browser history, app blocking, and more. We like their free trial and phone support.
Key Features:
- Social Media Monitoring
- Calls, Texts, Emails Monitoring
- Media Files & Apps Monitoring
- GPS Location Tracking
- Alerts for Keywords/Phrases
- Affordable Pricing Plans
- Phone Support Available
5. uMobix
uMobix excels at social media monitoring with extensive capabilities for apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram and many others. It also offers call logs, GPS tracking, text monitoring, keylogger, content blocking, and more.
Key Features:
- Robust Social Media Monitoring
- Texts, Calls & GPS Location Monitoring
- Keylogger & Screenshots
- Media Files & Apps Monitoring
- Affordable Plans start at $17/month
- Excellent Customer Support
6. SpyFone
SpyFone is designed for parents with comprehensive family safety features like location history, text monitoring, web filtering, app blocking, contact monitoring, and driving alerts. It lacks social media monitoring but has very solid overall capabilities.
Key Features:
- Call & Text Logs Monitoring
- Location History Tracking
- App Blocking & Web Filtering
- Media Files & Contact Monitoring
- Affordable $8/week subscription
- Excellent for Families & Parental Control
7. Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch offers powerful Android monitoring abilities like call recording, live surround listening, instant messenger monitoring, GPS location tracking, browser history monitoring, keylogger, and much more.
Key Features:
- Call Recording & Logging
- Texts, Emails, IM Monitoring
- Surround Listening Abilities
- GPS Location Tracking
- Web History Monitoring
- Free 3-Day Trial Available
- Great for Android Monitoring
8. Highster Mobile
Highster Mobile is a low-cost monitoring app for parents with features like text monitoring, call logging, GPS tracking, web history reports, app usage reports, media monitoring, and more. It lacks sophisticated social media monitoring capabilities.
Key Features:
- Text & Call Logging
- GPS Location Tracking
- Emails & Browser History Monitoring
- Affordable One-Time Fee ($69.99)
- Easy Installation & Setup
- Good for Basic Parental Monitoring
9. MobileSpy
MobileSpy offers phone monitoring for iOS and Android with capabilities like text and call monitoring, location tracking, ambient audio recording, website and app history logs, and basic social media monitoring. They have phone support available.
Key Features:
- Call & Text Monitoring
- GPS Location Tracking
- Social Media Monitoring
- Media Files & App Usage Monitoring
- Phone Support Available
- 3 Plans from $29.99/month
10. Spyera
Spyera is an advanced monitoring app that offers features like ambient listening, instant messenger monitoring, call interception, location tracking, email monitoring, browser history, and much more. It‘s one of the most robust apps available.
Key Features:
- Call Interception & Recording
- Ambient Listening/Surroundings
- Instant Messenger Monitoring
- Email & Browser Monitoring
- Advanced Location Tracking
- Media Files & App Monitoring
- Powerful Dashboard
11. TeenSafe
TeenSafe is designed specifically with parents and families in mind. It offers call/text monitoring, location history, web/app activity, driving reports, and insights into potential risks. Great balance of features and value.
Key Features:
- Call & Text Monitoring
- Location History Tracking
- Web & App Activity Monitoring
- Driving Habit Reports
- Insights into Potential Risks
- Affordable Plans Starting at $15/month
12. TheTruthSpy
TheTruthSpy offers robust phone monitoring features like GPS location tracking, ambient surrounding recording, call logging, text and instant messenger monitoring, media monitoring, and more.
Key Features:
- Call Recording & Logging
- Texts & Instant Messenger Monitoring
- Location Tracking via GPS
- Media Files Monitoring
- Ambient Surrounding Recording
- Powerful Online Dashboard
13. XNSPY
XNSPY is a monitoring app with comprehensive features and great user interfaces. It offers social media, text and call monitoring. location history, web activity monitoring, geofencing, and more.
Key Features:
- Robust Social Media Monitoring
- Calls, Texts, IM Monitoring
- Location History & Geofencing
- Email, Apps, Web Monitoring
- Alerts for Suspicious Activities
- User-Friendly Dashboards
14. SpyPhone
SpyPhone offers advanced monitoring features like live call listening, ambient sound recording, instant messenger monitoring, media monitoring, browser history, app activity, and more. It‘s a little pricier but very powerful.
Key Features:
- Call Listening & Recording
- Ambient Sound Recording
- Texts, Emails, IM Monitoring
- Location Tracking
- Media Files & App Usage Access
- Dashboard & Reports
15. Cerberus
Cerberus is designed with anti-theft capabilities in mind. It can track lost or stolen devices, take pictures of thieves, record audio, wipe your device, and more. Solid as a security app.
Key Features:
- Device Tracking
- Photo Capture for Thief Identification
- Audio Recording
- Device Wiping Capabilities
- Takes Control of Lost/Stolen Devices
- Affordable One-Time License Fee
16. Norton Family Premier
Norton Family Premier offers parent-focused monitoring capabilities like time management, geofencing, social media monitoring, web history reporting, app blocking, and content filters.
Key Features:
- Time Management & Schedules
- Geofencing Options
- Social Media Monitoring
- Web History Reporting
- App Blocking & Content Filters
- Affordable Plans Starting at $49.99/year
17. Bark
Bark is a family-focused monitoring app that looks for signs of cyberbullying, depression, online predators, adult content, suicidal ideation, and more. It sends custom alerts to warn parents of potential dangers.
Key Features:
- Scans Online Activities for Risks
- Alerts for Cyberbullying, Depression, etc.
- Custom Alerts to Warn Parents
- Monitors Email, YouTube, Apps
- Free Monitoring for Schools
- Very Affordable $9/month Plans
18. Qustodio
Qustodio is an excellent parental control app that offers activity reports, screen time limits, app blocking, advanced web filtering, and location tracking. Affordable plans for families.
Key Features:
- Time Management & Schedules
- App Blocking & Usage Reports
- Advanced Web Filters & Blocks
- Location Tracking
- Social Media Monitoring
- Unlimited Premium Plan just $54.95/year
19. FamilyTime
FamilyTime is designed for parents with capabilities like screen time limits, app usage reports, web filtering, geofencing alerts, schedules and time management. Simple to use.
Key Features:
- Screen Time Limits & Schedules
- Geofencing with Alerts
- App Usage Reports
- Web Filtering & Blocking
- Location Tracking
- Affordable Plans Starting at $7.99/month
Key Factors in Choosing a Monitoring App
When selecting a phone monitoring app, keep the following factors in mind:
Your Intended Use
Think about how you plan to use the monitoring app. Are you a concerned parent looking to keep your kids safe? An employer monitoring company-owned devices? Focus on apps catered to your specific needs.
Android vs. iPhone Compatibility
Make sure to verify the app works with your desired devices. Some apps only work with iPhone, some only Android, while others support both platforms.
Features Needed
Determine what features matter most like location tracking, social media monitoring, content blocking, etc. Pick an app that aligns closely with the capabilities you need.
Budget
Monitoring app pricing can range from free to $200+ per year. Have a budget in mind and look for apps that offer solid value at your desired price point. Many apps offer free trials.
Ease of Use
Look for an intuitive app that‘s easy to set up and navigate. The dashboard and setup process should be straightforward. You want monitoring to be simple.
Bottom Line
Phone monitoring has serious implications, so it‘s crucial to educate yourself on the legal requirements based on how you plan to use the app and what information you‘re accessing. However, when used appropriately, monitoring apps provide parents and employers effective oversight to enhance safety and security.
