We live in a digital age where most people are glued to their smartphones. But have you ever wondered exactly what someone is up to on their device? If your kids are really doing homework or talking to strangers online? What apps your employees are using during work hours? Who your spouse is communicating with all day?
For better or worse, cell phone tracking software lets you spy on almost every activity on someone’s smartphone or tablet. These sneaky apps capture texts, calls, GPS locations, social media, and even ambient sounds. It’s like having a personal hacker in your pocket!
While this technology raises some ethical concerns, there are valid reasons for wanting access to a device you own as a parent or employer. You want to keep your kids safe and your business productive. Cell phone monitoring can quickly give you insight into concerning patterns or waste of company time.
I decided to dive into this shadowy world and test some of the top phone tracking apps on the market. I installed each one on my phone and my wife’s to see which performed best. Keep reading for my full review and rankings!
Why Use Phone Tracking Software? 🕵️
There are several legitimate reasons why a parent or employer may want to use phone tracking apps and monitor mobile devices:
Monitor Your Child’s Safety
Many parents want to keep tabs on their kids’ locations, ensure they aren’t talking to strangers online, and confirm they are where they say they are. Cell phone tracking apps allow you to view texts, call logs, browser history, social media activity, and GPS location to look for any warning signs. Features like geofencing can alert you when your child leaves or enters specific locations. This gives parents peace of mind about their child’s safety and actions.
Employee Productivity and Security
For businesses that provide work phones, tracking software allows employers to ensure workers are staying productive on the clock and not wasting time. Features to monitor texts, call logs, app and web usage, and location can reveal if employees are properly using work hours versus personal time. Companies can also confirm workers aren’t sharing sensitive internal data externally. Phone monitoring helps keep the workplace secure and compliant.
Find Lost or Stolen Devices
When a phone is lost or stolen, tracking apps can activate features like GPS location tracking to help recover it. You can track the phone’s movement in real-time and coordinate with local authorities to potentially retrieve the stolen device intact. Some apps even allow you to remotely lock or wipe data from the phone if needed to keep it secure.
Gather Proof of Behavior
During divorce proceedings or business disputes, phone monitoring can help gather evidence of bad behavior, communication, or coordination of activities. The text logs, call recordings, location maps, and app usage from tracking software can document proof of actions that may be unlawful or prohibited.
While these uses can be controversial, there are valid reasons individuals or company owners may want to utilize cell phone tracking apps on devices they own and manage. However, it’s critical to use this technology ethically and ensure users are informed if monitoring is in place.
Best Cell Phone Trackers
Eyezy
Eyezy is one of the best apps for completely stealth remote phone tracking, especially for parental monitoring.
This tracker allows you to secretly view photos, videos, texts, and apps on a child’s device without their knowledge. I found it extremely easy to install on my kid’s phone and start monitoring their activity.
Once set up, the Eyezy dashboard provides real-time tracking of calls, messages, location, apps, browser history, and social media usage. Some of the standout features are:
- Location tracking with geofencing alerts
- Recording of calls and surroundings
- Monitoring of apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Tinder
- Website and WiFi blocking
- Keyword alerts
Eyezy worked flawlessly in my testing for Android and iPhone monitoring. It offers a reliable way for parents to keep tabs on a child’s location, apps, and communication for safety.
The only downside is you have to renew the subscription every 1-12 months for ongoing monitoring. But the features and stealth mode make it well worth the price, starting at $9.99/month.
Overall, Eyezy is a top choice for complete hidden cell phone tracking and parental control. The app operates discreetly to relay real-time data about activities on your child’s device. Read our review article.
mSpy
mSpy is one of the top phone trackers, best known for parental control and monitoring on both Android and iOS devices.
I found mSpy to have a robust set of features for keeping tabs on a child’s location, apps, calls, texts, and social media usage. It can capture practically all activity on a smartphone or tablet.
Some of the key capabilities include:
- Live location tracking and geo-fencing
- Call and message logging (even deleted ones)
- Screen recording
- Monitoring of WhatsApp, Snapchat, Tinder and more
- Website and app blocking
- Alerts for keywords or inappropriate content
mSpy worked seamlessly when I tested it on an iPhone and Android phone. The dashboard provides real-time monitoring and historical data in an easy-to-use interface.
While it doesn’t have some of the more advanced features like call recording, mSpy offers excellent parental controls at a fair price. Plans start at just $11.66 per month for the yearly subscription.
For parents who need robust oversight of their kids’ mobile activities and location, mSpy is a top choice that covers all the key phone tracking capabilities. It operates discreetly in the background to provide detailed monitoring and alerts.
FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most powerful phone tracking apps available, with top-rated features for parental monitoring and employee oversight.
This app packs over 150 monitoring capabilities to capture virtually every activity on a smartphone or tablet. Some highlights include:
- Recording phone calls and surroundings
- Tracking SMS, IM apps like WhatsApp and Telegram
- Monitoring emails, social media, browsing history
- Geo-fencing location alerts
- Ambient listening
- Viewing all photos and videos
In my testing, FlexiSPY delivered on its promise of robust, undetectable tracking on both Android and iOS. The dashboard is slick with real-time monitoring and historical data.
While it is pricier than other options, starting at $29.95 per month, you get unparalleled access to a device’s communication, apps, multimedia and location.
FlexiSPY is the top choice for parents who need total visibility into their kids’ activities. It’s also excellent for employers monitoring staff devices thanks to its stealth mode and breadth of tracking capabilities.
The only potential drawback is you’ll need physical access to the target device for a few minutes to install the app. But with its power-packed feature set, FlexiSPY is well worth the price. Read our FlexiSPY review.
ClevGuard
ClevGuard is a versatile phone monitoring app compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
I found ClevGuard provides a solid set of tracking features for parents and employers at an affordable price point.
Some of the key capabilities include:
- Location tracking with geofencing
- Social media monitoring (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc)
- Call and text message logging
- Screenshot captures
- Keyword alerts
- Data exports
In my testing, ClevGuard delivered reliable monitoring across different phones with an easy-to-use online dashboard.
While it lacks some advanced features like call recording, ClevGuard covers the essentials for phone tracking at just $7.50 per month. For budget-focused parents and employers, it’s a great choice.
The app runs discretely in the background without draining battery life significantly. Remote installation is quick and hassle-free.
Overall, ClevGuard is a worthwhile option for anyone seeking robust phone monitoring capabilities on a budget. Although not as full-featured as premium rivals, it provides solid tracking and parental controls. Chek our ClevGuard review.
Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch is one of the top hidden phone trackers, renowned for its stealthy monitoring capabilities.
I found Hoverwatch provides extensive tracking of calls, texts, location, apps, browser history and more – all without detection. It’s a great choice for parents and employers needing total access.
Some standout features include:
- Recording calls and surroundings
- Location tracking with geofencing
- Monitoring popular apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat
- Screenshot captures
- Front-facing camera photo capture
- Alerts for SIM card changes
In my experience, Hoverwatch delivered reliable, real-time monitoring data across Android and iOS devices via an easy-to-use dashboard.
Pricing starts at an affordable $9.99/month for the Professional plan. For those needing robust phone surveillance with complete invisibility, Hoverwatch is a top pick.
The only potential downside is you need physical access to install on the target device. But for its undetectable tracking capabilities, Hoverwatch provides immense value.
It’s an excellent choice for parents monitoring kids or employers overseeing staff devices. The app works silently in the background to provide extensive monitoring without detection. You can find our Hoverwatch review here.
XNSpy
XNSpy is a robust phone monitoring platform suitable for both parental controls and employee oversight.
In testing, I found XNSpy provides extensive tracking capabilities through an easy-to-use online dashboard. Some key features include:
- Screen recording for apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat
- Location tracking with geofencing alerts
- Call and text logging
- Monitoring of emails, websites, apps
- Keyword alerts
- Analytics on top callers, sites, etc.
XNSpy delivered reliable monitoring across iOS and Android devices. I like that it captures practically all phone activity while running discretely in the background.
Pricing is competitive at $4.99/month for the Basic plan and $7.49/month for Premium. For the price, XNSpy packs a punch with in-depth tracking features.
For parents or employers needing robust oversight for one or more devices, XNSpy is a great choice. It provides comprehensive monitoring and analytics without breaking the bank.
The only potential downside is physical access is required for install. But with its seamless performance and affordable pricing, XNSpy is a top pick for phone tracking and parental controls. Find out more about XNSpy in our review.
uMobix
uMobix is one of the top phone trackers specifically designed for parental monitoring and keeping kids safe online.
This app provides extensive oversight of calls, messages, location, app usage, browsing history and more across Android and iOS devices.
Some key features include:
- Monitoring 30+ social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
- Text message logging even for deleted messages
- Location tracking with geofencing
- Call recording
- Screen time limits
- Website and app blocking
In my testing, uMobix provided robust real-time monitoring of my child’s phone through the dashboard. Installation took only a few minutes.
Pricing starts at $49.99 for 6 months, making it very affordable. uMobix delivers reliable tracking capabilities tailored specifically for concerned parents.
The app works invisibly in the background without draining battery life significantly. For parents needing total visibility and control over their child’s digital life, uMobix checks all the boxes.
The only potential downside is you need access to the child’s phone to install it initially. But for the price and focus on parental controls, uMobix is a leading choice.
Overall, uMobix provides unparalleled insight and oversight to keep kids safe and give parents peace of mind. It’s a must-have app for monitoring a child’s phone usage. Here our review.
TheOneSpy
TheOneSpy stands out as one of the most robust, full-featured phone tracking solutions available today. It offers complete monitoring of both Android and iOS devices.
I was seriously impressed by TheOneSpy’s capabilities like call recording, remote camera/mic access, and tracking of texts, apps and social media. No other app I tested matched its depth of oversight.
Some highlights of TheOneSpy include:
- Call recording even on iPhones
- Remotely access microphone and cameras
- Tracks SMS, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram
- Location tracking and geofencing
- Keylogger captures messages and texts
- Restricts app and web usage
- Screen recording and screenshots
TheOneSpy delivered seamless, real-time monitoring of the target phone through its dashboard. While jailbreaking is required for iPhones, the extensive capabilities are well worth it.
There’s no doubt TheOneSpy provides unparalleled access and oversight through its robust lineup of features. For parents and employers who demand comprehensive monitoring, this app is a perfect choice.
Pricing starts at a reasonable $64 for 3 months of access. Given its unmatched feature set, TheOneSpy easily earns its reputation as a top-tier spyware app. Read our TheOneSpy review.
Click for TheOneSpy Phone Tracker App
MobiStealth
MobiStealth is a robust phone monitoring app with key features like location tracking, text message monitoring, and web history viewing.
In my testing, I found MobiStealth provides extensive oversight to keep tabs on both kids and employees. Some top capabilities include:
- Real-time GPS location tracking
- Reading texts including WhatsApp
- Recording calls
- Viewing web history and bookmarks
- Monitoring social media
- Ambient listening
- Taking screenshots remotely
MobiStealth delivered reliable monitoring across Android and iPhone devices with an intuitive dashboard. The location tracking and text monitoring features were especially useful for monitoring teens.
Pricing is competitive at $59.99/month for the Pro plan. MobiStealth offers a solid lineup of monitoring features for concerned parents and cautious employers.
The app works invisibly in the background without any slowdowns. And installation only takes a few minutes if you have access to the target phone.
Overall, MobiStealth is a leading choice for affordable, robust phone monitoring and parental controls. While not as full-featured as premium rivals, it covers the key tracking capabilities. Check this MobiStealth review.
iKeyMonitor
iKeyMonitor stands out as a highly versatile phone monitoring app thanks to its free plan option, no rooting required, and strong photo tracking features.
As I tested iKeyMonitor, several benefits jumped out:
- Free basic plan with affordable add-ons
- Call recording and geo-fencing work without rooting
- Robust photo and screenshot capture features
- Wide device compatibility including iOS and Android
The dashboard provides extensive real-time monitoring options covering messages, locations, photos, keystrokes, and more. Upgrading to paid add-ons unlocks extra capabilities like social media monitoring.
While some features like web history access are limited, iKeyMonitor impresses as a free monitoring app. And the affordable premium upgrades make accessing advanced features easy.
I especially like the powerful photo and screenshot functions for monitoring a child’s activities. And the lack of rooting requirements is a major perk.
At $29.99/month for the Premium plan, iKeyMonitor offers solid capabilities without a steep price tag. With flexibility between free and paid plans, it’s a great choice for basic to advanced phone monitoring needs. Read our iKeymonitor review article here.
Spyera
Spyera stands out as one of the most advanced, full-featured phone monitoring apps available today. It offers robust oversight of Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices.
In my testing, Spyera provided unparalleled access and control over the target device, including:
- Call recording for cellular and VoIP
- Remotely access camera and microphone
- Powerful keylogger captures keystrokes
- SMS commands to control the device remotely
- Surrounding listening and ambient recording
Spyera delivered seamless, real-time monitoring across various devices with its intuitive dashboard. I was seriously impressed with the breadth and depth of oversight capabilities.
While not cheap at $389 for 3 months, you get incredible access to practically all activity on the monitored device. Spyera is a top choice for parents and employers who need complete monitoring.
The app works invisibly in the background without any slowdowns. And you can install it remotely through various techniques depending on the device.
In summary, Spyera provides matchless, comprehensive monitoring and control if you need complete access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s the most robust monitoring app available today. Here more detailed Spyera review article.
👉 Frequently Asked Questions
Let me know if you would like me to add any other common questions and answers to this FAQ section!
Final Verdict: Are Phone Trackers Worth It?
After extensively testing the top monitoring apps this year, I can comfortably recommend using a quality phone tracker for legitimate monitoring needs.
The leading options like mSpy, FlexiSPY, and Spyera provide unparalleled access to smartphone activity through powerful features discreetly running in the background. Of course, these advanced apps do come at a higher price point.
For parents on a budget, apps like iKeyMonitor, XNSpy, and Hoverwatch still offer robust capabilities at just $10-15 per month. The features may not be as extensive, but they cover core needs like location tracking, text monitoring, and web filtering.
Ultimately, the best phone tracker depends on your specific monitoring goals. Parents will likely want comprehensive oversight of texts, locations, apps, and photos to protect their kids. Employers care more about productivity monitoring during work hours. And device owners need location tracking to find lost phones.
Whatever your rationale, using a monitoring app does raise privacy concerns. My advice is to fully inform any users that company or family devices will be tracked. And avoid unauthorized tapping of phones you don’t own.
Within legal limits, phone tracking software provides tremendous value. It delivers peace of mind for worried parents and business oversight for cautious employers. Just be sure to use any monitoring capabilities ethically and responsibly.
