Spy apps, monitoring apps, trackers, and parental controls — whatever you call them, these tools are getting more popular every year. Especially parental control apps; the number of parents using them jumped from 78% in 2020 to 84% in 2021.
What’s so special about spy apps? They let you see everything happening on a target device — calls, texts, GPS locations — you name it. You can keep an eye on things and ensure the safety of your loved ones.
The best part? Even though demand is going up, some awesome monitoring apps won’t break the bank. I’ve tried out a bunch that offers discounts, and I’ve tested apps offering discounts, free trials, or even free versions to give you a list of the best tools to try. Check them out below!
Top 10 Free Spy Apps for Android and iPhone: In-Depth Review
mSpy: Your Silent Observer
Ever wonder what your kids are doing online? You need an advanced phone spy app like mSpy. It quietly operates in the background, giving you a window into their digital life. Whether it’s social media activity or location tracking, mSpy offers peace of mind without disturbing them. Imagine you’re at work, and your child’s school calls you. With mSpy, a quick check assures you they’re still in class.
Key Features:
- Social Media Monitoring
- Geofencing for Location Alerts
- Keylogger and SMS Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| Undetectable operation | Rooting needed for certain advanced features |
| Comprehensive monitoring | |
| No jailbreak is required for some iOS features |
Eyezy: Simplifying the Complex
For those who appreciate simple free spy apps for Android and iPhone, Eyezy makes it easy to keep tabs. Its user-friendly setup and geofencing alerts make it ideal for monitoring teens who keep unusual hours. Imagine your teenager claims to be at a friend’s house, but Eyezy’s alert tells you otherwise. You get the truth effortlessly.
Location alerts are not the only feature of Eyezy. You can also add keywords to a list and get alerts when they appear in chat messages. Set up a list of words that might indicate danger, and you’ll get notified if your child is using them.
Key Features:
- Social Media Monitoring
- Advanced Geofencing
- App Blocking
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Advanced features require rooting |
| Detailed location alerts |
Spynger: Keeping It Basic
Spynger’s straightforward approach focuses on essentials like call logs and SMS monitoring. Perfect for users who want no-fuss functionality. Picture this: you’re just interested in knowing who your child talks to. This spyware for phones offers clear insights without extra clutter.
I also like how Spynger tracks the duration and frequency of calls. It helps identify unusual patterns that can signal danger or risky behavior.
Key Features:
- Call Logs
- Location Tracking
- SMS Monitoring
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple and reliable | Limited to basic features |
| No-frills functionality |
Phonsee: Budget-Conscious Tracking
Spy apps track shouldn’t break the bank. Phonsee offers core tracking features at an affordable price. Imagine you’re juggling finances and need a straightforward solution to ensure your child’s whereabouts. Phonsee delivers, keeping things transparent.
Key Features:
- Call Logs
- Location Tracking
- Calendar Monitoring
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly | Lacks advanced tracking features |
| Focus on essential functions |
uMobix: Family-Friendly Insights
uMobix is one of the best free spy apps for Android and iPhone, and it has detailed social media tracking. Perfect for families. Perhaps you share devices, and you’re curious about your child’s interactions. uMobix provides clarity, making it easier to address any concerns.↳
Key Features:
- Call Monitoring
- GPS Tracking
- Social Media Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| Detailed social media insights | Rooting needed for full features |
| Cost-effective |
Scannero: Quick and Easy Location Checks
If installing spyware for phone isn’t your thing, Scannero offers a web-based solution. Just enter a phone number for instant location tracking. Need to check in on your child without raising alarms? Scannero is quick and subtle.↳
Outside of phone tracking, there are additional features I’ve tried out. Reverse username lookup is my favorite, as it’s handy in situations where I need to know the identity of someone contacting my child on social media.
Key Features:
- Phone Number Lookup
- Location Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Limited to phone number tracking |
| No installation required |
Moniterro: Focused on Calls and Texts
Moniterro excels in monitoring calls and SMS, perfect for those focused on communication. It’s the best spy app for iPhone and Android because it doesn’t require jailbreaking, so you can keep tabs effortlessly. It’s your go-to app for ensuring your child’s safety in their digital conversations.↳
Key Features:
- Call and SMS Monitoring
- App Usage Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong focus on communication | Outdated interface |
| No jailbreaking needed |
SpyBubblePro: Versatile
SpyBubblePro offers a range of tracking tools that work with most smartphones. It’s great for monitoring multiple communication channels, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Need to track social media and texts? This phone spy app has got you covered.
Key Features:
- Social Media Monitoring
- Keylogger
- GPS Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Limited customer support |
| Comprehensive tracking options | Some features may drain the battery |
Clevguard: Real-Time Updates
Clevguard is a hidden phone spy app that shines with real-time tracking and social media insights, ideal for immediate updates. You’re out at dinner, and curiosity strikes about your child’s location. Clevguard provides up-to-the-minute information.↳
Key Features:
- Location Tracking
- Call Logs
- Geofencing
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent social media tracking | Jailbreaking needed for full use |
| Real-time location updates |
SpyX: Simple Yet Effective
SpyX offers efficient tracking with great GPS and social media monitoring. If you seek straightforward solutions without the extras, this spyware for phones delivers simplicity and functionality.
Key Features:
- GPS Tracking
- Call Monitoring
- Social Media Tracking
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly | Limited advanced features |
| Effective GPS tracking |
Is It Possible to Get a Free Apy App?
Sure thing! Just take a good look at the official site of the app you’re interested in, especially the “Plans” section, if they have one. You might find a free version with limited features or even a free trial.
Keep in mind, though, that most spy apps offer subscription plans to access all their features. These are crucial for developers to keep the app updated and running smoothly. Also, watch out for discounts or promo codes they might offer now and then. Seasonal sales and special events are my go-to for less expensive deals.
Best Spy App for Both Operating Systems (Android and iPhone)
I get lots of messages about which spy app works best for both Android and iPhone. Here’s the deal: most spy apps are built for one specific system — either Android or iOS.
But there are a few that work on both. Some examples are:
- mSpy: Works with iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. I love that its social media monitoring features don’t need rooting — unlike some other apps, which can be a pain.
- Eyezy: Supports both Android and iOS. There are multiple installation modes for iOS that don’t require jailbreaking the device. Perfect for those who don’t have time to mess with settings.
- Scannero: This app is amazing because it works on any device, even older ones! While it’s limited to basic location tracking, it’s great if you just need a simple way to find out where your child is.
How mSpy Works
From what we’ve learned, mSpy is a cross-platform solution, meaning it works on both iOS and Android. So, I’ve put together two easy steps for each operating system.
Note: most spy apps work in a similar way, so you can use these steps for other apps, too.
How to Install mSpy on iPhone
If the person you want to track has an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
Step 1. Create your account.
Open any browser and go to the mSpy official website. Click on “Try Now” and choose a plan that suits you best. Fill in your email address and set up a password.
Step 2: Follow instructions.
You’ll receive an email with detailed installation instructions. Pick one of the installation modes (no-jailbreak is my favorite), and you’ll be able to access all features by completing the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: That’s it – you’re all set!
After you’ve got it all set up, just log in to your mSpy account from any browser, and you’re good to go! From there, you can keep an eye on call logs, messages, social media activity, and more.
How to Install mSpy on Android
Installing mSpy on Android is a bit different but just as easy. Just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Create an account
Just like with iOS, you’ll start by setting up an account. Simply enter your email and choose a password to get your Android phone spy app.
Step 2: Install and activate
After downloading, open the file and proceed with installation. Once it’s done installing, log into your account and follow the on-screen instructions for activation.
Step 3: Start tracking
Once activated, you can access all features through your mSpy account dashboard.
Conclusion
There you have it! Picking the right spy app can be daunting with so many options, but I hope this guide gives you a solid starting point.I’ve rounded up the top ten spy apps out there and even put together a quick step-by-step for setting up mSpy. It’s my top pick for a few reasons: it works great with both iOS and Android, tracks social media like a pro, and stays completely invisible.
