We spend the majority of our time online these days. Although this can help us be more productive, it’s also undeniable that it has its dangers. Employees can get distracted, and children can become addicted to their digital lives and forget the real world. To help us stop these things from happening, we need to be responsible and use all the tools available to us. Spy apps, in particular, are valuable tools for monitoring our employees or children. Whether you’re a worried spouse, a concerned employer, or a protective parent who just wants the best for their children, here’s a list of the seven best Android spy apps that can help you keep track of everything.
mSpy
One of the most popular monitoring apps in the market, mSpy has the benefit of a broad user base and trusted software.
Main Benefits
mSpy is, primarily, a parental control app. In making this software, the team consulted parenting and child care experts to develop features that can help parents make their children’s digital lives healthier and more responsible. As a result, mSpy features plenty of parenting-focused features. One of them is accessibility and ease of use. mSpy features a convenient installation, easy-to-use features, and a very accessible platform. Parents can easily use mSpy’s features, no matter their tech abilities. This is why many people think mSpy is the best spy app for Android. It has standard monitoring features like keystroke logging, SMS monitoring, access to contacts, and more.
Of course, that’s not enough to help keep your children safe. In the security and monitoring department, mSpy has stand-out features to boast, as well. One of them is mSpy’s GPS location tracking, which can track the spy software target through their mobile device. Other than that, mSpy also offers features that allow you to remotely control the target phone. This includes blocking calls, locking the phone, and wiping the target phone. These are valuable tools to have when the device is believed to be stolen, misplaced, or misused. It does have a pretty glaring disadvantage, however: most of its features require root access. Although installing the mSpy app itself is pretty easy, rooting the device increases the complexity of the process. You also need to spend more time physically handling the target device for installation. This monitoring app has plenty of advantages and disadvantages, and I examined each one in my detailed mSpy review.
Price
This app is on the pricier end of the scale. mSpy has two subscription levels and three plans. The Basic Plan allows you to use all the typical monitoring features, such as SMS monitoring and GPS tracking. It costs $26.99 for one month, $59.99 for three months, and $99.99 for a full subscription year. The Premium Plan features advanced social media monitoring, app blocking, geofencing, and more. This costs $69.99 to start, valid only for one month. Monthly prices will also fall lower in longer-term plans. The 3-month plan is $119.97, and the 1-year plan is $199.92. Although quite expensive, mSpy is a well-known and widely trusted app, so you are sure to get your money’s worth. If you think it’s for you, try mSpy out now!
Pros
Easy installation and useStrong location tracking servicesFeatures premium phone commandsTrustworthy appGreat customer service
Cons
Most features require root accessExpensive
uMobix
If you want a wallet friendly-option that features customizability and ease of use, uMobix could be the spy app you’re looking for.
Main Features
Just like mSpy, uMobix is a reliable spy app that can monitor whatever is needed. Although the brand is still fairly unknown, it’s a great alternative to mSpy. In fact, uMobix offers the same functions as mSpy, with just a few differences. One of the best things that I like about uMobix is how, unlike mSpy, many features work without root access. Some still do need root access, but even when the target device is unrooted, you still get more available tools than mSpy. This makes it perhaps the best Android spy app without rooting. This includes tools such as gallery access, internet activity tracking, keylogging, and even location tracking. These tools usually require root access, but not uMobix. More than this, uMobix also lets you customize the time between data syncs. Most spy apps don’t bother with this small detail, but this one lets you choose between 5-10 minutes, which is great for users who want more frequent updates of the target device’s status. The last stand-out feature is its spyware scanner, which lets you remotely scan the target device for the presence of other spyware. Aside from that, uMobix will also let you track application use, keystrokes, calls, and even 19 social media and instant monitoring apps. This only applies to Android though, as the iOS version can only monitor five apps in total and cannot monitor keystrokes, gallery, and browser access, among others. The biggest disadvantage of uMobix is its pretty unconventional display method. Unlike mSpy, which displays information as seen on the phone, uMobix will often just show screenshots, like with its social media monitoring feature. Although it’s still functional, it’s not the best way to display information, nor is it the most convenient.
Price
uMobix has different prices for iOS and Android versions, and different subscription levels (Basic and Full) and subscription plans (1-month, 3-month, and 1-year plans) for each. The Android version is a bit more expensive than the iOS version, due to having more available active features. While the one-month Basic version costs the same, at $29.99, the Full version costs $59.99 for one month, $99.99 for three months, and $179.88 for one year. In comparison, the iOS version’s Full version costs $49.99 for one month, $79.99 for three months, and $149.99 for one year. uMobix is more cost-effective than mSpy, so you can try it out right now without spending too much. If you want to read more about its features first, though, check out my detailed uMobix review.
Pros
Plenty of features work without root accessReasonable priceCustomizable syncing frequencyHas spyware scannerRobust number of features for Android
Cons
Doesn’t have many features on iOSTakes screenshots instead of displaying dataConsumes a lot of battery
FlexiSPY
Another well-known figure in the monitoring app arena, FlexiSpy is known for its many features for robust monitoring and management capabilities.
Main Features
Along with mSpy, FlexiSpy is a trusted name when it comes to monitoring apps. Its main draw is that it offers an extensive list of features available for use. With FlexiSpy, you can’t just see what the target device owner is doing on the phone. You can also listen, record, and even send remote commands for the target device to execute. For example, FlexiSpy is one of the only apps in the market that offer call recording features. With this, you can command the app to save real-time calls as audio files, so you can listen to them in the future. Similarly, you can also record ambient audio around the device, which is very helpful if the device goes missing. This feature also has a visual component, which allows you to record videos and take photos of the device’s surroundings. As long as the target uses the phone, you can take discreet videos and pictures of what is happening around them, giving you a complete idea of their current state and location. Of course, that’s not all. FlexiSpy allows you to set geofences, schedule certain tasks and functions, like screenshots, log keywords, monitor apps and messages, and even customize alerts for specific triggers. On the flip side, however, it does cost a premium to use these features. This app is significantly more expensive than both uMobix and mSpy. More than that, it also requires the target device to be rooted, although they have some solutions that you can buy to make the installation process more manageable. If you’re interested in more details, I discussed and reviewed all of FlexiSpy’s features in this article.
Price
FlexiSpy has more than the usual number of price differences and subscription levels. It varies in price between PC, iPads, and mobile devices, both iOS and Android. It also has three subscription levels: Lite, Premium, and Extreme. Lastly, you can avail these levels in the usual three-tiered plan: one month, three months, and one year. You can get the Lite version of FlexiSpy for Android at $29.95 for one month. This is the only subscription plan available. Unfortunately, you there’s no discount for long-term subscriptions. The Premium version is available at $68.00 for the one-month plan, drastically more expensive than other spy apps on the list. However, you do get long-term savings, as the price drops to $33.00 monthly if you avail of the 3-month plan (at $99.0) and then to $12.42 monthly if you avail of the annual plan (at $149.00). Finally, the Extreme tier features a long list of all the capabilities that FlexiSpy has at a very high cost. This tier is the most expensive on this list, costing $199.00 for the 3-month plan and $349.00 for the annual plan. Although it is indeed quite pricey, FlexiSpy might be for you if you have plenty of management and recording needs. Don’t hesitate to buy it now!
Pros
Extensive list of spy toolsCan record calls, audio, and video, as well as take picturesCan execute commands remotelyFeatures quality installation solutions
Cons
Significantly more expensive than other apps listed hereAll features require root access
Spyic
If you want a functioning spy app without all the bells and whistles of other best-hidden spy apps for Android out there, then Spyic is a good choice for you.
Main Features
Spyic is a monitoring app that has everything you need if you’re just in the business of knowing specific device information, such as messages, calls, and contact information. Although it doesn’t offer anything fancy and unique, in my in-depth review, I found out that Spyic has its advantages compared to other spy apps in the market. For one, with this spy app, you get a well-organized, intuitive dashboard that shows you relevant information about the target device without requiring too much analysis. With just one glance, you can find out the status of the device that you’re monitoring, allowing users of all abilities to capitalize on the app’s benefits. More than that, Spyic also organizes most of its contents pretty well. Unlike uMobix, which just shows you screenshots, this app arranges its SMS tracking results like a typical, easy-to-read chat box that allows you to read the conversation organically. The keylogger also does this, which shows data arranged per app. You can see the words the user typed on their device and what app they were typed into. Sadly, the same isn’t true for the social media monitoring feature, which shows random disconnected messages. It also features a long list of apps that it can monitor, including those that might not be popular. Spyic can monitor apps such as Badoo, POF, and QQ, which your children might be using but other spy apps can’t detect. However, as mentioned, Spyic’s individual features are pretty basic. If you’re looking for hardcore results, like the ones that FlexiSpy offers, this isn’t it. Plus, even though its features are rather sparse, Spyic is also pricier than mSpy or uMobix.
Price
Spyic features separate price structures for their Android and iOS versions. Luckily for Android users, the Android version is more affordable. There are three subscription tiers that vary based on the number of features and the number of devices that will be using the app. The Basic tier costs $39.99 for the one-month subscription, $59.99 for the three-month plan, and $99.99 for the annual plan. This tier doesn’t give you access to all of Spyic’s features, but it covers the basics, which should be enough for most needs. The next tier is Premium, which lets you use all of the features available to Spyic for one Android device. This tier costs $49.99 for the one-month plan, $69.99 for the three-month subscription, and $119.99 for the annual plan. Lastly, it has the Family tier, which gives you all the benefits of Premium but for three devices. This costs $89.99 for one month, $269.99 for three months, and $999.99 for a full subscription year. Although pricey, you can wait for discounts on their website, when you can get the subscriptions for a much lower rate. Interested? Try Spyic now!
Pros
Simple but functionalEasy to understand display of SMS and keylogging featuresMonitors uncommon social media apps
Cons
Expensive relative to other similar appsDoesn’t have any stand-out toolsInformation for social media apps is not organized
iKeyMonitor
Another contender in this list of the best-hidden spy apps for Android list is iKeyMonitor, a parental control app with lots of features to help parents keep their children’s digital lives safe and healthy.
Main Features
Since the iKeyMonitor app is primarily a parental control app, it offers a comprehensive parental management package. It still does offer features that a typical spy app has, such as SMS monitoring, call logs, web history, and GPS, but where iKeyMonitor stands out is in its parental management features. For one, it has app blocking tools that allow you to restrict specific applications from operating on the target device. You can use this to disable games and social media during study time or even protect your children against potentially harmful apps, like dating and gambling apps. But more than that, you can also use this app to restrict screen time on the target device. This app’s blocking tool allows you to set daily screen time limits that disable the app after the limit is reached.
It also allows you to set conditional blocks, which restricts a particular app after it’s been used for a set amount of time. Lastly, it also lets you select specific times of the day when the phone is blocked from use, such as during bedtime and school hours. Aside from that, this app also offers the same kind of ambient environment recording that FlexiSpy does, which is impressive considering its price point. However, most features require the target device to be rooted, which is a significant inconvenience, especially if users are not tech-savvy. If you want more details about these features, read my full review.
Price
iKeyMonitor has a unique pricing strategy compared to other monitoring apps on the list. This app features two different subscription plans: Family and Business. The Family app starts with a free version. Basic features such as call history, SMS monitoring, contacts list, calendar events, etc., are all free to use, as long as you sign up. However, it offers add-on features at $9.99 for three days or $16.66 per month, for one device. Add-ons are features have to be each paid for, individually. The second tier is the Business tier. It has no free version and starts at $9.90 a month for one device, with a minimum of 20 devices. This comes to a total of $198.00 for the Business tier. All features are available at this subscription level. They do have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can sign up for the free version right now.
Pros
Great app blocking featuresScreen time controlAmbient recording feature
Cons
Comparatively very expensive, especially if you require multiple featuresMost features need root access
KidsGuard Pro
Another product you need to check out is KidsGuard Pro. More than a competent spy app, KidsGuard Pro also gives parents the ability to manage their children’s screen time.
Main Features
Just like other spy apps in this list, KidsGuard Pro allows you to monitor SMS, contact information, and social media apps, among others. It also has a fully functional screenshot command feature. However, where it stands out is in location-tracking abilities. Whether you’re a protective parent, concerned employer, or worried spouse, these no-root-needed features by KidsGuard Pro will surely come in handy. Some apps in this list already allow you to locate the target device through their GPS even without root access, however, KidsGuard Pro takes this feature to the next level and enables you to set geofence and track WiFi, even without root. The geofence tool itself also sports a full range of functionalities, such as letting you schedule when the restrictions turn on or not. Even if GPS isn’t enabled on the target device, you can still track with the Wi-Fi tracker, which locates the IP address of the Wi-Fi network that the target device is connecting to. Another standout feature in this app is its address book feature, which organizes the contents in an easy-to-understand way, much like how it would appear on the device itself. Many spy apps don’t pay attention to these details, but they help bring a positive and more convenient user experience. However, this kind of organization doesn’t seem to extend to its other features, such as social media tracking. This spy app can display messages, but the messages are not arranged by chatbox and instead are displayed in list form, without differentiating who the message is from. KidsGuard Pro has many more features, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. I discussed everything in my extensive KidsGuard Pro review.
Price
Unlike the iKeyMonitor app, KidsGuard Pro has a simple three-tier payment plan that varies according to your subscription length. This app costs $23.99 for a single-month subscription, $39.99 for the three-month plan, and $79.99 for the full year. There are no tiered access plans, you get all of this app’s features in any payment plan you choose. This makes KidsGuard Pro one of the most cost-effective choices on the list. This app brings you competent functionality without breaking the bank. Sounds interesting? Try either the Android or iOS version out now!
Pros
Very cost-effectiveStrong location tracking abilitiesWell-organized contacts listPlenty of features available for a non-rooted AndroidFully functional remote screenshot feature
Cons
Social media tracking is unreliable and disorganized
XNSpy
If you want to know the target device’s general status without having to dig deep through a monitoring app’s various tools, then you need a platform with great analytics features – exactly what XNSpy offers.
Main Features
Not all of us have the time to dig through a monitoring app for hours. Having analytics right on the dashboard helps us see all critical information at just one glance, making it a crucial feature of any spy app. Even compared to the other apps on this list, XNSpy offers great analytics and display features. This app displays information such as calls and screen time in an innovative, easy-to-understand manner. The Call Time analysis ranks the top or most frequent callers within a certain period, which is handy if you want to know who the target device owner is communicating with. There’s also the Call Time Activity Punch Card. As the name suggests, this is a punch-card-themed graph that shows you different-sized “punch holes” that vary depending on the call length. These are arranged in a diagram that also shows the date and time that the calls happened. Another standout feature of XNSpy is its watchlisting and alerts tool. Despite having no root access, you can set specific keywords to watch out for. If the app detects the presence of these watchlisted words, the app will send you an alert so you can check it out. Just like other apps listed in this article, XNSpy also has its downsides. One of the most glaring downsides is the app’s unlinking process, which surprisingly charges a fee. Most apps let you freely link and unlink devices no matter how many times you do it. XNSpy makes it costly to change target devices. Also, upon testing this in my complete XNSpy review, I also found that some features didn’t live up to their claims. The company said on their website that the only features that won’t work without root are those related to instant messaging, but during my trial, there were several other features that didn’t work on my unrooted phone.
Price
XNSpy has two access tiers, Basic and Premium Editions, and each one has different subscription plans. The Basic Edition costs $29.99 for the one-month subscription, $69.99 for the three-month plan, and $99.99 for the annual subscription. The Premium Edition costs $35.99 for the one-month plan, $99.99 for the three-month subscription, and $149.99 for the annual subscription. At these price points, XNSpy is an affordable choice, especially compared to others on this list. Get it now if you think it’s suitable for your needs!
Pros
Some features work without rootComprehensive analytics and dashboard featuresGreat watchlisting and alerts tool
Cons
Unlinking process incurs a feeSome features didn’t work as advertised
What Is The Easiest Spy App To Install On Android?
The easiest app to install on Android is uMobix. It has a convenient installation process that is hassle-free and easy to follow, even for users who don’t have much technological knowledge.
Reviewing The 7 Best Android Spy Apps
If you want a competent spy app to take care of all of your tracking needs, what you’re looking for is one of the 7 best spy apps listed in this article. In my personal experience, mSpy, uMobix, FlexiSPY, Spyic, iKeyMonitor, KidsGuardPro, and XNSpy are the best Android spy apps today. I extensively reviewed all of these with an unrooted Android phone and covered all their features. If you want to know more, be sure to check out my individual reviews! Did you like this article? Tell me your thoughts in the comment below!
