Best Cell Phone Spy Software

There are several phone spy software sprouting in the app store offering different features and whistles and bells. But, which one delivers is another question that needs to be answered with several testing, not to mention what works well on different platforms and operating systems. Do not worry, here is a review of the best ones to consider after key testing.

With a lot of spy software launching once in a while, it is very normal to feel overwhelmed with the selection that may lay itself on you just for your peace of mind and the safety of your children. Choosing isn’t even relegated to just opting for the best features, you have to deal with bloated subscriptions and deals that you aren’t even sure if it is worth the money.

Just about every cell phone spy software out there, both for Android and iPhone, are completely hidden from the user and give them total access to the target phone. They allow you to track location, read text messages, social media monitoring, and chat apps. Very ideal for every consumer looking to get parental control.

But most believe that there are two features of an iPhone spy software that are necessary: App Stability and Effective tech support.

Below is my list of the best cell phone spy software that works on the most popular operating systems. Some of these spyware apps allow you to track the device’s activity with no installation of a spying app.

How To Choose Spyware Apps for Android or iPhone

I want to make your buying decision as easy as possible.  So in this section, I’m highlighting the MUST HAVE features in any cell phone spy app:

These are — best spy app for Android phones, top spy apps for iOS Devices, Whether jailbreaking or rooting the phone is required, Location tracking & message reading functionality, Technical Support Rating, Price Comparison and Social media monitoring capabilities, respectively.

The top mobile spy app to spy on Android devices isn’t necessarily best for iPhone.  Many packages are compatible with either one, but there are differences in the operating systems that limit capabilities and functionality.

There are a lot of good solutions to spy on cell phone data and track its location.  The amount of real information that can be provided depends on whether or not you root the Android device, as this provides access to absolutely everything on the phone.  Androids don’t have an iCloud backup spying equivalent.

Apple phones run on the iOS software platform.  Smartphone spyware generally falls into two categories; those that require jailbreaking the device and those that don’t.  But there is one notable exception.

The iPhone spy software we reviewed allows you to get MOST of the information without even installing any software.  These spy apps require that you know the iCloud login credentials of the target device.  From there, it is free to remotely access all the backups, which are regularly stored by the phone.

These offer the greatest flexibility and are also great for those that aren’t comfortable dealing with complex technology.

Key Features of Spyware Apps

Regardless of what you’re trying to track, most features offered by cell phone spy software are essentially the same.

So what data CAN you track using these spyware apps?

Whether you’re planning on monitoring a child, employee, spouse, or anyone else, there are a few key features you should look for before deciding on a spying app. Here’s my list of the most important features.

GPS Phone Tracking

One of the more important pieces of information for a concerned parent, employer, or spouse is the user’s location.  All of the cell phone spy software we’ve covered allows location tracking of the target device.  Some spy apps now take this capability even further by logging the location over a specific time frame.

A good cell phone location tracker app allows you to set up zones as well.  When the user enters or leaves this location, you’ll be notified.

Monitoring Text Messages

Pretty much everyone sends text messages about their personal life, business, or things they are hiding from someone else.  And knowing how to monitor text messages to spy on what’s being said is a must for any cell phone spy software.  Every one of our picks has this capability.  You can even read a text message without installing anything.

Some even allow you to log all texts and download them from the phone later.  So even if the user deletes their messages, you’ll still have them in your control panel.

Hacking into someone’s text messages is a powerful tool to monitor who they’re talking with and what they’re saying.  Some spy apps even allow you to read a text message without installing anything on their phone.  Some phones require installing software, but iPhone spy software only requires that you know their iCloud login credentials.

Phone Contacts

One of the more common features of a spy phone app is the ability to see the users address book. Even a budget option will include this functionality.

See Web Browser History

The ability to see a phone’s browser history gives you insight into what someone is doing on their phone. All the spy apps in this comparison offer this feature. The internet browsing history function is a great feature for employee monitoring.

Monitor Social Media Apps

Even if you are using a Facebook Messenger hack, it’s hard to keep track of all the ways people use to communicate, especially with chatting apps.  Your spouse or child could be using apps like Whatsapp, Snapchat, Tinder, OnlyFans, Viber, Skype, or others.

Spying on conversations in social media and instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp or Tinder is a bit more involved than seeing SMS text messages or a log of calls, but we have covered several iPhone and Android spyware apps that now offer this capability and even more. 

These provide a user-friendly and easy way to spy on chat conversations across multiple platforms.  And you can spy on it all from your web account browser, in an easy to use dashboard. You can read more about Best Phone Tracker App Without Permission

These features are especially important for parents who are worried about cyberbullying. Parents can quickly log in and monitor messages, posts, and activities.

Monitor Snapchat

Snapchat is one of the most popular chat apps in the world for sending messages, photos, and videos. Unfortunately, children don’t understand the dangers of this app as users photos can be captured and used against them. Users photos and data can then be used against them.

Reading Emails

Although e-mail communication isn’t as popular among kids and teens, this is still one of the key features. Email communication is something that should be monitored closely.  Any spying app you’re considering should offer the capability to monitor incoming and outgoing emails.

Records Call History

The ability to see a log of incoming and outgoing phone calls lets you monitor EXACTLY who they call and who calls them.  Many apps will store calls in a log that you can review and download from the device whenever you like.  Some of the better apps will even let you record all calls on the phone.

Viewing Call Logs & Recording Phone Calls

All of the top cell phone spy software should be able to record phone calls.  Flexispy can record live phone calls, and also makes it easy to turn on the phone’s microphone for in-room recording without the user’s knowledge. You’ll also be able to view call logs and call history. The call log feature is available in both jailbreak and non-jailbreak versions.

Camera Activation

As parents, the ability to activate the camera of the device and record or take a photo, without the user knowing, is a powerful feature.  Not apps offer these features but it’s a great way to capture the surroundings and activities happening around the phone.

Captures Keystrokes

A keystroke capture feature allows you to spy on anything that is typed on the phone.  This includes chats, texts, emails, usernames, and passwords.  Some trackers will even notify you when specific keywords are typed. This is one of the more under-utilized features as it captures EVERY keystroke that a user makes.

Compatibility

Some programs are designed specifically for an Android phone, while others are platform-independent and will work on all types of devices.  If you’re planning to spy on more than one device, you’ll want to ensure that the app you choose is compatible with all of them.

Something to consider is that Android security isn’t as stringent as iOS. Android devices can be monitored a lot more easily, regardless of the OS version.

List of Best Cell Phone Spy Software

Given the criteria and features that we are measuring, Here is my list of the top spy apps. These work on Android devices and iOS operating systems (phones & tablets). Once installed these spying apps are completely undetectable.

#1 mSpy

It’s probably the best iPhone spy app, and maybe on all. It is spy software that has good performance in terms of reliability and support.  It’s geared towards monitoring the phones of your children, employees, partners, spouse, or whoever you need monitoring for.

Compatibility

• iPhone: All Versions of iOS
• Android: 4.0+

The basic package does not require jailbreaking and is great for those who struggle with technology. Easy to understand by nontech savvy users. It offers the ability to monitor Whatsapp. The full version of mSpy gives you access to everything on the phone.  It is also undetectable once installed.

Price

This application has three types of packages:

• Basic Package: $29.99/mo
• Premium Package: $69.99/mo or $199.99/year
• Family Package (monitor up to 3 phones): $359.97/6 months or $479.97/year

Requirements

The mSpy mobile spy app comes in both a jailbreak and non-jailbreak version, in which monitoring capabilities are more limited.

If you are looking to get the advanced version of the application, the team at mSpy will help you jailbreak the target device and get the app properly installed and configured safe and stable. The Android phone version is available in root and non-root as well.  Advanced functionality is only available in the root version.

For Android devices, mSpy can be used without rooting the phone unless you want more advanced monitoring features.

Tech Support

While the installation is fairly straightforward, it’s not unusual for customers who aren’t comfortable with mobile spy software to run into issues. Using the chat on their website, we were able to get answers to all of our questions quickly.

Conclusion

Of all the brands that were tested, mSpy was the best iPhone spy software, and it is also compatible with Android devices.  Regardless of what type of device your target uses, mSpy got you covered.  mSpy has all of the features that you are looking for, including monitoring text messages, instant messages, contacts, call logs, and pinpointing the user’s GPS location.  It also has some extras you won’t find in any other software.

This monitoring app is, far and away, the best iPhone spy software.  It has both a non-jailbreak and jailbreak version, simple installation, an intuitive control panel, and very competitive pricing.

While the app’s features are more limited without performing a jailbreak, the full version of the app has everything you could possibly want, including monitoring GPS location, SMS text messages, and all the popular social chat apps.

While it doesn’t offer some of the advanced features (like call intercept or call recording) that we admit is pretty nifty, this cell phone spyware offers the most value overall and never going to make you regret the purchase.

mSpy Review →

#2 Flexispy

FlexiSPY is considered a very powerful phone spy software currently on the market and our pick for the good overall performer of cell phone spy software.  It has all the monitoring features of most high-performing iPhone spy software and a few incredibly powerful features not offered by free cell phone spy software out there.

This powerful spy app actually allows you to listen live to phone calls as they happen. No other app offers this functionality.

Compatibility

• Android:0.4 – 8.1
• iPhone: all versions up to 9.1, Untethered 12.4 – 13.2

Requirements

Jailbreaking required on all iOS versions.  The spy app can be used without rooting the Android phone.

Price

Where this product REALLY shines is when you order a device with FlexiSPY preinstalled. This gives you full access from DAY 1!

The FlexiSPY app has been around since 2005 and, in that time, it has set the bar for advanced monitoring and spy capabilities. FlexiSPY has set the bar for other spy apps.

• Extreme = $29.08 a month for 12 months or $66.66 a month for 3 months
• Premium = $12 a month for 12 months, $33 a month for 3 months, or $68 a month for 1 month
• Lite = $29.95 a month for 1 month

Tech Support

Solid technical support with jailbreaking assistance, installation, and ongoing maintenance.  You can also order devices pre-loaded with their spy app software.

Conclusion

If you’re comfortable with technology or tech savvy and are willing to spend a little bit of a heftier price, FlexiSPY is one of the best spy software on the market.  This powerful cell phone spy software will allow you to keep track of just about everything that happens on the target phone remotely.  The FlexiSPY Extreme package has unmatched spy capabilities.

Flexispy will work on a wide variety of devices including Android and iOS phones and tablets, Nokia Symbian, and even the Blackberry. It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful spyware apps we have tested, and the app installation can be handled by their support team.

Where FlexiSPY really shines is in its advanced set of features.  In fact, they sound like some of the CIA or NSA hacks that you hear about in the news. If you like that kind of quirk.

Read Full FlexiSpy Review →

#3 SPYzie

Spyzie is another solid option.

With a dedicated support team, you’ll get quick support if something goes wrong.

The spyware software is also fairly reliable compared to other cell phone spy software ever tested for both iOS and other devices. It even offers a keylogger without rooting the device, one of only a few to offer this feature.

Compatibility

• Works with all iOS devices
• Works with all Android phones

Requirements

Both jailbreak and non-jailbreak versions are offered. Advanced features such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram monitoring require a jailbreak. Compared to remote cell phone spy software without a target phone, the Android version requires rooting if you want to see social media messaging, but there’s a workaround if you use the keylogger.

This monitoring app can be installed (with or without permission) and configured in minutes, making it a good choice for those who are less tech-savvy.

In terms of features, it is comparable to mSpy, the current king of cell phone spy software.  In addition to all of the usual features, you can also live stream the microphone and the camera (front or back) anytime you like.  This allows you to see and hear everything going on around the phone whenever you like.  The user dashboard is also probably the cleanest and most intuitive of any of the spy software I’ve tested.

It’s even got a GPS tracking history feature that shows you everywhere the phone has been in the last 24 hours.

Price

They have three types of packages you can choose from:

• Basic Package Price: $8.33/mo or $99.995/year
• Premium Package Price: $16.66/mo or $199.95/year
• Xtreme Package Price: $24.99/mo or $299.95/year

Tech Support

What comes with their packages are very responsive and knowledgeable customer support. They were quick to help with any issues before or after installation.

Conclusion

Spyzie is one of the best Android cell phone spy software on the market.  In addition, Spyzie also offers a one-time payment instead of monthly plans.  Yes, it is missing some advanced features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the phone’s camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone, and it is worth considering.

Basic customer support is available at no extra cost.  You will be required to submit questions on their website, which are answered in a queue format.  You CAN purchase an enhanced telephone support package for about $30, and this can be extremely helpful when difficulties come up.

Read Full Spyzie Review →

#4 iKeyMonitor

iKeyMonitor is an easy and user-friendly cell phone spy software that has many of the cell phone spying features of other spy software we have covered.  It also includes an online dashboard for reviewing data on target devices.

You will be required to root the device to be used to get the full services of iKeyMonitor.  So if you are uncomfortable with that process, you might be better off looking at a different cell phone spy software.  The keylogger functionality is quite powerful but requires either rooting or jailbreaking the target device.

Compatibility

• Support iOS 9.x ~ 12.4.x
• Support Android OS 2.3 and Above

Requirements

All advanced features, including the keylogger, require jailbreaking.

Price

This cell phone spy software has only one option:

iKeyMonitor Full – $59.99/month or $29.16/month for 12 months

Tech support

With this one package, when it comes to their after-sales support, Tech support was responsive via chat. They were able to answer questions quickly.

Conclusion

iKeyMonitor is among the best spy software for spying on an iPhone. However, it does require you to root or jailbreak (iOS) the target device for the best access. 

If you’re not comfortable with this process, you’ll be better off going with one of the other companies that offer to do this for you for a small fee, or don’t require it (remote cell phone spy software without target phone), such as Highster Mobile. Bottom line, it offers many of the same great features as other cell phone spy software, but at a more reasonable price.

Overall, the iKeyMonitor package is pretty reliable and solid.  Installation of the app, in particular, was a bit more technically involved than another spyware app we tested, but it seemed very stable once it was installed and set up.  All the monitoring functionality works as promised, and the app is hidden from the user, making it completely undetectable.

From a value perspective, you’ll be paying an additional $6 per month compared to our first choice, and getting basically the same functionality.  For this reason, it came in under the leading rankers in our comparison.

One thing worth mentioning, though, is that the feature to log what they type truly does record everything that happens on the phone.  So, if you’re willing to search through the logs, you won’t miss anything that’s typed on the device. 

Read Full iKeyMonitor Review →

#5 Highster Mobile

The Highster Mobile spyware app is the best phone tracker that can be installed without permission on an Android or iPhone.  It is equipped to remotely monitor the phones of your children or your employees.  Of course, how you use it is totally up to you.

Highster has many of the same features as other cell phone spy software.  Because Highster Mobile is easy to install and configure, it is a good choice for those who aren’t as technically savvy.

Compatibility

• Works on all Android OS Versions
• Works on iOS Versions

Requirements

Both jailbreak and non-jailbreak versions are offered.  Advanced features such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram monitoring require a jailbreak or rooting on Android.

Price

Here’s where this cell phone spy software shine, this spyware app only needs a one–time purchase, perfect for budgetarians:

• $69.99 One-Time Purchase

Tech support

While the installation is fairly straightforward, any issues that come up before or after installation require you to submit an email for support. The response time varies but can be up to 24 hours. There is no phone support.

Conclusion

The interface and online dashboard capabilities are very similar to the other products we’re covering, but this spyware app doesn’t have some of its advanced capabilities. Highster Mobile is one of the best budget cell phone spy software on the market. 

This phone spy software has some great features though it lacks some of the more advanced capabilities. But it still has some of the most important capabilities at a much lower price.  If you are on a budget, this is a great choice.

In addition, Highster Mobile also offers a ONE-TIME PAYMENT instead of monthly plans.  Yes, it is missing some advanced features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone, and it is worth considering.

Basic support is available, but it is not as easy or as helpful as FlexiSPY.  Customers are required to submit questions on their site, which are answered in a queued format.  You can purchase an enhanced telephone support package for an additional fee, and this can be extremely helpful when difficulties come up.

Frequently Asked Question About Spy Apps

To put things in perspective before we give our final verdict on these spyware apps, Here are the answers to common questions people have about installing and using cell phone spy software.

What is the best app for spying on another phone?

All featured spyware apps have a lot to bring to the table when it comes to being the best cell phone spy software around the market, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is always, as we believe, depends on the consumer on what is the best set up for them in purchasing a certain product. Identifying these sets is going to be the key in order to arrive at a final decision. When arrayed below, these spyware apps can be strong against each other:

Highster Mobile is one of the best budget cell phone spy software on the market.  This phone spy software has some great features though it lacks some of the more advanced capabilities. But it still has some of the most important capabilities at a much lower price.  If you are on a budget, this is a great choice.

In addition, Highster Mobile also offers a ONE-TIME PAYMENT instead of monthly plans.  Yes, it is missing some advanced features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone, and it is worth considering.

Basic support is available, but it is not as easy or as helpful as FlexiSPY.

iKeyMonitor, on the other hand, is among the best spy software for spying on an iPhone. However, it does require you to root or jailbreak (iOS) the target device for the best access.  If you’re not comfortable with this process, you’ll be better off going with one of the other companies that offer to do this for you for a small fee, or don’t require it (remote cell phone spy software without target phone), such as Highster Mobile. Bottom line, it offers many of the same great features as other cell phone spy software, but at a more reasonable price.

Overall, the iKeyMonitor package is pretty reliable and solid.  Installation of the app, in particular, was a bit more technically involved than another spyware app we tested, but it seemed very stable once it was installed and set up.  All the monitoring functionality works as promised, and the app is hidden from the user, making it completely undetectable.

Spyzie, here is one of the best Android cell phone spy software on the market.  In addition, Spyzie also offers a one-time payment instead of monthly plans.  Yes, it is missing some advanced features like recording calls, ambient recording, and turning on the phone’s camera, but it is still a robust package to spy on someone, and it is worth considering.

Basic customer support is available at no extra cost.

If you’re comfortable with technology or tech-savvy and are willing to spend a little bit of a heftier price, FlexiSPY is one of the best spy software on the market.  This powerful cell phone spy software will allow you to keep track of just about everything that happens on the target phone remotely.  The FlexiSPY Extreme package has unmatched spy capabilities.

Flexispy will work on a wide variety of devices including Android and iOS phones and tablets, Nokia Symbian, and even the Blackberry.  It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful spyware apps we have tested, and the app installation can be handled by their support team.

Where FlexiSPY really shines is in its advanced set of features.  In fact, they sound like some of the CIA or NSA hacks that you hear about in the news. If you like that kind of quirk.

Why mSpy is the best Cell Phone Spy App for any Smartphone

It is spy software that has good performance in terms of reliability and support.  It’s geared towards monitoring the phones of your children, employees, partners, spouse, or whoever you need monitoring for.

Of all the brands that were tested, mSpy was the best iPhone spy software, and it is also compatible with Android devices.  Regardless of what type of device your target uses, mSpy got you covered.  mSpy has all of the features that you are looking for, including monitoring text messages, instant messages, contacts, call logs, and pinpointing the user’s GPS location.  It also has some extras you won’t find in any other software.

This monitoring app is, far and away, the best iPhone spy software.  It has both a non-jailbreak and jailbreak version, simple installation, an intuitive control panel, and very competitive pricing.

While the app’s features are more limited without performing a jailbreak, the full version of the app has everything you could possibly want, including monitoring GPS location, SMS text messages, and all the popular social chat apps.

While it doesn’t offer some of the advanced features (like call intercept or call recording) that we admit is pretty nifty, this cell phone spyware offers the most value overall and never going to make you regret the purchase.

And in Conclusion to our verdict, mSpy is the top spyware app in the roster that has been subjected to our comparative review. Clearly, there is a balance of desired features, and satisfying after-sales technical support whenever you have any problems after purchase and you can really see the value for money this cell phone spy software brings.

This is our opinion, although there are dozens of spyware apps out there that weren’t tackled in this review. Feel free to explore more and maybe you can give additional feedback on the products included here. Happy spying!