1. mSpy
mSpy is another well-known smartphone spy app that is designed for parental use. Since the app has a limited and specified area of use, the lists of features available with the service are also limited. However, mSpy offers specialized functions that are highly suited for parents.
Price
The basic version of the app costs USD 29.99 per month, offers limited features, and subscription has to renew each month. However, the one-year package for the premium version costs USD 16.99 a month, which makes it an affordable option.
Compatibility
mSpy supports all versions of iOS. However, you need to have Android versions above 4.0 installed on the phone to use the app.
mSpy features
Call logs SMS/MMS A wide number of social media and instant messaging platforms GPS tracking Geofencing App management and app blocking Access to photos and videos Web browsing history Emails Bookmarked pages Access to calendar and contacts
Special feature: Call blocking and content filtering
mSpy offers a call restriction feature that is highly useful for parents seeking to prevent inappropriate communication. You can add any number to the call blocking list, and the app will prevent incoming calls from showing up on the phone. Similarly, the content filtering tool available with the service is among the best. The tool blocks inappropriate content such as pornography or violence from being opened on the phone. You can also manually add any website to the web blocking list and the user will not be able to access it. It can prove to be helpful if your child is overusing specific websites, so it can prove to be a useful screen-time management function as well.
Installation & use requirements
The requirements for installation and use are the same as with other apps mentioned on this list.
For Android: Require physical access for installation only. For iOS: Must enable iCloud backup and have the Apple ID/password of the relevant phone.
Verdict: 9.4/10
2. XNSPY
XNSPY is one of the oldest smartphone spying apps that offers a broad range of advanced functions. It is suitable for use by both employers and parents because it provides the flexibility to operate in diverse environments.
Price
You can choose between the premium and the basic version. The premium version costs USD 7.49 per month and offers full functionality. You can also opt for the basic version if you want an even more affordable option. It costs USD 4.99 a month but offers limited functions.
Compatibility
XNSPY supports both Android and iOS devices. For the former, it is compatible with all versions above 4.0. For iOS, XNSPY supports all devices running on versions above 6.0. Let’s take a look at some of the features available with the service.
XNSPY Features
Call tracking: You can view all incoming, outgoing, and missed calls, along with their date, time, and duration. You may also use the call recording feature to record phone conversations. These recordings can be downloaded for remote access. SMS monitoring: View all sent and received SMS/MMS. Internet activity tracking: View complete web browsing history, all exchanged emails, and go through bookmarked pages. Multimedia access: View all photos, videos, audio files, and calendar entries. IM & Social media: View messages exchanged via apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Tinder, and others. Phone remote control: Remotely control the device via the XNSPY control panel. Take screenshots, lock the phone, restart it, and view/block apps, or recording surroundings. GPS tracking: Track the phone’s location along with GPS history. Use the geofencing sub-feature to stay alert to changes in location. Keylogging: View all keystrokes on the phone.
Special function: Watch list alerts
The watch list alert function is a unique feature only available with XNSPY. Just add any term, contact, or location to the list so the app can track it. XNSPY will notify you immediately the moment there is any activity related to anything included in the list. This works for messages, location changes, keylogging, and search engine queries.
Installation & use requirements
Requirements for Android: Physical access is required for installation. No further access needed. Requirements for iPhone: Enable the iCloud backup function and obtain access to the Apple ID and password. No physical access is required.
Verdict: 8.2/10
3. Spyera
Spyera is another well-known smartphone spying app that offers an advanced set of features with the flexibility for use in different situations. However, it lands on number two on our list because it is many times more expensive than XNSPY.
Price
The premium version does not provide all features and costs USD 13.99 per month. For full functionality, you need to choose the premium plus package that costs USD 31.99 a month.
Compatibility
Spyera offers the widest compatibility options out of all spying apps. It supports all versions of both Android and iOS operating systems. Here are some of the important features provided by Spyera.
Spyera features
Call logs SMS/MMS GPS tracking Web browsing history Geofencing Emails Bookmarked pages Social media and instant messaging app monitoring Application activity Media files access Screenshots Surround recording Remote camera control
Special functions: Call interception & SMS keyword deletion
You can use Spyera to listen to phone conversations as they occur. The app will record the call as well and your presence on the line will not be detected. The SMS keyword deletion feature is also quite interesting. You can add any word to the keyword list and Spyera will scan all incoming messages that contain that word. The message containing that word will be blocked from reaching the device.
Installation & use requirements
For Android: You need to physically access the phone to install the app but only for installation purposes. All monitoring is done remotely via the Spyera dashboard. For iPhone: No physical access is required. However, the device must have the iCloud backup feature toggled on. Moreover, you need access to the Apple ID and password of the relevant iPhone.
Verdict: 7.6/10
