Due to the rise in crime rates worldwide, there is a need to monitor the whereabouts of your loved ones to guarantee their safety. This is one reason why spy apps are on the rise. However, many spy apps aren’t as effective as they claim. This challenges prospective users to select the right spy app.
The article solves this challenge. We’ve compiled the five best spy apps for smartphones and examined what makes them unique. We’ll highlight their key features, pricing, pros, and cons. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Best Spy Apps for Smartphones Review
Let’s look at five of the best spy apps for smartphones. We’ve also highlighted the key features, pricing pros, and cons.
1. XNSPY

Features:
- Real-Time GPS Tracker
- Geo-Fencing Alerts
- Email, Text Message & Social Media Monitoring
XNSPY is one of the most popular spy apps on the market. XNSPY is not only a monitoring tool for your kids but also for your employees. This spy app has all you need to stay up to date on all activities.
A few of the amazing features include monitoring text messages and phone calls, GPS location tracking, social media monitoring, phone call recording, internet history monitoring, and much more. XNSPY has also added advanced spying features, such as Monitoring Wi-Fi logs, Keylogger, and Geofencing alerts. This spy app is constantly improving.
Pros:
- XNSPY works with iPhone and Android devices.
- This spy app supports offline tracking. XNSPY records all the activities offline and uploads them to the web account once the target device connects to the internet.
- The demo version allows users to test the app’s features and have an idea of what to expect.
Cons:
- Users can only spy on one phone with a single license.
Pricing:
The XNSPY app offers two plans for users to subscribe to.
• Basis plan: $49.99/month.
• Premium plan: $59.99/month.
2. Cocospy

Features:
- GPS tracker
- Text Messages & Email Tracker
- Live Control Panel
Cocospy is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a spy app for keeping tabs on kids. This spy app has convenient features that allow it to work across all platforms.
Cocospy allows users to spy on social media platforms and instant messengers such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram. Moreover, calls and text message monitoring are also available. Also, Cocospy operates in stealth mode at all times. As a result, it operates in the target device’s background, making it undetectable.
Pros:
- Because of iCloud integration, users can remotely install Cocospy on iOS devices.
- Cocospy comes in an intuitive user interface that makes monitoring straightforward
- Android devices do not need to be jailbroken or rooted.
Cons:
- There is no free trial period for the Cocospy app.
Pricing:
Cocospy has three plans for Android devices.
For Android:
- Basic plan: $39.99/month.
- Premium plan: $49.99/month.
- Family plan: $69.99/month.
For iOS:
- Premium plan: $49.99/month.
- Family plan: $99.99/month.
- Business plan: $399.99/month.
3. ClevGuard
Features:
- Call Logs & Messages Monitoring
- Location Tracking
- Social Media Monitoring
ClevGuard is a well-known spy app for monitoring your partner, kids, or people who work for you. Moreover, this app works on all Android and iOS devices. ClevGuard allows users to monitor emails, text messages, call logs, etc.
This spy app also features geofencing, allowing parents/guardians to blacklist specific locations and receive instant notifications when their children enter or exit those blacklisted areas.
Pros:
- ClevGuard provides users with features for monitoring their kids, such as geofencing alerts, the capability to view deleted messages, etc.
- Great value for money.
Cons:
- This spy app doesn’t feature a live call or chat support is available.
Pricing:
ClevGuard offers only one subscription plan for parents.
- Basic plan: $29.95/month.
4. mSpy

Features:
- Keystroke Logger
- Location Tracking
- Social Media, Email Monitoring
mSpy is one of the most well-known apps on the market. This spy app allows users to remotely monitor their kids, spouses, and employees. With mSpy, you can easily view messages on the target device and monitor incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, emails, and other activities.
Furthermore, GPS and Geofencing can track the target’s location in real-time. Users can use this spy app to spy on call logs, browsing history, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
Pros:
- mSpy works seamlessly on all Android and iOS devices
- This spy app offers a 7-day trial period to test out the app’s numerous features.
Cons:
- mSpy’s subscription plans are on the high side.
Pricing:
mSpy provides parents with three subscription options:
- 1-month plan: $48.99/month.
- 3-month plan: $27.99/month.
- 12-month plan: $11.66/month.
5. eyeZy

Features:
- Browser History Monitoring
- Phone Call & Messages Monitoring
- GPS Location Tracking
eyeZy is new to the spying industry; however, this app offers features that can compete with long-standing spy apps. Users can use eyeZy to monitor messages, emails, and calls on the target device.
Furthermore, eyeZy also has features for monitoring social media apps, as well as a keylogger and other features. Finally, eyeZy is simple to use and comes with a user-friendly dashboard that keeps all the info you need at the tip of your fingers.
Pros:
- eyeZy provides user-friendly features, making spying easier and straightforward.
- eyeZy comes with unique features such as email tracking, screen recording, keylogging, etc.
Cons:
- This app does not offer a free trial period.
Pricing:
eyeZy offers one premium plan.
- 1-month plan: $47.99/month.
- 3-month plan: $27.99/month.
- 12-month plan: $9.99/month.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Spy App For Smartphones
Here are three essential factors to consider when selecting a spy app to use on your smartphone.
1. User Interface
Take a look at the app’s user interface. Dashboards that are simple and easy to use are critical for the app. This app should not be difficult or tedious to learn. So, ensure the app you opt for is simple to use.
2. Compatibility
Take a look at the app’s user interface. Dashboards that are simple and easy to use are critical for the app. This app should not be difficult or time-consuming to learn – it should be simple to use. Check that the spy app is compatible with the target device.
Ensure you select an app compatible with the device you want to target. We recommend selecting spy apps compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices for optimal usability across all platforms. You shouldn’t have to buy a new spy app every time the target changes devices.
3. Stealth Mode
The app will be useless if the target is aware that they are being watched. Ensure any spy app you choose features stealth mode. This ensures that the user will remain unaware that someone is monitoring them.
Conclusion
Thanks to spy apps, you can now spy on the smartphone activities of your loved ones or employees. So, to monitor your partner, children, and employees’ smartphone activities, try out the five spy apps we reviewed and choose your favorite.
If we had to recommend a spy app, we’d say try XNSPY. This spy app features several helpful features that will assist you in monitoring what your children, spouses, and employees do on their smartphones.