Feeling uneasy about what’s happening on your partner’s Android device, or just trying to keep a close eye on your kids? The best Android spy apps give you discreet access to crucial information, letting you monitor their calls, texts, social media interactions, and even their location.
I personally know that these apps can give you valuable insights that can ultimately mean peace of mind. To help you find the best solution, I’ve tested and reviewed the best spying app for Android options, considering factors like price, features, reliability, and overall performance. This way, you can make an informed choice tailored to your specific needs.
The Best Spy Apps for Android Tested by Our Experts
Spynger - Best Android App For Monitoring Your Spouse Or Partner
The Top 10 Android Spy Apps Ranked
- mSpy — Best Android Spy App That Gives You Detailed Reports
- uMobix — Best Beginner-Friendly Android Spy App
- Spynger — Best Android Spy App for Monitoring Your Partner
- Scannero — Best for Identifying Callers
- SpyBubble Pro — Best Android Spy App to Find Deleted Content
- Phonsee — Best Android Spy App for Social Media Monitoring
- Eyezy — Best Android Spy App for Keyword Alerts
- ClevGuard — Best for Monitoring Multiple Android Phones and Tablets
- GEOfinder — Precise Location Tracking with Just a Phone Number
- xMobi — Best Android Spy App for Real-time Monitoring
- Show Full Guide
The Best Spy Apps for Android Devices Reviewed
These best spy apps for Android will give you a secure and easy way to monitor your loved one’s activity and app usage. My reviews will give you all the info you need to help you find the one that’s right for you.
1. mSpy — The Best Android Spy App That Gives You Detailed Reports
Starting Price | $11.67/month |
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No Of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 5 or higher |
Money-Back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Detailed usage reports to easily find the information you need
- Stealth mode ensures discreet monitoring
- Excellent customer support
- Good keylogger and screen recorder
Cons
- Requires root access
- No free trial
2. uMobix — Easy-To-Use Spy App for Android
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 or higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Gives accurate location details of the target device
- Remote access to the device’s core functionality
- Simple installation process
Cons
- No free plan
- More expensive than most competitors
3. Spynger — Android Tracker App to Catch Cheating Spouses
Starting Price | Starting from $9.28/month |
---|---|
No Of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 or higher |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day refund window |
Pros
- Detailed social media monitoring
- Excellent keylogger
- Good for blocking access to apps and websites
Cons
- No call recording
4. Scannero — Best Spy App for Identifying Callers
Starting Price | Starting from $0.89/day |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | All Android versions |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- You don’t need physical access to the other device
- Excellent reverse phone number lookup feature
- Detailed location tracking information
Cons
- No core spying features like social media monitoring
- Expensive for what it does
5. SpyBubble Pro — Best Spy for Android to Find Deleted Content
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Provides real-time screenshots of online and phone activities
- Advanced keylogger
- Easy to install and setup
Cons
- No free trial
- Not the best for location tracking
Starting Price | $8.85/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android OS 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install, setup, and navigate
- Works in stealth mode
- Can monitor more social media apps than competitors
Cons
- Lacks call recording and keyword alert features
- Requires rooting to access the social media monitoring feature
7. Eyezy — Best AI-driven Android Spy App for Keyword Alerts
Starting Price | $7.99/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- AI-integrated keyword features for passive monitoring
- Invisible shield to keep you anonymous
- Cheaper than many competitors
- Good for monitoring browser history
- Has an official mobile app with limited monitoring features
Cons
- Only one device per subscription
8. ClevGuard — Best for Monitoring Multiple Android Devices
Starting Price | $4.99/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices |
|
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android 7.0 to 13 |
Money-back Guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Pros
- Affordable
- You can monitor up to 20 devices
- User-friendly interface great for non-tech-savvy users
- No rooting required
Cons
- WhatsApp and Facebook tracking are an additional cost
- Limited social media monitoring
9. GEOfinder — Precise Android Location Tracking Using Just a Phone Number
Starting Price | $1/day (paid trial) |
---|---|
No. of Devices | Unlimited |
Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
Compatibility | All Android versions |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Works without access to or rooting the target phone
- Compatible with all Android mobile devices
Cons
- Only suitable for location tracking
- Very expensive
10. xMobi — Best Android Spy App for Real-time Monitoring
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | Android 4 and higher |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Advanced GPS location tracker
Cons
- Only one device per subscription
- Requires rooting to access all features on Android
The Best Android Spy Apps Compared
Here’s a comparison table that provides a quick overview of the top spyware for Android devices:
Best Android Spy Apps | Starting Price | No Of Devices | Free Trial/Demo | Money-Back Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|
mSpy | $11.67/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
uMobix | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
Spynger | $9.28/month | 1 | ❌ | 14 days |
Scannero | $0.89/day | Unlimited | Demo | 14 days |
SpyBubble Pro | $12.49/month | 1 | ❌ | 30 Days |
Phonsee | $8.85/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
Eyezy | $7.99/month | Up to 3 | Demo | 14 days |
ClevGuard | $4.99/month | Up to 20 | Demo | 30 days |
GEOfinder | $1/day | Unlimited | ❌ | 30 days |
xMobi | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
How We Review And Test Spyware Apps
Important Note: Spy software is not legal to use without the device owner’s permission in many countries and states. When we test spy software, we do so only with the explicit consent of the device owner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular spy applications on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- General Features: We evaluate the comprehensive feature set of each spy app, including but not limited to features such as App Management, Time Management, Call Monitoring, Device Control and GPS Tracking.
- Ease of Use: We gauge the user-friendliness of each app, considering factors such as installation process complexity, the necessity of jailbreaking (for iOS) or rooting (for Android) the target device, and more.
- Device Support and Compatibility: We thoroughly examine the compatibility of each spyware app with different devices and operating systems, including iOS and Android. We also assess whether the app offers a unified dashboard accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
- Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support provided by each app developer. We evaluate the availability of support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support, as well as the satisfaction ratings of customer assistance.
- Price and Value for Money: We assess each spyware app’s pricing structure in relation to its features and functionalities, aiming to determine its overall value proposition. We analyze whether the app offers different subscription tiers, flexible payment options, and discounts for long-term commitments. Additionally, we check whether the app provides free trials or demos for users to test its capabilities before making a purchase.
- Privacy and Security: We prioritize the privacy and security of user data in our evaluation. We scrutinize the app’s data encryption measures, adherence to privacy regulations, and commitment to regular security updates to safeguard user information from unauthorized access or breaches.
What are Android Spy Apps?
These phone spy apps allow you to monitor and track Android devices. They’ll enable you to monitor chat, app, and browser history, what’s on screen, and the device’s location, as well as check how the device is being used.
Some will even allow you to block apps, access the microphone and camera, and turn the device off. They often work in the background to not impede the device’s use.
For spouses and parents, this is great for guaranteeing that family members are safe and secure and that they aren’t in harm’s way. They’re also highly effective for employers monitoring their personnel and hardware.
Do I Need an Android Spy App?
Whether you need a spy phone app depends on your specific circumstances and reasons for wanting to track a mobile phone. With that said, it’s important to use them only with the consent of the person being tracked. Some common use cases include:
A good Android tracker app will let you access social apps and follow chats and activities. Compatibility will vary, but the best will offer tools for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and others, as well as dating app profiles.
For more details, see our articles on the best Whatsapp spy apps and the best TikTok spy apps.
A powerful phone spy app for Android typically enables you to read call logs and track phone numbers, times, and call durations. Advanced apps also let you listen in on calls and make recordings.
At a more basic level, Android spy tools will often give you access to all the text messages sent and received on the device and potentially even give you access to drafts.
A keylogger can record all text input on a tracked device for more comprehensive surveillance. This lets you see anything the user has entered on the virtual keyboard, including browser use, login details, and messages.
This is one of the most far-reaching utilities available, as it can capture information entered into every Android phone app. For more information, check out our guide to the best keylogger software.
The best Android monitoring app will enable you to precisely locate the Android device using GPS.
This means you can know exactly where the device is and can ensure the safety of your loved one. Many apps also include functionality to let you know if individuals enter or leave specific areas.
The most powerful features give you complete control over the device. Some enable you to block and delete apps, restart the device, and turn it off.
In addition, a hidden Android phone spy app may have advanced features like the ability to access a device’s camera and microphone so you can see and hear everything around it. This is perfect for spying on Android and can help you ensure the tracked individual isn’t in danger.
How Do Android Monitoring Apps Work?
An Android phone spy app installs a software program on the target device, which runs in the background and collects information from it.
The collected data is then sent to a remote server, where it can be accessed by the person who installed the spy app.
The information collected by the Android phone spy app can include text messages, call logs, GPS location, emails, and social media activity. Some also let you listen in on phone calls, for example.
These apps run in the background and are hidden from the user. Simply log in on your own device, and all the targets’ data will sync to your phone spy app dashboard every few minutes.
Can You Spy on an Android Device Without Installing an App?
Once the app is installed, you can monitor the device remotely without physical access. While iPhone spy apps allow for remote installation, you may need the device to perform the Two-Factor Authentication process.
If you can’t physically access the target phone, there are a few options. Trackers like GEOfinder and Scannero are exceptions. They don’t require installation; they just require a phone number, but they only offer mobile GPS location tracking.
What Devices Does Android Spy Software Work On?
The leading spy app vendors focus on tracking Android devices and iPhones. This means you can track Android phones, tablets, and iOS devices.
Many leading apps can also track PCs and Macs, meaning you can access every part of the digital ecosystem and track activity across devices.
Free Android Spying Apps – Can You Spy on Mobile for Free?
Overall, paid solutions are far more reliable and provide better features than free spy apps. Free Android spying apps are renowned for selling user data and infecting target devices with malware.
If you download a free spy app for Android, you’re giving a third party complete access to the device. The best free spy apps for Android are merely freemium versions of paid spy apps.
These are severely lacking in features. Paid spy apps offer a wide range of data tracking options, remote control capabilities, and compatibility with most major operating systems.
Paid spy apps are better and far safer than any free option. Since you pay for premium phone spy apps, the developers are incented to keep them updated.
Are Android Spy Apps Undetectable?
It depends on the spyware for Android you use, but most options on my list are undetectable. These hidden apps run in the background and don’t leave a visible trace, like an app icon, for the tracked individual to find, and you won’t see Android monitoring app file names on the target device, either.
What’s more, an Android monitoring app like GEOfinder or Scannero doesn’t require installing an app at all.
This is also a reason I don’t recommend free spy apps for phones. Apart from the safety risk and lack of advanced monitoring features, a free Android spy app is unlikely to be undetectable. For recommendations on Android spyware removal, on the other hand, see our guide to how to remove spyware from Android.
Is Android Spyware Legal?
For example, spyware laws in the US differ from UK spyware legislation. Laws can also vary between different types of spying, such as screen monitoring and GPS tracking. So, to be safe, I recommend reading up on the legality of spyware in your location.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Spy App for Android
I personally have extensive experience testing security and spyware tools. As such, I weigh the merits of each option and compare different providers against industry benchmarks. I personally review functionality, consider the pricing plans, guarantees, and trials offered, and examine real consumer feedback on the web.
When it came to reviewing the best spy apps for Android, I considered factors like:
It’s a huge bonus to be able to get started quickly and smoothly. If an Android spy app takes a lot of time to install, it may be unusable.
Naturally, you want your tracking app to interfere minimally with the device’s functioning—anything else can be a deal breaker. Make sure the spy app you choose doesn’t make the target device overheat or drain its battery. This will also make it quite easy to detect.
Each Android spy app provides a different level of access, and this is a key area where the top performers differentiate themselves. Make sure the app you choose actually works on the device you are trying to monitor, especially if it’s an older device.
The best spy apps for Android phones provide control over the camera and microphone for comprehensive monitoring. If this is important to you or a must-have, make sure the app you are looking at has this feature.
For further reassurance, location tracking and setting geofencing are invaluable—and not all apps can do them. Make sure the app you want to buy has the location tracking features you need, and look at what pricing tier these more advanced features fall under, as they may cost you extra.
Most of the apps I’ve looked at only cover one device, but a couple allow you to extend the reach of your monitoring far beyond that. ClevGuard is a good example of an app that lets you monitor more than one under certain plans.
While I don’t recommend free spy apps for Android, it’s great to be able to trial a phone spy app before buying or to get your money back if things don’t work out. In cases where no free trials are available, you can also check to see if the app has a virtual demo so you can see how it works in real life.
Most spy apps work silently in the background, allowing the individual to use the target device without interruption. It’s important to look for apps that won’t slow down the device, drain the battery, or send confusing prompts to the user, wasting their time.
Lastly, you need to consider each product’s value against its asking price – the most expensive option won’t necessarily be the best for everyone if it means paying for features you don’t need.
FAQs
Are Android spy apps safe?
What’s the best Android spy app this year?
How to check for spyware on Android?
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How do you remove spyware from Android devices?
References
- Android Compatibility Policy (mSpy)
- Refund Policy (xMobi)
- WhatsApp Tracking Tool (ClevGuard)
- Terms of Use (Phonsee)
- Refund Policy (SpyBubble Pro)
- Spyware US-CERT overview (US-CERT)
- FTC Bans SpyFone and CEO from Surveillance Business and Orders Company to Delete All Secretly Stolen Data (FTC)
- Mobile Phone Spying Software: Legality, Symptoms, and Removal (Infosec Institute)