Social media is great, but as we already know, it can be used for cheating, cyberbullying, dangerous conversations between adults and minors, and even child trafficking. The best WhatsApp spy app tools let you track who your child, partner, or employee is talking to on the popular chat app.
They’ll keep your child safe by letting you see all their WhatsApp audio, text messages, images, and videos, protecting them from strangers and harmful content. They’ll also tell you who your partner is talking to and when. I’ve reviewed top WhatsApp spy apps to help you choose the best one and avoid scams.
The Best WhatsApp Spy Apps Tested By Our Experts
The Top 9 Best WhatsApp Spy Apps Ranked
- mSpy — Top-rated WhatsApp spy tool for in-depth monitoring
- Eyezy — Affordable WhatsApp tracker app with keyword alerts
- uMobix — Perfect for capturing disappearing messages on WhatsApp
- Cocospy — Easy-to-Use WhatsApp tracker for Android
- Hoverwatch — Best for WhatsApp monitoring on multiple devices
- XNSPY — Best for real-time WhatsApp monitoring
- ClevGuard — Dedicated WhatsApp monitoring tool for parents with screen time controls
- iKeyMonitor — Best free WhatsApp spy app
- TheOneSpy — Best for monitoring WhatsApp video calls
- Show Full Guide
The Best Spy Apps for WhatsApp Reviewed
I’ve done an in-depth review of each of the best WhatsApp monitoring tools so you can see how they compare and choose the best one for you:
1. mSpy — Best Monitoring App for In-Depth WhatsApp Monitoring
Starting Price | $11.67/month (annually) |
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No. of Devices | Up to 3 devices on the Family Kit |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Displays WhatsApp call duration and history
- Logs disappearing messages
- Full access to the device gallery
- Accurate tracking of GPS locations
Cons
- Fewer remote control options for iPhones
- Jailbreaking/rooting is needed to monitor WhatsApp
2. Eyezy — Affordable Solution with Keyword Alerts for WhatsApp Messages
Starting Price | $7.99 (annually) |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Reports the use of specific words by the target user
- Lets you block WhatsApp remotely
- Affordable
- Precise GPS location tracking and geofencing
Cons
- Might be detectable by some anti-virus software
- Advanced iPhone monitoring features require jailbreaking
- No phone support is offered at this time
3. uMobix — Perfect for Capturing Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Starting Price | $12.49/month (annually) |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Pros
- Complete remote control of the device
- Monitors WhatsApp and 16 other platforms
- Logs deleted WhatsApp chats and contacts
- User-friendly interface with a dedicated WhatsApp tab
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- High battery usage during audio and video streaming
4. Cocospy — Easy-to-Use WhatsApp Spy App for Android
Starting Price | $12.49/month (annually) |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund policy |
Pros
- Access to complete WhatsApp chat and call logs and all exchanged files
- Tracks the other person’s online status
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing for Android
Cons
- Limited iOS features
- No keyword alerts
5. Hoverwatch — The Best WhatsApp Tracker App for Monitoring Several Devices
Starting Price | $8.33/month (annually) |
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No. of Devices | Up to 25 devices |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo, 3-day Free Trial |
Compatibility | Android, Windows, macOS |
Money-back Guarantee | ❌ |
Pros
- Monitors computers and Android devices
- Accurate keylogger
- Can monitor up to 25 devices
- Affordable
Cons
- No iOS support
- No money-back guarantee
6. XNSPY — Best for Active WhatsApp Monitoring
Starting Price | $12.49/month |
---|---|
No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund policy |
Pros
- Access to complete WhatsApp chat and call logs and all exchanged files
- Tracks the other person’s online status
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing for Android
Cons
- Limited iOS features
- No keyword alerts
7. ClevGuard’s KidsGuard for WhatsApp — Dedicated WhatsApp Monitoring Solution
Starting Price | $7.50/month (annually) |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Pros
- Records WhatsApp calls
- Reliable 24/7 customer support
- Screen time management features
- Accurate location tracking
Cons
- Doesn’t monitor other apps
- Fewer remote controls
8. iKeyMonitor — Best Free WhatsApp Tracking App
Starting Price | Free with basic functionality WhatsApp monitoring add-on for $9.99/3-days |
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No. of Devices | Up to 25 |
Free Trial/Demo | Free Plan |
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
Money-back Guarantee | 30-day |
Pros
- Free forever plan
- Displays disappearing media
- Remote camera and mic control
- Alert-Words and input logger facilitate full parental control
Cons
- The free version doesn’t cover social media monitoring
9. TheOneSpy — Best for Monitoring WhatsApp Video Calls
Starting Price | $5.75/month |
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No. of Devices | 1 |
Free Trial/Demo | Free Demo |
Compatibility | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
Money-back Guarantee | 14-day |
Pros
- WhatsApp voice and video call recording
- Real-time screen recorder
- Accurate keylogger
- Helps you physically unlock the monitored phone
Cons
- The entry-level plan lacks advanced features
- No interactive demo or free trial
- Its refund policy only gives you 50% of the money back
The Best WhatsApp Spyware Compared
Whether you need to monitor your kid’s WhatsApp or you want to look into some suspicions you might have about a cheating partner, I’ve made it easy to find the best solution. Here’s a quick comparison table of the best WhatsApp monitoring apps:
Provider Name | Cheapest Plan | Supported Operating Systems | Number of Devices Supported | Free Trial/Demo | Refund/Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
mSpy | $11.67/month (annual plan) | Android OS 4+
iOS 7 – 13+ without Jailbreak All iOS versions with Jailbreak |
1 | Demo | 14 days |
Eyezy | $7.99/month (annual plan) | Android OS 4+
iOS 7 – 13+ without Jailbreak All iOS versions with Jailbreak |
1 | Demo | 14 days |
uMobix | $12.49/month (annual plan) | Android OS 4+
All iPhones and iPads |
1 | Demo | 14 days |
Cocospy | $12.49/month (annual plan) | Android OS 4+
All iPhones and iPads connected to iCloud |
1 | Demo | 14 days |
Hoverwatch | $8.33/month (annual plan) | Android 4.0+
All iOS devices |
1 | Demo | 14 days |
XNSPY | $12.49/month | Android 4 – 11
iOS 6 – 9.0.2 |
1 | Demo | 10 days |
ClevGuard’s KidsGuard for WhatsApp | $7.50/month | Android 6 – 12
iOS 10.0 or later |
1 | Demo | 30 days |
iKeyMonitor | $16.66/month | iOS 9.0+ with Jailbreak
Android 2.3+ |
1 | Free trial available | 30 days |
TheOneSpy | $5.75/month | Android 5.0+
All jailbroken iPhones and iPads |
1 | Demo | 30 days, but will only refund 50% |
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:How We Review And Test Spyware Apps
Who Needs a WhatsApp Monitoring Tool?
There are several ethical reasons as to why someone would want to use a WhatsApp tracker app. Here are some of the most popular ones:
WhatsApp monitoring tools are primarily used by parents of underage children who want to ensure that their kids are safe on the internet. The best spy apps give you the critical information you need to know who they’re talking to, what types of conversations they’re having, and what they’re searching for online.
Over 5 million businesses use WhatsApp, and therefore, WhatsApp tracking apps are also used by businesses that want to ensure employees are using company phones for business purposes. Keep in mind that this applies exclusively to company-owned mobile devices and only during work hours.
If you want to spy on your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse, be advised that doing so without their knowledge and consent is considered illegal. Even if it wasn’t, it’s highly unethical and damaging to the relationship.
How Does a WhatsApp Tracker App Work?
Spy apps work remarkably simply. After installing them on the target device, the application sends all the data to a remote online server.
This includes phone call logs, text messages, WhatsApp chat logs, and all media exchanged between the monitored device and other devices.
Once installed, as the data is on the cloud, you can access it by logging into the app’s dashboard.
Additionally, the best phone spy apps can leverage GPS and Wi-Fi tracking to provide you with the real-time location of the device, so you’ll know where your child is at all times.
Do I Need Physical Access to the Target Device?
That depends on what app you end up choosing and what type of device you want to monitor.
If you want to monitor an iOS device that’s connected to iCloud, some spy apps like Cocospy show you how to spy on WhatsApp messages without target phone access. Since all the data is directly uploaded and backed up on iCloud, all you need to start monitoring the device is your child’s iCloud password.
Android devices, on the other hand, don’t support this functionality, so you’ll have to physically install the app on the target phone you wish to monitor.
What to Consider when Choosing a WhatsApp Tracking App
There are many things to consider when choosing spy app software. This includes:
- Pricing — An annual subscription is usually cheaper, and some WhatsApp tracking tools offer free demos so you can test before signing up for a paid plan.
- Compatibility — Certain spy apps, such as Cocospy, are better suited for Android and others for iOS. It’s important that you make sure the spy tool you have chosen is compatible with the device you want to monitor.
- Features — It’s important to ensure that you get the features you’re looking for at the price point you’re after.
- Jailbreak — You might need to jailbreak the target device to get access to all the functionality the spy app offers. Make sure you’ve checked this beforehand.
WhatsApp Tracking Apps Free Vs. Paid – Which is Best?
While there are some free spy apps for Android and iOS, there are a lot more scams and shady businesses out there. Think about it — creating a phone monitoring app requires a full team of developers, requires time, and costs a ton of money.
Why would anyone offer the finished app for free? One common reason is that they’re trying to steal and sell your sensitive data. In the case of legitimate apps, free plans are a marketing gimmick.
These free plans are extremely limited and serve as a free trial for the app, enticing you to choose them over the competition. Then, to access all the app’s core functionalities, you must upgrade to a paid plan.
Paid apps are by far the best option, especially regarding safety and reliability. The paid spy apps I recommend in this guide generally offer a demo or give you an opportunity to try them out risk-free with their money-back guarantees – so you can get started with the best spy apps for Instagram and WhatsApp today.
How to Use a WhatsApp Spy App – Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to install and use a WhatsApp spy app, using mSpy as an example:
Step 1 — Purchase An mSpy Subscription
Visit mSpy’s official website and click the “Try Now” button.
Enter your email address, choose the type of device you wish to monitor (you can also select “decide later”), and select the pricing plan that best fits your budget.
Step 2 — Download and Install mSpy on the Target Phone
After you purchase a subscription, you’ll receive a confirmation email from mSpy. Within, you’ll find the account details and the download link.
Using the device you wish to monitor, click the download link and proceed to install the app on the device.
The installation process is rather straightforward: follow the prompts on your screen and make sure to give mSpy the necessary permissions by clicking “I accept” when prompted.
Use the login credentials provided in the confirmation email to log into the mSpy dashboard on another device and start monitoring.
Step 3 — Review the Monitored Device’s WhatsApp Activity
Once you log in, you’ll find a convenient menu on the left-hand side of your mSpy control panel.
Scroll down until you reach the WhatsApp section. Here, you’ll be able to review all the chat logs with different contacts. Click on any contact to browse through all of the exchanged voice messages or text messages.
WhatsApp Spy FAQs
Are spy apps safe?
Is WhatsApp spying legal?
Which is the best app for WhatsApp tracking?
Can I spy on WhatsApp calls?
Do WhatsApp tracker apps really work?
References
- Social Media and Child Sex Trafficking (Human Trafficking Front)
- WhatsApp Statistics (Oberlo)