Best Parental Spy Apps to Keep Kids Safe Online
Worried about your child’s online safety? Let’s take a look at these 5 best spy apps for parents that will allow complete surveillance.
Update:
Try NowuMobix
uMobix is an advanced monitoring app that dispatches real-time updates of your loved one’s online activity to your user space. The online dashboard displays your child’s location, call history, browser history, most frequented social media apps, visited addresses, and received text messages.
The set-up for uMobix on both device types takes only 5 minutes – simply install the app (if on Android) or provide the iCloud credentials (if on Apple) and begin tracking almost instantly. If you spot any suspicious activity, uMobix also allows you to restrict access to some of the cell phone’s functions remotely without having to intervene physically.
Pricing plans from:
$49.99
Compatibility
Usability
Tracking Tools
Price
uMobix Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Allows for instant tracking and real-time updates
- Ability to track in stealth mode
- Monitors over 30 different apps
- 24/7 live chat support
- $1 trial available for 1 day
- Simple dashboard
- Cost-effective pricing for longer periods
Cons:
- 1 subscription is limited to 1 device
- No call recording
- No geofencing
SpyBubble
SpyBubble provides an impressive display of tracking features, from real-time updates to accessing audio streams and screenshots from the cell phone taken every second. Parents can monitor Snapchat, Discord, Reddit, and other social apps using SpyBubble. By installing the software and linking the device, you’ll have full access to the target gadget.
Other features of SpyBubble are its ability to detect secret apps installed, hidden chats, deleted messages on WhatsApp and other apps, etc. Nothing is hidden from SpyBubble, and you will supervise all your child’s activity with the ability to control the phone settings and block suspicious contacts.
Pricing plans from:
$49.99
Compatibility
Usability
Tracking Tools
Price
SpyBubble Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides full access to calls, chats, and shared media
- Full control over Facebook and Instagram
- View search history on YouTube and browser
- Allows audio and video streaming and camera snapshots
- Fast installation
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Affordable pricing
- Set-up wizard along the installation
Cons:
- Some functions can only be found on Apple’s iOS
- Can’t listen to calls being made
- No demo available
Spyzzz
Spyzzz is a strong contender when it comes to spy apps for parents, though it’s primarily intended for busting cheating partners. It features an all-in-one service equipped with monitoring features ideal for both children and teens. You will get a list of installed applications and information on what apps your child is using the most.
Aside from the extensive activity tracking provided by the app, you’re also able to block access to certain websites, disable the Wi-Fi connection, and even disable the entire device. This is especially effective if you have a troubled teen at home who may be involved in suspicious activities online - cyberbullying or accessing inappropriate websites, and you may want to limit online access.
Spyzzz Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The online portal allows full access to your teen’s social media websites
- The web interface allows a viewing experience as if you have their credentials
- Any data is stored for up to 180 days
- Displays actual time spent in the app
- Quick data synchronization
- Undetectable
- Live chat support
Cons:
- No available free trials or demos to view the app first-hand
- Disabling 2FA and enabling backup is needed to start iOS remote installation
Mobile Tracker Free
The best spy tracker for Android devices
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Pricing plans from:
Free
Compatibility
Usability
Tracking Tools
Price
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The basic features are extensive and are completely free of charge
- Ability to enable parental control and save money every month
- Easy to upgrade to fully paid features at any time
Cons:
- There are no free trials
- Access to download the app requires a $1 fee
- Available for Android phones only
SpyStealth
Last but not least, SpyStealth is a great option among parental spy apps on the market. In terms of compatibility, this is best suited for iPhone, with a ton of real-time features to track your child’s behavior. The app features a live dashboard that can connect to 1 device at a time, though it’s possible to unlink and link again as many devices as needed.
Other features include e-mail monitoring, GPS tracking, contacts and notes monitoring, and social media monitoring for all popular social media platforms. All this tracking can be done remotely, with the initial installation being the exception. Simply install the software on your child’s Android through the APK file or set it up on iPhone without physical interaction.
Pricing plans from:
$24.95
Compatibility
Usability
Tracking Tools
Price
SpyStealth Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Can sync with both Android and iPhone
- Allows for discreet monitoring
- Highly rated among parental spy apps for iPhone based on feedback
- Keylogger
- Screen snaps
- Live alerts
Cons:
- Less features for iOS than for Android
- Customer support only via the contact form on the website
- Some features displayed on the site may be outdated, such as tracking 5 devices at a time
Reasons to Use Parental Spy Apps
There are dangers present across the internet. In the digital age, every child and teen has a cell phone of their own. There are plenty of suspicious activities kids may be involved in, and it can be difficult for parents to monitor their behavior. Tracking their actions via parental spy apps for Android or iOS will ensure their safety in the long run.
Some dangers your child may face include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, privacy exposure, encountering online predators, etc. Luckily, technology has advanced far enough for parents to keep track of their children remotely and inexpensively.
Points to Consider While Choosing the Best Spy App for Parents
Compatibility
Before deciding which app to use, it’s important to ensure that the tool is compatible with your child’s cell phone. Not all spy apps are equally compatible with all phone models – as some may specialize in monitoring Android or iPhone phones only. For a seamless tracking experience, turn to a compatibility checker on a respective website.
Excellent Customer Support
Being able to reach out to customer support whenever needed is a crucial factor when encountering technical difficulties. Some apps have 24/7 customer support and chatbots available on their website – but if this is not a concern for you, then this factor may not play a big role in your spy app choice.
Features
Features are another important factor when deciding on the best app. If you only need basic features such as tracking text messages, monitoring incoming calls, and social media activity – most apps provide them without a hitch. However, if you need more specific ones, e.g., recording audio or accessing the phone camera, you might need to invest in an advanced spy app that provides them.
Affordable Price
Last but not least, the price. Spy apps can be quite expensive, ranging from completely free to as much as $60 per month. It’s important to flip through and consider what features you are getting and the corresponding price point. You’ll be surprised to know that some apps provide basic features at almost no cost.
Comparison brands
uMobix
SpyBubble
Spyzzz
Mobile Tracker Free
SpyStealth
On a Tight Budget? Consider Free Spy Apps for Parents
If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking advantage of the free trial or refund policies with certain apps. For instance, uMobix has a 14-day money-back guarantee and a $1 trial for 1 day. With so many apps nowadays, it’s smart to utilize free options to choose the one you like the most before committing to it.
However, if this doesn’t work for you, do consider completely free apps such as Mobile Tracking Free or iKeyMonitor. These are some of the best free spy apps for parents on the market. However, not all features will be available unless you upgrade your existing package.
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FAQ
Most parental spy apps are safe to use as they do not permanently store your information in their system and enable encryption. If you are unsure about cybersecurity and safety, do check online reviews and what others have to say before making your purchase.
Providing a wide range of features, Mobile Tracker Free is one of the most reliable spy apps for parents struggling to track an Android phone. Being compatible with the latest Android software and having an excellent track record for all types of phone brands, it offers some functionality for free.
Yes! Tracking can be anonymous. Most cell phone spy apps provide an option to operate in stealth mode, whereby any data extraction and monitoring will be done in the background. The only indicator would be the downloaded APK – however, this can be deleted during installation.
For iPhone, uMobix is the ideal parental spy app based on glitch-free operation, compatibility, range of features, and types of social media apps tracked, e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Skype, Tinder, and Line. You’re also able to log everything the user types, from keystrokes to even passwords.