2019 top 10 - Android Spy Apps

Price

Xnspy has classified its subscription packages into two categories: Basic Edition and Premium Edition. While the Basic plan has all the regular spying features, the Premium packages cater to the needs of power users with advanced functionalities. The Basic Edition can be availed for as low as $8.33 a month and Premium subscription can be enjoyed at $12.49 a month.

Pros

• Advanced features like geofencing, call recording, ambient Recording and quick Watchlist Alerts are hard to get at this price.
• The remote commands cause no lags or virtual interruptions.
• With Remote Installation Support, you won’t even have to configure the device to set the up spy app as it takes care of everything.
• 24/7 tech support is there to assist you through every step of the process.
• Extensive support for Android devices allows you to monitor oldest to latest mobile devices.
• User-friendly interface drastically enhances user experience.
• Allows you to retrieve deleted messages and other information.
• Register visited locations even when there is no cellular coverage.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer a free trial version.
• Lack support for personal computers, BlackBerry, Windows and Symbian devices.

Rating 9.4 out of 10

3. Flexispy

Flexispy is another useful spying tool and ranks on third in our top android spy apps of 2019 leveraged to spy on children and employees’ online activities. The program lets you snoop on popular Android messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Tinder, and more. View phone contacts, internet browsing history, track app activity, snap images with the remote camera feature and see everything that is being typed on the monitored device.

The spy app has a remarkable ambient recording function that lets you eavesdrop on behind-the-wall conversations. Also, it allows you to track the location of the monitored device by pinpointing the location on a map. You can ever record VOIP calls with the stealth spy app and monitor specific activities by creating custom alerts.

Flexispy works with mobile devices only. It’s a huge turn off for people who are seeking a solution that supports all the devices, including desktop monitoring. That said, Flexispy is compatible with all the devices that are running Android OS 4.0.3 to 7.1.1. However, you need to root the device to enjoy all the Flexispy features.

Price

You have to choose between the Premium and Extreme packages in order to get a valid license to use this app. The 12-month Premium package costs about $149 a month whereas the 12-month Extreme plan for demanding users will cost you $349 a month.

Pros

• Handle multiple devices at once using individual dashboard.
• Track suspicious words in text messages, get notified when a certain number calls and enters or leaves a certain area using Alert Wizard.
• Download recorded phone calls in bulk.
• The skilled technicians at Flexispy have made the installation process easy.

Cons

• Flexispy doesn’t support latest devices that come with Android 8.0 Oreo.
• It doesn’t allow users to intercept phone calls on Dual SIM phones and CDMA networks.
• The app hangs when you run remote camera capture functionality.
• People who aren’t that tech-savvy find it very difficult to use because it has a very complex user interface.
• Flexispy claims to offer more than 150 spying features, but in reality, that isn’t the case.
• Users cannot claim a refund because it doesn’t have any quibble refund policy.
• The prices for the subscription packages are quite steep.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.

4. MobiStealth

The high-end mobile monitoring spy app can aid you to safeguard your loved ones and business interests. It lets you track browsing history, saved videos and photos. Furthermore, you can record phone calls and get the location of the device with this app even if the GPS feature is turned off. In case of an issue, you can seek instant help by connecting with the live chat support staff of this great Android monitoring software of 2019.

MobiStealth is tamper proof. This ensures the app keeps running in the background at all times. Getting the app installed on the device is relatively easy. Once installed, the app begins to collect information without ado. You can spy on calls, text messages, access calendar entries, remotely control the device as well as installed apps.

MobiStealth’s official website doesn’t describe which Android operating systems this software supports. As a result, it’s hard to say which Android devices you can tap with this tool. However, the company did mention on its website that they are compatible with all carriers. This includes 3, AT&T, Orange, Sprint, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone, and Verizon.

Price

The 12-month basic Pro plan of MobiStealth can be bought for $119.99, while the premium Pro-X package can be subscribed for $179.99.

Pros

• Offers free update feature.
• Logs every keystroke with the keylogging and screenshot features.
• Bug an environment by recording target device’s surroundings.
• Provides you access to target’s Gmail activities.

Cons

• Customer support isn’t available 24/7.
• There is no actual refund policy.
• The program doesn’t seem to support latest Android devices.
• MobiStealth doesn’t offer any free trial.
• Some spying functionalities of the app could infringe privacy laws.
• The features vary from platform to platform.
• Both subscription plans carry a hefty price tag.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

5. Mobile Spy

Mobile Spy is designed for concerned parents looking to protect their children and employers who are in dire need of a solution that can give them an insight into their employees’ activities at work. The surveillance program can track and record all the calls made and received from the target device, intercept texts, upload calendar entries, contacts list, track device location using GPS and more.

With the powerful administrative function, you can even restrict your employees and kids’ screen time. Mobile Spy also allows you to set geofences, so you can actively monitor a specific location without ever preoccupying yourself.

Mobile Spy supports both Android smartphones and tablets. It works seamlessly on Android devices such as Google Nexus, Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, Huawei, Motorola, Tracfones, Lenovo IdeaTab, Asus Fonepad, HP Slate 7, Acer Iconia Tab, ZTE V81, etc. According to the official website of MobileSpy, the spyware is compatible with Android 4+.

Price

As soon as you will hit the buy button on Mobile Spy’s official website it will redirect you to Mspy’s official subscription page. Yup! That’s right. And we all know Mspy is one of the most expensive spy apps out there. The basic one month plan of the sleuthing app starts from $29.99 a month and the popular Premium subscription package starts from $69.99 a month. Also, you will find a bundle plan that can be availed for one month after paying $84.99.

Pros

• MobileSpy offers 24/7 phone support to its users.
• The multi-lingual interface makes it more attractive for non-English speakers.
• It is easy to install and use.
• The mobile app is untraceable on the target device.
• Offers free app updates as long as you actively use the service.

Cons

• The app fails to deliver what it promises as some claimed features are missing.
• There is no Live Demo or Free Trial version of the spy app.
• It doesn’t allow you to define keywords and monitor specific activities.
• The biggest complaint from the users is MobileSpy is inconsistent and overpriced.
• Users cannot claim their refunds via phone or Live Chat support.
• Phone compatibility is the key reason people fail to get this software work for them.

Rating: 7.1 out of 10

6. SpyEra

Spyera is another popular Android monitoring software of 2019 designed to offer a wide variety of features to tap into someone’s private affairs. Some characteristics of the sleuthing software include listening to the device surroundings, location tracking, eavesdropping on phone conversations undetectably, accessing text messages, and emails, chats, MMS and contact details.

Spyera offers all the features one would expect from the latest breed of mobile spy apps. In fact, you can find some additional and advanced features. For instance, the spyware has the capability to tap into someone’s BBM messages. Setting up the app also doesn’t take too long, but it requires rooting.

Spyera is compatible with all Android operating systems including 7.1.1 version. But it has yet to release an update to support latest Android devices like Samsung Galaxy S8, 8+ and Note 8.

Price

The yearly license fee for a smartphone is $389. However, if you are looking to tap into someone’s Android tablet, then the charges will be slightly less, $249 for 12 months.

Pros

• Remote control feature of the program lets you regulate different aspects of the target phone.
• The program is fairly easy to use.
• It offers a hoard of spying features.
• Lets you set SIM card change alert, use spy camera feature, pry on calls, remotely uninstall the app, and gives you the option to check battery levels on the target device.

Cons

• Spyera doesn’t support devices running Android 8.0 Oreo.
• The absence of Free Trial and Live Demo is a big disappointment for users as there is no other way to gauge the performance of the program before buying it.
• Since users can only register their complaints by generating Support Ticket, it takes Spyera a lot of time to address users concerns.
• It won’t let you block websites or keywords.
• It requires some technical skills to install the app on an Android device.
• This is an expensive product. Considering you have to disburse hundreds of dollars even if you are buying a 3-month plan.
• The spy camera feature frequently causes a lag.

Rating: 6.6 out of 10

7. Highster Mobile

Highster Mobile caused some serious stir in the spy app market when it was first made available, thanks to its one-time payment solution. Though the range of supported devices isn’t too big, the cell phone spy app offers a variety of features to keep tabs on your workforce and loved ones. You can see call history log, record phone calls, track text messages, activate the microphone on the target device, find its GPS location, access stored multimedia files and view browsing history.

The thing about Highster Mobile that makes it ranks amongst the top Android monitoring software of 2019 is it can be installed in various ways. For instance, you can choose to type an address on the browser of the target device, scan the app’s QR code or use Bluetooth/USB cable to transfer it from your personal computer.

Highster Mobile works with nearly all the phones and tablets running Android operating systems 3.0 to 8.0.

Price

Highster Mobile is available for $70 one-time fee. Meaning, you can use it as long as you want. However, it’s a bad deal for people who want to use it for short-term.

Pros

• Stealth camera allows you to snap pictures and make videos undetectably.
• Lets you track popular social networks like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more.
• The live control panel is another sophisticated feature that makes Highster a favorite among users.

Cons

• Users are of the view that their customer service is far from being customer-friendly.
• The refund policy of Highster Mobile cannot be taken seriously.
• It takes a bit longer than others to install Highster Mobile because the installation process involves a lot of tedious steps. For instance, first you need to choose an OS, then the application after which you will get the download link. Next, you have to follow a step-by-step process to set it up on the target device.
• The app isn’t that efficient when it comes to obtaining communication logs.
• It doesn’t offer a huge cache of spy features. You cannot create watchlist alerts, record surroundings, or initiate remote commands with this software.
• There is no Free Trial or Live Demo for potential buyers.
• The hefty one-time fee is a big negative.

Rating: 5.9 out of 10.

8. PhoneSheriff

If you think someone is abusing the privileges of texting, calling and browsing, PhoneSheriff can be your go-to tool to monitor Android phone and tablet activities. With this program, you can block access to inappropriate content, learn about your loved ones’ activities such as call history, photo logs, contacts info, installed apps and others.

One of the key advantages of using PhoneSheriff is it permits users to save recorded data in XSL, CSV or PDF format. In addition, it displays the recorded information in various chart types. However, unlike high-end prying apps, PhoneSheriff lacks advanced monitoring features that can raise your spy game.

PhoneSheriff works with Android 2.2 to 7.1.2 versions, but it has discontinued its iPhone, iPad, and BlackBerry editions. The sleuthing program works with any GSM or CDMA carrier, including AT&T, Verizon, Orange, Alltel, T-Mobile, O2, and Sprint. Unfortunately, it lacks the support for the latest Android 8.0 Oreo OS.

Price

The pricing plans don’t seem to be meeting users’ requirement as PhoneSheriff has no quarterly plans. The shortest subscription plan lasts for at least six months and it will cost you $49. This makes it a bad deal for users who have an intent to use the program for two, three or even four months. The one-year subscription, on the other hand, also doesn’t seem that too impressive as it cost users $89.

Pros

• With Factory Reset option, PhoneSheriff allows you to restore the device to its original system state.
• Anti-Abduction Mode enables you to stay in the know of your loved one’s location.
• The Multiple Device Management options give you the power to manage more than one device from one platform.

Cons

• Owing to the recent changes, PhoneSheriff no longer works in the covert mode. The icon of the app is now always visible on the target device. This means when you use PhoneSheriff to monitor someone it notifies the target they are being watched.
• To track instant messages with PhoneSheriff, you are required to root the mobile device.
• You are bound to enable the GPS feature on the target device to track its location.
• Though the GPS feature works fine, it fails to track the location of Verizon Wireless phones.
• Regrettably, PhoneSheriff’s customer service doesn’t work around the clock as it claims.
• The snooping app can track chat conversations on just two instant messaging services WhatsApp and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), while its rival apps can monitor more than 6 messengers.

Rating: 5.3 out of 10.

9. TheTruthSpy

TheTruthSpy is a popular tracking app and service that proffers all the basic spying features you want to see in a spying software to keep a check on your workers and young ones’ activities. You can leverage it to monitor call logs, messages, internet usage, contacts info, and social network activities. It lets you monitor Facebook, WhatsApp, and Viber, but it lacks the ability to track emails.

The GPS location tracking function of TheTruthSpy allows you to find out the whereabouts of the monitored person without invading their privacy. It records everything that is typed on the tracked device with the keylogging feature. Furthermore, you can use the app to receive instant notifications, see app usage, and send SMS commands to perform a specific action.

TheTruthSpy last released an upgraded version of its app back in December 2016 that is compatible with Android 7.1.2. This means it doesn’t work with latest Android. Also, it's unclear if TheTruthSpy still supports previous versions of Android OS.

Price

TheTruthSpy offers three different plans: Standard, Premium, and Gold. While the standard package proffers limited features and priced at $21.99 a month, the Premium plan requires you to pay $25.99 a month to avail some high-end features. The Gold plan is your ticket to get all the features proffered by TheTruthSpy.

Pros

• The 48 hours free trial offer makes it a good value proposition.
• It’s a breeze to install this spyware.
• The multiple tracking features can aid you to raise your spy game.

Cons

• SMS commands are invasive and can alert the monitored person about the suspicious activity.
• It doesn’t have email monitoring that is a big disadvantage because virtually all other spy apps have this particular feature.
• Some features didn’t seem to work even after rooting the device. GPS locator and Picture History are among the prime functions that failed to work seamlessly even after rooting.
• Viber and Skype history are two other features that fail to work for users.
• Limited compatibility makes it harder to use for devices that are running less popular OS.
• It’s a very expensive solution when compared to other alternatives.
• Poor customer service and refund policy also dispel users and pushes them to rival platforms as alternatives

Rating: 4.4 out of 10.

10. AppMia

Appmia is another great Android monitoring software of 2019 that lets you hack into someone’s Android phone or tablet without them knowing about it. The spyware has solved the problem to effectively snoop on people who carry some sort of mobile device. It helps you see their day-to-day online and real-world activities; be it their phone calls, messages, IM chats, social media activities, multimedia files, and more. The one-time license, free upgrades are the main reason for its popularity.

It is a good app for carrying out basic level monitoring. One can track text messages, calls, emails, listen and record live calls and surroundings, track location, use the camera remotely, and access address book, calendar and even passwords.

Appmia lets you monitor a variety of devices which include Android phones, tablets and iPhones, and iPads. It also monitors certain versions of Blackberry phones and Nokia Symbian devices. Apple devices have to be jailbroken before installing the software. Appmia is compatible with Android devices up to 5.1.1 Lollipop, Apple devices up to iOS 9.0.x, Nokia Symbian up to Anna + Belle versions and BlackBerry up to 7.1.

The variety of features for every device happens to be different. So, you will have to consult AppMia’s official website to know about the features you can access on your phone. For example, you can benefit from the call recording feature on rooted Android phones.

Price

The app’s price is its major drawback. The premium version costs $195 annually and the Lifetime (2 devices) costs $700 annually. The app is quite complicated to use and the user must have technical knowledge for both rooting and jailbreaking monitored devices. If you don’t root the device, then you will have access to limited features. You can carry out only the basic monitoring. And in terms of support, the app is overpriced.

Pros

• Appmia lets you track two devices at once.
• The app offers users with free upgrades.
• It offers an impressive variety of monitoring features.
• Appmia supports different mobile platforms.
• It ensures complete secrecy as it work undetected.

Cons

• The app does not allow you to remotely wipe off data from the device.
• There are no blocking options.
• Appmia supports limited Blackberry and Symbian models.
• It is not budget friendly at all.

Rating: 4 out of 10.

How We Rated These Android Spy Apps?

Our analysis of the above apps will enable you to make an informed decision when choosing an app to spy on an Android device as we have used the following criteria to rate these top 10 Android spy apps of 2019:

• Ease of use
• Features
• Performance
• Limitations
• Compatibility
• Pricing
• Customer Support
• Live Demo/Free Trial

We have taken a weighted average of the aforementioned criteria to give each app it’s overall rating.

Conclusion

There are many different Android spyware programs that deserve an ovation, and narrowing it down to just a single app has been a real daunting task for us. Xnspy stands out from the herd as it comfortably meets the criteria required by the users looking to buy the best cell phone spy apps for Android. It’s easy to use, delivers consistent performance, offers an extensive array of features and first-rate after-sales, and even allows you to try-before-you-buy with relatively few limitations.