Best Spy Apps for Android 2024 | Top 10 Free and Hidden Android Spy Apps

The best spy apps for Android are perfect for concerned parents looking to monitor their minor’s mobile activity and/or location to protect them from online threats. Despite what you may think, spy apps aren’t all bad. In fact, there are plenty of legitimate and ethical reasons why one might look for a trustworthy Android spy app to help you monitor your kids’ social media, track a partner, or read deleted messages on Android.

In this article, we’ll compare 10 of the best spy apps for Android in 2024, including mSpy, EyeZy, uMobix, and more — looking at their features, pricing, and pros and cons to help you pick the best one for your needs.

The Best Spy Apps for Android 2024: Top 10 List

Whether you’re looking for the best hidden spy apps for Android or the best free Android spy apps, our list will give you what you’re looking for. Here are 10 of the best spy apps for Android in 2024 and what they’re best suited for:

1. mSpy — The market’s best Android spy app with over 1.5 million users and over 36 features for complete peace of mind over what the target user is up to, both online and offline — all for just $11.66/month.
2. EyeZy — The best cheap solution for Android phone and tablet monitoring — it even lets you see deleted messages, everything typed across apps, and live activity with the screen recorder, for just $9.99.
3. uMobix — Top pick for discreet, remote access to the target device — this includes accessing the microphone and camera for real-time insight into their surroundings, plus viewing deleted messages.
4. Cocospy — Reliable pick for monitoring multiple devices with one subscription and great for setting custom alerts based on a contact you find suspicious or locations you deem unsafe for instant notifications.
5. XNSpy — One of the most powerful options for Android, as it lets you tap into the microphone or camera and it lets you record phone calls, making it a popular choice for both parents and employers.
6. Spyic — Incredibly budget-friendly app for setting website and app restrictions, plus getting alerts on offline movements and keywords used across apps — all for just $8.33/month.
7. iKeyMonitor — The best free forever Android spy app for core functionality — this includes SMS, GPS, and call monitoring, all for $0.
8. Hoverwatch — Top choice for businesses looking to monitor up to 25 devices on one subscription at a minimal price of just $1.67/device/month, and it includes GPS and live call listening.
9. GeoFinder — Popular cellular, GPS, and Wifi tracker that uses just phone numbers to track the location of devices. For a flat fee of $29.99, you can track unlimited devices on any carrier.
10. ClevGuard — Offers incredible value for money as it doesn’t require rooting, and it boasts advanced features like call screen recording, plus microphone access, all for just $7.50/month.

Best Android Spy Apps in 2024: Top 10 Reviewed

The most reputable spy apps all have similarities but also some differences in what they offer and the price tags that come with them. So, to help you find the one best suited to your needs, we’ll review them in more depth below.

1. mSpy — Overall Best Spy App for Android

mSpy is a tool designed for parental control. It has what you need to know more and worry less about your child’s online (and offline) safety. In fact, you get a suite of over 36 features to monitor your child’s online world — hence why it’s adored by over 1.5 million users worldwide.

Besides phenomenal functionality, its user base is also largely due to how easy it is to get mSpy set up — it takes just minutes, and once installed, you’ll receive updates on the user’s activity every 5 minutes.

With mSpy, you can see absolutely everything happening on the target device, from the browser history to their social media activity and even deleted messages, thanks to the screen recorder and keylogger that note all activity across apps.

This is all done remotely in real-time and completely undetectable to the end user. Of course, as the best spy app on the market, mSpy’s offerings certainly don’t end there.

Special Features

Pricing

Similar to other Android spy apps, mSpy lets you choose between the following 1, 3, and 12-month billing periods:

• 1 month — $48.99/month (renews at $69.99/month)
• 3 month — $27.99/month (renews at $39.99/month)
• Yearly — $11.66/month (renews at $16.66/month)

A mere $11.66 a month for access to all the features on offer with mSpy is an absolute bargain — plus, there’s a 10-day money-back guarantee on offer that you can take advantage of.

On top of this, you can also turn off the auto-renewal of your subscription at checkout.

mSpy - Best Phone Tracker

Our Rating

• 180 Countries Supported
• Keylogger, Screen Recorder
• Monitor GPS Locations
• Parental Control for Peace of Mind

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2. EyeZy — Best Cheap Android Spy App

EyeZy is the best cheap Android spy app, and its main goal is to help you protect your children from any potential threats online — and their features sure do live up to it.

It’s an excellent tool for parents who want o make sure their kids aren’t using social media for illicit activity, and its ability to view deleted messages means there’s nothing they can sweep under the rug.

This is thanks to EyeZy’s powerful keylogger that tracks every word typed across apps and the screen recording that gives live insight into the user’s activity.

Unsurprisingly, EyeZy is popular because it offers a powerful, reliable, feature-rich solution for monitoring Android devices and tablets, and it’s on our list as one of the best spy apps for iPhones too.

Special Features

Pricing

EyeZy offers a 1, 3, and 12-month billing option. Here’s what monitoring with EyeZy will cost:

• Monthly — $47.99/month
• 3 months — $27.99 ($9.33/month)
• Yearly — $9.99/month

$9.99/month is undoubtedly cheap and one of the biggest bargains in the industry, considering what’s on offer. Be sure to test it free with the live demo and make use of the 14-day money-back guarantee if you find that it isn’t for you.

3. uMobix — Top Pick for Discreet, Remote Access to the Target Device

uMobix is a popular app due to its fantastic real-time monitoring capabilities on Android and iOS devices, and it’s undoubtedly a name worthy of our top 3 best Android spy apps.

Besides standard functionality you’d find with most spy apps, uMobix offers some extra nice-to-haves features for advanced monitoring needs — this includes gaining access to the device’s microphone and cameras to gain insight into the user’s surroundings, all in real-time.

On top of this, uMobix gives you the ability to view not only deleted messages, but also contacts and calls. Need we say more?

Special Features

Pricing

uMobix has 3 pricing options — monthly, 3 months, and yearly:

• Monthly — $49.99/month
• 3 months — $27.99/month
• Yearly — $11.66/month

The yearly plan offers immense value for money, but 1 subscription covers just 1 device, so whether it’s the most affordable will depend on your needs.

But regardless of the payment option, they all include the full suite of advanced tools on offer with uMobix. Lastly, it’s important to note that the subscription rate is subject to change, but you can turn auto-renewal off.

4. Cocospy — Reliable Pick for Monitoring Multiple Devices With One Subscription

Cocospy offers plans for families and small businesses looking for all the essential spyware monitoring tools.

It’s widely used and offers comprehensive surveillance of Android phones, including the ability to monitor social media messaging apps. Cocospy can also view an Android phone’s browser history, even when a target phone is using a VPN app.

A rarity that makes Cocospy a go-to solution, particularly for iOS monitoring, is that it doesn’t require a jailbroken or rooted device for full functionality.

Special Features

Pricing

Cocospy has 3 plans for Android device monitoring, with 1, 3, and 12-month billing options, the yearly pricing is as follows:

• Basic — $8.33/month (1 device) — Bare essential monitoring
• Premium — $9.99/month (1 device) — Social media and messaging monitoring
• Family — $16.66/month (3 devices) — All features

Cocospy, unlike many on this list, offers a whopping 60-day money-back guarantee as well as the option to pay with Bitcoin.

5. XNSpy — Powerful Spy App for Remote Control of Target Phone

XNSpy is an excellent option, whether for parental or employee-surveillance needs.

You’ll get real-time updates on your employee or your minor’s activity on Android or iOS. In addition, you can remotely control an Android phone to lock it, wipe it, or turn on the camera or microphone to monitor their surroundings.

With that said, XNSpy even lets you record the user’s calls. Plus, you can set up keyword alerts whenever your child uses inappropriate or concerning language in messages, on social media, or on search engines.

As with most legitimate phone spy apps, they’re also clear that their app is designed for ethical monitoring.

Special Features

Pricing

XNSpy has monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription plans for the following prices:

• Monthly — $44.99/month (renews at $74.99/month)
• Quarterly — $24.99/month (renews at $41.65/month)
• Annually — $9.99/month (renews at $16.65/month)

As with most spy apps, opting for the annual plan is your cheapest option, and you’ll need physical access to the device to install the app.

If you’re dissatisfied, XNSpy offers a 10-day refund policy, so read the conditions before signing up.

6. Spyic — Budget-Friendly App for Web and App Restrictions

Spyic is the best Android spy app for parents looking to monitor and restrict access to certain websites and apps.

Whether it’s ensuring your child’s safety on the web or knowing their location at all times, Spyic has what you need to put your mind at ease — 100% discreetly.

What’s special about Spyic is that you can set restrictions — whether it be zoned areas for GPS tracking, words, or the apps used — and if they’re crossed, you’ll instantly be alerted.

Special Features

Pricing

Spyic has 3 Android plans with a 1, 3, and 12-month license. The cheapest options are the yearly plans which cost:

• Basic — $99.99/year ($8.33/month)
• Premium — $119.99/year ($9.99/month) — Social media monitoring
• Family — $199.99/year ($16.66/month) — Videos preview, bookmarks

The Basic and Premium plans only cover 1 device, whereas the Family plan lets you monitor up to 3 devices for the equivalent of $16.66/month.

If you’re dissatisfied with Spyic, they offer a solid 60-day money-back guarantee which is rare with Android spy apps.

7. iKeyMonitor — The Best Free Android Spy App for Core Functionality

iKeyMonitor offers an all-in-one surveillance solution to safeguard your children from online threats.

And it’s our top pick for the best free spy app for Android, as it gives you all the essentials plus the option to purchase add-ons to customize your monitoring experience.

Overall, you’re certainly not limited in terms of features. Everything you need to monitor, control, and protect your children is available for free or for purchase as an add-on.

You can record the user’s phone calls, capture real-time screenshots, and even set screen time limits for peace of mind on your child’s device use.

Special Features

Pricing

iKeyMonitor has a forever-free plan that allows you to monitor call and SMS logs and GPS locations — but there’s a small catch. It only saves 20 of the latest items logged — not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s good to bear this in mind when comparing your options.

If you want on-demand add-on features such as social media monitoring, websites visited, etc., it’ll cost $16.66/month. Plus, there’s also business support for Android devices, but you’ll need to contact the support team for a quote.

8. Hoverwatch — Best Cheap Spy App for Businesses

Hoverwatch offers a free mobile tracker and the possibility of monitoring up to 25 devices with one affordable subscription.

This makes Hoverwatch a viable option for both parents and corporations looking to remotely monitor Android, Windows, or Mac devices.

One key standout feature of Hoverwatch is that it allows you to enable front-camera snapshots upon the device being unlocked. This is great for tracking down a stolen device.

Special Features

Pricing

Hoverwatch has 3 plans, with the cheapest billing option being the yearly plans — here are the price tags:

• Personal — $8.33/month (1 device)
• Professional — $3.33/month/device — Track up to 5 devices and get in-depth device logs
• Business — $1.67/month/device — Track up to 25 devices and get device logs

Opting for the Business plan is ideal for small businesses as it’ll allow you to cover 25 devices for $41.75/month.

There’s only a free 3-day trial, but this is for up to 5 mobile devices, and there’s, unfortunately, no money-back guarantee or refund policy in place.

9. GeoFinder — Best Phone Tracker App to Locate Any Android Phone With Just a Number

GeoFinder is a location-tracking app that only requires you to enter the phone number of the target phone. It uses cellular networks, WiFi networks, and GPS location data to deliver a target phone’s location by SMS message.

What makes it a popular solution is that you can track an unlimited number of phones, and there’s no ongoing subscription required.

Special Features

Pricing

GeoFinder requires a one-time payment rather than an ongoing subscription. It costs $29.99. Note that, unlike most spy apps, GeoFinder doesn’t offer refunds.

10. ClevGuard — No-Root Solution That Offers Incredible Value for Money

ClevGuard is a trusted solution loaded with all the advanced features you need to ensure your child’s security on both Android and iOS devices.

As one of the best cell phone trackers, ClevGuard offers advanced capabilities like listening in on the target device’s surroundings, recording phone calls, and even real-time screen recording.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the other features on offer with ClevGuard and whether the price tag is worth it.

Special Features

Pricing

The below pricing is what covering 1 device will cost:

• Monthly — $27.99/month (renews at $39.99/month)
• 3 month — $14.66/month (renews at $26.66/month)
• Yearly — $7.50/month (renews at $16.66/month)

You’ll have access to the full suite of features, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on offer. Auto-renewal is on, but you’re free to cancel at any time.

Best Android Spy Apps 2024: Compared

Here’s a handy table to help you review the details of our top picks for the 10 best Android Spy Apps:

What Are Android Spy Apps?

As the name suggests, Android spy apps are surveillance apps. Typically, these apps are used by parents, employers, or schools looking to monitor the activity or location of the end user.

These apps include features such as call and text message reviewing, social media monitoring, GPS tracking, browsing activity, and most importantly, the monitoring of every keystroke — for more on this, here are the best Android keyloggers to check out.

How do Android Spy Apps Work?

An Android spy app requires you to install the app on the target device where the app will run hidden in the background. Once installed, you won’t need a password or physical access to the device to remotely monitor the real-time activity logs.

Why Use an Android Spy App?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are some ethical reasons that may warrant using an Android spy app. Here are 3 of the most common reasons:

1. Parental Control

Today, parents are more aware of the dangers of the world wide web and what their children can potentially be exposed to.

Whether it be predators on the internet or cyberbullying, Android spy apps put concerned parents’ minds at ease and help protect their minors online.

2. Employers

Employers who provide their employees with work phones may want to monitor that the devices are being used for the intended purpose. This is often the case for businesses with hybrid or remote business models.

3. Tracking

Lastly, in the event that the device gets stolen or goes missing, the Android spy app will allow you to locate it easily with real-time monitoring.

Regardless of who you intend on monitoring, this should be explicitly stated to the individual(s) — transparency is important, and is, in most instances, required by law.

Can You Use Android Spy Apps Without Touching the Target Phone?

To ensure ethical use, most Android spy apps require you to have the device on hand to adjust the security settings and install the spyware.

Once the installation process is complete, you’ll no longer need access to the device to monitor the activity and location of the end user.

Are There Any Undetectable Android Spy Apps?

Most reputable Android spy apps run in the background and show no evidence of being on the device.

Our list of hidden spy apps for Android means that the device owner won’t get alerts, see the app, or have their device slowed down as a result of a spy app.

Are Android Spy Apps Safe?

In the right hands, Android spy apps are safe for both the one doing the monitoring and the end-user. But there are some important factors and vulnerabilities to keep in mind:

1. Data Security

By installing and using a spy app, the end-users data gets stored on a server, which puts it at risk of potentially being hacked. This can give hackers access to the stored data, including photos, videos, communications, etc.

2. Device Vulnerability

In order to install a spy app, you’ll need to turn off some crucial Android security settings. This automatically creates vulnerability to malicious malware attacks.

3. Privacy Legality Issues

Before you opt for any Android spy app, be sure that you’ll be doing so within the legal boundaries of your location.

We do not condone using spy apps for unethical purposes such as hacking, spying on your spouse or employees without their consent, or stalking someone.

4. Unreliable Spy Apps

Of course, with so many options on the market, there are bound to be some bad apples in the bunch. To ensure you’re opting for a reliable provider, be sure to read up on customer reviews before making your decision.

Free Android Phone Spy Apps

The best things in life are free, apart from when it comes to monitoring someone’s private data.

Not only are free tracking services incredibly limited, but some are scams or the risk of putting your device and data at more risk than what it’s worth.

Although there are some reliable free spy apps for iPhone and Android, we recommend opting for a paid Android spy app or plan to ensure that you and the end-user are protected.

Are Android Phone Spy Apps Legal?

The apps discussed above are legal, but it’s transparency and the intended use that can land you in trouble. Besides putting your relationships on the line without consent from the end-user (unless they’re a minor under your care), you do not have the right to spy on them.

In fact, according to US laws, such as the Computer Spyware Protection Act (seen similarly in other countries as well), it is illegal and can result in fines and jail time. The laws are clear that, without permission, viewing, listening to, or reading personal communications or snooping on an unsuspecting victim is highly illegal.

Generally, laws permit monitoring a minor or your own device — in other instances, legality comes from consent from the end user. So, before you opt for one of the above, be sure to read up on the laws surrounding spy apps in your region.

How to Use a Phone Spy App for Android

Most Android spy apps have the same process:

1. Subscribe to a spy app. We recommend mSpy as the best spy app for Android.
2. Download and install the app on the target Android device.
3. Monitor the data displayed on your account dashboard.

The data will update every few minutes, giving you real-time access to the device’s activity.

Android Spy App FAQs

Do spy apps really work?

Yes. Reputable spy phone apps like those reviewed here do work. Of course, that’s not to say that all spy apps work — some don’t. Scam phone tracker apps aren’t unheard of, they’re quite widespread, so it’s important to opt for a reliable, well-known app like mSpy, EyeZy, or uMobix — to name a few.

What is the best undetectable free spy app for Android?

As a reliable free Android spy app, iKeyMonitor is our top pick as it offers a feature-rich forever free plan that has everything you need. Besides being completely hidden, you can also select purchasable add-ons if you want to customize the functionality.

How do I find hidden spy apps on Android?

You may notice odd-looking apps, notifications, or Android spy app file names on your device. But with the best-hidden spy apps for Android, there’s usually no inclination that there’s an app monitoring you. We’d recommend getting a trusted antivirus or factory resetting your device if you’re concerned about your privacy.

What is the best Android spy app for businesses?

Our top pick is Hoverwatch. It lets you monitor up to 25 devices on one subscription, and it offers quality features at an affordable price point per device ($1.67/month/device).

How can I spy on my boyfriend’s Android phone for free?

Unfortunately, searching for “the best free android spy apps for cheating spouses” won’t yield a direct answer, as it’s illegal to spy on someone without their consent. This is considered unethical spying, punishable by law and can land you in serious trouble.

How do I spy on an Android phone without installing software?

You can’t. To spy on a device’s activity, you need to have the device on you to install the software.

What is Rooting?

Rooting is the process of getting full access and control over the device. Without this, you may not have access to advanced monitoring features. Not all Android spy apps require rooting, as this can impact your phone’s warranty, the built-in device’s security, and the stability of the operating system.

Is there a spy app better than mSpy?

From thorough research and, more importantly, testing, there is no better spy app than mSpy. Although EyeZy and uMobix are very strong in and of themselves, mSpy is renowned for its ease of use, installation, and overall monitoring capabilities and reliability. 

Best Spy App for Android – Conclusion

There’s no issue with wanting to monitor someone for ethical reasons, and thankfully there are loads of trustworthy apps available for Android that are sure to fit your monitoring needs. Here’s a quick reminder of our top picks for Android spy apps:

1. mSpy — Overall Best Spy App for Android in 2024 | Take Advantage of the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee Now
2. EyeZy — Best Cheap Android Spy App to Protect Your Children Online | Make Use of the Solid 14-Day Guarantee.
3. uMobix — Best Android Spy App for Real-Time Monitoring | Has a 2-Week Long Guarantee on Offer.
4. Cocospy — Popular Spy App for Android for Small Families | No Jailbreak or Rooting Required.
5. XNSpy — Powerful Spy App for Remote Control of Target Phone | Has a 10-Day Refund Policy.
6. Spyic — Best Spy App for Android for Restriction Alerts | Use the Solid 60-Day Guarantee.
7. iKeyMonitor — Best Free Android Spy App in 2024 | Paid Plans Come With a 30-Day Guarantee.
8. Hoverwatch — Ideal Spy App for Businesses | Track Up to 25 Devices on 1 Subscription.
9. GeoFinder — Best Phone Tracker App to Locate Any Android Phone | Track an Unlimited Number of Devices.
10. ClevGuard — Trusted Spy App for Android to Protect Your Children Online | Cheap + Offers a Lengthy Guarantee.

Overall, our top pick is mSpy, as it’s a reliable solution that offers several valuable features suitable for both parents and businesses – all for an attractive monthly rate.

Regardless of which one you choose from our list of the best spy apps for Android in 2024, be sure to check the laws in your region and read up on customer reviews if you’re uncertain.

mSpy - Best Phone Tracker

Our Rating

• 180 Countries Supported
• Keylogger, Screen Recorder
• Monitor GPS Locations
• Parental Control for Peace of Mind

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