A reliable tracking app is the best way to keep track of a phone. With the right app, you can monitor incoming and outgoing calls, messages, location history, social media activity, and more from any device with an internet connection.

We’ve tested dozens of the best apps to track a phone and narrowed it down to the top 10. This list includes mSpy, EyeZy, uMobix, and more. Every app offers roughly the same features but comes with its unique advantages. Learn how they compare and which is right for you in this article.

Track a Phone | Top 10 Tools Reviewed for Tracking Android and iOS Devices

We’ve done the legwork and determined that mSpy is the best choice for tracking an Android or iOS device. That said, the competition is tough. Here’s our full top 10 list:

  1. mSpy — Our top pick for the best tracking app for Android and iOS.
  2. EyeZy — The most affordable tracker app that offers a variety of features for mobile phones.
  3. uMobix — A user-friendly app with a wide range of device tracking features.
  4. Cocospy — This powerful tracking tool offers logs, timestamps, and data insights.
  5. Spyic — An undetectable app that works in stealth mode.
  6. XNSpy — Advanced tracking capabilities with added security measures make it one of the best tools.
  7. Hoverwatch — Track phone activity easily with this powerful tool that gives detailed reports on usage history.
  8. iKeyMonitor — Get geo-fencing alerts for your device through advanced tracking technology.
  9. TheOneSpy — Keep an eye on what’s happening around the target user with camera access.
  10. KidsGuard — The best choice if you’re looking for a reliable way to track your kids’ phones.

Reviews of the Best Tools to Track a Phone

Let’s break down the top 10 phone tracking tools available for mobile devices.

1. mSpy — Top Pick for Android and iOS Tracking

mSpy is the top pick for tracking apps on both Android and iOS. Its features make it an incredibly useful tool, especially for parents or guardians who want to monitor their children’s activities and whereabouts.

mSpy — Top Pick for Android and iOS Tracking
Cheapest Plan $11.67 per month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $48.99
Free Trial Yes
Money-Back Guarantee 7-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

mSpy makes it easy for you to manage your children’s online activity. It allows you to track which websites and apps are being used, block inappropriate content, and even set time limits on certain apps.

This is important to ensure your kids don’t spend too much time online or access anything harmful. With mSpy’s location tracking feature, parents can also easily keep tabs on where their children are.

It shows the exact location of their device on a map, and you can even set up geofences to get alerted if they leave or access areas you’ve marked as forbidden on the app. A life-saver for busy parents who don’t have the time to monitor the target device 24/7.

On top of this, mSpy allows parents to monitor all incoming and outgoing calls and text messages from their child’s phone in real-time. Plus, it’s also one of the best text message tracking apps to read deleted SMSes and check call logs to ensure appropriate communications.

Pros

  • Ease-of-use
  • Undetected
  • Accurate GPS tracking
  • Phenomenal reputation

Cons

  • Some features need jailbreak/root

Pricing

mSpy is pleased to provide three different pricing plans to fit your budget and meet your needs. The 12-month plan provides the greatest value for money and is suitable for long-term monitoring; it costs just $11.67 monthly and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

mSpy pricing tier

mSpy is an excellent tracking app for Android and iOS, which allows parents to keep a close eye on their children without invading their privacy. Its powerful features let them monitor online activity, track location, and even monitor calls and messages.

2. EyeZy — Affordable Tracking App for iOS and Android Devices

EyeZy is one of the best phone spy apps that helps you closely monitor your loved ones. With the help of EyeZy, you can easily track their location, call logs, and messages without costing you a fortune.

EyeZy — Affordable Tracking App for iOS and Android Devices
Cheapest Plan $9.99 month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $47.86
Free Trial Yes
Money-Back Guarantee 14-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak No
Keylogger Yes

EyeZy offers an accurate location tracking feature called Pinpoint that allows you to instantly see where your loved ones are located. With this feature, you can easily keep track of their whereabouts and make sure they’re safe.

As with mSpy,, you can also set up alerts for when the target user leaves or arrives at a certain location. This makes it easy to stay informed about their whereabouts without having to constantly check in on them.

EyeZy also offers Magic Alerts, which allows you to be notified of any suspicious activity. This includes changes in location, call logs, and messages that contain custom keywords. This feature lets you quickly take action and ensure your loved ones are safe.

Finally, a “Friendly Installer” makes installing and using the app easy. This ensures you don’t have to worry about complicated setup processes or technical issues and start tracking your loved ones in no time.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Unique features
  • Content blocker

Cons

  • Sync issues

Pricing

EyeZy’s 12-month plan is an excellent choice for those who want to get the most out of their parental control app without spending too much. It offers access to all features, including pinpoint location tracking, Social Spotlight monitoring, and Connection Blocker restrictions.

One- and three-month plans are also available if you want something more short-term:

EyeZy pricing tier

EyeZy is a superb choice for anyone looking for an affordable tracking app with accurate location tracking, Magic Alerts, and a friendly installer. Its robust features and ease of use make it the perfect tool for keeping track of your loved ones without breaking the bank.

3. uMobix — User-Friendly App With Extensive Tracking Features

uMobix has been around for a while and is one of the best phone tracking apps available. For starters, uMobix’s call history monitoring feature allows users to keep track of all incoming and outgoing calls that have been made from the monitored device.

uMobix dashboard
Cheapest Plan $12.49 month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $49.99
Free Trial No
Money-Back Guarantee 14-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

This is extremely important for those worried about their children’s phone usage, as it provides an easy way to monitor their conversations with others. The app also offers a detailed conversation breakdown, including duration, time, and call date.

With uMobix’s real-time location tracking feature, users can track a device’s current location at any given time — helpful for those who have lost their phone or want to keep track of family members’ whereabouts.

The app also offers a detailed map view of the device’s current location, making it easy to pinpoint its exact position. Beyond this, the browser history monitoring feature lets you track all websites visited from the monitored device.

This is especially useful for parents worried about their child’s online activity and the content they’re consuming. You can access information about each website visited, including the date and time of the visit.

Pros

  • Activity alerts
  • Content blocker
  • Alerts and notification

Cons

  • No recent app update

Pricing

Will uMobix, you’ll find an option that works for your needs. The annual plan is only $12.49/month, and grants access to all the features like data viewing, streaming, and GPS tracking. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, then monthly or three-month plans are available:

uMobix subscription plans

All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about making the wrong choice. Overall, uMobix is undoubtedly one of the best phone tracking apps. With its extensive set of features, it makes it easy to keep track of all activities on a monitored device.

4. Cocospy — Powerful Tracking Tool with Detailed Logs and Timestamps

Cocospy makes it easy for you to review the activities of a mobile device thanks to its detailed logs, timestamps, and other features that make it an excellent tool for monitoring the activities of your girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse.

Cocospy - Powerful Tracking Tool with Detailed Logs and Timestamps
Cheapest Plan $12.49 month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $49.99
Free Trial No
Money-Back Guarantee 14-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

Cocospy is packed with useful features to help you stay informed about what’s going on in your family or business. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to monitor multiple phones simultaneously, allowing you to keep tabs on your loved ones from any location.

Additionally, its real-time GPS tracking feature lets you know exactly where someone is located at any given time. Beyond this, the best feature that stands out about Cocospy is its detailed logs and timestamps.

This allows you to review past activities on a device and see the exact time that a particular action was performed. It’s also possible to set up alerts to be notified when specific activities occur.

And finally, Cocospy’s Text Message Spy tool is ideal for those who want to read all SMS and iMessages on the target phone. Beyond this, this feature allows users to access even deleted messages, providing a comprehensive understanding of the conversations taking place.

Pros

Cons

  • Steep learning curve

Pricing

Like uMobix, Cocospy provides a range of subscription plans. The length of the chosen determines how much money you save compared to monthly fees:

Cocospy pricing plans

Overall, Cocospy is an excellent tracking app for both Android and iOS devices. It has powerful features such as real-time GPS tracking, detailed logs with timestamps, and customizable alerts to keep you informed at all times. It remains highly recommended.

5. Spyic — Undetectable App That Works in Stealth Mode

Spyic stays true to its name due to its highly advanced stealth mode technology that’ll allow you to monitor your target device without them ever knowing.

Spyic - Undetectable App That Works in Stealth Mode
Cheapest Plan $9.99 per month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $39.99
Free Trial Yes
Money-Back Guarantee 60-days
Max Devices Supported 3 for Family plan
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

Spyic is an amazing phone tracking app for mobile. Of course, its popularity is mainly due to its stealth mode that ensures the app runs in complete secrecy – so your target will never know they’re being tracked.

Besides this, you can also set virtual boundaries on a map that’ll alert you when the target moves outside those boundaries. Spyic also allows you to monitor your target device’s files and folders. You can keep an eye on all of them, whether it’s photos, videos, documents, or audio files.

It keeps tabs on all downloads and uploads, so you can be sure that nothing is going on. And if you want to know what your target is up to on social media, Spyic has you covered there too.

You can monitor all Facebook and Instagram direct messages in real-time, so you never miss a beat. It’ll alert you remotely whenever the target device sends or receives messages.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use dashboard
  • Alerts enabled
  • No root needed

Cons

  • Can be pricey for its features

Pricing

The app offers several plans to fit your budget and needs. The Basic plan lets you view call logs, real-time location tracking, browser history, photos, and more without rooting the device.

The Premium plan provides all the Basic plan features plus advanced options such as SIM Card Alerts, instant messenger monitoring, and calendar activities for one device only.

Spyic pricing structure

With its powerful features, Spyic is one of the best phone tracking apps. It provides a comprehensive solution for anyone who needs to monitor their target’s activities without compromising their safety or privacy.

6. XNSpy — Advanced Tracking Capabilities With Added Security

XNSPY offers a bundle of useful features that make it easy to keep an eye on your friends and business from any location at any time.

XNSpy — Advanced Tracking Capabilities With Added Security
Cheapest Plan $7.50 per month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $35.99
Free Trial No
Money-Back Guarantee 10-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

That said, XNSpy is perfect for those who want reliable and secure tracking capabilities without compromising user privacy. The app provides users with real-time location monitoring, call logs, SMS/MMS history, access to contacts and calendar entries, and remote application control.

Beyond this, XNSpy also allows you to monitor social media activity, including WhatsApp messages and Facebook posts. Plus, it also provides advanced security features such as a remote lock and wiping of the phone in case it gets stolen or lost.

Uniquely, an anti-theft alarm can also be activated remotely. The alarm will sound off when the device moves outside of a designated area or if it’s stolen. And, of course, it also has real-time tracking capabilities, so you can monitor the device’s live location and movements. 

Pros

  • Create alerts and push notifications
  • Accurate tracking
  • No root/jailbreak required

Cons

  • Add-ons can be pricey

Pricing

XNSPY provides exceptional value for money. However, if you opt for the quarterly or annual plans instead, you can save while still enjoying the same great features:

XNSPY pricing structure

XNSpy is a superb choice for those seeking reliable and secure tracking capabilities with added security features. It provides extensive monitoring options, an intuitive interface, and a simple setup process.

7. Hoverwatch – Easily Track Phone Activity With This Powerful Tool

Hoverwatch is a popular solution for beginners and advanced users to track phone activity. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to monitor location, calls, messages, social media app activity, and more.

Hoverwatch - Easily Track Phone Activity With This Powerful Tool
Cheapest Plan $3.33/device/month
Monthly Plan $24.95
Free Trial Yes
Money-Back Guarantee 30-days
Max Devices Supported 25 for Business
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

When it comes to ease of use and flawless installation, Hoverwatch is one of the top phone tracking apps on the market. It provides detailed reports of all activity on the monitored device, including location history and text messages.

Hoverwatch is also an ideal phone call recorder app that remotely captures all incoming and outgoing calls made on the device. Not only does it store the entire conversation, but it also records:

  • The exact date and time
  • Duration of the call
  • Type (incoming/outgoing/missed/unanswered)
  • Location of where it was made (if the geolocation feature is enabled)
  • Smartphone number and name of the contact from the address book

That said, Hoverwatch is designed to keep track of all the data. Even if the user on the targeted device with an Android operating system inserts a new SIM card, it won’t affect its function. It’ll detect this change, alerting you online via any computers connected to the internet.

Pros

  • Monitor up to 25 devices
  • Easy to install
  • Real-time alerts

Cons

  • App sync can be slow

Pricing

Hoverwatch makes it easy to understand the cost of its service. Regardless of your plan, all packages have access to the same features. The only difference between plans is the number of devices that can be tracked:

Howeverwatch pricing structure

8. iKeyMonitor – Advanced Tracking Technology With Geo-Fencing Alerts

iKeyMonitor offers many things, but its geofencing feature sets this mobile phone tracking software apart. Beyond this, it’s also one of the best spy apps for iPhones that don’t require jailbreaking.

iKeyMonitor - Advanced Tracking Technology With Geo-Fencing Alerts
Cheapest Plan $9.99 for 3 Days
Monthly Plan $16.66
Free Trial Yes
Money-Back Guarantee 30-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

iKeyMonitor is an advanced tracking app that provides powerful features such as geo-fencing alerts to help you keep tabs on your family or employees. It’ll tell you when your device is within a certain area and notify you if it leaves or enters.

Aside from geo-fencing, it also allows you to block or monitor certain apps installed on the device. This can be useful for parents who want to prevent their children from downloading inappropriate content or for employers who want to protect their data and networks.

iKeyMonitor is also one of the best keyloggers — allowing you to record everything typed on a target device. This can be used to gain insight into passwords, emails, text messages, etc. It’s also a great way to monitor online activity and ensure your family or employees aren’t engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Pros

  • Real-time alerts and notifications
  • Free-forever plan
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Add-ons are expensive

Pricing

iKeyMonitor is the only app that offers an affordable, no-commitment plan. You can access all the basic features with this package for free.

iKeyMonitor’s pricing structure

Besides personal use, iKeyMonitor is an exceptional phone tracking app with robust features to help you monitor employees. With its geo-fencing alerts, you’ll be notified whenever a tracked device enters or exits the designated boundaries set by you.

9. TheOneSpy – Listen And Watch Your Target Device

TheOneSpy’s live listening and viewing features make it one of the best spy apps and phone trackers. For starters, it offers an innovative feature called Live Spy360, which allows you to remotely stream live video and audio from the target device.

This feature lets users access a live camera feed and microphone to see and listen to what happens around the target phone, all in real-time. 

TheOneSpy - Listen And Watch Your Target Device
Cheapest Plan $11.66 per month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $35
Free Trial No
Money-Back Guarantee 14-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

Besides being unique to phone tracker apps, this feature is extremely useful for parents who want to monitor their children’s activities or employers who want to monitor their employees’ behavior.

Together, these features provide a comprehensive monitoring solution to track a phone and its surroundings. The Live Spy360 feature is cutting-edge technology and a rarity in phone tracking apps.

This paired with all the features you’d expect from a phone tracker, TheOneSpy gives you a complete picture of what’s happening on the target device and around the user. 

Pros

  • Can enable camera recording
  • Live phone listening
  • Very customizable

Cons

  • Expensive

Pricing

TheOneSpy has a straightforward pricing model. The TOS XLite edition offers monitoring tools such as application tracking, web constraint, and time management. Additionally, this package includes geo-fencing technology to monitor your child’s location.

TheOneSpy pricing structure

With its easy-to-use interface, TheOneSpy is perfect for parents who want to monitor their kids’ online activities or employers who need to track employee productivity.

10. KidsGuard – Reliable Tracking Solution for Keeping Tabs on Kids’ Phones

KidsGuard was made for parents who want to watch their children’s phones closely. That said, one of the most important features of this phone tracker is its invisibility. The app is designed to operate stealthily on the target device and is undetectable by the device owner.

KidsGuard - Reliable Tracking Solution for Keeping Tabs on Kids' Phones
Cheapest Plan $9.16 per month — Billed annually
Monthly Plan $39.95
Free Trial No
Money-Back Guarantee 30-days
Max Devices Supported 1 per subscription
No Jailbreak Yes
Keylogger Yes

The app doesn’t require root access on the target device and doesn’t appear in the app list or the task manager. Once KidsGuard Pro is installed on the target device, all data is automatically sent to the your online account in real time.

This means that users don’t have to use their own data to access the monitored device’s activity. The app also ensures that all data is safe and secure, protecting user privacy.

Besides this, KidsGuard Pro also provides remote control features that allow you to lock the target device, wipe data from it, or even take screenshots remotely. This feature is especially useful for parents who want to protect their child’s device from unauthorized access or theft.

Pros

  • Very low battery consumption
  • Push notifications
  • Advanced GPS features

Cons

  • No free trial

Pricing

No matter the plan, they all have the same safety protections so your kid can explore the internet securely and you can rest easy.

KidsGuard’ Pros pricing structure

All in all, KidsGuard is an excellent phone tracking solution for parents who want to ensure their child’s safety without worrying about them constantly.

Top Mobile Phone Tracking Apps Compared

We’ve compiled a table below to quickly compare the top mobile phone tracking apps:

App mSpy EyeZy uMobix Cocospy Spyic XNSpy Hoverwatch iKey Monitor TheOneSpy KidsGuard
Cheapest Plan $11.67/month (Annually) $10/month (Annually) $12.49/month (Annually) $39.99/month (Annually) $9.99/month (Annually) $7.50/ month (Annually) $3.33/device/month $9.99 for 3 Days $11.66/month (Annually) $9.16/month (Annually)
Monthly Plan $48.99 $47.86 $49.99 $49.99 $39.99 $35.99 $24.95 $16.66 $35 $39.95
Free Trial Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes No No
Money-Back Guarantee 7-days 14-days 14-days 14-days 60-days 10-days 30-days 30-days 14-days 30-days
Max Devices Supported 1/subscription 1/subscription 1/subscription 1/subscription 3 for Family Plan 1/subscription 25 for Business 1/subscription 1/subscription 1/subscription
No Jailbreak Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Keylogger Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Why Do People Use These Apps? | Standout Uses and Benefits

It’s been reported that every 40 seconds, a minor is either lost or taken by force in the United States. This is why phone tracker apps are becoming increasingly popular.

Some people use them to monitor their loved ones, particularly their children and elderly parents, to ensure their safety and well-being. Employers also use them to monitor their employees’ location and activities during work hours.

They can also retrieve lost or stolen phones or locate a lost family member or friend. With all that said, the main reason phone tracker apps are used is that they provide peace of mind and security.

How to Track a Cell Phone for Free | Are Free Phone Tracker Apps Worth it?

Several free phone tracker apps are available, such as iKeyMonitor, but they often lack the features and reliability of paid options. Free apps may also contain ads that can compromise user data.

Paid apps like mSpy, on the other hand, offer more advanced features like real-time location tracking, geofencing, and activity monitoring. They also have better customer support and ensure the privacy and security of user data.

Overall, while free phone tracker apps may be tempting, investing in a paid app is worth it for the added features and security.

How We Chose the Best Tools to Track a Phone

We considered several factors when choosing the best tools for tracking a phone, including features, reliability, customer support, and user reviews.

Compatibility

When choosing a tool to track a phone, it’s essential to ensure it’s compatible with the device you want to monitor. Check whether the tool works with the operating system version of the phone you want to track.

Some tools may only be compatible with specific operating systems, or one version may be lacking, especially if jailbreak or rooting is required to access some of the features.

Features

Each phone tracking tool comes with different features. Consider the ones you need based on your monitoring needs. For example, choose a tool with geolocation features if you need to track a phone’s location.

If you want to monitor social media activity, choose a tool that includes social media monitoring features. List the features you need to help you select the best tool.

Ease of Use

You want to choose a phone tracking tool that’s easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Look for one with a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require technical skills to navigate.

The installation process should be straightforward, and the tool should provide clear instructions to guide you. We’ve considered this when ranking our list of the best apps to track a phone and are confident this won’t be an issue with our top picks.

Alongside this, customer support is equally important. You want reliable and responsive customer support. For this, look for tools with multiple support channels like email, phone, or live chat to ensure you can get help when needed.

Data Security and Privacy

When tracking a phone, it’s essential to prioritize data security and privacy. Ensure the tool you choose has a robust security system to protect data from unauthorized access.

Check if the tool complies with data protection laws and regulations in your area. Also, consider if the tool has a privacy policy outlining how they collect, store, and use the data.

Price

Consider the cost of the tool when choosing the best one for your needs. Some phone tracking tools come with a one-time purchase price, while others require a subscription.

Evaluate the pricing structure and compare it with other tools to determine which provides the best value for money. Remember that the most expensive tool doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best, so choose based on your needs and budget.

How to Track a Phone | Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a guide on how to get started:

Step 1 — Select Your Plan

Choose a subscription that fits your family’s needs and confirm your order via email.

three plan options

Step 2 — Log Into Your Account

Now, create a profile for each device that belongs to one of your kids (phone or tablet). Choose the device’s operating system (Android/iOS).

mSpy Contacts page

Step 3 — Download the App

Now, install the app on their device and activate it.

"Allow app installs" toggle button

Step 4 — Access Your Dashboard

And that’s it. Now you can take advantage of features like tracking location, monitoring messaging/call activity, and recording calls.

Mobile Tracking App FAQs

How do phone tracker apps work?

Can you track an Android phone?

Can I track the location of a cell phone?

How to track a phone without them knowing?

Can I track a mobile phone with just the number?

Conclusion | What’s the Best App to Track a Phone Discreetly in 2024?

Based on our in-depth analysis of the most popular phone tracking apps in 2024, our top pick for the best app to track a phone discreetly is mSpy.

It offers a comprehensive range of features, including GPS tracking, call monitoring, message tracking, and social media tracking, making it an ideal option for concerned parents and employers who want to discreetly monitor their children’s or employees’ phone activity.