In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict The best GPS phone trackers help you recover lost or stolen devices, monitor your child’s location for their safety, and keep track of employees or fleet vehicles to ensure they stay on task.
With real-time tracking, geo-fencing alerts, and easy setup, these tools offer peace of mind and enhanced security. I’ve evaluated the top GPS tracking solutions to bring you the best options available. While price is important, I also considered ease of use, reliability, and update speed to provide you with the most effective tracking tools.
- Show Full Guide
The Top 9 GPS Trackers Ranked
- mSpy — Reliable GPS phone tracker for Android & iOS with extensive secondary features
- Spynger — Best GPS phone tracker to catch a cheating partner
- uMobix — Best for discreet location monitoring
- SpyBubble Pro — Fastest GPS location tracking updates
- Scannero — Best GPS mobile tracker where all you need is a phone number
- Phonsee — Best GPS phone tracker for parents
- Eyezy — Intuitive app with great geofencing features
- Cocospy — Easy-to-use GPS phone tracker for beginners
- Hoverwatch — Best to monitor multiple devices and has Wi-Fi location tracking
What is the Difference Between a GPS Tracker and a Phone Tracker?
When searching for the best GPS phone tracker, you may have come across many physical GPS tracking devices, which can be confusing. What is the difference between a GSP tracker and a phone tracker, and which is better?
GPS trackers and phone trackers have distinct purposes and big differences in their functionality and limitations. A GPS tracker is a dedicated physical device that you buy and put in your car, luggage, or on your keys, for example. They give you accurate, real-time location tracking with minimal dependency on external networks, making them great for cars or other high-value assets. However, their reliability is dependent on battery life and the need for separate management. Also, GPS trackers only do one thing, and that’s track your item.
A phone tracker leverages the built-in GPS and cellular connectivity of smartphones, providing integrated tracking that can be accessed through apps. This integration means that GPS phone trackers are more convenient, but as you’ll see in my reviews below, they also usually come with many other features like geofencing, social media monitoring, and app blocking to help keep your kids safe.
Best GPS Phone Trackers for Android & iOS Reviewed
I’ve compared the best GPS phone trackers to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for real-time location updates, geofencing alerts, or discreet monitoring, the trackers below have you covered. Read on to see what each tracker offers:
| Starting Price | $11.67/month (annually) |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
mSpy is a great all-around and feature-rich GPS tracker with reliable location monitoring for Android and iOS and a user-friendly interface. It excels in offering comprehensive parental controls alongside its core GPS tracking functionality. Compared to other trackers, mSpy strikes a good balance between affordability (with long-term plans) and features.
Features
mSpy has great cross-compatibility by offering an app that works with iOS but also as a GPS tracker Android tool, making it a versatile choice. While some iOS features require iCloud sync, core location tracking works well on both platforms.
With customizable GPS tracking, mSpy lets you set how often the phone’s location is synced, giving you more control over battery life. This is especially useful for older devices that may drain faster with constant location updates.
Geofencing allows you to define safe zones on a map and receive alerts whenever the device enters or leaves those zones. This is a great way to monitor children or ensure employees stay within designated areas. mSpy keeps a record of all past locations, allowing you to see a comprehensive picture of where they have been.
Beyond location tracking, mSpy offers a range of features geared towards parents, including app blocking, social media monitoring, and call logs.
While some providers, like Hoverwatch or Eyezy, offer lower starting prices, mSpy justifies its cost with a wider range of features and reliable performance. Of course, if you only need location tracking, opting for an alternative might be better.
Pricing
mSpy pricing structure is pretty straightforward, as it only offers one plan with different subscription durations.
| Duration | mSpy Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $48.99 |
| 3 Months | $28/month |
| 12 Months | $11.67/month |
Whatever plan duration you choose, you’ll get the same features. The cheapest option is a 12-month plan that starts at $11.67/month, while the monthly subscription cost is expensive. You can track one device per subscription, and you can preview mSpy with a demo. Additionally, there’s a 14-day refund policy.
Who It’s Best For
mSpy is an ideal choice if you want a premium and reliable GPS tracker to track one device with additional features for the long term. Short-term plans are pricier, but if you choose to stick with them long-term, you’ll enjoy excellent savings.
Read our full mSpy review.
Pros
- Tracks exact GPS locations and history
- Geofencing feature
- Flexible location update timer
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Only one device per subscription
- No free trial
2. Spynger — Best GPS Phone Tracker to Catch a Cheating Partner
| Starting Price | $9.28/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | ❌ |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Spynger is an app built to monitor and gather evidence against a cheating partner, and its excellent location-tracking features make it very easy to find where they are, have been, or are going.
Features
Spynger’s GPS phone tracker gives accurate information on where your partner is. It shows you detailed location data on a map and includes info like the address, the time of arrival, and the time spent at a particular location. You can then use location history to find patterns and figure out if they are going somewhere they shouldn’t.
To make sure they aren’t going to strange places, you can go one step further and set up geofencing alerts. You can create virtual boundaries, say around the home or office, and get alerts when they leave these locations. It’s a useful way to find out if they are where they are supposed to be, like at the office during work hours.
Spynger is also one of the few options to come with route tracking, so you can check if your partner is taking unexpected detours to meet someone else. Using traffic as an excuse will no longer work if they come home late since you’ll be able to see exactly what route they took.
Of course, along with robust GPS phone tracking, Spynger also features call and text message monitoring and social media activity and gives you an overview of everything your partner does on their phone.
Price
There’s no free trial or demo, but Spynger offers a generous 30-day refund window, which is more than what you get with most competitors.
| Spynger Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $44.56/month |
| 3 Months | $25.99/month |
| 12 Months | $9.28/month |
Who It’s Best For
Spynger is the ideal app for monitoring your partner’s phone, especially if you are curious about where they are going and how long they spend at unknown locations. With geofencing alerts and route tracking, Spynger is an excellent option for gathering location evidence against a cheating partner.
Read our full Spynger review.
Pros
- Accurate GPS phone tracker
- Detailed location data
- Geofencing alerts
- Good for route tracking
Cons
- No free trial or demo, but you get a 30-day refund window
- Monitors only one phone per subscription
3. uMobix — Best Location Tracker App for Discreet Monitoring
| Starting Price | $12.49/month (annually) |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
I picked uMobix for its seamless background operation and minimal impact on the device’s performance. As one of the most accurate GPS trackers you can use, uMobix offers real-time location tracking and detailed location history without obvious signs of monitoring, making it ideal for covert use.
Features
UMobix can perform real-time location tracking on Android and iOS, which keeps tabs on the target device’s whereabouts with live location updates and historical location data. You can even view locations on Google Maps.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re setting up uMobix on iOS, you’ll need access to the other person’s iCloud credentials for the app to pull location data.
uMobix also goes beyond just location tracking. It delves into call logs, messages, social media activity, and even captured keystrokes, providing a comprehensive picture of how the person you’re tracking manages their device.
Pricing
uMobix is in the same price range as mSpy and Spynger but offers different features.
| Plan | uMobix Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $49.99 |
| 3 months | $29.99/month |
| 12 months | $12.49/month |
uMobix also provides data storage for Android owners for a month, three months, or six months. While there’s no free trial, you get a demo and a 14-day refund policy. However, it is quite strict.
Who It’s Best For
uMobix is best for parents that want to monitor their children’s whereabouts and beyond without being obvious. Those who need discreet GPS tracking for personal safety, such as people keeping tabs on loved ones in sensitive situations, will also find it useful. Its covert features make it ideal for situations where maintaining privacy and avoiding detection is crucial.
Read our full uMobix review.
Pros
- Real-time GPS location monitoring
- Comprehensive interactive map
- Social media, SMS, and call log monitoring
Cons
- Requires iCloud data sync on iOS
- No geofencing
4. SpyBubble Pro — Fastest GPS Location Tracking Updates
| Starting Price | $12.49/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
SpyBubble Pro stands out with its accurate GPS location tracker and detailed information. What’s particularly impressive is the speed with which the tracker updates the other person’s location information, making it one of the fastest GPS phone tracking spyware available.
Features
SpyBubble Pro’s GPS phone tracker includes detailed location information, including the address, latitude and longitude, and the time the other person arrives at that place. If that information is difficult to understand, a handy “View” button will show you the location on Google Maps, giving you a much clearer picture of not only a particular address but also the surrounding area.
The best part is the speed at which you get location information. While actively monitoring the other person, the tracker updates nearly every second. You don’t have to worry about sync delays or laggy updates that might not give you the best idea of the other person’s movement patterns.
SpyBubble Pro is also easy to install. A quick 5-minute process is all it takes to get up and running. Like other apps on the list, it offers call, message, and social media monitoring that you can use in tandem with location tracking. For example, if they make plans to meet friends, you can confirm that they are where they’re supposed to be.
Pricing
SpyBubble Pro has the same pricing plans as uMobix, with duration-based tiers. Unsurprisingly, long-term subscriptions offer the biggest discounts.
| Duration | SpyBubble Pro Subscription plan |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99/month |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months | $12.49/month |
Who It’s Best For
SpyBubble has an impressive GPS location tracker that’s great if you’re looking for accurate, real-time information. With location updates available every few seconds, you will get an accurate picture of where the other person is.
Read our full SpyBubble Pro review.
Pros
- Fast location info syncing
- Accurate GPS location tracker
- Generous data storage limits
Cons
- No geofencing
- Monitors only one device per subscription
5. Scannero — Best GPS Tracker Which Only Requires a Phone Number
| Starting Price | $49.80/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | Unlimited |
| Free Trial/Demo | 1-day trial at $0.89/day |
| Compatibility | Any device with a SIM card |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Scannero is an excellent option if you’re looking for a GPS phone tracker without the hassle of downloading and installing apps on another phone. With Scannero, all you need is their phone number.
Features
Scannero’s biggest selling point is that there’s no complicated installation process or need for physical access to the person’s phone. As long as you have their phone number, you’ll get their pinpoint location.
It’s simple. Once you add their phone number, Scannero will send a link via text message. When the other person opens the link, you will see their exact location, as long as the phone has GPS enabled and an active internet connection. Scannero uses both GPS data and cell phone triangulation for pinpoint accuracy.
It’s admittedly not the most discreet since they have to open a link, but you can customize the message if you want to try and trick them. If you don’t have their phone number, you can also send a link over social media.
Scannero doesn’t have the many features you’ll get with traditional spy apps like mSpy or Spynger for social media and message tracking. However, it has a reverse number and reverse username lookup feature that you can use to find more information about who is calling you or the person you’re monitoring. If you’re worried about harassing calls or inappropriate messages on social media, Scannero will tell you exactly who is calling or messaging and where they are.
Scannero Pricing
In addition to a single monthly plan (there are no long-term discounts available), Scannero has a one-day trial you can use to test the service or only if you need it temporarily. While expensive, the advantage is that you can get location information for as many phone numbers as you’d like, compared to others that can only monitor one device at a time.
| Duration | Scannero Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Trial | $0.89 |
| 1 Month | $49.80 |
Who It’s Best for
Scannero is ideal if you only want location tracking and don’t want to worry about installing apps. Since there’s no software to download, device compatibility isn’t an issue either.
Read our full Scannero review.
Pros
- Accurate location tracking using GPS and cellular services
- Supports unlimited devices under one subscription
- Reverse phone lookup to find hidden social media or dating profiles
- No need to install an app
Cons
- Lacks the features of traditional spy apps
- Expensive monthly pricing with no long-term discounts
6. Phonsee — Best GPS Phone Tracker for Parents
| Starting Price | $8.85/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Limited Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
I picked Phonsee as the best GPS phone tracker for parents because it’s easy to install and use. It also has an intuitive interface with a built-in map for location monitoring, making it ideal for parents who may not be particularly tech-savvy but want to know what their kids are up to.
Features
Phonsee has a very simple installation process, and the app handles most of the work, making it a great option for parents who don’t want to fiddle with settings and device permissions. Once set up, you won’t have any trouble navigating around the dashboard, with every section clearly laid out.
These sections include location tracking and geofencing. In my testing, the GPS location tracker was very accurate and detailed. To start, you get proper current location information, including the full address and time of arrival. And with location history, you can easily map out routes, time spent at particular places, and distance traveled. The best part is that you don’t have to open a third-party map to see everything; Phonsee has one built-in.
There’s also geofencing, so you don’t have to spend hours actively monitoring your children’s movements. You can set up virtual boundaries around the school, known hangouts, the local park, and other areas your kids frequent to make sure they are where they’re supposed to be. You’ll get an instant notification if they ditch school or take a detour and go somewhere they shouldn’t.
Phonsee has a host of other monitoring features, too, including social media, text, and call monitoring. You can use these to see if your kids are making any plans and then use the location tracker to confirm they are where they said they would be.
Pricing
Phonsee has duration-based tiers with long-term discounts like the other apps on the list, but it’s one of the cheaper options. While the demo is just a series of screenshots, I did find the actual dashboard to be identical.
| Duration | Phonsee Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $42.51/month |
| 3 Months | $24.79/month |
| 12 Months | $8.85/month |
Who It’s Best For
If you’re a parent who isn’t particularly tech-savvy but would like to know what your kids are up to, Phonsee is the GPS phone tracker for you. From accurate and detailed location history information to a capable geofencing feature, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your children are.
Read our full Phonsee review.
Pros
- Simple setup process
- Detailed location history with built-in map
- Geofencing alerts
- Cheaper than most competition
Cons
- Demo is only a series of screenshots
7. Eyezy — User-Friendly Location Tracker App With Robust Geofencing Functionality
| Starting Price | $7.99/month (annually) |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | Up to 3 devices with the Family Kit |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Eyezy stands out for its intuitive interface and robust geofencing features, which are great if you prioritize ease of use and want to keep tabs on loved ones’ whereabouts. Compared to some competitors, Eyezy offers a smoother user experience and simplifies location monitoring, especially for those who are new to GPS-tracking apps.
Features
Eyezy boasts a clean and straightforward dashboard that displays all tracking information in a user-friendly format. This makes it easy to see the other person’s current location, past movements, and any geofence alerts.
With powerful geofencing, you can set up virtual boundaries on a map and receive instant notifications whenever children enter or leave those zones. This is a valuable tool for ensuring the safety of children who need to stay within specific areas.
For discreet monitoring, Eyezy offers a secret mode (Invisible Shield feature) that hides the app icon on the target device. This provides peace of mind, knowing you can track activity without raising suspicion.
Beyond location tracking, Eyezy offers features like social media monitoring and app blocking, which is great for a range of parental control needs.
Pricing
Very similar to mSpy, Eyezy has a clear pricing structure — one plan that you can choose for different periods.
| Duration | Eyezy Pricing | Eyezy Family Kit Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $38.39/month | ❌ |
| 3 Months | $22.39/month | ❌ |
| 6 Months | ❌ | $48.56/month |
| 12 Months | $7.99/month | $29.99/month |
Eyezy’s annual subscription is one of the cheapest you can get, providing excellent value for money. If you want to monitor more than one device, for example if you are a parent with more than one child, you can avail of Eyezy’s Family Kit, which will let you monitor up to three devices under one plan.
You can see how Eyezy works with its demo version, and a 14-day refund policy is also available, but due to the provider’s terms and conditions, the refund process can be somewhat complex.
Who It’s Best For
Eyezy’s intuitive dashboard and straightforward features make it a good option if you are unfamiliar with GPS tracking apps. You can easily set up geofences and access location data without a complicated learning curve.
Read our full Eyezy review.
Pros
- User-friendly app for GPS tracking
- Powerful geofencing
- Invisible Shield feature (secret mode)
- One of the best Android spy apps
Cons
- You’ll have to pay for phone-based customer service
- Complicated refund policy
8. Cocospy — Best GPS Tracker for Beginners
| Starting Price | $12.49/month (annually) |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund policy |
Why We Picked It
Cocospy stands out for its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, and you don’t need to jailbreak or root them, making it a versatile tracker for beginners.
Features
Cocospy is an excellent beginner spy GPS tracker for phone use due to its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process. It offers real-time location tracking and location history without requiring technical expertise or complex configurations.
The app provides clear, actionable data and easy-to-understand features, making it accessible for those new to GPS tracking. Its minimalistic design ensures that even if you have limited tech experience, you’ll be able to monitor the target device’s locations effectively.
Cocospy has real-time location tracking, so you can easily monitor the other person’s current whereabouts with live location updates. You can also access historical location data to see past movements. There’s also SIM card location tracking. So, even if the phone isn’t online, you’ll still be able to track it with Cocospy.
The Location Tracker works with stock versions of iOS and Android, so you don’t have to worry about complicated jailbreaking or rooting.
Also, Cocospy is made to be discreet. Its GPS tracker for Android phones is totally hidden and works in the background, using a negligible amount of system resources and battery. The iOS version is web-based and impossible to detect. Some competing GPS trackers like Eyezy offer location tracking at a lower cost, but they lack the additional features that Cocospy offers.
Pricing
Cocospy has a single pricing plan with significant discounts for longer-term subscriptions. There’s also a demo to help you see what information you’ll have access to.
| Duration | Cocospy Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99 |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months | $12.49/month |
Who It’s Best For
Cocospy offers core functionalities like location tracking, call/message monitoring, and some parental control features without the hassle of rooting or jailbreaking the device, making it easy to get going if you’re not tech-savvy. It’s a good fit if you don’t require the most advanced features but value easy setup and a user-friendly experience.
Read our full Cocospy review.
Pros
- SIM location tracking
- GPS and Wi-Fi-based location tracking
- Discreet monitoring and tracking mode
- No jailbreak or root required
Cons
- Able to track only one device per subscription
- Steep starting price
9. Hoverwatch — Best for Tracking Multiple Family or Employee Devices
| Starting Price | $8.33/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | Up to 25 devices |
| Free Trial/Demo | 3-day Free Trial |
| Compatibility | Android, Windows, macOS |
| Money-back Guarantee | ❌ |
Why We Picked It
Hoverwatch is a great GPS tracker option as it lets you monitor multiple devices for a great price. It goes beyond just GPS by tracking Wi-Fi networks, too. This helps you find devices indoors where GPS might not work as well. It’s a great option for families or businesses that need to track several devices.
Features
With Hoverwatch, you can track multiple devices under one subscription plan, making it suitable for families or businesses that need to monitor a fleet of devices. Also, unlike many other contenders on the list, such as mSpy, Eyezy, or uMobix, Hoverwatch is compatible with Android, Windows, and macOS devices. However, it doesn’t cover iOS devices.
In addition to GPS, Hoverwatch tracks the device’s connection to Wi-Fi networks, giving insights into location even when indoors. This can be useful for pinpointing a device’s location within a building or house.
What’s more, Hoverwatch is way more budget-friendly and flexible in terms of plans than other GPS trackers on the list.
Pricing
Hoverwatch offers three plans for diverse needs: Personal, Professional, and Business. You can select any of these for one, three, or twelve months.
| Duration | Personal Pricing | Professional Pricing | Business Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $29.95 | $49.95 | $149.95 |
| 3 Months | $19.98/month | $33.32/month | $99.98/month |
| 12 Months | $8.33/month | $16.66/month | $41.66/month |
- Personal: With this plan, you can track only one device, but you get all the monitoring features, including Stealth mode, phone internet history, social media monitoring, and all GPS location tracking features.
- Professional: This plan allows you to track up to five devices. It has all the features identical to the Personal plan, plus it comes with a Mobile Viewer, an Android app that allows you to log, view, and manage log entries from your phone.
- Business: This comes with all features of the Professional plan, but ups the number of devices to 25.
Hoverwatch also offers a limited 3-day free trial, but there’s no refund window.
Who It’s Best For
It’s a budget-friendly option that allows monitoring multiple devices under one subscription plan, perfect for families or businesses managing a fleet of devices. Also, Wi-Fi network tracking, which complements GPS and helps pinpoint a device’s location even when indoors, can be useful for locating misplaced phones or keeping an eye on kids on tablets or computers.
Read our full Hoverwatch review.
Pros
- Tracks multiple devices under one plan
- Budget-friendly subscription plans
- Wi-Fi network tracking for indoor location-awareness
- Precise GPS location tracking
Cons
- No iOS version
- No refund policy
Best GPS Trackers Compared
Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison of the GPS for phone trackers I’ve reviewed above. By seeing them side by side, you’ll have a better idea of the ones most suitable to your needs and budget:
| Provider Name | Starting Price | No Of Devices | Free Trial/Demo | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSpy | $11.67/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
| Spynger | $9.28/month | 1 | Demo | 30 days |
| uMobix | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
| SpyBubble Pro | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
| Scannero | $48.99/month | 1 | ❌ | 14 days |
| Phonsee | $8.85/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
| Eyezy | $7.99/month | Up to 3 | Demo | 14 days |
| Cocospy | $12.49/month | 1 | Demo | 14 days |
| Hoverwatch | $8.33/month | Up to 25 | 3-day Free Trial | ❌ |
How Does GPS Tracking Software Work?
GPS tracking software works by using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine the precise location of a device. The software retrieves location data from the device’s GPS receiver, which communicates with satellites to pinpoint its coordinates.
This information is then transmitted to a server, where it can be accessed through an app or web interface. The server provides real-time tracking and historical location data.
With the historical location data, whenever the target device is connected to the internet, you’ll be updated with the log of exactly where it went while offline. However, this might not always be enough to return your phone. Some thieves will immediately turn the Wi-Fi or GPS off, rendering the location-tracking app ineffective.
To combat this, some providers on my list, such as Hoverwatch, provide several different types of tracking to ensure you know where your phone is. These include GPS, Wi-Fi, SIM, and GSM.
Some providers allow you to ask for real-time updates on the device’s location over SMS. This is an excellent “last-ditch” method for finding your phone when all others fail.
What is the Best GPS Tracker for Android?
If you’re looking for the best GPS tracker for Android, there are a few apps that stand out. mSpy excels with real-time location tracking, detailed location history, and geofencing capabilities, offering comprehensive monitoring through its intuitive interface.
Spyic and ClevGuard also offer reliable GPS tracking with real-time updates and geofencing, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and additional monitoring features. These apps ensure precise location data and alerts, making them ideal for both personal safety and parental control.
In addition, all these apps can provide robust GPS tracking features without needing to root the Android device, although rooting might enhance or expand some of their other functionalities. Take a look at each app I recommend above, which mentions device compatibility at the top of each review.
Do I Need Physical Access to the Target Device?
If you’re looking for an Android GPS tracker, in nearly all circumstances, you’ll need access to the target device to install it. The exception here is if you send them an install link to click on. This is required whether the phone is rooted or still has factory settings.
However, it’s a little different on iOS. Some providers give you an app that you’ll need to install on the target iPhone before you can proceed.
Others will use the iCloud sync method, which can be performed remotely but will always require your iCloud login credentials and sometimes approval of the two-factor authentication.
What Can GPS Spy Apps Show Me?
GPS spy apps can show you many different aspects of the target device. While current and past locations are obvious, many of the providers in my list are among the best mobile spy apps and go beyond just GPS locations to offer hundreds of different data points on the phone. This includes:
- Call history and contacts saved on the phone
- SMS and social media messages
- Files sent and received
- Contact, text, and call frequency
- Location when a call was made
- Screen and call recording
- Remote camera and microphone access
And many more features. Most GPS trackers double as fully functional mobile management platforms for completing parental control tasks or keeping an eye on devices in the hands of employees.
Free GPS Tracking Apps Vs. Paid Tools | Which is Better?
Most free GPS tracking apps are simply not fit for purpose. While they may provide you with a GPS tracker for your phone, their business model relies on stealing user data to make a profit.
When you’re trying to monitor your child’s device usage, it’s not in your best interests to send all their information to a third party. However, there are a few free providers out there that offer a free version as a trial.
Notably, iKeyMonitor does this. It’s a great option if you want to get a feel for the installation process of a GPS-tracking app, and it does come with basic tracking functionality.
That said, iKeyMonitor’s free suite simply doesn’t compare to premium GPS tracking apps such as mSpy, Eyezy, and uMobix. Even iKeyMonitor’s premium version gives you access to SMS tracking, which works in a variety of situations that GPS tracking does not.
