The Best WhatsApp Spy Apps in 2025

If you’re concerned about who your child or a family member is messaging, the best WhatsApp spy apps can be a discreet way to check and make sure they’re safe. These apps give you remote access to information on incoming calls, chat messages, and images or videos shared via WhatsApp. They can even help you see deleted or view-once images.

I’ve tested and reviewed the most secure and discreet WhatsApp spy apps on the market — there’s a range out there to accommodate many different uses. I compared them on factors such as ease of use, affordability, and security to create this list and help you find the best WhatsApp spy app to suit your needs.

What is a WhatsApp Spy App?

A WhatsApp spy app is a popular type of digital spy app or monitoring software specifically designed to track and monitor calls, messages, shared media, and activity on WhatsApp.

Many people turn to WhatsApp spy apps as a form of parental control, to ensure their children are safe and are not communicating with dangerous people or bullies via WhatsApp. Some use these apps as a last-resort to find out more about the texting activity of a partner, spouse, or family member who they suspect is engaging in behaviour which poses a threat to their safety or their relationship.

Much like Facebook spy apps, Instagram spy apps and Tiktok viewers, a WhatsApp spy app will give you access to everything hidden and viewable on the app, so that if there is any malicious, suspicious or harmful activity, you are notified, and can intervene only when necessary.

How Does a WhatsApp Spy App Work?

A WhatsApp spy app works by discreetly recording and collecting WhatsApp data – sent and received – from the device that the app is installed on, then sending that information to the person who installed it via a remote online server.

The data collected includes phone call logs, text messages, WhatsApp chat logs, and all media exchanged between the monitored device and any other devices. Once the WhatsApp spy app is installed, the data is stored on the cloud, so that the person who’s installed it can access it by logging into the app’s dashboard.

The best phone spy apps can leverage GPS and Wi-Fi tracking to provide you with the real-time location of the device, so you’ll know where your child or partner is at all times, as well as who they’re communicating with.

The Best WhatsApp Spy Apps Reviewed

I’ve physically tested and reviewed dozens of new and popular WhatsApp spy apps on the market to see how the perform, how they function and how they compare. These were my top picks:

1. mSpy — Best WhatsApp Spy App Overall With a Large Range of Features

Why We Picked It

Based on my most recent round of product testing, my verdict was that the best WhatsApp Spy app overall is mSpy. Compared to other providers, it offers the most comprehensive insights into WhatsApp activities, including the images and videos they send and receive. What really sealed the deal for me is that it’s completely undetectable, making it one of the best apps for discreet monitoring on the market.

 

mSpy Features

mSpy may not monitor as many social media apps as some other spy apps, but it won’t miss anything your child, partner, or employee sends via WhatsApp.

When I was using the app, I found that accessing its dashboard’s dedicated WhatsApp tab shows you all their text messages, images, videos, and even call logs, including contact details.

 

I also loved that it has a screen recorder that periodically takes screenshots of the phone you’re monitoring and can capture disappearing messages and WhatsApp stories, too—meaning that you’ll be able to spot anything that anyone is trying to hide.

In addition to WhatsApp monitoring, mSpy gives you access to a person’s call logs, text messages, and messages on other social media apps, including Facebook, Snapchat, Telegram, and others. It also provides GPS location tracking so you can track your child’s or partner’s location if they plan a meet-up over WhatsApp messenger, too—making it the most robust WhatsApp spy app on this list.

mSpy Pricing

While mSpy doesn’t have a completely free version, it does offer an interactive demo that allows you to assess for yourself whether it’s good value for money.

For the number of features it offers, I personally find mSpy’s annual plan to offer a lot of value, but you can always subscribe for a month first to try it out and then upgrade if you love it as much as I did.

mSpy used to have three separate price tiers, but it simplified its pricing structure in early 2024 to offer one plan that includes all the premium features for both Android and iOS to give customers the best bang for their buck. The only difference is the length of time you subscribe, with significant discounts the longer you sign up.

Who It’s Best For

mSpy tracks all in-app activities on WhatsApp, including disappearing images and stories, making it the most robust spy app tool – and the best for monitoring WhatsApp overall.

Read our full mSpy review.

2. Spynger — Best WhatsApp Spy App for Catching a Cheating Partner

Why We Picked It

I picked Spynger as one of my top-rated WhatsApp spy apps because it’s specifically designed to catch cheating in a relationship. This is why you’ll see it top of the reviews on our best boyfriend spy apps guide, as well as our guide to the best girlfriend spy apps. It comes loaded with features that can spy on WhatsApp and even let you see through your partner’s phone camera.

 

Features

If you know your partner is cheating and need solid proof, Spynger is a powerful tool for discreetly monitoring your partner’s WhatsApp activities. Its stealth mode means that the app runs silently in the background, allowing you to gather evidence without your partner noticing.

With Spynger, you’ll get real-time remote message tracking right on your dashboard. This feature covers both private messages and group chats, so you can see all interactions. You can read every conversation your partner has in a clear format, complete with timestamps.

You can also view and download any media they’ve shared—photos, videos, and voice notes—saving them for offline access to build your case.

Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for with these methods, Spynger features one of the best keyloggers which will surely come in handy. It captures every keystroke, revealing everything your partner has typed on WhatsApp or anywhere else on their device, even if they delete it afterward so you can’t see it.

Spynger even has the option to remotely view and record their phone screen, so you can see exactly what they’re doing on their device in real time.

Additionally, you’ll get detailed logs of all incoming and missed WhatsApp calls, including the names and numbers of anyone they’re chatting to so you can connect the dots. Paired with Spynger’s many other features, which include even seeing and listening to their ambient environment through their camera and microphone, as well as full GPS tracking, you won’t miss a thing.

With minimal impact on your partner’s phone performance, Spynger makes sure that your monitoring is always in full stealth mode, so you can confront the situation head-on while your partner doesn’t suspect a thing.

Pricing

For how extensive Spynger’s features are for catching cheating in a relationship, its price can’t be beat. This is especially true if you go for its annual plan, which costs less than $10/month. Even if you only want to opt for its 3-month plan while you gather evidence, Spynger’s value is clear, and its 30-day moneyback guarantee is longer than many other apps offer, as well.

Who It’s Best For

Spynger is designed specifically to help people find out if their romantic partner is having an affair. Finding out your partner is cheating is heartbreaking, but if you want to take control of the situation and feel empowered and educated so you can make the next move, Spynger is for you. It will give you all the tools you need to build a solid evidence file and collect the undeniable concrete proof you need.

Read our full Spynger review.

3. uMobix — Best Simple and Easy-to-Use WhatsApp Tracker

Why We Picked It

I picked uMobix for my list because it’s one of the easiest WhatsApp trackers to install, perfect for beginners.

It sends all data to an intuitive, easy-to-understand dashboard so you can easily find everything you’re looking for, and it even has a dedicated tab on its dashboard for deleted messages.

 

uMobix Features

uMobix is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it a great choice for beginners looking to monitor someone’s WhatsApp activities. The installation process is straightforward:  you just download the app, follow the intuitive setup instructions, and you’ll be able to start monitoring within minutes.

The dashboard is clean and easy to navigate, giving you a clear view of your partner’s or child’s WhatsApp activities. You’ll see all of their WhatsApp messages, calls, and media files in a simple format, so you can quickly find the information you’re looking for.

uMobix shows you everything the target user tries to hide, from deleted WhatsApp messages to deleted contacts, giving you a unique insight into their activities. Like my previous picks, it also lets you see what they keep in the chat, including their texts, videos, and images. Besides its WhatsApp tracker, uMobix can monitor 16 other social media and instant messaging apps.

Although it doesn’t offer as many iPhone features as mSpy, I found it to be one of the best Android spy apps you can buy because of its remote control features. These features allow you to block access to WhatsApp and other apps or even the user’s entire device. Additionally, like Spynger, you can use it to see and listen to the user’s surroundings by activating their camera and microphone remotely.

The app also offers helpful tutorials and customer support, so even if you’re new to monitoring tools, you’ll get assistance if you need it.

uMobix Pricing

uMobix has a single pricing plan and a demo version of its dashboard, which makes it easy, so you can use to familiarize yourself with its interface before subscribing.

Although it’s slightly more expensive than mSpy, I found that uMobix’s remote control features (on Android) and a dedicated tab for deleted messages and contacts feel like enough to warrant the slightly steeper price.

Who It’s Best For

uMobix is a great WhatsApp tracker app if you’re new to spy apps or installing and using these kinds of monitoring tools. From signing up to installing and navigating the dashboard, the whole process is clear and simple.

Read our full uMobix review.

4. SpyBubble Pro — Best WhatsApp Spy Tool for Recovering Disappearing  Messages & Deleted Content

Why We Picked It

WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature means that you might not always see the chats you’re looking for. I picked SpyBubble Pro because it excels at recovering deleted and disappearing messages, so you won’t miss a thing, whether you suspect your partner of cheating or you just want to see who they are chatting to all the time.

Features

SpyBubble Pro has several WhatsApp tracking features that can recover deleted and disappearing messages. By capturing and sending this information directly to your dashboard, you can see any conversations that your partner may have erased.

It gives you full access to all incoming and outgoing messages, including any hidden chats. This means you won’t miss any critical conversations, giving you a complete picture of your partner’s communications. The app also lets you see all media files shared through WhatsApp, including photos, videos, and voice notes.

In addition to WhatsApp message tracking, SpyBubble comes with a screenshot feature that captures your partner’s screen every few seconds. This means you’ll get constant reports of your partner’s online status and activities, giving you deeper insight into their behavior. The feature also acts as yet another way the app can capture deleted or disappeared WhatsApp content. Once the device has the screenshot, there’s no way to delete it unless you do.

SpyBubble Pro also has a robust keylogger tool for Android devices that can really be useful when monitoring WhatsApp. It records absolutely everything your partner types on his device and sends it to your dashboard. It doesn’t matter if it’s been deleted or if it’s a password to a secret app; you’ll have access to it all.

The app operates in hidden mode, so your partner will remain completely unaware you’re seeing everything they do. It even lets you read their messages without triggering the blue ticks, so they’ll never know that the messages have been read.

SpyBubble is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Installation is simple and quick, requiring just three steps: register, install the app on the target device, and start tracking their WhatsApp and everything else on their device. The process typically takes about five minutes, making it accessible even for those without technical knowledge. Once set up, you can begin receiving real-time updates from the targeted device.

Pricing

While SpyBubble isn’t the cheapest app on the market if you only pay for one month, its annual subscription offers significant savings. It’s also pretty much risk-free, as its site has a fully interactive demo that lets you try everything on the app for as long as you want before you commit to buying. Its 14-day refund window means you’re protected, too.

Who It’s Best For

If you have a partner who you suspect is deleting all their WhatsApp chats or using its disappearing messages feature to hide things from you, SpyBubble Pro is a solid option.

Read our full SpyBubble Pro review.

5. Scannero — Best WhatsApp Spy App for Precise Location Tracking

Why We Picked It

You don’t always have access to the other person’s device in order to install a WhatsApp tracking app. This is where Scannero comes in. Using just their phone number you can get their precise location details without ever touching their phone.

 

Features

Scannero doesn’t offer as many features as some of the other apps I recommend here, but what it does it does extremely well.

Many WhatsApp trackers require you to have temporary access to the other person’s device so you can install the tracking app. Scannero works in a totally different way. Instead, you generate a link that the other person clicks – which you can send to them via WhatsApp. After they click on it, you’ll get their precise GPS location on a map. This makes it an invaluable tool for tracking your child or perhaps someone you’re just getting to know via WhatsApp, and you want to make sure they are who they say they are.

In addition to GPS location, you also have the option to set a geofence. Just set a virtual boundary on the map, and Scannero will alert you if the other person leaves or enters the area. The app also offers reverse number and username lookup, so you can look up any suspicious person who is spamming you on WhatsApp or directly on your phone.

While many other WhatsApp spy apps only let you monitor one device per subscription, Scannero lets you generate unlimited links. So, if you have multiple children or you’re traveling with a big family group and want to keep track of everyone, there’s no better way.

 

Scannero’s icing on its cake is the fact that you can pay for a one-day trial of the app for just $0.89. No other app offers a trial like this, especially not for nearly free. So, if you only have to monitor someone for a day, or you just need to check their location quickly to dispel any suspicions, it’s perfect. Just make sure to cancel before your subscription renews.

Pricing

Scannero’s pricing structure is perfect if you need to check someone’s location quickly or want to try out the app before you commit to a one-month subscription. That said, they don’t offer quarterly or annual subscriptions.

This makes it one of the pricier apps out there, but it offers great value in terms of what it can deliver, given that you don’t even need to install anything.

Who It’s Best For

If you want to track someone’s location on WhatsApp but don’t have access to their device to install a WhatsApp tracker, Scannero offers a perfect solution. It gives you precise GPS tracking without needing to be anywhere near the other device.

Read our full Scannero review.

6. Eyezy — Cheapest WhatsApp Tracker with AI-Powered Keyword Alerts

Why We Picked It

We don’t all have the time to be watching our kids every second of the day. This is where Eyezy caught my attention. Eyezy lets you passively monitor your child’s or partner’s WhatsApp and other activities with its AI-powered keywords alert feature. It’s also the cheapest WhatsApp tracker on my list.

 

Eyezy Features

Eyezy’s AI-driven keyword alerts make WhatsApp monitoring a breeze for parents or concerned spouses who don’t have the time to watch a spy app dashboard non-stop. Just get Eyezy to flag specific words, and Eyezy will notify you if the other person types them in. For example, flagging “Let’s meet” will alert you if they send this message to someone, and you’ll immediately know who they’re meeting.

The AI continuously scans WhatsApp conversations for these keywords, providing real-time alerts when any of them are detected. This ensures that users stay informed about relevant discussions as they happen. Eyezy’s AI can also analyze the context in which these keywords are used, helping to reduce false positives so that your alerts are always relevant.

Additionally, thanks to Eyezy’s GPS location tracking features, you’ll know where they are, and you can set a geofence around an area on the map to alert you when the other person leaves or enters.

Eyezy also shows you which apps they install on their device, allowing you to track their communication with others if they move away from WhatsApp. If you want your child to take a break from WhatsApp or stop using it altogether, you can remotely block it from your dashboard.

Eyezy Pricing

Eyezy offers a demo version of its dashboard to help you familiarize yourself with its features. This is as good as a free trial, as you get to try everything the app does before purchasing. It offers one plan type, and its annual plan is the cheapest you can find.

Eyezy also offers a 14-day refund policy. If there are any technical issues that customer support can’t fix, you can use this window to get your money back.

Who It’s Best For

In my testing, I discovered that Eyezy basically offers unmatched value for money. If you’re looking for an undetectable spy app that monitors WhatsApp, tracks the target user’s location, and alerts you if they write something inappropriate, it’s a great, cheap option.

Read our full Eyezy review.

7. Phonsee — Best Budget-Friendly WhatsApp Spy App

Why We Picked It

Phonsee is a solid pick for a WhatsApp spy app because of its affordability and value for money. It comes with all the features you need for monitoring WhatsApp from a user-friendly dashboard and costs under $9/month when you buy the annual subscription.

Features

Phonsee is one of the most affordable and effective WhatsApp tracking solutions on the market, and it offers a range of features designed for discreet WhatsApp monitoring. Compatible with all Android and iOS devices, Phonsee operates undetected on the target phone, so your WhatsApp tracking is completely covert.

Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to navigate the app and access the information they need quickly. With its streamlined setup process, you can begin monitoring your child’s WhatsApp right away.

One of Phonsee’s standout features is its ability to provide comprehensive WhatsApp call details, including the participants involved, call duration, and exact timestamps. This feature allows you to keep tabs on who your loved ones are communicating with. Phonsee’s media files viewer lets you see all shared content, so you can make sure your child isn’t gaining access to inappropriate videos or explicit photos.

Another way that Phonsee stands out is through its keylogger, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. While many WhatsApp trackers can only keylogger Android smartphones, Phonsee can track every word typed on almost any device. This means that if the person you’re monitoring is deleting their WhatsApp messages, you’ll be able to see them anyway.

Coupled with its screen recorder, you can watch everything they do on their phone in real time. Even if the target device disconnects from the internet, Phonsee can still capture WhatsApp data while it was connected.

Another unique selling point is that Phonsee is one of the few providers that offers 24/7 customer support, so you can count on a seamless experience during installation, setup, and monitoring.

Pricing

For its price, Phonsee is one of the best-value WhatsApp phone monitoring solutions. Its annual subscription costs under $9/month, so next to Eyezy, it’s the cheapest option on my list.

Who It’s Best For

If you’re on a budget but wants a full suite of WhatsApp monitoring tools, Phonsee is a solid pick. Its user-friendly dashboard and robust monitoring tools that include screen recording, keylogging, and insight into all WhatsApp messages give it great value for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, affordable solution.

Read our full Phonsee review.

8. Cocospy — Best WhatsApp Spy App for Monitoring iPads & Tablets

Why We Picked It

Not every WhatsApp monitoring tool works on iPads and tablets, but Cocospy stands out because it offers a range of features that work on both tablets and iOS and Android smartphones.

 

Cocospy Features

Many spy apps have limitations when it comes to installing them on tablets or iPads. One reason for this is their operating system restrictions, as some apps are primarily designed for smartphones and may not be fully compatible with tablets, particularly iOS.

Apple’s strict security can also make it challenging for monitoring apps to work well on tablets. Some have interfaces that are not optimized for larger screens, so navigation can be cumbersome. This is where Cocospy stands out. Cocospy is one of the only WhatsApp monitoring apps that works well on Android tablets and iPads, whether you’re tracking WhatsApp from your tablet or spying on someone else’s. It’s cross-platform compatibility sets it apart from other apps on the market, and yet it doesn’t scrimp on features.

One of my favorite Cocospy WhatsApp monitoring tools is its Online Status feature, which tells you, at a glance, if your child or partner is online so you can track their WhatsApp in real time.

You’ll not only be able to track their WhatsApp chats and group conversations, including their texts, stickers, and even deleted messages, but you’ll also see all exchanged files between the person you’re monitoring and their contacts. This means that you’ll see all their shared pics, audio notes, and everything else.

Cocospy also captures all details of their WhatsApp calls, including their duration, the participants, and timestamps, so you’ll get a full view of every person they’re talking to via the app.

I also like that Cocospy’s Android WhatsApp tracker app is lightweight, meaning it doesn’t have a significant impact on the other device’s battery life, allowing you to monitor them for longer while they’re out. This is also true for iOS devices, as instead of being synced to the device, Cocospy uses iCloud’s backup system to download any WhatsApp messages and files.

Although it doesn’t offer keyword alerts like Eyezy, Cocospy has geofencing, which lets you create restricted areas on the map. If the target user enters or leaves that area, Cocospy will immediately notify you so you’ll always know where they are.

Cocospy Pricing

Like uMobix and Eyezy, Cocospy does not offer a free trial. However, it offers an interactive demo that allows you to explore its features before subscribing, which is nearly the same thing. Its annual subscription makes it fairly cheap when broken down monthly.

Cocospy has three different plans that get cheaper the longer you subscribe.

• Basic Plan: This plan provides fundamental monitoring capabilities suitable for most users. It includes essential features such as call, message, and location tracking, allowing you to monitor your device’s basic activities.
• Premium Plan: Cocospy’s Premium plan expands on these features with additional functionalities aimed at more comprehensive monitoring. In addition to everything offered in the Basic Plan, it includes advanced features like social media tracking, keylogging, and access to multimedia files. This plan is designed for those who require a deeper level of oversight and detail.
• Family Plan: The Family plan is ideal for users needing to monitor multiple devices. It includes all the features of the Premium Plan but extends them to cover up to three devices. This plan is perfect for families or groups wanting to manage and monitor several devices from a single account, providing a cost-effective solution for broader monitoring needs.

It is important to note that the above-mentioned prices are inclusive of a first-subscription discount, and will increase upon your automatic renewal. Cocospy has a 14-day refund window you can use to get your money back if you run into unresolvable technical issues.

Who It’s Best For

Cocospy is ideal for spy app beginners who want to monitor WhatsApp on an Android phone. It’s easy to install and use, even if you’re not tech savvy, and tells you when your child or partner is using their phone or when they enter or leave an area you mark on the map.

Read our full Cocospy review.

9. Hoverwatch — Best WhatsApp Spy App for Large Families

Why We Picked It

I picked Hoverwatch because it’s one of the best WhatsApp monitoring apps. It lets you monitor more than one device at a time under one account, making it perfect for parents of multiple children or employers with company devices. It’s also one of the few WhatsApp trackers that logs in-app voice messages in addition to the standard texts, images, and videos.

 

Hoverwatch Features

One of my favorite Hoverwatch features is its Mobile Viewer app, which you can install on your phone to monitor all the information Hoverwatch collects without logging into its web-based dashboard.

The dashboard and its app have a dedicated WhatsApp tab that allows you to track WhatsApp messages and see who your partner, children, or employees are talking to. It’s also one of the few apps that logs WhatsApp audio messages they send or receive.

Although its Windows and Mac apps don’t have a dedicated WhatsApp monitoring feature, I learned through my research that thanks to its keylogging feature, you’ll still be able to see everything the target users type in WhatsApp or any other app for that matter. However, if you are looking for a dedicated iPhone WhatsApp tracker, you’ll need to pick an alternative like mSpy or Eyezy.

Hoverwatch Pricing

Hoverwatch has three affordable plans for monitoring a single phone or computer under its Personal plan or up to 25 devices under its Business plan. There’s also an interactive demo version that gives you a preview of how it monitors Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

• Personal: Its entry-level plan lets you monitor a single device’s WhatsApp activities, location, calls, and texts. This plan doesn’t include access to its Mobile Viewer app.
• Professional: This plan can monitor up to five devices and adds the Mobile Viewer app to its Personal plan features.
• Business: Monitors up to 25 Windows, Mac, or Android devices and shows you their users’ locations, web browsing history, and WhatsApp activities.

Hoverwatch doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, but it’s one of the most affordable services for computer and smartphone WhatsApp activities monitoring.

Who It’s Best For

If you need to monitor multiple Android devices but you don’t want to break the bank by buying separate plans for each kid, Hoverwatch is a great option. It lets you listen to WhatsApp audio messages your child, employee, or partner sends and receives, making it an invaluable tool if that’s their preferred way of communicating.

Read our full Hoverwatch review.

10. KidsGuard for ClevGuard — Dedicated WhatsApp Spy Tool for Parents

Why We Picked It

As a parent, you’ll want a cost-effective and simple to use WhatsApp spy tool that can help safeguard your kid without adding another item to a growing to-do list. I found that ClevGuard’s KidsGuard for WhatsApp is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap yet comprehensive WhatsApp tracker to monitor their child. It is designed solely to track WhatsApp, covering all activities on the app, down to the emojis they send in their chats.

 

KidsGuard For ClevGuard Features

ClevGuard’s KidsGuard for WhatsApp is a standalone monitoring app in ClevGuard’s lineup of spy tools. Because it’s designed just to monitor your child’s WhatsApp, it has some unique features.

Unlike my previous picks, it can show you the screen time statistics for their WhatsApp usage to help you determine how often they use the app. If they use it too frequently, you can set time limit restrictions to manage their screen time.

Its WhatsApp tracker app features include logging their texts, images, videos, and audio files to give you a 360-degree view of what they talk about on the app. In addition, ClevGuard’s KidsGuard for WhatsApp is one of the only tracking apps that lets you listen to their WhatsApp calls because it records them.

Surprisingly, ClevGuard’s WhatsApp package can also monitor your child’s location using WhatsApp’s built-in GPS. However, unlike uMobix and mSpy, it can’t monitor other social media and messaging apps since it’s designed to specifically monitor WhatsApp and WhatsApp alone.

KidsGuard For ClevGuard Pricing

Clevguard offers one simple plan for its WhatsApp monitoring tool, which, like most apps, is cheaper the longer you subscribe. The annual plan is one of the cheapest on my list, but just keep in mind that it’s a WhatsApp spy app only and doesn’t offer all the features that others provide.

Clevguard’s plans are set up to auto-renew, and the price increases after the first subscription, so it’s in your best interest to subscribe for a full year if you think you’ll be using the app often. No matter which subscription model you opt for, you’ll have access to all of ClevGuard’s features for WhatsApp monitoring. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try its features risk-free today.

Who It’s Best For

If you’re a parent looking for a straightforward, affordable WhatsApp monitoring solution that doesn’t overcomplicate things with tons of other features, you can’t go wrong with ClevGuard’s WhatsApp spy tool. It may not offer features to monitor other apps, but it has all you need to monitor all WhatsApp activities.

The Best WhatsApp Spyware Compared

Whether you need to monitor your kid’s WhatsApp or you want to look into some suspicions you might have about a cheating partner, I’ve made it easy to find the best solution. Here’s a quick comparison table of the best WhatsApp monitoring apps:

Methodology

How We Review And Test Spyware Apps

Important Note: Spy software is not legal to use without the device owner’s permission in many countries and states. When we test spy software, we do so only with the explicit consent of the device owner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.

To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular spy applications on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:

• General Features: We evaluate the comprehensive feature set of each spy app, including but not limited to features such as App Management, Time Management, Call Monitoring, Device Control and GPS Tracking.
• Ease of Use: We gauge the user-friendliness of each app, considering factors such as installation process complexity, the necessity of jailbreaking (for iOS) or rooting (for Android) the target device, and more.
• Device Support and Compatibility: We thoroughly examine the compatibility of each spyware app with different devices and operating systems, including iOS and Android. We also assess whether the app offers a unified dashboard accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
• Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support provided by each app developer. We evaluate the availability of support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support, as well as the satisfaction ratings of customer assistance.
• Price and Value for Money: We assess each spyware app’s pricing structure in relation to its features and functionalities, aiming to determine its overall value proposition. We analyze whether the app offers different subscription tiers, flexible payment options, and discounts for long-term commitments. Additionally, we check whether the app provides free trials or demos for users to test its capabilities before making a purchase.
• Privacy and Security: We prioritize the privacy and security of user data in our evaluation. We scrutinize the app’s data encryption measures, adherence to privacy regulations, and commitment to regular security updates to safeguard user information from unauthorized access or breaches.

More on How We Test WhatsApp Spy Apps

To ensure our recommendations are reliable and tailored to WhatsApp-specific monitoring needs, we rigorously test each app using real-world scenarios and advanced functionality benchmarks. Here’s how we specifically evaluate WhatsApp spy apps:

• Message and Media Capture: We test each app’s ability to monitor WhatsApp messages, including texts, images, videos, and voice notes. This includes verifying its effectiveness in capturing disappearing or deleted messages in both private and group chats.
• Call Monitoring and Recording: We assess whether the app accurately logs WhatsApp call data, such as contact information, timestamps, and call duration. For apps offering call recording, we evaluate the clarity and consistency of the recordings.
• Status and Activity Tracking: We examine how well the app monitors WhatsApp Status updates, ensuring it captures all shared media and texts while providing real-time updates of online activity and a user’s last-seen status.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: We verify the app’s ability to monitor WhatsApp on iOS and Android devices, including older versions. For apps that track WhatsApp Web sessions, we ensure seamless integration across all platforms.
• Stealth and Security: We test the app’s ability to remain undetectable on the monitored device and its adherence to data security protocols, such as encryption and safe storage of captured data.

Paid vs Free WhatsApp Tracking Apps – Which is Best?

While it can be tempting to pick up one of the free spy apps for Android and iOS, the biggest question I’ve had during hands-on tests is that many of these companies need to generate an income from somewhere, but how are they doing it?

I’ve found that paid apps are by far the best option, with premium WhatsApp spy apps offering you a reliable service that is safe for you and your loved ones. The paid spy apps I recommend in this guide either offer a demo or give you an opportunity to try them out risk-free with their money-back guarantees. This gives you a chance to test them before committing to a longer-term subscription.

Who Needs a WhatsApp Monitoring Tool?

There are several legitimate and ethical reasons why someone would want to use a WhatsApp tracker app. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Parental Monitoring: WhatsApp monitoring tools are primarily used by parents of underage children who want to ensure that their kids are safe on the internet. The best spy apps give you the critical information you need to know who they’re talking to, what types of conversations they’re having, and what they’re searching for online.
• Employee Monitoring: Over 5 million businesses use WhatsApp, and therefore, WhatsApp tracking apps are also used by businesses that want to ensure employees are using company phones for business purposes. Keep in mind that this applies exclusively to company-owned mobile devices and only during work hours.
• Partner Monitoring: If you want to spy on your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse, be advised that doing so without their knowledge and consent is considered illegal. Even if it wasn’t, it’s highly unethical and damaging to the relationship.

Do I Need Physical Access to the Target Device to Install a WhatsApp Spy App?

That depends on what app you end up choosing and what type of device you want to monitor.

If you want to monitor an iOS device that’s connected to iCloud, some spy apps like Cocospy show you how to spy on WhatsApp messages without target phone access. Since all the data is directly uploaded and backed up on iCloud, all you need to start monitoring the device is your child’s iCloud password.

Android devices, on the other hand, don’t support this functionality, so you’ll have to physically install the app on the target phone you wish to monitor.

How To Choose a WhatsApp Tracking App

There are many things to consider when choosing spy app software. This includes:

• Pricing — An annual subscription is usually cheaper, and some WhatsApp tracking tools offer free demos so you can test before signing up for a paid plan.
• Compatibility — Certain spy apps, such as Cocospy, are better suited for Android and others for iOS. It’s important that you make sure the spy tool you have chosen is compatible with the device you want to monitor.
• Features — It’s important to ensure that you get the features you’re looking for at the price point you’re after.
• Jailbreak — You might need to jailbreak the target device to access all the functionality the spy app offers. It’s not difficult, and some spy apps even offer to do this for you or walk you through the process step-by-step.

Final Thoughts – What is the Best WhatsApp Spy App?

Finding the perfect WhatsApp monitoring tool is no easy task, and it really comes down to what overall features you need. mSpy stands out as the best WhatsApp spy app overall due to its robust feature set and exceptional value, particularly when you take advantage of its annual subscription.

If you’re a concerned parent looking for an app to help you protect your children against digital harm on WhatsApp, then both uMobix and KidsGuard for ClevGuard are great choices that are affordable and easy to set up and use. If you are looking for a WhatsApp spy app specifically to investigate if your partner is being unfaithful, I’d reccomend Spynger, which was created with this use case in mind.

My main advice would be to remind yourself why you need a WhatsApp spy app and then revisit the ‘Best For’s and product USP I’ve outlined above to make the best decision for your requirements. You can also click on the links to the provider websites to learn more and check out their pricing options.

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