mSpy vs uMobix: What’s the Right Choice for You?

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Techopedia's comparison review of mSpy versus uMobix parental control apps

One of the most difficult tasks as a modern parent is ensuring your child is safe online without constantly feeling like you’re invading their privacy or physically checking through their device.

To help with this, many parents turn to parental control and monitoring apps. Two of the leaders in the industry are mSpy and uMobix. But which is the best choice for you? In my mSpy vs. uMobix guide, I’ll review their features, compatibility, pricing, and several other factors to help you decide which is right for you and your family.

mSpy vs uMobix – At a Glance

Here’s a brief overview of the key details of mSpy and uMobix, and how they compare.

Overview mSpy uMobix
Cheapest plan $11.67/month $12.49/month
Free version Free demo, but no free trial Free demo, but no free trial
Tracks location Yes Yes
Blocks access to websites Yes Yes
Monitors text messages and social media Yes Yes
Keyword alerts Yes No
Maximum devices One One
Compatibility iOS and Android iOS and Android
Money-back guarantee 14-day guarantee 14-day guarantee
Site Visit mSpy Visit uMobix

mSpy vs uMobix – Pricing Compared

Winner: mSpy. Both are similarly priced, but mSpy costs slightly less. It also has more options for families seeking a parental control and monitoring app.

While mSpy and uMobix are popular among parents, which is the better value for your money? Here’s a detailed look at the standard plans for each app.

 

mSpy uMobix
1 month $48.99/month $49.99/month
3 months $28/month $29.99/month
12 months $11.67/month $12.49/month

As you can see, while prices are similar, mSpy is the better-priced option, whether you get a one-month, three-month, or 12-month subscription.

But in addition to the standard mSpy and uMobix subscriptions that only let you track one device at a time, each app has a family plan that lets you monitor up to three concurrently.

The mSpy Family Kit costs $45 per month with a six-month subscription and $34 per month with a 12-month subscription.

While uMobix has an annual family plan that costs $33 per month, there’s no option for a six-month subscription. Also, the uMobix family plan requires all three devices to have the same operating system, while mSpy doesn’t.

Overall, the prices for both apps are so close that it’s a good idea to consider the features each includes when deciding which option is right for you.

mSpy vs uMobix – Key Features

Winner: mSpy. While each app has a selection of useful components, mSpy includes a few standout features that uMobix doesn’t have.

Both mSpy and uMobix are among the best parental control apps in the industry, and they have a long list of useful features. This section takes a closer look at these key features and how each app measures up.

Location Tracking

Both apps let you use GPS to track your child’s location. You can check a map any time to see where they are and get detailed information, such as their exact coordinates. mSpy also provides the address where they’re currently located.

These apps also let you go through your child’s recently visited locations and activities so you can gain a clear understanding of their movement throughout the day.

However, each app has additional ways to keep tabs on where your children are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going.

mSpy offers a geofencing feature that lets you designate certain areas as safe zones, such as their school or a friend’s house, or danger zones, such as the mall, a dangerous part of town, or anywhere you don’t want them to go. mSpy automatically remembers these zones and notifies you with an alert when your child enters and leaves them.

The geofencing feature in the mSpy app

uMobix provides the “geofinder” tool, which lets you locate your child with just their phone number, even if you have no tracking software installed on their device. All you do is send your child a specific SMS message from the app, and as long as they follow the link in the message, you’ll be able to see their location.

Another difference between the two apps is that mSpy offers Wi-Fi tracking. You can use this to discover which networks your child is connecting to and get a better understanding of where they’re spending their time. This feature also tells you the name of the Wi-Fi network, when they connected to it, and for how long.

Social Media Monitoring

Each of these apps helps you keep tabs on your child’s activity on social media. This social media monitoring allows you to check their private messages (both sent and received), group chats, and photos. In addition, mSpy lets you record the device’s screen to see what your child does on social media, and uMobix lets you take screenshots on Android.

On iOS devices, uMobix gives parents full account access to Facebook and Instagram, which means you can navigate your children’s news feed, view posts, and even block users.

Monitoring an Instagram page in the uMobix app

Both mSpy and uMobix let you monitor a variety of social media apps, including:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • TikTok
  • WhatsApp
  • Kik
  • Line
  • Viber
  • Telegram
  • Skype

However, the exact apps you can track depend on the operating system your child uses. For instance, uMobix can only monitor Facebook, Instagram, Skype, and Whatsapp on iOS. To monitor apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Kik, Telegram, and Line, your child needs an Android device.

There are also some differences in the social media platforms that each app supports. For example, mSpy lets you monitor Discord chats, while uMobix lets you track WeChat, Signal Messenger, and Reddit.

Viewing Browser and Internet History

mSpy and uMobix let you view your child’s browser history, providing peace of mind that they’re surfing the web safely and not engaging with sites or platforms they shouldn’t be.

The apps let you see a detailed history of each site they visit, their searches, and the frequency. It also lets you check their website bookmarks to ensure they’re not repeatedly visiting potentially dangerous sites. Plus, it gives you a better understanding of your child’s interests and/or hobbies.

Viewing the target device's browser history in the mSpy app

Both also come with email monitoring that lets you see emails they’ve sent and received, as well as any email attachments.

Review Texts, Calls, and Other “On-Device” Content

Both mSpy and uMobix make it easy to monitor your child’s text messages. You can view sent and received messages and see any images or videos. This lets you know who your child is communicating with and ensures they’re not engaging in problematic conversations.

Viewing text messages in the uMobix app

Both apps also let you view all outgoing and incoming calls and provide details on time and duration.

In addition to calls and texts, mSpy and uMobix allow you to review other content kept on your child’s device, including photos, videos, and contacts. This helps ensure they’re not saving or sharing inappropriate pictures or videos or adding contacts you disapprove of.

mSpy even lets you view calendar activities to see what events they’ve got coming up. This includes a description of the event, when it starts, and where it’s taking place. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t available on uMobix.

Viewing the calendar activities/events in the mSpy app

Content Blocking

In addition to monitoring online activity, mSpy and uMobix also give you control over the kind of content your child engages with. You can easily block websites and apps and create a list of approved ones they can visit and use. This ensures your child can’t interact with sites or platforms that are inappropriate for their age.

Similarly, you can block suspicious Wi-Fi connections, and uMobix even lets you block the entire device if it’s stolen or your child loses it. It’s easy to block unsuitable content in seconds, and you can also reverse the decision and unblock it later once your child gets older.

Keylogging

mSpy and uMobix have a built-in keylogging feature. Keylogger software lets you see and record everything typed on the target phone or device. So even if your child drafts something but never actually sends or shares it with anyone, you can still see it.

Keyloggers help you monitor your child’s conversations, and you can even see what app or program the words or symbols were typed in.

Viewing the Keylogger in the uMobix app

Keep in mind that the keylogging feature for both mSpy and uMobix is only available if your child has an Android device.

Alerts

While checking through your child’s device clarifies who they’ve talked to and what they’ve done, it’s also beneficial to get notified in real time. Thankfully, both platforms provide alerts, though each offers something unique.

uMobix shares notifications when your child gets a new message, a new call, their phone’s battery is low, and even when they log in to a social media app.

However, mSpy sets itself apart by providing keyword alerts. The app lets you set specific keywords or phrases, and if your child uses them, you’ll get a notification. It also shows how the word or phrase was used with context so you can decide the best way to approach your child about the subject.

This feature ensures your child isn’t interacting inappropriately on social media platforms, discussing subjects you’re uncomfortable with, or searching for problematic content.

View Deleted Info

To conceal problematic behavior or conversations, many children and teens may delete content on their devices. Thankfully, both apps ensure you can keep tabs on the content your child has removed from their device.

mSpy lets you view deleted texts, and uMobix lets you restore deleted texts, calls, and contacts. uMobix even notifies you every time your child renames a contact in case they try to add someone and convince you it’s someone else.

Customer Service and Support

While not a direct feature of these apps, it’s important to know how to reach out for support if you have any questions or concerns.

mSpy offers a multi-channel approach to customer service, with support available over the phone, via email, and live chat. It provides numerous email contacts so you can reach out directly to the exact department you need, such as sales, tech support, or billing.

uMobix’s customer service is accessible through an online form and live chat, but unfortunately, there’s no phone support.

mSpy vs uMobix – Ease of Use

Winner: Draw. Both apps are user-friendly once installed and have similar installation processes.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy parent or not, mSpy and uMobix are fairly easy to use. Both apps work well, update frequently with new information from your child’s device, and have user-friendly dashboards and tabs/panels to find the exact data you want quickly.

While the user interface and the overall performance of the apps are similar, the installation processes are slightly different. To install uMobix, you must purchase the app, create an account, and log in.

You’ll then receive detailed instructions for installing uMobix onto your child’s device. The exact installation method will depend on the operating system. If they use Android, you’ll need to follow a particular link on their device to start the software installation process.

If they use Apple, you only need their iCloud login credentials and don’t even need physical access to their device unless they have two-factor authentication enabled.

Either way, the installation process only takes a few minutes. Once the software has been installed, you just need to wait until the data is uploaded to your dashboard to begin monitoring your child’s activity.

To install mSpy, begin by creating an account and purchasing a subscription. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive detailed installation instructions via email, or you can view them in your account dashboard.

Whether installing the app on an iOS or Android device, you’ll need physical access to the target device for around 15 minutes to go through the steps and finish the setup process.

If you’re struggling to install the app or get something to work, mSpy has a dedicated team of experts (called mAssistance tech support) who can remotely walk you through the process and answer any questions. The app also offers tutorials and other resources if you’re having difficulty.

mSpy vs uMobix – Device Compatibility

Winner: Draw. Both these parental control apps share similar compatibility.

mSpy and uMobix are both compatible with iOS and Android. Unfortunately, neither supports laptop or desktop computers, game consoles, and other devices.

However, most kids and teens use a phone or tablet to communicate with friends and use social media and the internet, so the lack of compatible devices shouldn’t be a problem for most families. That said, if you want an app that tracks your child’s Windows or Mac devices, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

mSpy vs uMobix – Customer Reviews

Winner: mSpy. While uMobix has a slightly higher Trustpilot rating, it has fewer reviews than its competitor. mSpy also maintains great ratings on Trustindex.

Both uMobix and mSpy have generally positive reviews and ratings on Trustpilot. uMobix has a 3.4 rating with over 300 reviews, while mSpy has a 3.1 rating with nearly 6,000 reviews.

Positive reviews for uMobix highlight the monitoring features and customer support the company offers. One reviewer said:

“I have been using this service for some time now and it is the best remote location tracker! Everything they say about what it does is true compared to other ones I have used in the past! And Customer Support Service is awesome when you need help with any problems! Highly recommended!!”

Another reviewer stated:

“I use uMobix to monitor my two [kids’] phones and it works great, had no issues at all setting it up and it gives me peace of mind every day. 5 stars no doubt.”

However, there are some negative comments about uMobix, as well. A concern many people share about the app is that the content updates on iPhone are delayed, as it only updates when the device backs up. A reviewer said:

“I mainly use uMobix for iOS and it works great but updates aren’t realtime, there’s like a 24hour delay. Not a dealbreaker but could be better.” 

Also, some reviewers were unhappy with how the auto-renew feature works, as one reviewer said:

 “[B]ought [uMobix] for one month and it worked great but [I] didn’t realize auto subscription was on, so got charged for another month.”

Many mSpy reviews praise the knowledge and patience of the support team, as well as how well the app works.

For example, a reviewer said:

“This program has been amazing, there have been a few technical issues but staff at mSpy are always available to fix or ensure programs [are] working properly. Thank you Alex for your help today, yourself and other staff have promptly got me back on track.”

Another reviewer said:

“I’m impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of this tool. I was able to quickly master it and start using all its features without any difficulties. It’s definitely worth the money.”

Conversely, some negative reviews focus on users’ difficulty installing the app. One reviewer said:

“Had a bit of a rough time in installing the software at first, not knowing exactly how to play with the phone toggle in order to allow download and stuff.”

However, the same reviewer said asking support for assistance helped and got them through the installation process with ease.

In addition to Trustpilot, mSpy also has nearly 2,000 ratings on Trustindex and maintains a 4/5 rating. It enjoys good reviews on the Apple App Store, too, with a 4.1 rating and almost 10,000 reviews from users.

mSpy has also been in the industry much longer, which is part of the reason it generally has more reviews. It was founded in 2010, whereas uMobix has only been around since 2020.

mSpy vs uMobix – Which Is Better?

While mSpy and uMobix are solid options for parents, my choice is mSpy. It offers a large collection of advanced features ranging from GPS tracking to social media monitoring and even website and app blocking. The app also makes it easy to view texts, record screens, check browsing history, and see photos and videos.

I especially like the keyword alert feature and the geofencing option, which uMobix doesn’t provide. mSpy also costs less than uMobix, and it offers more subscription options in the family plan, has a much longer track record, and more customer reviews.

If you want further information before you make a decision, check out these detailed guides on mSpy and uMobix to learn more about each option.

FAQs

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Kale Havervold
Editor

Kale is a business, technology, and finance writer with years of experience researching and writing on topics ranging from running a business technology, software, automation, human resources, employee engagement, and finance. He also holds a BSc in Sociology with a Minor in E-commerce and a certificate in Business Administration. Kale’s easy-to-digest, research-driven articles stem from his passion for sharing knowledge with readers, and his work has been published on Yahoo, Expert Market, BestMoney and a selection of SaaS sites.