How To Remotely Monitor Smartphones With These Apps

The demand for smartphone monitoring apps has skyrocketed in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced employees to work from home and families to huddle together. Managers seek to use these apps to keep track of their employees, while parents are using them to oversee what their kids are doing online.

In this article, we will identify three smartphone monitoring apps that can be used remotely. We will go through their features, mark them on affordability, briefly outline the installation process, and identify major pros and cons. Let’s not waste any more time and head straight to the matter at hand.

1) XNSPY

XNSPY is a major player in the smartphone monitoring app scene. It has been providing services to parents and employers for many years before the pandemic. As such, it scores top marks for reliability and flexibility. While XNSPY does not offer a trial version, you can use the demo version on the app’s official website.

So what can you do with the app? Let’s take a look!

XNSPY’s Functions

• Call logs
• Call recording
• SMS/MMS
• Social media & Instant messaging app monitoring
• Internet activity tracking
• GPS tracking
• Multimedia access
• Remote control options
• Instant alerts

Pricing Options

The basic version costs USD 4.99 a month and the premium version costs USD 7.49 per month. Take note that only the premium version offers all available features, so we advise you to take a look at the app’s website if you intend to purchase the basic version. XNSPY can be installed on both Android and iOS devices.

How to Use XNSPY?

Step 1: Purchase a subscription and check your email inbox for your XNSPY ID and download the URL.

Step 2: Open the URL on the Android phone and download the app. Apple users must enter Apple ID/password, though no physical access to the phone is required.

Step 3: Log in to your account, select the device, and move the cursor to the left to view the XNSPY control panel.

What About the Pros and Cons?

The Pros

• It is very affordable.
• It offers a unique instant alert feature.
• You can use a demo version before purchase.

The Cons

• Rooting/jailbreak is required for some features
• Can be intrusive in the wrong hands.

2) Spyera

Spyera is a rival to XNSPY and has historically offered stiff competition to it. However, this does not mean both apps are the same. While there is a clear overlap in terms of features, there are important differences too.

Spyera’s Functions

• Call recording
• Call logs
• Call interception
• SMS/MMS
• Remote SMS commands
• Social media and instant messaging app monitoring
• Access to multimedia files such as photos, videos, and audio.
• Internet activity monitoring tools
• Application & screen-time management tools
• Location tracking
• Remote control options including camera control

Spyera Price

The main reason why Spyera loses against XNSPY is because of the price. Spyera also offers two subscription options costing USD 13.99 a month and USD 31.99 per month. The former is the basic version, while the latter is the premium version with all features. Like XNSPY, Spyera also supports both iOS and Android devices.

How to Use Spyera?

The requirements for installing the app are the same as with XNSPY. You do not have to download the app on the iPhone, but you need Apple ID credentials. A download is required for Android devices. You can use any of the app’s features through Spyera’s dashboard. It is available on the app’s official website.

What About the Pros and Cons?

The Pros

• It has a broad range of features.
• You can purchase a new phone that comes with a pre-installed version of Spyera.
• You can send commands via SMS.

The Cons

• Spyera is an expensive option.
• You must root/jailbreak the phone.
• One subscription works on one device only.

3) mSpy

mSpy is different from the other apps on this list. The program is specifically designed for use by parents. This is among the main reasons why the app has a narrow range of features. However, this does not mean it should be ignored. mSpy has many tricks up its sleeve, so let’s take a look at it in detail.

mSpy’s Functions

• Call logs
• Call blocking tool
• SMS/MMS
• Social media/IM apps
• GPS history
• Geofencing
• Remote app management
• Remote screen-time management
• Access to multimedia
• Web-use management along with a special content filtering tool

How to Use mSpy?

The requirements listed for XNSPY and Spyera apply in the case of mSpy as well. mSpy also has its dashboard that is easy on the eyes. It follows this design language because it recognizes that not all parents are tech-savvy. Log in to your mSpy account on the app’s website to access the dashboard.

What about the Price?

The premium version costs USD 16.66 per month, though it is up to you to decide if it is worth what you get in return. mSpy can be installed on both Android and iOS phones.

What About the Pros and Cons?

The Pros

• It is moderately priced.
• mSpy’s content filtering tool is sophisticated.
• The app is not intrusive.

The Cons

• Rooting/jailbreak is required.
• A subscription works on one device.
• There is a narrow focus with limited features.