I would like to clear something firsthand, these are more like spy apps for Android than spying apps for Android. So, if you want to be the next Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew, these apps will come in handy but won’t replace actual spy tools. These apps also won’t be able to help you snoop around and gain Intel on criminal syndicates. I highly advise you not to become the Daredevil of your town simply because you have access to these apps.
The best spy apps for Android cover a very different palette of spying. They are not necessarily all about peeping into people’s business but also offer a lot of different functionality. I was not in the mood to test out these spying apps when I started but by the end of the list, I was actually enjoying testing various apps because of their vastly different nature. I’m sure that you will also like simply trying out these apps as they are a great source for light amusement.
Note: The five best spy apps for Android were tested on a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone. The apps worked fine and there were no problems faced during the testing. Some of the apps may need an active Internet connection to offer the full range of functionality. The apps are also not in any particular order.
#1 Spy Monitor | #2 Signal Private Messenger | #3 Spy Camera OS 2 | #4 Couple Tracker | #5 Stealth Recorder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Downloads | |||||
| Google Rating | 4.3 of 5   | 4.6 of 5 | 4.4 of 5 | 4.1 of 5  | 4.1 of 5 |
| Overall Ratings | 4.9 of 5  | 4.7 of 5  | 4.5 of 5 | 4.3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Features | | | | | |
| Help and Support | --- | --- | | --- | --- |
| Features | |||||
| Great Interface |  | | | | |
| Multiple Features | |  | | | |
| Easy to Use | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | |
| Frequent Updates | | | | | |
| Help and Support | |||||
| Introduction Video | | | | | |
| Active Developer | | | | | |
Spy Monitor
We use a ton of different apps on our Android smartphones and tablets and most of them use Internet connections. What if some app is sending your data to an offshore server? You cannot know that by default.
This is exactly where spyware comes into play. The app allows you to see where your data is going and which app is transferring it. That’s not all, it will even show you a map of the servers it is sending and receiving data from.
The app provides detailed information about every single connection your device has made. Take a glance at the map and you can see your localized connections with ease. It’s a great way to know whether an app is trustworthy or not.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/locations-Spy-Monitor.pnghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/welcome-Spy-Monitor.png
Signal Private Messenger
If you are going to spy, you have to do it right. By using an encrypted messenger you ensure that all the messages you send are unreadable by outside sources. An encrypted messenger is one of the best tools in a spy’s arsenal.
You wouldn’t catch James Bond using a public telephone booth to deliver vital security information. So why should you text your significant other about bringing things on their way home on an unsecured messenger? I mean if you’re going all spy, it makes sense to use a great encrypted messenger.
This app was featured on our best encrypted messengers for Android list simply because it is highly accessible and easy to use. The best part is, the encryption is done in the background and doesn’t take up much of your phone’s resources.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/messages-Signal-Private-Messenger-1.pnghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/secure-messages-Signal-Private-Messenger.pngSpy Camera OS 2
Certain situations call for a little subtlety, and this is exactly what the Spy Camera app provides. It is a very small and simplified application that is very easy to understand. It basically allows you to take pictures candidly from your smartphone. Even if the screen is off, you’ll be able to take pictures with ease.
That’s not all, you can run this app in the background and it will still be able to take pictures. A lot of different resolution options are available as well as different modes. From burst shots to auto shots and from face detection to video recording, all are available.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/interface-Spy-Camera-OS-2.pnghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/settings-Spy-Camera-OS-2.pngCouple Tracker
Has your partner been getting constantly lost in the shopping mall? Is your wife always taking the wrong exit and ending up in Kansas? Then you need Couple Tracker, an app that allows you to track your significant other no matter where they are.
While this feature is quite useful and helpful, you can up the creep factor by 10 times simply by tapping into their phone history and text messages as well. I’m a big advocate for personal space and privacy, so this seems a bit out of place to me but a lot of people will be comfortable sharing their text messages with their partner. If you’re one of those, this app is one of the best ones out there.
Google Play:JOA:Stealth Recorder
While the Spy Camera is for visuals, this app here is all about audio. Sometimes you don’t need to capture a picture, you only need to record audio and this is exactly where this app comes in. As the name suggests, the app allows you to record audio stealthily.
However, you can install it on any target phone and it will automatically send you logs of records on email. You can use this to keep track of your kids and who they are talking to.
This may be illegal in some regions so you have to check your local law before using the app. Invasion of privacy is a big issue so, I recommend being responsible and doing proper research before enjoying this simple yet effective app.
Google Play:JOA:
Conclusion
These were the five best spy apps for Android, I really hope that you enjoyed checking out the list and trying out these apps. Some of the apps are relatively new and will be improved by the developers as time goes by. I’ll be keeping my spy eye out for more apps that fall into the same category.
Until then, stay safe and whatever you do, don’t fight crime in Gotham city.
Jenermy on
Lots of useful information! Thanks for sharing. But I used iKeyMonitor, is compatible with both Android and iOS, monitors keystrokes, SMS, whatsapp messages, even screenshots and more
Dani on
Jenermy, thanks for sharing this.
If you are looking for awesome features in spy apps, then you may try these spy apps listed here. http://joyofandroid.com/top-10-android-spy-apps-you-dont-want-to-miss/
Sometimes s spy app may be free and give many features. Then they will steal all data from your phone. This is risky. We have tested all these apps that we have listed here and found nothing fishy.
Julie on
What about FlexiSpy? It looks good on their website but when you try to buy it, it flakes out. Do you know anything about that one? Thx
Billa on
Julie, No idea about their service. I can’t really recommend third party apps here.
Rohan on
I suggest try xnore.com best spy app i found so far, sms, call log, call record, gps location, live control, IMs,emails, browsing history, surrounding sound and many more features – Yes, free trial also! 🙂
Ahhh on
You should try msynch.com.
Judy on
Hi There,
Thanks for your suggestion. =-)
Jim on
I am not able to download the spy app to my Samsung Galaxy S5. Is it a qualified phone?
Dani on
Jim
It is a qualified phone and there is no doubt about it.
sharon on
Is there an app that lets me see why my daughter’s calling and texting without having to physically access the phone? She never puts it down.
Dani on
You can get that data from the carrier if the phone is in your name. But other than that you need to get hold of the phone once. I suggest sneaking around lol 🙂
Manu on
Whats the best program would you recommend being paid? I want stealth mode or hidden mode without notifications, i didnt find your post best 13 paid spy apps. I would also want the program to record ambient audio it consumes much less than record video. Thanks
Dani on
Manu
You can find the list here
http://spy-apps-software.com/
Kumar on
Hi,
I want a stealth software that cannot be uninstalled and works like spy phone app.
I need the calls details.
Dani on
Kumar,
You can check out this. It may help you.
http://spy-apps-software.com/
Tee on
What is the best app THAT IS HIDDEN (important lol) to spy on SMS text and voice calls? I need to know what my child is up too, worried that she is hanging with the wrong crowd in possibly doing not so good things. Thank you!
Dani on
Tee,
This should help you http://joyofandroid.com/legally-track-my-child-using-android-phone/
Johnny Suspicious on
Looking for a FREE, INVISIBLE, app that allows me to dial a number from a different phone, which triggers an audio or video recorder on target phone without showing any obvious changes on target phone screen. THANKS!
Dani on
Johnny, I believe there is no Free app which can provide you these exciting features. I will get back to you if I find something.
Nicole on
I am looking for a free sms and call log spy app that I can install from the Google Play Store that installs or/ and saves sleathly (INVISIBLE ) without having to register it on that phone. My teenage boy has been getting in a lot of trouble with the law.
nyssa on
I’ve been trying to download spy apps and they seem to work good but they show up in Google play, which my son would eventually notice in his download list. I need something totally hidden.
Jon on
Is there an app (without rooting) that allows me to to schedule audio recordings on a given day at a given hour and that works even if my device isn’t connected to Internet when it must record audio?
Thanks a lot…
Billa on
Jon,
Unfortunately no. I tried to find one but failed. i will update you if I can find such app.
Denis on
In the past I used Cmcapp Mobile, which is an app that allows you to choose the days of the week and starting and ending time of recording. It saves everything on the phone memory and then send it to you on a your Gmail account.
It works very well but unfortunately it doesn’t have whatsapp and facebook.
Leonard on
Yes, you can install SpyToMobile app without root!!!!
Leonard on
Hi guys!! Why haven’t you still mentioned SpyToMobile? I have been using this software for more than a year. It is a great app) I can intercept WhatsApp, Viber, SMS, Calls, Phone Book etc. This app is cheaper than others. If you want to find out if somebody is cheating on you or not – Welcome to SpyToMobile)))
Billa on
Leonard, Its a third party app. I know its good one but I like to steer clear of third party apps.
Jon on
With SpyToMobile, for WhatsApp you need to root your target device.
Is there an app that works on whatsapp without having the phone rooted???
Julie on
THANK you so much, this is FRICKING awesome! Now if only I could find the serious apps. Thanks!
Nail on
Billa- Please advise me on the opposite side of your recommended spy apps. Do u have an application that will tell me if my phoned is being spied on?
Billa on
Hi Nail,
I could state the methods here but I think Yasir covered your question quite well in his article How To Know You Are Being Spied On
Luke Ward on
fantastic usage of terminology inside the writing, it really did help when i was reading
Reza Harahap on
hi sir, do u know about to screen capture android remotely & secretly ? portable & I can acces form web via PC..
Ronny Dzenfah on
Is there an app you can use to spy on Whatsapp without rooting the target phone?
Judy on
Hi Ronny,
I was able to find this app for you that says it can spy WhatsApp messages, but the reviews don´t speak to highly of it. It is up to you if you want to try it, but there are software such as mSpy that gives the user to monitor their kids WhatsApp, for example. Hope this helps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobincube.android.sc_38W2KF&hl=
Jessa on
If I was to put any of these apps on my children’s phone, would my children be able to discover the app? I don’t want them to feel as if I don’t trust them, for I do, I just don’t know some of their friends, well enough yet to know if they will help influence my children to stay out of trouble or to get in trouble; especially having two in high school n and getting their D.L. !!!! I know it’s my children’s choice to do right or wrong, and even if peer pressure might have helped them to make such a choice, they are still responsible for their actions; nobody else!!!! If any of these apps are not discoverable, which ones would be best to use to keep up with their location and messages, web usage, etc. Thankyou for your help, it gets hard at times to keep up with 4 teens as single mommy, having a “back up” helps greatly!!
Judy on
Hi Jessa,
I completely agree with you, it is their choice to do right or wrong and it is up to them if they want good or bad consequences. Wow, 4 teens are by yourself?? How do you do it?? =-) You are truly an example.
Just to make sure I recommend the best for you, do you want an app that monitors absolutely everything on their phone or only certain things? Hope to hear from you soon.
stephanacey on
I need a spy app that works on a basic phone. My husband is such a crafty cheater that he knows that basic phones are almost impossible to spy on. Help me please! Thank you.
Judy on
Hi There,
What do you mean by a basic smartphone? Do you mean those phones that no OS and are considered antiques?
xyron on
Hi Good day.
I have a questions about spying phone. Is it possible to spy any at the tablet and iphone at the same time? but he uesed one apple ID?
Thank you so much.
xyron
Judy on
Hi Xyron,
Do you mean if there is an App that will spy on an Android tablet and an iPhone at the same time? If so, I don´t think that there is an Android app that could spy on an iPhone. Please let me know if I understood your question correctly. =-) Thanks for reading.
angel on
I need an app that allows me to see SMS 3 months ago or more.
Judy on
Hi Angel,
You no longer have them on your phone? Did you accidentally erase them? =-)
joe on
Hey are there any free apps to like bug thing to someone else mobile’s microphone to spy thier surrounding and even better if camer could send videos. Thankz
Judy on
Hi Joe,
Invading someone´s privacy like that is illegal. First make sure you are not breaking any laws with what you want to do. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Chappis on
Looking for a low price , INVISIBLE, app that allows me to dial a number from a different phone, which triggers an audio or video recorder on target phone without showing any obvious changes on target phone screen. THANKS!
One more thing also and app that can make the target phones mic volume increase. I’m willing to pay. But nothing to expensive please & thanks
Judy on
Hi Chappis,
I am not aware of any apps that can do all that fancy stuff, but if I come across one, I will let you know. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Dakota on
I need a app that I can access my gfs calls messages and Facebook along with email and photo remotely so I ont hsve to touch her phone
s I believe she is cheating on me starting to act different I definitely need to know with her being an ex prostitute. Any suggestions
Judy on
Hi Dakota,
I hope that everything gets better for you and that these apps can help as well. Thanks for reading.=-)
http://joyofandroid.com/best-android-parental-control-apps/
Venkata Reddy B on
Hello,
Very useful information. I want a free spying app which will log call history and text messages without my wife’s notice. This will help me in my divorce.
Thank You
Judy on
Hi There,
I would first see if its legal to do so, because if it’s not, it could get you into some serious legal trouble. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Rav on
Hi . how can I spy on a cell phone without having access to it . Is it possible to spy on a cell phone without having physical access to it.Can the app be install remotely without touching the phone.
Judy on
Hi Rav,
Spying on someone´s phone without their permission is illegal. You could get into some serious legal problems. Be careful. =-)
Rose on
is there an app invisible free or paid that I can install that will record a conversation without being on the phone. this will be used in a divorce case. I need to record a conversation person to person or with the other person having a phone with the spy app on it. also that will record a phone conversations and text
Thanks for your help
Judy on
Hi Rose,
Have you made sure that it´s legal where you live? If it´s not, the recording might not be taken into consideration in court and you could get into some serious legal trouble. Please make sure. =-)
Tarun Kumar on
You must also add this app in your list , this call recorder app also help in recording all type of calls having above 3 million downloads and support many devices.
danny viks on
Hi .I need to find out if my spouse is cheating on me.Its legal where im from.Just don’t want her to see the app on her phone.