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mSpy: This powerful parental control app is loaded with features to ensure your family’s digital safety, including social media monitoring, location tracking, call and SMS monitoring, a keylogger, and much more!
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In today’s hyper-connected world, keeping your child safe online is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re concerned about screen time, online predators, or simply want peace of mind, parental control apps offer powerful tools to help you stay informed and in control.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which app is right for your family? We’ve tested and compared the most popular spy apps for parents — including mSpy, Flexispy, Spyera and others — to help you make a smart and safe decision in 2025.
Let’s dive into the best parental control apps this year, complete with real-life use cases, pros and cons, and expert recommendations.
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According to Statista (2024), over 70% of parents in the US use some form of digital monitoring to keep their children safe online.
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Parenting in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions
Parenting has never been easy, as any sleep-deprived parent juggling work, chores, and child care will confirm. However, many parents argue that raising kids today is far more challenging than it was 20 or 30 years ago.
The main culprit? Technology. While it has empowered parents to multitask like superheroes—checking work emails, scheduling appointments, and planning dinner all while holding a toddler—technology has also introduced new challenges. A recent survey by SWNS Digital revealed that 4 out of 5 parents believe raising children today is harder due to smartphones, gaming apps, and social media.
With kids getting their first phones as early as age seven, protecting them from online dangers has become a top priority. And for good reason—the risks can be severe, costly, or even life-threatening. Here are some of the biggest threats parents face today:
- Cyberbullying – Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying happens via texts, social media, gaming, and forums where harmful content can quickly spread to large audiences. It can involve cyberstalking, doxing, revenge porn, and more, all with the same goal: to humiliate or harm the victim.
- Online Predators – These individuals pose as peers on social media or gaming platforms to groom children, often turning casual chats into inappropriate conversations or worse.
- Identity Theft – A Javelin Strategy & Research study found over a million children were victims of identity theft in 2017, with most under age seven. Innocent social media posts can provide enough information for criminals to exploit.
- Online Scams and Fraud – Children are especially vulnerable to phishing scams and fraudulent links that promise free game upgrades or downloads.
Beyond these major threats, excessive gadget use can also lead to issues like obesity, sleep deprivation, behavioral problems, poor social skills, and low self-esteem.
Establishing rules can help, but teenagers and tech-savvy kids often find ways around them. So how can parents protect their children without being overbearing? Enter parental control apps—a modern solution for a modern problem. These apps allow parents to monitor and guide their children’s online activities discreetly, helping to ensure their safety in an increasingly digital world.
What Is Parental Control and How Can It Help You?
Parental control is a software tool designed to help parents monitor, restrict, and manage their children’s online activities. Combined with clear rules and open communication, it ensures kids enjoy a safe, fun, and productive digital experience. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your family? The best parental control software should include these essential features:
- Screen Time Management – Set limits on screen time or lock devices during important times like bedtime, dinner, school, or homework.
- App Blocking – Restrict access to apps that may distract or harm, such as social media, gaming, shopping, and dating apps.
- Web Filtering – Block websites with harmful or explicit content, including porn, drugs, hate speech, violence, or criminal activities.
- Location Tracking – Gain peace of mind with location tracking features, including geofencing and alerts in case of emergencies.
- Safety Alerts – Get notifications for concerning activities, such as messages or content related to cyberbullying, self-harm, drugs, or violence, allowing you to intervene early.
- Social Media Monitoring – Keep an eye on your child’s interactions across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and more.
Parental control apps are a modern solution to help parents navigate the challenges of raising kids in a digital world, keeping them safe while fostering healthy habits online.
Why Do Parents Use Spy Apps in 2025?
The digital world is full of both opportunities and threats. While smartphones and tablets allow children to learn, socialize and grow, they also expose them to risks that didn’t exist a decade ago.
That’s why more and more parents are turning to parental control – or so-called “spy” – apps. These tools give parents insights into their child’s online behavior, helping them intervene before problems arise. Here are the top reasons why parents choose to monitor their children in 2025:
Key Use Cases:
- Screen Time Management – Limit how long your child can use certain apps or devices to encourage healthier habits.
- Location Tracking – Know where your child is at any time — especially useful for school commutes or after-school activities.
- Social Media Monitoring – Detect inappropriate messages, cyberbullying, or contact from strangers on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
- Content Filtering – Block access to harmful websites, adult content, and dangerous apps automatically.
- Behavior Alerts – Get notified if your child searches for concerning topics (like depression, violence, or drugs).
Top 6 Parental Control Apps Compared (2025 Update)
| App | Platforms | Key Features | Free Plan | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSpy | iOS, Android | Texts, calls, GPS, social media tracking | No | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Flexispy | iOS, Android, PC | Call recording, remote camera, stealth mode | No | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Spyera | iOS, Android, PC | Live call listening, remote control, app spying | No | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
| Bark | iOS, Android | Alerts for harmful content, email/social scan | No | ⭐ 4.2/5 |
| Qustodio | iOS, Android, PC | Screen time, web filtering, app usage reports | Yes | ⭐ 4.1/5 |
| uMobix | iOS, Android | Full device access, call logs, real-time updates | No | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
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Each of these apps excels in different areas.
- mSpy is ideal for well-rounded parental control with a user-friendly interface.
- Flexispy and Spyera offer the most advanced stealth features, perfect for tech-savvy parents.
- Bark stands out in detecting risky content.
- Qustodio is perfect for time and content control, especially with its free plan.
- uMobix gives the deepest device access for full monitoring.
1. Mspy
mSpy offers parents the ultimate monitoring software for parental control. This software allows you to remotely track and control all of your child’s mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as well as computers. It gives you access to all their data on all the popular social media apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook and many more.
Product Highlights
With mSpy you will be up and running in no time as it offers you an easy three-step setup process. You will be guided through buying the software, setting it up and starting to track.
When buying the software, you have a choice of six monthly packages from basic to more advanced. The pricing depends on the number of features you require, the device you need to spy on and whether you choose to pay monthly or annually.
As one of the best spy apps mSpy gives you full control over your child’s calls by allowing you to view and monitor all incoming/outgoing calls, including durations and timestamps. It even allows you to block unwanted numbers from being able to reach your child. You can review all texts, multimedia files, and messages both sent and received. You have full access to all messages, images and files sent on all the latest social media apps.
As long as the GPS location on the device is on, you can set safe zones such as “school” or “home” and receive alerts when your child or target leaves a certain area or zone. With mSpy you have virtually full access to your child or target’s device including all application data, email services and multimedia files. You even have full access to all their internet activity.
The internet activity feature allows you to block certain websites and also allows you to set alerts for when certain keywords are searched. You also have full access to contacts and calendar.
What’s to like about the mSpy
What I like about mSpy is that you have the option of a jailbreak-free package. I also like that you get the full package in one software download so there is no need for multiple apps. You literally have access to everything. You will be able to know your child’s every move and be in a position to protect them from potential cyber predators.
What’s not to like about the mSpy
While some of the basic packages are affordable they only allow you limited features and you will need to pay more if you want full access and unlimited features. If you have more than one child, you will need to buy the family package or a license for each device.
PROS
- Full access to target’s device
- Monitor contacts, calendar and internet use
- Easy 3-step setup process
CONS
- Physical access to the device is needed
- License limited to one device
- Some packages are pricey
2. Flexispy
Flexispy claims to be the world’s most powerful monitoring software and can be used on mobile phones, tablets and computers. This software is with Android, iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac. They also have over 150 spy features that are available to Flexispy users.
“FlexiSPY is the only solution for spying on newer iPhones, and is available at just $19.99 — the most affordable in the industry. Not only is the price attractive, it is FlexiSPY’s flagship product, which has every feature they have ever created.”
Product Highlights
Besides being able to do all the usual call-monitoring tasks such as viewing call logs, listening in on calls and recording calls, Fexispy allows you to monitor and record VoIP calls and all calls made on Skype. You can also listen in on surrounding conversations and even have the option to record the surrounding conversations.
You also have a FaceTime spy cam and have full access to all messages and emails with the ability to delete messages and send fake messages. You can set it to automatically delete messages containing certain keywords.
It also has all the standard tracking options via GPS geolocation and you are able to fully spy on all the IM messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, FB Messenger, Viber, LINE, Skype, WeChat, iMessage, BBM and many more.
You have full remote access to the target device which allows you to take a picture or video with the device’s camera, restart the device, SMS remote commands and even check the target device’s battery power status. Flexispy offers a free mobile app that you can use to monitor the target device even when you are on the move.
Along with all these other great features it offers internet monitoring, a keylogger feature that tracks all keystrokes giving you access to passwords and usernames for applications. It allows you to take screenshots of the device and also alerts you when the sim card is changed in the device as well as many other alerts.
Flexispy also offers an installation service, money-back guarantee and email and chat customer service.
What's to like about the Flexispy
Flexispy has gone the extra mile with customer service and support. They have an installation service and a money-back guarantee which is great. They also have a dedicated customer support team which is fantastic and many parents using this app will find be drawn to Flexispy because of the support.
What's not to like about the Flexispy
Yes, Flexispy offers you over 150 spy features and great after sales and customer support, but all this does come at a price as the software is expensive. I also don’t like the fact that jailbreaking and rooting of devices is necessary.
PROS
- Full access to target’s device
- Sim card switch alert
- Can take photos and videos with the device’s camera
CONS
- Physical access to the device is needed
- Expensive packages
- Jailbreak and rooting required
3. Spyera
Spyera is designed and developed to monitor your kids and your employees. For parents, it offers peace of mind knowing that you have control over what your child is exposed to and the tracking feature helps you know where your child is at all times.
For employers it allows the monitoring of employees, making sure that they are utilizing company property and time appropriately.
Product Highlights
Spyera gives you full access to all your child’s movements. As long as the GPS location function on the target device is on you will be able to track where your child is and whether they are venturing out of the safe zone you have set. Monitoring all incoming and outgoing calls is a breeze. You are even able to take and save screenshots of the target device.
This full-on spy app allows you to listen in on the conversation while calls are in progress. You can also record the calls to listen to them later. What makes Spyera stand out from the competition is the ability to listen to and to record surrounding conversations. Whenever the target device is active you can go to the “Record Surround” feature on its dashboard and it will record all the surrounding conversations.
The keylogger tool allows you to know the password of the user account, and all their chats and web searches. Spyera has a built-in keylogger feature. Turning this feature on in the user dashboard will let you obtain an in-depth log of all the keystrokes made on the target device.
You can easily monitor all activities on social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter as well as website browsing history.
Spyera is a user-friendly app that most parents will be able to use, no matter their level of technical ability. It is compatible with iOS and Android and is easy to set up and start tracking.
With iOS devices you access the target device through the iCloud account that is synced to the device, while with Android devices you will need physical access to the device once to download and install the tracking app.
What's to like about the Spyera
Spyera is an undetectable spy app that is compatible with any Android device and any jailbroken iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian or Windows Mobile device. It offers you some great features such as live call listening and recording.
You can easily listen to or record any surrounding conversations. It allows you to monitor over 16 popular Android messaging apps. You have full access to everything that the phone user has access to.
You have access to spy on SMSs, emails, media files, VoIP calls and you are even able to access the target devices camera which allows you to take pictures and record remotely. The GPS tracker will let you know where the user is at any given time and alert you when the user moves beyond certain zones that you have set.
The keylogger feature lets you see everything that is typed on the device, which will give you app usernames and passwords and any other info you need.
What's not to like about the Spyera
The only downside of Spyera is that it requires a jailbreak for iOS devices and rooting for Android devices. Please don’t attempt the rooting or jailbreak on your own unless you have the technical expertise to do so.
PROS
- Compatible with most devices
- Keylogger feature
- GPS tracker
CONS
- iOS requires jailbreak
- Android requires rooting
- No free trial
BUYER'S GUIDE
When you are looking for the best spy app you will find that most of them are quite expensive. In order to save money, you will want to make the right choice of software from the very beginning.
Some apps offer a free trial for you to test the software before making a final purchase, though most don’t. Here are some key features that you can look out for that will help you make the right choice.
Compatibility
This is very important. You need to check the operating system of the target phone you want to monitor as some apps are only compatible with iOS and Android. If the target device is a Windows device and the software is not compatible it will be useless.
Legality
It is illegal in many states to track and monitor devices without the permission and knowledge of the user. To avoid getting yourself into trouble it is wise to familiarize yourself with the legal requirements of your state or country and make sure that you adhere to them when using spy apps.
Physical Access to device
Some spy apps can be installed remotely, but many of them will require you to physically access the target phone in order to download and install the tracking software.
Before buying software check how long it will take to install and whether jailbreaking or rooting is needed. Make sure that you will be able to access the device uninterrupted for the required time and that you have the technical skills required.
Jailbreaking or rooting
While jailbreaking and rooting may not be illegal they are not always a good thing. It is best to find an option that doesn’t require jailbreaking or rooting.
Jailbreaking is the process of removing the limitations put in place by a device’s manufacturer and rooting is the process of gaining “root access” to a device. These techniques allow you to access apps that are generally blocked by the manufacturer and potentially reduces the security of the device and will nullify your manufacturer’s warranty.
Refund Policy
Most spy apps do not have a refund policy but some do offer a money-back guarantee that can be helpful. This is usually only offered by the more expensive apps.
How We Selected the Top Parental Control Apps for 2025
With so many parental control apps available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To help you find the best option, our experts evaluated and curated a list of top contenders based on these key criteria:
- Compatibility – We ensured each app works seamlessly on popular platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
- Features – All selected apps include essential tools like screen time management, website blocking, and location tracking.
- Ease of use – Each app is simple to download, set up, and navigate, making it user-friendly for busy parents.
- Reliability – We analyzed user reviews and ratings to confirm these apps are both trustworthy and effective.
- Privacy – The apps on our list respect user privacy and have clean records regarding data collection and usage.
- Cost – Our recommendations balance features and pricing, ensuring excellent value for your money.
- Customer Support – All selected apps offer reliable support to assist users when needed.
- Age-Appropriateness – These apps cater to kids of all ages, with features adaptable to various levels of maturity.
By considering these factors, we’ve compiled a list of parental control apps to make it easier for you to safeguard your child’s digital experience in 2025.
Best Spy Apps by Use Case (2025)
Not every family has the same needs. Some parents want to track screen time, others need full access to messages or locations — and some need solutions that work across specific devices like iPhones or Android phones.
Below, we’ve categorized the best spy apps by their strongest use cases to help you find the perfect fit quickly:
Best Spy Apps for iPhone
Best Spy Apps for Android
Best Spy Apps for Young Children
Best Spy Apps for Budget-Conscious Parents
Tip: Think about your main goal first — is it real-time access, screen time control, or social media monitoring? Then choose the app that’s best in that specific area.
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Using Spy Apps
Before installing any parental control or monitoring app, it’s essential to understand the legal and ethical boundaries. While your intentions as a parent may be to protect your child, different countries and even regions have varying laws about digital surveillance.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Is It Legal to Monitor Your Child's Phone?
In most countries, parents are legally allowed to monitor their minor child’s device, especially if they own the device or pay for the service. However, this becomes more complex when:
- The child is above a certain age (e.g., 16+ in parts of Europe)
- The app collects data without clear notification
- The device is shared or used in public settings (e.g., school-issued devices)
Tip: Always check local privacy laws — especially in the US (state-level laws), EU (GDPR), Canada (PIPEDA), and India (IT Act).
Should You Tell Your Child?
This is where ethics come in. While the law might allow you to monitor them secretly, open communication often works better long-term. Consider discussing:
- Why you’re using a parental control app
- What data you’re monitoring
- What trust means in your family dynamic
Some apps (like Bark) even encourage collaborative use by notifying both parent and child.
Avoid These Ethical Red Flags:
- Using spy apps on your child’s device without informing them past a certain age
- Monitoring other people’s devices without their consent (e.g., spouse, nanny) — this is illegal in most cases
- Sharing or storing screenshots/data without strong protection
Best Practices:
- Choose apps that are transparent about what data is collected
- Set limits — don’t monitor indefinitely
- Delete data regularly or when no longer needed
- Use monitoring as a safety net, not a control tool
Remember: The best parental control tools empower both you and your child to build safer digital habits — not just to enforce surveillance.
What Real Parents Say: Testimonials and Use Cases
What We Learned
These stories reveal a common pattern: the most successful use of parental control apps comes from balance — not full surveillance. Apps like Bark, mSpy, and Qustodio help parents create boundaries and start important conversations about online behavior.
Want to share your experience? Let us know how parental control apps helped your family – or what challenges you’ve faced.
Best Spy Apps For Parents F.A.Q.
What is the best parental control app in 2025?
Answer: The best overall app in 2025 is mSpy, offering a full suite of features including GPS tracking, text and call monitoring, and social media access. For more advanced tools, Flexispy and Spyera are also strong choices.
Can I monitor my child’s iPhone without jailbreaking?
Answer: Yes, apps like mSpy offer no-jailbreak solutions for iOS devices, allowing you to monitor messages, location, and app usage without modifying the phone.
Are spy apps legal to use on children?
Answer: Yes, in most countries it is legal to monitor your own underage child’s device. However, always review your local laws and inform your child when appropriate.
Which parental control app offers a free plan?
Answer: Qustodio offers a free plan with basic screen time and web filtering features. It’s ideal for families looking to try out digital parenting tools before upgrading.
Do parental control apps work on social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram?
Answer: Yes, apps like Bark, mSpy, and uMobix can monitor activity on popular platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, depending on the device and permissions granted.
Can these apps steal my child’s private data?
Answer: No. Federal laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) ensure that apps and websites must obtain parental consent before collecting personal data from children under 13.
Will my kids know I’m monitoring their devices?
Answer: It depends on the app. Some parental control software offers a “hidden” or “invisible” mode, meaning kids won’t know their devices are being monitored. However, we recommend using stealth mode sparingly, as it can lead to feelings of distrust or betrayal. Transparency and open communication are key.
Can my kids bypass parental controls?
Answer: Tech-savvy kids can find ways around parental controls, such as hacking the router, using proxy servers, or employing VPNs to bypass DNS filters. To counter this, check for installed VPN apps, uninstall them, and block future downloads. However, the best solution is fostering understanding—explain that these controls are in place to keep them safe. Gaining their cooperation makes monitoring more effective.
Final Thoughts: Which Spy App Is Right for You?
Choosing the right parental control app depends on your goals, your child’s age, and the level of insight you need. Whether you’re looking to monitor screen time, track real-time location, or receive alerts about dangerous content, there’s an app that fits your parenting style.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Best overall: mSpy – full-featured, easy to use, and powerful
- Best for advanced monitoring: Flexispy and Spyera – ideal for deep access and stealth mode
- Best for content alerts: Bark – great for social media and email scanning
- Best free option: Qustodio – solid features without upfront cost
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Protecting your child online doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one of our top picks and gain peace of mind today.
We’ve tested and compared dozens of tools so you don’t have to.
- Try mSpy — Our #1 Pick → mSpy.com
- Want social media alerts? Go with Bark → bark.us
- Looking for a free start? Try Qustodio → qustodio.com
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