mSpy Review 2018 – Is This Monitoring Software Worth It
You asked for it, so here it is – our comprehensive mSpy review. Here you will find all the answers to your queries about this cell phone monitoring software. Is it reliable? What are the features? Is it worth the price? Ooh the questions – and I have the answers.
Review of : mSpy
Features
Good range of useful features.
Price
The best value for money right now.
Easy to Use
Very user friendly - no tech skills required.
Support
Phone support, live chat and email.
Pros
- Good range of features
- Excellent value for money
- New No Jailbreak solution
- Reliable company
Cons
- No recording features
- Less features than Flexispy
Summary:
Solid, reliable monitoring from mSpy. Not as full featured as Flexispy but a close second - and it is cheaper! If you can live without the recording features, this might be the one for your needs. A market leader for several years now - for good reasons. Have a look for yourself.
Price from $39.99
If you’ve looked at any of my previous spy software reviews, you’ll know that I always invest sufficient time to test any phone spy software before writing a review. This time around was no different and this review is based on my personal findings from using the software.
Current Market Standing - 2018
If you’re considering any mobile spy software then chances are you’ve come across mSpy. With the withdrawal of StealthGenie and recent changes to other programs (MobileSpy no longer hidden), mSpy has gained significant popularity since its introduction in 2011.
They have established a reputation for providing high quality monitoring for cellphones and tablets and have even gone a bit further to introduce monitoring for computers.
After the Stealthgenie shut down, mSpy did remove a few of their advanced features such as call recording and surroundings recording - all to avoid any legal complications in the U.S. Flexispy are the only provider to offer these recording features right now - did you see my FlexiSpy review?
Although it does not offer the same features as Flexispy, mSpy has risen to the challenge to satisfy most of their customers' needs and offers a good alternative with a few unique features of its own. In this review, I will discuss all the advanced and original features, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Go on over to mSpy’s official website - have a look!
Getting Started: Compatible Devices
(Updated Regularly - 2018)
The first step to getting started is to ensure that you have a compatible device. (In this case we are only looking at mSpy for cell phones and tablets - not their PC monitoring version.)
They support cell phones and tablets running Android and Apple operating systems only - not Blackberry, Windows or Symbian phones. Your only concern is whether the target device comes with the correct OS version. Here is a rundown of the list of compatible devices:
- IPads and iPhones - up to iOS 9.x
- Android devices - 4.x and upwards
Nonetheless, be sure to visit the official website for updates on the list of compatible devices. Features may vary with each device so ensure that you visit the website so that you can make an informed decision – double-checking never hurts!
mSpy No Jailbreak Version
All regular cell phone monitoring software requires that any Apple device must be jailbroken to allow installation - and regular mSpy is the same. However they have recently released a monitoring system that can work without having to Jailbreak the target device.
First of all, be clear this is not really monitoring "software" - as no software is installed on the target device! For this version to work you need the target phone to be using the iCloud Backup service (free from Apple) and you need the login credentials - Apple ID and Password. Usually you will not need to access the target phone (unless iCloud is not already set up).
It works by retrieving data from the iCloud service and you can get limited reports including:
- Call Logs
- Text Messages
- Browser History
- Contacts
- Events and Notes
The downside is that the reporting is somewhat limited compared to their regular software and many major features are not available. The reporting interval depends on how you set it up in the backups - but will not be in real time, there will be a delay.
But, in cases where Jailbreaking the iPhone is not possible, at least you can now have limited monitoring - better than nothing, and enough for many people.
You can check out their No Jailbreak Version here.
Now that we have settled that, let’s move onto the features of Regular mSpy.
Advanced Monitoring Features
mSpy offers all the basic monitoring features you would expect these days. It allows you to monitor emails, phone calls, text messages, and internet activities; as well as carryout GPS tracking.
But this is not what you want to hear about – these features are common with most monitoring software. The important question here is: What makes this one special?
Geo Fencing: This feature allows you to set up GPS tracking for specific locations easily using a map. Users can review logs of where the target device has been throughout the day and set up email notifications for when the device enters or leaves a pre-defined area. Based on my personal experience I can safely say the alarm system and tracking system works impeccably, which makes it perfect for employers and parents.
Monitor Social/Chat Apps: Social media and messenger apps are a big part of owning a cell phone today, and this is why this is such an important feature. mSpy allows users to monitor a number of these apps and services.
This includes SnapChat, WhatsApp, Line, Skype, iMessage, Viber, Twitter, Facebook and Blackberry Messenger. It is currently the only mobile spy software that allows you to monitor SnapChat.
Tinder Spy - New feature added allowing you to spy everything the user does using the Tinder app!
Block Apps: You can block certain apps on the target device – restricting their use completely as opposed to just monitoring their activities. Users can even restrict internet access altogether – going back to the good old days when cells were meant for sending and receiving calls. Some great controls for worried parents!
Keylogger: This feature is unique to mSpy. It allows users to monitor and review everything that has been typed on the target device. This includes passwords, text messages, emails and social media login information. The downside is that this feature is only compatible with Android devices.
Call Blocking: Users can create a list of phone numbers from which they do not want to receive incoming calls. It is perfect for individuals who are looking to sever ties with old friends.
Website Blocking: This feature may come in handy for parents and employers who want to keep employees productive and off social media websites at work. It allows users to restrict or block access to specific websites. Users can also set specific time periods to restrict access to any website.
Monitoring Wi-Fi Points: With this feature, users can review all Wi-Fi networks that the target device was connected to, allowing you to monitor the device even if the GPRS is turned off. It shows the time the device was connected to the Wi-Fi and allows users to limit access to public Wi-Fi networks. mSpy has put in a lot of effort into making the software user friendly.
Managing Devices: there are several features that allow users to monitor mobile devices hassle free. For example, it enables users to fine-tune the way they receive notifications. You can choose if you want reports to be sent to the control panel if the device is connected to Wi-Fi only. It also allow you to receive reports on GPS for different locations. The software can be updated automatically without accessing the target device.
Unlimited Device Change: you can use your license and move the software to another device as often as you need to. So if you change the target phone or it gets lost for example you can just install the software onto another device at any time. You just need to de-activate the first instance in your control panel before activating another one.
Security Features: Security features include app control, password locking and remote data wiping, amongst others. Being able to remotely lock and erase the data on the phone is a big selling point for people concerned about sensitive information on their phone falling into the wrong hands.
Is It Well Hidden?
This question is a common one these days, after MobileSpy changed their software to be clearly displayed on the target phone. mSpy is still very well hidden and discreet - the user will not be aware that they are being monitored. Just remember to stay legal!
Customer Support
I don’t know about you but customer support is a major decision-making factor for me when it comes to purchasing the right spy software. This is an area where all of the program providers could still improve - although most do provide an adequate support service, if not gold plated!
Their website offers live chat support; however, customers can also can contact support agents over their direct phone line and by email. Like most, their availability can be a bit hit and miss at times - just keep trying and they do reply. Phone support is a big Plus!
I also have to give props to their website. They have a clean design where visitors can easily navigate through the website and the main buying page outlines clearly what features you are getting for the money you’ve paid. Overall the information on the site is clear and easy to follow.
To put your mind at ease, mSpy offers a ten-day money back guarantee for customers who are unsatisfied with the software.
They Have a Demo
Beginners can take advantage of the live demo to learn more about the features and how they function. I highly recommend having a look if you are new to this type of program as it gives you a real feel for how it all works.
mSpy Pricing
They offer two unique packages – the mSpy Basic package and the mSpy Premium package, I have tested them both. The Basic package only supports standard features such as GPS tracking and call logs, web history and text message monitoring.
If you are looking for advanced features, the premium package is what you will need.
Basic 1 month $39.99
Basic 3 month $59.99
Premium 1 month $69.99
Premium 3 month $119.99
Premium 6 month $149.99
Premium 1 year $199.99
Payments can be made using a wide range of options including - debit card, credit card wire transfer or Pay-Pal - all have a money back guarantee.
The longer term options offer better value for money but if you are only looking to monitor the device for a short period of time then the one-month option is a great choice. I like that they have a range of price options to suit most budgets.
Verdict
Overall, I really like this software and they have a few features to make them stand out against their competition. The Keylogger is a great feature and the No Jailbreak solution is proving to be very popular - solving a problem for many people afraid of jailbreaking their iPhones.
FlexiSpy is still by far the most advanced in terms of monitoring features but in my opinion mSpy is a close second. The pricing makes it competitive, and they have a good reputation, having been around for a few years now.
If you really need call or ambient recording features - then Flexispy is your only option right now. If you can live without those advanced features, then mSpy should be next on your list.
Let me know what you think, or ask any questions in the comments below!
