WhatsApp has over 2 billion users, and for many teens it is their primary means of phone communication. Texting. Phone calling. Even school group communication is sometimes handled through the app. It’s no wonder, then, that parents have the app on their radar. So do employers. Both need to know who their children/employees are communicating with. Enter: the WhatsApp tracking app.
Parents and employers want to feel secure, and getting a tracking app is understandable. However, many apps are charged way above their worth. Still, others are a straight waste of money. For each of the apps covered here, legality and pricing are covered in depth.
What’s Behind a WhatsApp Tracking App
WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted. No one can read messages in transit. Because of this, no tracking app can read WhatsApp messages and give you the info you want. Local tracking apps get around this by capturing or screencasting messages. Others sync with message backups.
Also, by accessing your messages, many of these apps also obtain access to your usernames, passwords, and other private/sensitive data. It is recommended to disable/uninstall these apps after usage.
Most applications can show the following on WhatsApp:
- Messages sent and received
- Media sent and received
- Call log and contact names
- Timestamps
Some applications can show other activity such as location, website history and report on screen time. Because of this, many consider these applications as activity monitoring applications and not just WhatsApp monitoring applications.
Results from WhatsApp monitoring applications are dependent on many factors and can vary. Android phones are generally easier to monitor compared to iPhones. If an application says they can provide 100% monitoring of all devices, they are not telling the truth.
You should check your local laws before considering to use these applications. The child protection laws in most countries allow guardians to monitor children. Many employees sign documents agreeing to have their activities monitored at work. Monitoring other adults may be considered illegal stalking and/or wiretapping. Many applications say the same thing. mSpy says that monitoring without consent may be illegal and recommends the user discloses to the person being monitored.
A couple of points:
Parents: You should have a conversation with your child about why you are taking these measures. Hidden applications will only foster mistrust and your child will find it anyway.
Employers: A signed Poicy will protect you and your employees.
Others: Trust issues will not be solved by a surveillance application and will probably ruin your relationship more.
How We Chose These Examples:
We analyzed these areas:
- WhatsApp coverage: Can the application display full message and media content including call logs?
- Supported devices: Is the app compatible with Android and/or iOS?
- Easy to use: Will the average person be able to install the app themselves?
- Affordability and savings: Are prices reasonable and do long-term plans offer a significant discount?
- General transparency: Does the company discuss, endorse or support legal and moral surveillance?
1. mSpy: Best Overall for Parental Monitoring
This company’s first and primary focus is on parental control. They have been active since 2010.
Key Features
- Monitors messages sent and received across WhatsApp, Instagram and other social and instant messaging apps.
- Keeps a record of call logs, contacts and location history.
- Issues alerts for keywords of your choice, and restricts app usage.
- Offers a web-based control panel.
While mSpy’s app for iOS is completely software-based and does not require the user to install the app on the device, Android requires a one-time software-based installation of the mSpy app on the device, similar to most other monitoring apps. The iOS method is easier to set up; however, it may take a while for data to become available on the control panel, in case iCloud backups are not set to happen regularly.
Subscription Plans
Prices change frequently and vary from source to source. Thus, you can rely on any of them. Expect the price to be in the range of $15 to $40 for a monthly plan. Opting for an annual plan will further lower the monthly cost. Also, mSpy offers frequent discounts. A Family Plan, which covers 3 devices, is available and is cheaper than purchasing 3 individual plans.
The company offers a 14 day refund policy; however, there may be some limitations to this policy. Be sure to review these limitations before relying on the refund policy.
Pros and Cons
The main advantage of mSpy is its broad set of features. It offers software for both iOS and Android. The iOS version is totally software based and does not require the user to install the app on the device, which is a plus.
Monthly prices for mSpy are higher when compared to its competitors. Also, to access WhatsApp messages in their entirety, you would have to opt for a higher plan.
The app is best suited for parents who do not mind spending money for peace of mind.
2. eyeZy: Best Modern Interface
eyeZy aims to be the industry-leader when it comes to ease-of-use and has a dashboard that’s simple to understand, and quick to learn. Instead of relying on users to check the dashboard frequently, eyeZy uses an alert-based system. Because of this, the dashboard may not be as fully-featured as some of its competitors.
Features
- Monitoring social- and message-related activities
- Flagging of conversations containing pre-defined keywords
- Recording/Logging geographical location and movement
- Generating web-browsing and app activities
- Screening time reports
Real-time alerts of risky situations are better and practical than having to constantly monitor conversations and messages. EyeZy can combine multiple alert sources and display them all for you.
Pricing
There are two plans available. The first is a Premium plan that allows monitoring of a single device, and a Family plan, which allows monitoring up to three devices. The Premium plan costs between $7.99 to $9.99 a month, and the prices decrease as the plan’s duration increases. One-month plans cost around $30 to $50, so be sure to check the pricing before purchasing.
There are no free plans or trials available. However, the company allows users to view an online demonstration, which gives users a tour of the software.
Conclusion
The positive aspects of EyeZy include: a competitive price for longer plans, attractive and easy-to-understand interface, unique alert features and a demonstration.
3. Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch is a popular, lower-priced option that’s been in the game for a while. It offers Personal, Family and Business plans.
Features
It tracks conversations from WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram, as well as SMS and calls. It can also track GPS location and capture browser activity and screenshots.
It is availabe for Android and Windows computers and Macs. The main constraint is mobile phone coverage. Hoverwatch explains in its FAQ that for phone tracking it supports Android only.
Pricing
Previously, Hoverwatch personal plans were $19.95 for a one month subscription and $99.95 for a one year subscription. Business plans are charged per device and are reportedly a few dollars a month. Check the website for current pricing.
Review
In addition to the fair price and multiple device support, users noted the business plans as a positive. Some users noted that the WhatsApp monitoring feature did not work for them. Hoverwatch leans on undisclosed (or hidden) technology in its marketing, which may create a trust issue if you are attempting to monitor someone and be up front about it.
Best for: Small and medium businesses; individuals who need an affordable monitoring solution and can compromise on few features.
Quick Comparison
| mSpy | eyeZy | Hoverwatch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Parents | Parents | Business and Android |
| Supported Platforms | Android, iOS (via iCloud) | Android, iOS (via iCloud) | Android |
| Demo/Trial | Refund only | No demo | Yes |
| Price | Mid to high | Low | Low to Mid |
How to Pick the Best App for You
If you cannot make up your mind, consider these questions.
What device are you trying to monitor?
If you are going to monitor an iPhone, then Hoverwatch is of no use.
If it is an Android device, then all the options are viable.
Who will be viewing the captured data?
If the data is to be reviewed by a concerned parent, then any of mSpy and eyeZy will work.
If it is to be reviewed by an employer, then Hoverwatch may be a better option.
Will you be viewing all the data, or will warnings suffice?
If the answer is the latter, then eyeZy will work better.
Best Practices
While these apps are very powerful and do most of the work, there are things that can make a big difference.
- Explain to the person being monitored why you are going to do it, and let them know your boundaries.
- Report what you see, don’t what you guess. Bullying, predatory behavior, and other at-risk situations are the only things to report. Don’t misinterpret jokes and other things that don’t require your oversight.
- Be flexible. A child that is 9 years old requires different supervision than a child that is 16 years old.
- Change the password. The dashboard contains personal data.
- Test the app first. See if the app is actually compatible with your phone before you subscribe to the service.
- Apple and Google offer free alternatives. For supervision, WhatsApp offers settings that can limit who can view your profile pic, “last seen”, or add you to groups.
- Intrusive supervision is not necessary. For message supervision, WhatsApp offers settings to block groups, message and call requests.
- Always have legal right to the device you are supervising. For iPhones, supervision can happen through the cloud, and for Androids, you will have to touch the phone to install the software.
Can I use a WhatsApp tracking app?
It’s illegal in some places to use a WhatsApp tracking app. Laws vary from place to place, and situation to situation. It is legal to put a tracking app on an employee’s or a minor’s phone. Generally, it is illegal to track an adult without their knowledge. To be sure whether it’s legal to track a person in your situation, contact a local lawyer.
Will the person know you’ve installed the app?
It really depends on the phone, the app, and how careful you are. A better question would be, how long will the person tracked trust you? People tend to lose trust in a relationship if they find out they are being tracked.
Will the app show deleted messages?
Some apps capture messages that have been deleted. Other apps may recover messages from a backup. Again, treat things like this with caution, as messages may not be recovered in their entirety.
Are free apps safe?
Generally, free apps are very dangerous. Most free apps are scams that steal your data. Stick to reputable apps.
How much do these apps cost?
Plans range from a few dollars a month to $40 or more a month. Long term plans are always less expensive. Annual plans are always cheaper. Make sure the app is compatible with your phone before purchasing.
Conclusion
Ultimately, no WhatsApp tracking solution is flawless. Among the options available to parents, mSpy is the most well-rounded solution. For families looking for a solution with a clean, modern interface, and intelligent alert mechanisms, eyeZy is the better option. Among the solutions reviewed, Hoverwatch is the best budget option; however, its functionality and the legitimacy of the business are questionable.
Regardless of which option you choose, the technology is only as ethical as the consumer. It is best to employ such a solution as a safety mechanism in a trusting and open relationship.
Monitoring solutions are constantly changing. The law and terms of service vary from country to country. It is best to verify each provider’s terms of service to ensure you are not overcharged for outdated features.