Text messaging is a primary communication method today, connecting us with friends, family, and colleagues. However, with the rise of social media, online learning, and remote work, monitoring SMS has become essential for parents, employers, and individuals seeking to ensure safety or oversight. This article explores the top text message tracking apps to monitor SMS activity, helping you ensure your child’s safety or oversee employee communication for peace of mind.
5 Top Text Message Tracker Apps to Monitor SMS
1. mSpy – Best Overall
mSpy is a powerful text message tracker offering comprehensive access to digital communications, including SMS, social media, and more. It’s an excellent choice for discreet and secure SMS monitoring.
Pricing:
-
1 Month: $48.99/month
-
3 Months: $27.99/month
-
12 Months: $11.66/month
Compatibility:
Works on both iPhone and Android.
Key Features:
-
Tracks SMS, iMessage, and social media chats.
-
Views photos and videos shared in chats.
-
Monitors emails and call logs.
-
Tracks social media apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, Viber, etc.).
Pros:
-
Wide-ranging monitoring features.
-
Discreet operation.
-
24/7 customer support.
-
Secure and encrypted data handling.
Cons:
-
Requires jailbreaking for full iOS features.
-
Limited social media monitoring on iOS.
Verdict:
mSpy is reliable with extensive features, especially for multi-platform messaging. However, its high cost and limited iOS functionality make it more suitable for Android users.
2. MobileTracking Parental Control – Best for Parental Oversight
MobileTracking Parental Control is ideal for parents concerned about their child’s SMS activity. It allows remote monitoring and management of a child’s device, focusing on SMS and social media interactions.
Pricing:
-
Monthly: $9.99/month
-
Quarterly: $6.66/month (billed at $19.99)
-
Yearly: $4.99/month (billed at $59.99)
Compatibility:
Supports both iPhone and Android.
Features:
-
Syncs social media app notifications.
-
Syncs received text messages with contact details.
Pros:
-
Comprehensive parental controls.
-
Monitoring and alerts system.
-
Easy to use.
-
Ad-free experience.
Cons:
-
Short free trial period.
-
Message syncing limited to Android devices.
Verdict:
MobileTracking is highly effective for parents due to its robust tracking features. However, its detectability on a child’s device may lead some kids to disable it if discovered.
3. Webwatcher – Best for Multi-Device SMS Monitoring
Webwatcher excels at tracking text messages across multiple devices, including Android, iPhone, PC, Mac, and Chromebooks, with discreet and tamper-proof installation.
Pricing:
-
Android/iPhone SMS Monitoring: $10.83/month
-
PC/Mac Monitoring: $10.83/month
-
Chromebook Monitoring: $3.33/month
Compatibility:
-
iPhone/iPad: iOS 8.0–14
-
Android: Android 4–11
-
PC: Windows 7+
-
Mac: macOS 10.8+
-
Chromebook: All models
Features:
-
Monitors SMS and MMS, including deleted messages.
-
Tracks social media messages (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, etc.).
-
Logs call history, website visits, and app usage.
Pros:
-
Supports multiple devices and platforms.
-
Tamper-proof and discreet.
-
No jailbreaking or rooting required.
-
Detailed SMS tracking.
Cons:
-
Lacks web filters or time limits.
-
Requires separate subscriptions for multiple devices.
Verdict:
Webwatcher is great for secure SMS monitoring across platforms, but issues like poor customer service, data transfer problems, and the need for multiple subscriptions make it costly.
4. Snoopza – Best Free SMS Monitoring
Snoopza offers free basic SMS tracking, with affordable advanced features for those on a budget.
Pricing:
-
Basic Plan: Free
-
Standard Plan: $14.95/month
Compatibility:
Android devices only.
Features:
-
Monitors SMS and call history.
-
Tracks WhatsApp messages.
-
Records calls.
Pros:
-
Free to use.
-
User-friendly interface.
-
Discreet monitoring.
Cons:
-
Limited features in the free version.
-
Restricted social media tracking.
-
Not compatible with iPhone.
Verdict:
Snoopza is a solid choice for basic SMS monitoring at no cost, but its limited features and lack of iPhone support, along with customer service issues, may disappoint some users.
5. Spyhuman – Budget-Friendly SMS Monitoring
Spyhuman is a cost-effective app for SMS monitoring, offering features like call, SMS, and social media tracking without requiring root access.
Pricing:
Free
Compatibility:
Android devices only.
Features:
-
Tracks calls (logs, recordings, restrictions).
-
Monitors SMS (incoming/outgoing, with timestamps and contacts).
-
Tracks social media and location.
Pros:
-
Affordable (free).
-
No rooting required.
-
Real-time monitoring.
Cons:
-
Not compatible with iOS.
-
Lacks discretion.
Verdict:
Spyhuman, with an 80% recommendation rate, is a budget-friendly and easy-to-use option for Android users, but its iOS incompatibility limits its reach.
Extra Tip: Free Way to Track iPhone Text Messages Without an App
If both you and the target user have iPhones, you can track their SMS without a third-party app using Apple’s Text Message Forwarding.
Steps:
-
On the target iPhone, go to Settings.
-
Navigate to Messages and select Text Message Forwarding.
-
If not visible, toggle iMessage off and back on.
-
-
Select your device from the list of devices linked to the same Apple ID to forward SMS.
Prerequisites:
-
Both devices must use the same Apple ID.
-
The target iPhone needs an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
-
This method doesn’t work for third-party apps (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
Conclusion
Each SMS tracking app offers unique monitoring capabilities, with some providing advanced features at a cost. Whether for parental control, employee oversight, or monitoring a loved one, these options can help you find the right tool for your needs, saving you time and effort.
