SpyX review: can it help keep your family safe?
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Keeping your family safe online is critical in this day and age. There are several parental control tools out on the market that you can use to keep children safe while still giving them access to devices and the internet. But is SpyX a parental control app or something else entirely?
I worked with the Cybernews research team to do a thorough review on SpyX and understand exactly what the tool is capable of. To be honest, it’s not necessarily a parental control app as such, but more of a spying tool used to monitor other devices.
In this article I’ll break down why SpyX might not be the right tool for you to use as a parental control measure. Keep reading to get a better understanding of this monitoring tool before you commit to using it.
Quick overview of SpyX
SpyX is a newly launched service that is marketed as a parental control app. But when reviewing this app, I found that it’s missing some of the key features that parental control apps should app (such as web filtering and screen time limits for example). All in all, it’s more of a spying tool than anything else. Take a closer look at the features you get with SpyX below.
| 🌐 Web & app filtering: | No |
| 🕓 Screen time limits: | No |
| 💬Conversation monitoring: | Yes |
| 📍 Location tracking: | Yes (Real-time GPS) |
| 🖥️ Supported platforms: | Android, iOS (no desktop support) |
| 📲 Number of devices: | 1 device per subscription |
| ✂️ Free plan: | No |
| ⌛ Trial period: | No (visual demo available) |
| 💵 Price: | From $11.66/month (cheapest plan, annual) |
Our methodology for testing parental control apps
In order to accurately test whether SpyX is a good app for parental control to keep your family safe, I used a specific set of parameters to put it to the test. I worked with the Cybernews research team to review SpyX according to the following guidelines:
- Features – We looked into the features that SpyX offers on its platform. I found that it was missing features that are key to parental control apps, such as web and app filtering, screen time limits, and social media management. But the app did have features such as conversation monitoring and real-time GPS tracking. Without the important parental control features in place, this makes SpyX more of a spying or monitoring app rather than a tool to keep your children safe on their devices.
- Performance – Next, I reviewed how the app performed. It accurately detected the locations using the real-time GPS and the conversation monitoring worked well. However, there wasn’t a whole lot of other features for me to test after this. Another letdown was that there was no support for PC, which means that you won’t have any control over what your children do on their computers.
- Bypasses – I also made sure to test whether this device was easy to bypass or not. Along with the Cybernews team, I tested several methods, including uninstalling the app, using a VPN, using a different browser, using proxies and changing DNS addresses, various methods of location spoofing, and finally disabling the internet entirely.
Read our full guide on testing parental control services if you want more details.
SpyX’s top alternatives
While SpyX offers some features that can help you to protect your children, it’s lacking some of the core features that would make it a fully fledged parental control app. So, if SpyX is not what you’re looking for, there are some great alternatives that you could consider. I’ve compared three alternative options for you to choose from below.
| Service | Aura | Qustodio | Bark |
| Our rating | |||
| Price | Starts at $13.00 per month | Starting from $4.58 per month (billed annually) | Starts at $514.00 per month |
| Number of kids | Unlimited | 5 | Unlimited |
| Content filtering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen time management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conversation monitoring | No | Yes, with more expensive plan. | Yes, on social media, texts and email. |
| Location tracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Get Aura now | Get Qustodio | Try Bark today |
What Is SpyX?
SpyX was designed to help parents discreetly track their children's online and offline activities. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The company behind SpyX is London-based UK GBYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., LIMITED. SpyX, launched in 2024, claims to address online safety concerns, such as potential exposure to inappropriate content and privacy risks.
Its features are accessible via an online dashboard, which parents can log into. Once SpyX is installed on a child's device, parents can monitor 15+ social media platforms, calls, and texts, track location with GPS (and SIM card tracking), and access browsing history via the app’s dashboard. SpyX also tracks the Wi-Fi networks your child’s device connects to (time and location).
Unlike its competitors, SpyX offers a unique Google Cloud solution for monitoring Android devices. It monitors one of the broadest array of platforms I've seen and is designed to operate stealthily without leaving a trace. The company emphasizes that it puts security first.
Note: SpyX has no known breaches to date. There's no information on SOC 3 reports or ISO27001 compliance. SpyX is certified for PCI DSS but is not part of any bug bounty program. Also, when installed on your child's device, SpyX can activate the microphone without their knowledge.
How does SpyX work?
SpyX monitors online and offline activities as discreetly as possible on your child’s or teen's device. Competitors like uMobix do not offer a Google Cloud monitoring method, but SpyX does.
You don't need to "root" or "jailbreak" your child’s device to install SpyX. This makes it easy for parents to set it up. For iOS devices, parents need their child's iCloud credentials. And, for Android, you’ll need your child’s Google Account details.
Once set up, SpyX attempts to run invisibly and collect data from the device. On the SpyX dashboard, parents or caregivers can access their child’s social media messages, real-time locations, app usage, call logs, and text messages, among other things. This data is extracted from the child’s Google Cloud account and is always up-to-date.
However, VPN usage can bypass some of SpyX's tracking features since it may not detect encrypted traffic.
Key SpyX features
I've divided SpyX's main features into easily digestible portions. This way, you can see the app's features at a glance and read more about them.
Here's a detailed look at SpyX’s capabilities:
Social media monitoring
SpyX monitors various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat, Telegram, Skype, and Instagram. Parents can access screenshots of these apps in use. It also captures deleted messages, posts, and interactions.
Call and SMS tracking
SpyX logs all incoming and outgoing calls on your child’s device. It provides details like call duration, time stamps, and contact information. You also see SMS messages and set up keyword alerts to flag messages with harmful content. I like this feature as it offers extra protection.
GPS location tracking
SpyX can also track offline activities, such as GPS location. You can follow your child or teen in real-time and see a record of their movements. This is especially useful if you have younger kids and you’re worried about their safety in the local area.
Web browsing history monitoring
You can also track and record web browsing activity with SpyX, such as visited websites and search history. However, it can't track browsing history in private or incognito mode. Unfortunately, this is the best way for you to “filter” content on your kids’ phones using SpyX. Normally parental control apps have an content filter that would automatically block innapropriate content, but SpyX is not capable of doing so.
App and device usage monitoring
SpyX monitors your child’s app usage, meaning you can see which apps are installed. We were surprised to find that it allows audio recording and screenshots. Additionally, SpyX allows you to block specific apps and websites.
Remotely-controlled features
SpyX does not provide capabilities like remote locking, remotely restricting apps, or remote data wiping, which may be disappointing for parents seeking direct control over their children’s devices.
Email monitoring
You can see sent and received emails on your child’s device, including timestamps and contact details. This is crucial because children can be exposed to phishing attempts, scams, and cyberbullying via email.
Keylogging
SpyX’s keylogging technology allows you to access messages, forms, search queries, and login details on your child’s device. It organizes data by app. This is impressive since you can see practically everything your child types.
Alerts and notifications
SpyX does not provide real-time activity, geofence, or app usage alerts because it lacks geofencing and app restriction features.
Data backup and export
Unfortunately, SpyX does not allow data export and backup. This would have been useful for parents and caregivers to view data later in different formats.
SpyX’s cost
SpyX's pricing structure is similar to that of its competitors. Longer plans offer better savings. Also, Android users get the full range of SpyX features, but its features are limited on iOS.
| Plan duration | Monthly price | Key features |
| 1 month | $49.98 | All features are available on Android; limited features on iOS |
| 3 months | $28.32 | All features are available on Android; limited features on iOS |
| 12 months | $11.66 | All features are available on Android; limited features on iOS |
The annual plan offers the biggest savings at $139.92 (billed annually). This means you're paying for less than 3 months at the monthly rate but receiving a full year of service.
SpyX does not offer a free trial, but its website offers a demo. Its refund policy is limited to 14 days, and there's no money-back guarantee. SpyX accepts payments via credit/debit cards, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies.
Remember, SpyX’s features on iOS are limited due to Apple's restrictions. While Android users will get the full suite of features, iOS users lack the following:
- GPS tracking
- Keylogger
- App & browser monitoring
- App filtering and blocking
- Call and message controls
SpyX setup and installation process: our experience
Installing SpyX is easier than installing some parental control apps. You can set up the app via the cloud on Android and iOS devices. During my testing, I used an Android device and used the cloud installation feature to test it out.
SpyX Android installation
Here's how to install SpyX on an Android device:
- I signed up for SpyX: I went to the the SpyX website, created an account, and got a subscription plan. I was asked to choose a device and opted for Android
- Prepare Google Account credentials: I was asked to input the email and password of the device SpyX would be installed on. This can be tricky to get discreetly if you don’t already have these details.
- Log in to Spyx: I accessed the dashboard via the SpyX website to get an overview of my account.
- Authorize account access: I had to enter the Google Account credentials in my SpyX dashboard to authorize access.
- Begin monitoring: After the initial setup phase I was able start monitoring the Android device. The service syncs data from your child’s device to the dashboard.
SpyX iOS installation
Here's how to install the SpyX app on iOS devices:
- Sign up for SpyX: Visit the SpyX website, create an account, and get a subscription plan. Choose iOS as the device.
- Prepare iCloud credentials: Get your child’s iCloud username and password. Ensure iCloud Backup is enabled on their device.
- Log into SpyX: Go to your SpyX dashboard on the website.
- Enter iCloud info: Enter your child’s iCloud credentials on the SpyX website.
- Verify the device: If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled, enter the codes sent to your child’s device or the trusted number.
- Start monitoring: SpyX will begin iCloud syncing. This may take a long time.
You can also opt for manual installation on Android when signing up. However, this method takes more time. It involves downloading a setup file on your child’s device and adjusting some settings.
SpyX user reviews
The user feedback on SpyX reflects various experiences. On the platforms that I looked at, SpyX customer support responded to several users' questions and concerns.
On the bright side, people praised SpyX for its ease of use and monitoring abilities. On the other hand, users had some concerning experiences with the service. One user said they believe the positive reviews are fabricated.
Let's start with the positives. People like the fact that SpyX tracks so many apps. Many also find the web browsing history feature useful for keeping children away from harmful or inappropriate content.
However, several users expressed frustration. Some said the app didn't work as advertised, noting that features like real-time updates and social media monitoring didn't work properly.
Some also reported dissatisfaction with SpyX’s customer service, issues getting refunds, and the app’s refund policy. Some users complained that they were only eligible for partial refunds.
Overall, I like that SpyX’s customer support team tried to respond to these issues. This is a sign that the company wants to improve.
SpyX parental control app vs. competitors
SpyX faces strong competition in the parental control app market, going head-to-head with apps like mSpy, Qustodio, and Eyezy. Below, I've highlighted some differences I observed between these apps.
- mSpy vs. SpyX: mSpy has the edge with additional features like geofencing and a better keylogger. However, SpyX is the more budget-friendly option.
- Qustodio vs. SpyX: Qustodio eclipses SpyX in content filtering, screen time management, and app-blocking capabilities. On the other hand, SpyX provides deeper access to messages and social media interactions.
- Eyezy vs. SpyX: Eyezy is unique due to its AI-driven keyword alert systems and geofencing. However, both offer real-time monitoring and access to messages on social media platforms.
Qustodio is the most budget-friendly option (it has a free version), especially for multiple devices. Its top-tier plan offers unlimited device monitoring. Eyezy, in my opinion, strikes the best balance between price and features. It is the only one with advanced AI-powered features, which is a big plus.
Overall, I believe it's important for parents and caregivers to choose a well-balanced and reputable parental control app. I recommend looking at services like Bark and Norton Family. Check out our Aura vs. Bark and Qustodio vs. Bark reviews to see how these parental control apps compare.
Conclusion: Is SpyX the right choice for your family?
After thorough testing and evaluation, I found SpyX to be average as a parental control app. It lacks some critical features that you need when protecting your children online. Basic parental control features such as content filtering and screen time management are essential, but they’re missing on SpyX. Therefore, this is more of a spying app rather than a parental control app, giving you only half of what you need to truly keep your family safe and secure on their devices.
If you’re looking for some of the best parental control apps, I highly recommend looking at Aura or Bark as a better option compared to SpyX. both of these tools are far better equipped to ensure that your child is protected online and offline at all times.
FAQ
Is SpyX better than mSpy?
They're similar, but mSpy is slightly more advanced. Both offer basic features like monitoring, tracking, and GPS location. However, mSpy has better keylogger and geofencing options for iOS and Android.
Can someone see if you use SpyX?
SpyX is designed to operate stealthily, running invisibly without icons or notifications. However, your child or teen may see downloaded files or browser history related to SpyX, so it’s important to delete that after you set everything up.
Does SpyX actually work?
It worked for basic monitoring needs during my tests, like looking at screenshots. However, some features were buggy.
Can SpyX track a phone?
Yes, with its GPS functionality. Though sometimes buggy, this feature lets you view your child’s current location and location history on the SpyX dashboard.
