Mobile Spy, Flexispy and Stealth Genie – a Comparison of Spy Phone Software Apps
Buying spy phone software applications can be a little confusing so I wanted to do a comparison review of the three top programs. Hopefully this will make things a little clearer and help you to choose the best option for your circumstances. Be sure to check out the comparison chart below.
What’s Wrong with Online Reviews?
You know what I hate about most reviews online? So often they just regurgitate the marketing material already on the actual
company website. I have been guilty of this in the past myself and to be fair it is difficult sometimes to provide a unique perspective. For this series of articles I am trying a different approach to help you decide which spy software program is best for your needs. I have written three separate reviews – Flexispy … Mobile Spy … and Stealth Genie – and then added a comparison review here to try to break it down into the most important factors you need to consider before buying any software.
Some reviews can be simply X is better than Y because… But with cell phone spy software a straight comparison is not that simple. Each product has different features at different prices and with varying pricing plans – it is actually quite confusing at first. These spy software companies package their services together in different ways, making a like for like comparison difficult. They overlap in many of the basic reporting features they provide but each still has a unique set of features and they sell them differently.
Take a look at the comparison chart I have created listing the most significant features for each cell phone spy package. I have compared the top level software for each product to try to keep the comparison fair. Each package reviewed is the company’s most expensive option.
The chart has been modified to reflect recent changes with the different programs including the StealthGenie update. StealthGenie added the iPhone to their supported phones list – covering iOS4 and iOS5.
Comparison Chart – Flexispy, Mobile Spy and StealthGenie
Features Comparison Chart
| Flexispy Omni | Mobile Spy Live Control Panel | Stealth Genie Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Call Intercept |  |  | |
| Record Calls | | | |
| Record Surroundings | | | |
| GPS Tracking | | | |
| Location Tracking | | | |
| Text and Email Logs | | | |
| Call History Logs | | | |
| Photo and Video Logs | | | |
| Contacts List | | | |
| Visited Website Logs | | | |
| Remote Phone Locking | | | |
| Remote Wipe Data | | | |
| SIM Change Alert | | | |
| Reports by Email | | | |
 | | |
Decision Time
Hopefully you now have a clearer view of what each of the spy software apps provide in terms of features and reporting. Now it’s important to consider some other factors about the software providers. You are making an investment of your own cash and should try to spend your money wisely and safely. I have rated the companies based on my experience of using the products and my overall impression of the services and support they offer. This is my opinion, but I hope it will give you some guidance and of course you should check out as much as possible for yourself before buying.
My Ratings - Cell Phone Spy Software
| Flexispy Omni | Mobile Spy Live Control Panel | Stealth Genie Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Phones |  | | |
| Features | |  | |
| Help and Support | | | |
| Value for Money |  | | |
| Overall Rating |  | | |
 | | |
Flexispy – No Longer Top of my Chart.
They do well in terms of the advanced features and support but the others now compete and even out do them in other ways. But the biggest concern I have is their pricing. Flexispy only have annual subscriptions and are the most expensive by quite a margin – although recently they have added a Flexispy Lite version which is quite a bit cheaper – but still more expensive than comparable programs with Stealthgenie and Mobilespy.
A while back they could get away with this Premium price as they were the most fully featured and supported the widest range of cell phones – but not any more. Now the only plus point is the ability to listen to live calls but even that will not work on all phones. They really need to start competing on price and offer a 3 month option like the others. $349 is a lot of money to take a chance on spy software – too much for most! I really liked their product but in my view it is just too expensive.
Taking everything into account Flexispy is not necessarily the best software for you. If you need call intercept, extra help setting up, long term monitoring or simply like to have the best, then it is the one to choose. If cost is a major issue, you will find the others offer more value for money.
Flexispy Pricing
Only available as a 12 month license, two versions available:
Flexispy Omni - $349 includes free FlexiRecord.
Flexispy Lite - $149
Mobile Spy
Their support and information are good, they have short term contracts and the price is significantly cheaper than Flexispy. If you buy the annual packages you also get free Sniper Spy – which is actually great computer spy software, like Mobile Spy but for the PC. If you can live without some of the advanced features, then Mobile Spy is a great way to give phone monitoring software a try – from as little as $50 for three months.
I have found Mobile Spy to be an excellent product, not overly complicated but quietly does what it is supposed to. Most people miss the fact that it can be installed on up to three cell phones – with one license purchase, making it ideal for monitoring company cell phones. Great value for money and a great way to start using this type of program.
Mobile Spy Prices
They offer prices based on the term and then have their Live Control Panel as an extra (this makes their features comparable to the others).
3 Months - $49.97
6 Months - $69.97
12 Months - $99.97 includes free Sniper Spy PC software
12 Months with Live Control Panel - $129.97
StealthGenie
They have made great advances this year and look set to take top spot in the spy software market.
StealthGenie has recently made great gains on the others with the introduction of support for the iPhone – both iOS4 and iOS5 (the first to do this). You should check out my StealthGenie update and also have a look at Jailbreaking an iPhone. They also released a version to support Android OS4 – another first!
Let’s be clear here this software has some very unique features which the others haven’t thought about so far. They have some great tracking features cleverly designed to monitor children or employees, I give more details in my main review.
Previously my main reason for holding back a little in recommending them was simply their lack of track record – as a relatively young company. This has turned out to be exactly why they are gaining in popularity. They are actively developing their products and have been much more innovative than the older companies. They are leading the way in terms of development at the moment.
Another thing I really like about Stealthgenie is their marketing – it is focused on legal ways to use spy software, avoiding all the spammy headlines. I think this shows a good long term strategy – the greatest benefits of spy phone software come with it’s legal uses such as monitoring employees and your own children.
Add to that the best looking and organized website of the three! If you have a phone they support, want to try a unique product and make use of their advanced tracking then they are worth looking at. The Buzz around Stealthgenie is definitely growing and they have overtaken the others in sales on this site.
StealthGenie Pricing
StealthGenie have the most flexible pricing terms. You can choose from three packages (two for the iPhone) based on the features you need and you can choose each of these over 3 months, 6 months or a year. Figures below are for 12 months:
StealthGenie Basic - $99.99
StealthGenie Gold - $159.99
StealthGenie Platinum - $199.99
Their cheapest option is 3 month Basic at $59.99
That’s about it for now. I hope you have a better idea of what these spy phone software apps can do and are ready to take the plunge. These three programs are from decent companies – they all work well and your money will be safe. Be sure to read the associated articles on my site and then get started. Keep an eye on Stealth Genie – I think they are winning the race at the moment!
Recommended iPhone Spy Software Apps
Is Phone Spy Monitoring Software Legal?
How to Buy the Best Cell Phone Spy Software
i’ve decided on Mobile Spy because of my needs and their free computer spy software. Do you get credit if I buy it from clicking the “buy now” link above? Just curious because when i clicked on the mobile spy one, it takes me to a Mobile Spy but it says “retinax” or something before the web address?
Yes, Retinax is the company that makes Mobilespy, along with their other products like Sniperspy (computer monitoring). The links are affiliate links and I do get a commission when someone buys via them. That’s one reason why I carefully select the programs I recommend and I never give a hard sell.
Hi, thanks for your review… It helped a great deal. I do have a question I was wondering if you could answer. If your child turns on private browsing on safari, Icab, google on iPhone will the sites they visited still be shown in the parent log of website tracking? Thanks for your anticipated response.
URL logging will report all web activity on the phone’s default browser even with private browsing selected.
i am looking for a programme that i can monitor web pages visited when in private or cognito mode. stealth genie live chat support says it’s not supported nor mspy anyone know if any do support this. any help would be appreciated
I don’t know any software that can do this at the moment. They all monitor web pages visited in the default browser only.
I know these products are undetectable (mostly) but will there be a noticeable slowdown from any of these on a blackberry of the actual phone and apps by the user?
You shouldn’t have any issues with slow down etc. In the past the way some programs worked was very resource intensive and battery drain was an issue – but not now – at least with the good quality apps.
Thanks for the review, quick question , i would just like to monitor whats app on blackberry , which spy do you suggest? thanks a alot
Check out the article on this site How to Monitor WhatsApp for more details but at the moment none offer to cover this on BlackBerry.
loved ur article. intrested in stealth genie and mobile spy .only wanted to know that can i hear live calls with them and do the target phone or the phone to be spied need internet connection always. plz do reply fast
Yes the target cell phone needs to have an internet connection. With Stealthgenie you can listen to recordings of the calls – but not live-yet! Mobilespy does not have this feature. Hope that is of some help.
great article! very helpful. question: Can i install it on a phone without a sim yet? and can you still “spy” when the sim gets changed? thanks a bunch!
Although the software isn’t installed ON the Sim, you need it before you can monitor the phone. The phone number is in the sim and the phone will not work (as a phone) without it. You need to install the software with a working sim card in the cellphone. If the sim is later changed you will get a “sim change notification” notice, then you need to re-install the software. It will not cost any more, you just use the same license.
thank you for all the information. Do you know if there are any spy cell tool that does not need to have jailbrek on iphone?
No for any spy software to be installed the iPhone MUST be Jailbroken. No way around this I’m afraid.
Thank you for the reviews. Two questions:
If the user immediately deletes items from their history, will they still show up in the log?
And I’ve heard of a lot of support problems with Stealth Genie and that it often stops working after a month or two. Do you know whether this is true?
And is there anything that can monitor videos watched on YouTube app and/or Facebook app
Even if the items are deleted they will still show up in the logs. Stealthgenie does not stop working – I have been using it for over one year – their support can be on the poor side in terms of response time, but the key is to keep trying support at different times of the day. I know they are working at improving their support at the moment. Mobile Spy covers those apps – otherwise you can monitor via web browser logs. Hope this helps.
How about if the target is using a wifi service internet only. Will it work? Will all the transaction can be recorded. How will it work?
It will work but some features will be limited. The gps tracking will not work as there will be no regular signal except when in wifi range and the Live Control Panel feature would also be limited. Call logs and texts etc. should still be recorded but only be uploaded for viewing when within range of a wifi connection. Thanks for your question.
I’m thinking of using Stealth Genie for an employee that I think is deceiving me. Is it easy to install on a Samsung Galaxy 2 or 3? Also, do you know if it would be available and work in Canada?
It will work in all countries – all you need is an internet connection. Works for S2 and S3 just check the OS versions.
I want this to track my daughters location and view text messages. what would be the best one for that type of stuff. And do I install it on my iphone or hers. And will she be able to tell I am tracking her
Thanks for your questions. If your main focus is on Gps location and monitoring texts, it’s hard to look past MobileSpy as it is very reliable. For any of the spy software programs the app must be installed on to the target cell phone – the one you wish to monitor and they all operate in stealth mode so are very difficult to find. Hope that helps.
I would like to ask you about Phone Sheriff if you on a budget and still need to monitor your child’s phone?
Phone Sheriff is from Mobilespy. It is basically a lite version with fewer features. It is cheaper and does perform well if limited monitoring is all you need.
I have mobile spy. On the galaxy s3 if you use the task manager and end running applications its logs u out of mobilespy and u have to continue to sign back in on target phone. Will/does the same thing happen in stealth genie. And if so how do u get the app back up and running again? Thanx
It sounds like you have some problem with your installation. Ending applications in Task Manager should not stop the software – for any of the spy software apps. You should contact their support for advice. It sounds like you may have installed the software incorrectly.
Hi
Thanks for your review
I’m oriented with Stealth Genie but I read online a lot of reviews of customers unsatisfied coz of the terrific battery draining of the app (4/5 times more than normal mobile usage!!!)…have you experienced similar issues?
Thanks
I don’t know where someone has dreamed that one up! The modern spy apps do not drain the battery – a few years ago there were some issues but all these programs work much more efficiently in terms of battery usage and the size of data transfers.
This might be a stupid question but…if I were to put the app on a phone, am I able to see text messages that were sent/recv’d prior to the app being installed or only after it has been installed?
Thank you very much for your reviews. Think I’ll go w MS. I mainly just want text monitoring.
Thanks for your question. Monitoring will only begin after the software is installed and activated. Then, even if the message is deleted the logs will still show it. Hope that helps and good luck.
HI I thanks for the review. I noticed your last reply about monitoring only begins after software installation. Does this also apply to checking the phone’s location history? Is there anyway to find out where a phone was at a certain time prior to installing? Thanks
I’m afraid not – monitoring only begins after activating the software.
Awesome reviews!!!!! I do not have direct access to the phone I want to monitor. It is password protected and never out of his sight. We do live in the same household. Is there a remote program that can monitor using phone number only? I need to view SMS and emails. I would like to monitor calls but not necessary. Can you recommed an app?
Stay clear of any programs offering remote install – they do not work as promised and are scams. If you don’t have access to the phone and it is password protected you will not be able to monitor it – sorry.
I am looking for a program good for monitoring all text messages, phone call logs (I don’t need to hear actual phone call) and GPS locator. Also emails from the phone if that possible. It’s a blackberry. Thank you for posting this article.
For that standard level of monitoring Mobilespy is hard to beat. For a little extra in terms of features – Stealth Genie. Check out their individual reviews on this site before you decide.
Can we instal the Sniper Spy on 2 PC or it is limited to only 1? Thank you.
Sniper Spy is sold as a single license – for one PC.
I am looking for something that will also monitor Facebook messenger. Also, how long do I need access to the phone to complete installation? Thanks!
Mobilespy will report on Facebook Messenger for Android and the iPhone – but the android phone needs to be rooted. The others will show you when Fbook is accessed via web browser but not the contents of the message. Installation can take about 5 minutes if you are confident but you should allow at least 30 mins if it is your first time. It is important to install the software properly if you are in a rush you may make mistakes. Good luck.
What does it mean “the phone has to be rooted” ,I don’t understand what rooted means?I am also trying to try a program,probably Stealth Genie.Can you monitor Facebook Messenger with Stealth Genie?Can you give me a quick rundown on instilliation please? Thanks!
Thanks for your questions. You should read a bit more around this site – I have articles about Rooting an Android and how to install spy software and a detailed review of each of the programs mentioned. Check the links at the top right of the site and on the homepage to find your way around.
Stealthgenie doesn’t monitor Facebook Messenger at the moment – it covers WhatsApp and a few others.
hi..i have 2 questions
1. is there any spysoftware which can give details of calls placed and messages sent through VIBER?
2. i am not sure the target phone has an internet connection or not but the target phone uses whatsapp application. so can a spy software be installed on that phone?
I haven’t heard of Viber being supported – there are so many messenger services popping up that it may be some time before there are monitoring solutions available.
If the target phone is using WhatsApp then it will have internet connection either via the phone data package itself or a Wi-Fi connection – so you should be able to use the spy software.
I cannot get hold of my friends phone and so I am looking for a software that will allow me to spy without installing any software into my friends phone. I can install in my phone and then can i get all the sms and read all his emails that he reads from his cell phone.
Please don’t go there. Products that claim to be able to remotely install or monitor another phone without any download are basically scams and never work as they claim. They would also be illegal if the did work! Sometimes we just want a product to act as we wish so much, that we ignore reason. Keep your money and avoid these products.
Can any of the spyware programs monitor/see email sent/ received prior to installation if they are stored in the phone ?. Can any monitor email drafts. Ie emails that were written and saved but haven’t been sent yet?
Reporting will only start after the software is installed – nothing sent previously will show up. It will not monitor drafts – it will show emails sent and received.
If there are multiple email addresses/mailboxes on the phone are they all monitored or is just one address monitored?
You can monitor most email – all Gmail based accounts and the phones primary email accounts.
Could someone Install spyware “remotely” by sending a fake link or are there too many steps involved in installation for this to work?
No – so called remote install spy software doesn’t work. The only way is by installing software directly onto the target phone – unless you are from Law Enforcement, they can do anything!
So I couldn’t have accidentally installed something by clicking on a link thinking it was something else other than a spyware download installation?
It is highly unlikely. If you are concerned you could do a factory reset – that will remove any spy software. It is possible to download various types of Malware by clicking links in emails so maybe download a Malware scan app.
Thank you for your effort putting up so much information on the different spy wares.
I am an IT idiot. I had previously tried to “root” the target hp before but was unsuccessful as there were so many instructions and codings which I did not understand at all.
You have recommended SuperOneClick. Does this mean that I only need to connect the target phone to my laptop using the USB cable and start to install the SuperOneClick link and once the programme has completed running, the phone is already rooted. Is this correct? Pardon me as I am not well versed with IT stuff and its’ languages.
Please assist to enlighten me further.
Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards
Jen
Hi there – with SuperOneClick you need to download the software to your PC first, install it on your computer then connect your phone and run the program. Search online for more detailed instructions for your particular phone. It can seem quite daunting at first but is easy enough.
If you changed the default browser to google chrome would it log private history then? If yes then how do you make your default browser change to google chrome?
The software will log the default browser – instructions to change the default browser will be different for different phones. Do a Google search for change def browser and add your type of phone eg. Android 4.0
I havd stealth genie. How am i able to use there control panel on my phone. All i can see are call logs. And can i get logs sent to my email. Plus lets say the phones service gets shut off and they get a new service provider. Will the software still work once the phone is turned back on?
Although it is possible for some to view the online control panel from a cell phone – it is not recommended. It is best to access via your computer.
The software should still work if they change service provider – as long as the number and sim card stay the same. Worst case scenario is that you would need to install the software again although this will not cost anything extra.
3 questions
Will mobile spy and Stealthgenie work in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong? Do they need to be tied to any particular service provider?
Can they be uninstalled remotely?
Both will work anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection available and they work with any service provider. They can be uninstalled through your online control panel without the need to physically have access to the cell phone.
Hi , which one out of these is the fastest to download on a android galaxy s3 and do I have to jailbreak it or anything like that and can u send me the link to the installation page I couldn’t find it , please and thanks
Installation of any of the programs takes only a few minutes depending on your internet connection and how comfortable you are with the installation process. You should focus on the best software for your needs not how fast they download.
Jailbreaking is only necessary for an iPhone. Check out a few of the articles on this site to get a better understanding of how this all works – I have articles about Jailbreaking, Rooting and how to install spy software – you will find the links at the top right half of the sidebar or go to the homepage.
You will find links to buy and download the software in the reviews or on this page – don’t forget you can sign up for the newsletter for even more information.
Do all programs require jail breaking IPhone 4s? If so, does jailbreakng cause phone too lose all current set-ups, aps, etc?
Yes all programs require that the iPhone must be Jailbroken. Jailbreaking will not remove your settings and apps – read my article about Jailbreaking. Good luck.
well i think stealthegenie seems much better in terms of features. they look little expensive for when we need a complete easy to use working mobile spy software then stealthgenie rocks.
Good comparison with other services you have wrote here.
Thanks.
Robin.
Stealth Genie seems to be what I need…
But what if the user of the targeted phone turns of wi-fi and data-traffic to save battery?
Will Genie be able to work then?
What happens while wi-fi and data-traffic is turned off?
The phone needs to have access to the internet – details(logs etc) are sent from the phone to the online control panel via a web connection. Without access no reports can be sent to the severs.