A comprehensive look at the features, pros and cons of using GuestSpy phone monitoring software in 2024.
With cell phone and online monitoring becoming more popular than ever in recent years, apps like GuestSpy have seen a surge in demand. Parents want to keep an eye on their teens’ activities, while partners may want to monitor a suspicious spouse.
But does GuestSpy actually work? And is it worth the money compared to other phone spy apps out there? This review will examine everything you need to know about GuestSpy before deciding to use it.
What is GuestSpy and How Does it Work?
GuestSpy is a phone monitoring app that allows you to secretly track nearly all activities on an Android or iOS device. The spy software runs completely in the background once installed on the target phone, allowing you to remotely monitor things like:
- Text messages (SMS)
- Phone calls
- GPS location
- Web browsing history
- Photos/videos
- Social media messages
- Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp
The app works by logging all activity on the device and uploading it to an online dashboard that you can access from any web browser. It does not require the phone to be rooted or jailbroken.
You simply need to purchase a GuestSpy subscription and get access to the monitoring dashboard. Then you can install the app on the target smartphone and link it to your account. Once set up, GuestSpy will begin recording activities in real-time for you to view remotely.
GuestSpy Review: Key Features and Capabilities
Here are some of the key features and capabilities offered by GuestSpy:
Text Message Monitoring
One of the main reasons people use spy apps is to monitor text messages, also known as SMS messages. GuestSpy allows you to view the content of all incoming and outgoing texts, even if they’ve been deleted. You can even filter messages by specific contacts.
Call Logging with Recording
In addition to logging all incoming and outgoing calls, including the duration and time, GuestSpy can also secretly record phone calls and upload the recordings to the dashboard. This allows you to listen to exactly what was said in conversations.
GPS Location Tracking
The app continuously tracks the device’s location history and maps it out on the dashboard timeline. You can see where the phone has been down to the exact address and time. Location tracking is done in real-time too.
Web Browsing History and App Usage
GuestSpy captures all web browsing history on the device and logs which apps are used and for how long. Great for monitoring inappropriate web activity or app usage.
Social Media and IM Message Spying
Popular messaging apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and more are covered. You can read the content of messages right in your dashboard, even if they’ve been deleted from the phone.
Stealth Camera Access
Silently take pictures and record video from the phone’s cameras. Captured media gets uploaded to your account. Great for seeing who the user is physically with.
Additional Spying Features
Other capabilities include monitoring contacts, calendar events, notes, downloaded files, wi-fi networks accessed, and more. GuestSpy combines advanced monitoring features to capture just about everything happening on the target device.
Remotely Control the Phone
If you pay for the most expensive plan, you can use commands like remotely locking the phone, wiping data, uninstalling apps, powering down the device or restarting it. Useful if the phone gets lost or stolen.
Is GuestSpy Easy to Install and Use?
One of the benefits of GuestSpy is that it is designed to be very easy to install and use, especially compared to other spy apps out there. Here is an overview of the setup process:
- Purchase a subscription plan from the GuestSpy website
- Receive login details for the online dashboard
- Download and install the app file onto the target phone
- Logs from the phone will sync to the dashboard
- Monitor the logs from any web browser
The app works discretely in the background once installed. As long as you have the person’s Apple ID/Google login credentials, you can download and install it remotely without them knowing.
GuestSpy has detailed setup instructions and guides on their website. You don’t have to be tech-savvy at all to get it up and running. Their dashboard is also well-designed and intuitive to use. You can easily filter through logs chronologically or by type.
What Phones are Compatible with GuestSpy App?
GuestSpy is compatible with most modern Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, including:
Android
- All phones and tablets running Android 4.0+
- Popular models like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, Huawei, etc.
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- All devices running iOS 7.0+
- Including all iPhone models from the 4S and newer
As long as the target device is relatively modern and meets the minimum OS requirements, GuestSpy should be compatible. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date compatibility list.
GuestSpy Subscription Plans and Pricing
GuestSpy currently offers 3 subscription tiers. Each plan has access to the full range of spying features, with higher prices unlocking capabilities like call recording and remote control.
Basic
- $29.95 per month
- Text message and call logging
- Social media and GPS monitoring
- Web history tracking
Premium
- $69.95 per month
- Adds call recording
- Remote camera access
- Wipe and lock device remotely
Family Kit
- $199.95 (3 month minimum subscription)
- Monitor up to 3 devices
- Perfect for families
- Full features from Premium plan
While certainly not cheap for the premium options, GuestSpy is competitively priced compared to most top phone spy apps. Their family kit is a great value if you need to monitor multiple phones.
One-off payment options are not available. You need to maintain an active subscription to keep using the GuestSpy service. Cancel anytime if dissatisfied.
GuestSpy Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy remote installation and setup
- Powerful range of monitoring features
- Compatible with latest Android and iPhone devices
- Excellent customer support via live chat
- Intuitive online dashboard interface
- No need to root/jailbreak device
- Affordably priced compared to competitors
Cons
- Monthly subscription fees can add up
- Advanced features like call recording cost extra
- Doesn’t work on really old legacy phones
- Detectable by antivirus apps in rare cases
- Ethical concerns around secret monitoring
While the high subscription fees and ethical issues may be cons for some, GuestSpy remains one of the best solutions available for discretely monitoring a phone from anywhere.
What Customers Are Saying in GuestSpy Reviews
Thousands of customers have left reviews of GuestSpy on sites like TrustPilot, SiteJabber, and more. Here is an overview of common feedback:
- Easy to set up and use for monitoring kids or employees
- Powerful range of tracking features for texts, calls, GPS, apps, etc.
- Phone logs and activities are accurate and conveniently accessible
- Excellent customer service team that responds fast to questions
- Some complaints about cancellation policy and billing practices
The majority of independent reviews rate the app very favorably. Most negative comments seem to be around billing policies or dissatisfaction with how subscriptions function.
But reviews confirm that GuestSpy delivers on its core promise of secretly monitoring a smartphone from anywhere. It’s a powerful tool when used legally and ethically.
GuestSpy Customer Support and Reliability
One important consideration with any phone monitoring app is whether customer support is there if you need help. You want confidence that any issues getting the software set up or operating can be resolved quickly.
GuestSpy offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. Based on reviews, their customer service team is very responsive and knowledgeable when answering questions or troubleshooting problems.
They also have extensive self-help resources on their website, including setup guides, FAQs, video tutorials, and more. Between the DIY content and live support, most users are able to get GuestSpy running smoothly.
When it comes to reliability, the service aims for continuous uptime and maintenance is done discreetly. However, some reviews mention occasional downtime where the dashboard is temporarily unavailable.
But overall, Customer support and reliability does not appear to be a major concern based on feedback from actual GuestSpy users over the years. The company seems committed to delivering a dependable service.
How Does GuestSpy Compare to Spyzie and Other Top Software?
GuestSpy competes directly with apps like Spyzie, mSpy, FlexiSpy, Spyera and others. Here’s a quick comparison of how GuestSpy stacks up to Spyzie specifically:
- Features – GuestSpy has all the key features of Spyzie like GPS tracking, text and call logging, remote camera access, etc.
- Price – Slightly more affordable starting plans compared to Spyzie.
- Compatibility – Both support all modern iOS and Android devices.
- Ease of use – Spyzie may be easier for complete beginners to set up.
- Support – GuestSpy offers exceptional live chat and email customer support.
GuestSpy matches up very evenly with top competitors like Spyzie in capabilities, phone compatibility, and overall value. Choosing between them comes down to small differences in pricing, user-friendliness, and your comfort level with the brand.
Is GuestSpy Legal and Ethical To Use?
The legal and ethical concerns around spy apps like GuestSpy are controversial. While these tools can certainly be misused, there are some instances where monitoring a phone may be justified or even legal with consent:
- Children – Parents can legally monitor kids under 18.
- Employees – Companies can monitor devices they own and make available to employees.
- Caretaking – With permission, caregivers can track elderly or disabled relatives.
- Married Spouses – Spouse phone monitoring appears legal in most regions.
However, it is illegal to install phone spyware secretly on a device you don’t own. Cyber laws are also complex and vary between countries and regions. Do your own due diligence to ensure monitoring is being done legally and ethically where you live.
In summary, GuestSpy itself is not illegal, but some usage of it could be. Take care and consult local laws before deciding to use this or any spy app.
GuestSpy Review Conclusions: A Powerful Monitoring Tool with Caveats
To conclude this GuestSpy review, here are some key takeaways:
- GuestSpy enables secretly spying on virtually all activity on a compatible Android or iPhone device.
- Setup only takes minutes with no advanced technical skills required.
- An intuitive online dashboard allows you to view phone logs from anywhere.
- Advanced capabilities like recording calls or remotely locking the device cost extra.
- While competitively priced, monthly fees can add up over long-term use.
- Improper usage without consent is unethical and illegal in most regions.
- With care taken to use it legally and ethically, GuestSpy delivers as a leading phone monitoring solution.
GuestSpy can be an extremely powerful tool for discretely tracking someone’s mobile activities and location history. Just be mindful of the legal and ethical implications before moving forward with using it.
Frequently Asked Questions About GuestSpy
Does GuestSpy really work?
Yes, thousands of customers have left positive reviews confirming GuestSpy’s core monitoring features work accurately. The dashboards provide detailed insights into the target device.
What happens if the target phone deletes messages or history?
GuestSpy logs and uploads content in real-time, so deletions on the phone itself will not prevent you from viewing details through the dashboard.
Can I monitor an iPhone without Apple ID?
No, you need the target user’s Apple ID credentials to install monitoring software on any iPhone secretly. Android is easier to install without credentials.
Is there a one-time payment option?
Unfortunately no. GuestSpy requires an ongoing monthly subscription fee. There is no lifetime license option currently available.
What is GuestSpy’s refund policy?
They offer a conditional 7-day money back guarantee. You must specifically request and qualify for a refund within the first 7 days of subscribing.
In Summary: GuestSpy is a Powerful Phone Spy App with Some Caveats
GuestSpy is designed to provide complete 24/7 monitoring of virtually all activity on a compatible Android or iPhone device. Everything from text messages to call recordings, social media spying, GPS tracking, and more is covered in an easy-to-use online dashboard. It functions very well for the purposes of secretly monitoring a smartphone.
However, you must ensure using such spy software aligns with local laws and your own ethics. Improper hidden surveillance of people’s phones is illegal in most countries. As well, the monthly subscription costs can add up over time.
But with consent and legal usage, GuestSpy stands as one of the most capable phone monitoring apps available today. It delivers robust tracking capabilities through an intuitive interface. Just carefully weigh the pros, cons, and moral implications covered in this review before deciding if GuestSpy is the right solution for your needs.