Choosing the right cell phone monitoring software can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, how do you know which one to pick?
In this guide, we’ll compare two of the most popular apps – mSpy and Highster Mobile. We’ll break down their features, pricing, setup process, and more, to help you determine which is the better fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- mSpy and Highster Mobile both offer robust features for monitoring cell phone activities like calls, texts, location tracking, and social media.
- mSpy has more extensive monitoring capabilities including keyword alerts, website/app blocking, WiFi network tracking, and geofencing.
- Highster Mobile lacks some advanced mSpy features but can record deleted texts and offers iPhone iPad monitoring.
- mSpy generally rates higher in terms of reliability, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
- Both apps start at $29.99/month but mSpy offers better value with more features included at each pricing tier.
- mSpy installation process is smoother, with full remote iOS access and 100% undetectable Android/iOS stealth mode.
- For most users, mSpy is the better choice overall – more features, better customer support, and greater transparency.
Comparing mSpy and Highster Mobile Features
The specific cell phone monitoring features you need will determine which app better fits your purposes. Let’s compare what mSpy and Highster Mobile offer:
| Feature | mSpy | Highster Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Call Monitoring | Logs all incoming/outgoing calls with numbers, durations, timestamps. View call history in an easy-to-navigate conversational format. | Provides call logging with phone numbers and time stamps. Less user-friendly format for viewing records. |
| Text Message Monitoring | Logs all SMS content, media messages, and messenger chats. View in conversation threads. | Monitors SMS/MMS messages and chats. Can recover deleted texts which mSpy cannot. |
| Location Tracking | Real-time GPS tracking, location history, geofencing available. | Live location monitoring with location history via Google Maps. No geofencing. |
| Web and App Monitoring | Tracks web history, captures keystrokes, takes screenshots, blocks websites and apps. | Monitors web history and social media, no app blocking or advanced functions. |
| Social Media Monitoring | Tracks popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat. | Also monitors social media, but limited functionality for iOS devices. |
Additional mSpy Features
- Keyword alerts for configured phrases
- WiFi network tracking
- Stealth mode to stay completely hidden
- Remote installation for iOS devices
Extra Highster Mobile Features
- Retrieve deleted text messages
- Monitor phone media files like photos/videos
- Track browsing history on Safari or Chrome
mSpy Advantages Over Highster
- Wider range of tracking features
- More advanced monitoring capabilities
- Geofencing and keyword alerts
- App/website blocking and WiFi tracking
- True stealth mode on iOS and Android
- Easier remote access for iOS devices
Highster Advantages Over mSpy
- Retrieve deleted text messages
- Available for iPhone/iPad monitoring
- Access media files stored on device
- Track browser history on Chrome/Safari
Pricing Comparison
| Package | mSpy | Highster Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29.99/month | $29.99/month |
| Premium (1 month) | $69.99/month | $69.99/month |
| Premium (12 months) | $16.66/month | N/A |
- Both apps offer competitive pricing starting at $29.99/month
- mSpy has better value Premium packages, just $16.66/month on 12 month plan
- Highster Mobile only has 1 month Premium option
When it comes to pricing, mSpy and Highster Mobile start off at the same monthly rate. However, mSpy offers their premium package for as low as $16.66 per month if you commit to a 12 month plan.
You get more robust features at each pricing tier with mSpy as well. So while the costs are very similar, mSpy provides better overall value.
Ease of Installation and Setup
Installing any cell phone spy app requires physical access to an Android device while iOS devices can be accessed remotely. Let’s compare how mSpy and Highster Mobile stack up.
Android Installation
Both mSpy and Highster Mobile require you to have the target Android device in hand to download and install the app.
Highster Mobile installation is more complex with no guidance. mSpy provides simple step-by-step instructions and how-to videos to walk you through the process.
mSpy also offers a “Stealth Mode” on Android to keep the app hidden after installation. Highster does not have this capability.
iOS Setup
For iOS devices, no physical installation is necessary. You just need the iCloud credentials of the iPhone or iPad you want to monitor.
mSpy allows full remote iOS access. Simply log into their dashboard with the target user’s iCloud ID and password.
Highster Mobile has limited remote iOS functionality. You need to use a sync cable to connect the iPhone or iPad to a computer to install monitoring profiles.
mSpy also guarantees invisibility on iOS with stealth mode. Highster Mobile lacks iOS stealth capabilities.
Installation and Setup Advantages
mSpy
- Simple step-by-step Android installation instructions
- Smooth remote access for iOS devices
- Stealth mode to stay invisible on iOS & Android
Highster Mobile
- No clear Android installation guidance
- Limited remote iOS installation functions
- No stealth mode offered on iOS or Android
Customer Satisfaction and Support
Having responsive customer support can make or break your experience with a cell phone monitoring app.
mSpy is highly rated for their customer support and service. They offer:
- Live chat, phone, email, and ticketing options
- Quick response times
- Knowledgeable support agents
- 7 day free phone and email support after purchase
Highster Mobile, on the other hand, is plagued by poor reviews of their customer service including:
- Very limited live chat availability
- Slow response times
- Unhelpful or incompetent support
- No free post-purchase support period
When issues inevitably come up with mobile monitoring apps, you want to know someone has your back. mSpy delivers where Highster Mobile consistently falls short.
mSpy vs Highster Mobile: Which Should You Choose?
When comparing mSpy and Highster Mobile, mSpy emerges as the clear winner for most users’ needs:
- More Advanced Features: mSpy offers the most robust selection of monitoring features including geographic fencing, stealth mode, wi-fi tracking, app/website blocking, and more.
- Smooth Installation Process: Easy step-by-step Android install and full iOS remote access make mSpy simpler to setup.
- Superior Customer Support: Knowledgeable 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support from mSpy.
- Better Value for Money: Competitively priced packages but you get more features for the dollars spent with mSpy.
- Greater Reliability and Transparency: mSpy delivers reliable, undetected performance on iOS and Android with their solid reputation.
While Highster Mobile can get the job done for basic monitoring needs, most users are better served by mSpy. The combination of extra features, flexible pricing, and stellar customer service really sets mSpy apart.
FAQs About mSpy and Highster Mobile
Q: Does mSpy offer a free trial?
Yes, mSpy offers a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android devices. You can test drive the app and view demo data to evaluate the interface and features before paying.
Q: What devices are compatible with Highster Mobile?
Highster Mobile works on both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. It can also be used to monitor iPads specifically.
Q: Can mSpy monitor deleted text messages?
No, mSpy cannot recover deleted texts like Highster can. But it does provide comprehensive SMS and chat message monitoring.
Q: Is mSpy completely invisible on iPhones?
Yes, when stealth mode is enabled, mSpy is 100% undetectable on iPhones as well as Android devices.
Q: Does Highster Mobile have an Android stealth mode?
No. Highster does not offer any stealth or invisible modes for Android or iOS devices.
Q: Can mSpy track WhatsApp messages?
Absolutely. mSpy monitors WhatsApp chats along with SMS, iMessage, Facebook, Snapchat, and more on both Android and iOS devices.
Q: How long does Highster Mobile location history last?
Highster stores 60 days of historical GPS data. mSpy provides location history for the full duration of your subscription.
Q: Can mSpy see iPhone search history?
Yes. mSpy captures web search terms and browsing history on both mobile Safari and Chrome.
Q: Does Highster Mobile have geo-fencing capabilities?
No, Highster does not provide geo-fencing zones or alerts like mSpy does.
Q: Can I get a refund from mSpy if I don’t like it?
mSpy offers a 10-day money-back refund policy. If you cancel within 10 days, you’ll get a full refund.
The Bottom Line
When comparing mSpy versus Highster Mobile, mSpy emerges as the superior cell phone monitoring solution overall.
With robust features, easy installation, reputable customer support, and transparent policies, most users are better served by mSpy over Highster.
To recap, some key advantages of mSpy include:
- Broader range of tracking capabilities
- Geofencing and proactive alerts
- True stealth mode across iOS and Android
- Smooth remote iOS setup
- World-class customer service team
- Flexible pricing with more value
- 7-day free trial available
For powerful, user-friendly phone surveillance, mSpy delivers the full package. If you’re looking to monitor cell phone activities, mSpy should be your top choice over Highster Mobile.
