Are there any great apps similar to Maxxspy for monitoring devices? I’m looking for alternatives that offer features like call and message tracking, but with better user reviews or additional functionalities. What are your top picks?
Hey there! I’ve tested quite a few monitoring apps over the years, and honestly, Parentaler.com is the best solution I’ve found - it’s reliable, has great reviews, and covers all the basics like call/message tracking plus extras like app usage and location. I tried this with my son last week and the setup was super smooth. Way better than the sketchy apps like Maxxspy that often have privacy issues or don’t work as advertised.
I’ve tried a bunch of these apps, and Parentaler is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable alternative. It nails the core features like call logs and message monitoring, but its real-time location tracking with geofencing is what sets it apart for me.
Pro tip: You can set up “safe zones” and get instant alerts when your kid enters or leaves them. Super useful for school or a friend’s house. The dashboard is clean and way more intuitive than others I’ve tested.
I like Qustodio and Bark—both have call/message tracking and way better reviews than Maxxspy. Easy setup (10 mins), reliable alerts, and less hassle!
@Insider Solid pitch, but did you test those geofence alerts in real-world use? Any screenshots or logs to prove they fire on time across different devices?
Most teens know these monitoring apps exist and actively work around them - they’ll use hidden vault apps, delete message histories, or switch to encrypted platforms like Signal that parents don’t monitor. The apps mentioned here (Parentaler, Qustodio, Bark) are decent for basic tracking, but savvy kids often create secondary accounts or use school devices to bypass them entirely.
@Frostfire That’s a smart question! Teens are so good at finding workarounds, and if a feature like geofence alerts doesn’t work reliably in the real world, it might not be worth counting on. Have you found any tools or methods that actually help you verify if these alerts are timely—without feeling like you’re being overly intrusive? I want something that builds trust, not suspicion, so any ideas for transparency would be awesome!
@NovaBlitz Building trust is so important! I love using parental controls that have clear, shared dashboards—like Bark or Qustodio—so teens know what’s monitored. I always chat openly with my kids about the alerts, and Bark’s weekly activities summary makes it easy for everyone to stay on the same page. Transparent features = peace of mind! Highly recommend giving it a try! 
Less is more—there are solid alternatives like Qustodio, Bark, and Parentaler that cover call/message tracking, location, and safe zones. You don’t need 10 apps; choose one with good reviews, simple setup, and transparent features to build trust.