If you are serious about keeping your child or loved one protected online, a good SMS tracker is your best bet. However, they don’t necessarily have to be super-expensive. Some of the best options offer you either a free trial to test their services or a completely free subscription with some limitations. In our review, we will go through 3 top-rated free SMS trackers without installing on a target phone.
Are There Any Free SMS Trackers That Don’t Require Installation?
If you want to try out text message monitoring without paying upfront, there are free SMS tracker apps with basic capabilities. These free tools provide a preview of their features like SMS monitoring. However, more advanced functionalities, such as social media and location tracking, are typically not included in a free plan. Many companies additionally let users test drive their premium offerings with free trials.
While the free plans give a good introduction, if you need a more custom experience, consider opting for a premium subscription.
3 Top-Ranked Free SMS Trackers Without Installing on Target Phone
If you need in-depth information on every free SMS tracker, keep reading our detailed roundup. In case you just want to know which applications are worth your attention, simply choose from a quick list below:
- uMobix – number 1 mobile tracker for Android and iPhone with feature-rich suite and full-pack 2-day free trial
- iKeyMonitor – monitoring app with a timeless free plan covering rudimentary features
- Hoverwatch – trusted tracking app with a free sign-up and limited 3-day trial
All of these SMS trackers went through our rigorous test, and we are confident in recommending them for safe monitoring.
uMobix
uMobix is undeniably the best free SMS tracker without installing on target phones, be it iPhone or Android. Although the app offers a free trial, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of features, especially SMS monitoring. A full pack will be at hand for 48 hours; reach out to customer support for details.
With uMobix at your command, you will be able to view both sent and received text messages without touching a target phone. All messages are shown with the sender’s details, such as a phone number, the contact’s name, and the exact time the message was received. Sometimes, young people may try to conceal certain relationships from their parents by erasing the entire conversation. For this reason, uMobix has developed another handy feature that lets parents access deleted messages and contacts.
Another highlight is a keylogger. Basically, it captures everything that is typed on a keyboard. So, whether a target person is sexting or discussing another taboo topic, you will be immediately notified.
uMobix gets updated every 5 minutes. This means you won’t have to keep track of phone activities all the time. uMobix offers customizable alerts so you can be informed only when a potentially dangerous situation arises.
iKeyMonitor
iKeyMonitor has earned a fair second place in our list due to its free plan. The app offers a great set of basic features, including SMS tracking, at no cost. Users can download the free app directly from the company’s website.
iKeyMonitor is compatible with Android, iPhone, Windows, and macOS. In its free version, you can see incoming and outgoing SMS along with detailed contact information. On top of that, iKeyMonitor is enhanced with location tracking and call logs that also come absolutely for free. The only downside is that the free version is limited to 20 log items only.
It’s also worth noting that this app requires rooting/jailbreak for most features, which might be quite challenging, especially for newbies, and doesn’t offer live support. While uMobix offers a better user experience and instant set-up process, iKeyMonitor is a good choice if you are ready to make compromises to enjoy a free version.
Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch is another worthwhile free SMS tracker without installing on a target Android phone. The app monitors only Android phones, Windows, and macOS, so if you are not planning to track iMessage, it will be a good option. While it doesn’t quite match up to tools like uMobix, it’s still a reliable app with a free sign-up and claims to offer a 3-day free trial.
Just like other competitors on our list, Hoverwatch offers text message and contact list tracking. You will be able to read sent and received SMS in the invisible mode. In addition, the app will show you messages exchanged via popular messengers such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Viber, and others.
But just like with all SMS trackers, ‘free’ doesn’t mean ‘unlimited.’ If you are seeking an app with a generous package, it’s better to upgrade to a paid tier with full functionality and live chat support.
How to Choose the Best Free SMS Tracker Without Installation?
When you are searching for an SMS tracker, always clarify what features come for free. An app may advertise as free but have significant restrictions unless you upgrade to a paid subscription. Be sure to understand what is offered in the zero-cost version to avoid disappointment. Do your homework to find the tracker that truly fits both your needs and budget long-term without unexpected payments down the road.
