Some of the best parental control apps that use keylogging, like Spyrix, can sometimes generate spirited discussion around the ethics and morality of tracking literally everything children do on their devices, but their popularity proves that there’s undoubtedly a place for them in the market.
And when it comes to pairing a comprehensive set of features with a tempting price, Spyrix gets off to a good start – because it’s free.
With remote monitoring, app activity, screenshots and reporting all available, there’s no doubt that Spyrix has plenty of ability – but this software is designed for PCs rather than mobile devices, so parents may need to combine this tool with other apps for a more comprehensive picture.
Plans and pricing
As the name suggests, Spyrix Free Keylogger doesn’t cost a penny – a good start for any parent who wants a PC-based keylogging tool.
The free version includes keylogging, app activity, screenshot capturing, USB drive and printer monitoring, keyword alerts and remote monitoring with advertisements included in the interface.
Spyrix is a larger software company with plenty of apps available, though, so you’ve got options if you want a broader monitoring solution and if you’re happy to pay.
If you want to remove adverts and add live viewing, message monitoring, and dozens more features to your children’s PCs, then Spyrix Personal Monitor is your best bet. It costs $79 for a one-PC license, $89 to monitor three devices and $129 to cover five, and if you want to add screen, webcam and call recording, or facial recognition, it costs extra.
Those prices are mirrored for MacOS functionality. There’s an Android version too, called Spyrix Phone Tracker, which adds monitoring across a host of social media apps and messaging tools – although it’s very powerful, prices start at $99.95 annually.
On iOS, there’s a rudimentary tool called Spyrix Viewer, but it’s basic and wasn’t available at the time of writing due to technical maintenance.
Beyond the free tool, then, Spyrix gets expensive, and that leaves it a little weaker when compared with its keylogging rivals.
KidLogger, for instance, has a free version that works on Windows, Android and Mac OS that supports five devices – and as well as keylogging, it monitors calls and can be used to block and limit app access, too.
KidLogger’s paid version is more affordable than Spyrix’s paid options, and it includes many of the same options as Spyrix’s equivalent tools.
The third option here is mSpy. It works well on Android and is packed with features, but it’s very expensive.
Features
Let’s get back to Spyrix Free Keylogger, though – the most likely option for parents who want to easily monitor everything their kids are typing on Windows desktop and laptop devices.
As the name suggests, this app is a keylogger – you’ll see all recorded keystrokes on your child’s device, even if they’re deleted.
Parents can view all running applications on child PCs using Spyrix, and also monitor and control the usage of removable USB and SSD drives and even printers.
Spyrix allows parents to see all content copied to the clipboard, record the date and time the computer is used, and capture screenshots of the device without the user's knowledge.
That’s a reasonable set of PC-based keylogging features, especially for a free app, but the paid versions of this tool are far more powerful.
If you want to upgrade to Spyrix Personal Monitor you’ll get access to a far more capable piece of software.
Parents can monitor remotely from a secure web account, for starters, and view the device and its cameras live. The paid version includes screen recording, monitoring of popular messaging tools, and facial recognition.
The paid version monitors URLs and search engines, can block websites and alert parents if certain keywords are typed. And if you want to pay even more for Spyrix Personal Monitor Pro, you can add microphone monitoring, webcam snapshots and more features to the list.
On Android, Spyrix Phone Tracker includes loads of options, including monitoring across lots of messaging and social media apps, keylogging, scheduled screen, photo and audio recording, social media tracking, call capturing, location tracking, geofencing, app blocking and monitoring and more.
Indeed, that version is more like a traditional parental control app than anything else, but it’s expensive compared to other conventional tools – if you want the full array of features, pricing ranges between $119.95 and $249 annually to protect one to five devices.
Interface and in-use
Spyrix Free Keylogger is easy to use. Download the app from the Spyrix website, create an account and install the app on the target system and you’ll be able to link the tools together and start monitoring. Bear in mind that parents have legal obligations to let children know their devices are being monitored.
Be aware that your system’s antivirus software may flag Spyrix Free Keylogger as a malicious tool, so you may have to allow the download and permit the software to run from within your system or antivirus settings.
Once it’s installed, Spyrix has a conventional Windows app experience, with a slick summary screen highlighting activity in your child’s device and individual modules that allow parents to delve into specific areas to see events, typing, social media activity or anything else.
Support
Spyrix’s support ticket system is available 24/7 by emailing the company, and Spyrix assures customers that replies will arrive within 48 hours.
Elsewhere, the Spyrix website has a comprehensive online manual that takes users through the basics of installing and setting up apps, but that’s it.
It’s not a particularly impressive support offering. Many companies offer faster responses, loads of rivals have more comprehensive knowledge bases and FAQ sections, and some even offer phone and live chat support.
The competition
KidLogger and mSpy both have similarly underwhelming support options, so that certainly seems to be a trend with keylogging tools. A conventional parental control tool will be a better option if you want better support, including phone and live chat help or a customer forum.
And in terms of pure keylogging software, Spyrix Free Keylogger may not be your best choice, either. KidLogger’s free version is more versatile thanks to a broader range of features and Android support.
If you want to pay for keylogging software Spyrix suffers from high pricing. KidLogger is more affordable while maintaining a similar slate of features.
We wouldn’t consider mSpy, though. Its keylogging abilities are fine and it includes conventional parental control features too, but it’s very expensive. Want a keylogger? Both Spyrix and KidLogger are better. Want parental control? Check out Qustodio or Bark.
Final verdict
Spyrix Free Keylogger is an effective PC monitoring tool with plenty of functionality, but it does have some severe weaknesses.
It only works on Windows, for starters – if you want keylogging functionality and more features on other platforms, you’ve got to pay for it.
If you want a free keylogging app, then KidLogger is a much better option thanks to its increased functionality. And while Spyrix is much better if you’re willing to pay, KidLogger offers a comparable array of features at a lower price.
Spyrix Free Keylogger is effective, but other apps are much better – so if you do want keylogging, shop around.
