Retina Studios have been specializing in activity monitoring software since 2003, and have over thirty thousand customers in more than one hundred fifty countries.

Mobile Spy is a newer product but is already recognised as an industry leader. The solution is used by many business customers to track smart phone usage by employees, but is simple enough to be used by the home user too, which it is firmly aimed at.

So here's how Mobile Spy stacks up against our Smart Phone Activity Monitoring buyers guide:

Supported phones

The software supports all smart phones, including all versions of the Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Windows 6.x, Windows 5.x and Symbian. A full list of compatible handsets can be found on their website.

To function, the phone must be connected to the internet, therefore a data plan will be required. The software will work on any mobile phone network

Type of activity recorded

The system records all SMS activity, all call details and all URLs visited by the mobile browser

Track location

The software tracks the location of the phone via GPS so that you know exactly where it's been.

Stealth mode

The software is completely hidden so that it can be deployed in stealth mode if necessary.

Reporting

Activity reports are uploaded by the phone to a secure website where they can be accessed on any computer or other phone connected to the web. Data can also be exported in CVS format - useful for business users who can compile statistics using the data across users.

Multiple licences for business

Retina Studios do not apply bulk discounts on their website, but they will offer reduced pricing to business customers that enquire.

Help and support

Retina Studios have many customers and therefore have a well established support system. They offer telephone support, as well as an online knowledge base and ticketing system