You’ve probably received a scam call or text within the last year. You’ve just scoffed at it, ignored it, and forgot about it. Or you’ve fallen into a trap that cost you thousands.

From December 2020 to March 2021, Australian telcos have blocked over 55 million scam calls. About 80% of the population now has a smartphone, and scammers try to exploit this. It’s important more than ever to stay safe.

The best way to do so is to use a phone tracker by number. Here are 5 mobile number trackers that you could download right now.

5 Best Mobile Number Tracker Apps: Comparison Chart

To help you pick the app you need, here’s a comparison chart for your convenience.

App	Truecaller	Whoscall	Hiya	Showcaller	CallApp
Key Features	Colored ID tracking, call purpose, and community-based scam tracking.	Simple UI and important caller priority.	Corporate verified caller tracking, with dynamic scam and spoof protection.	Incredibly small size with offline scam blocking.	Backups, call reminders, greater customization, and car mode.
Platforms	Android, iOS.	Android, iOS.	Android, iOS.	Android, iOS.	Android.
Free Version	Available on all platforms.	Available on all platforms.	Available on all platforms.	Available on all platforms.	Available on all platforms.
Ratings	Android 4.5 iOS 4.5	Android 4.2 iOS 3.7	Android 4.2 iOS 4.6	Android 4.5 iOS 3.6	Android 4.3

1. Truecaller

Truecaller claims to be the world’s best and most used caller ID and spam blocker. With over 300 million monthly users, and 10 billion spam called and blocked on android and iOS, the numbers favor the claim. Truecaller isn’t just a simple phone tracker by number, it has a comprehensive anti-spam system that automatically deals with threats.

Features That Make Truecaller Stand out

• Truecaller doesn’t just provide the caller’s ID. It associates colors with the caller’s nature. Blue for a normal number, red for spam, purple for a priority call, and green for a verified business.

• Truecaller has an auto-block system that will block known and suspected scammers for you. It will even identify the reason why a scammer called you if it’s available.

• The app uses community data to identify scammers. You can report a scammer, and with enough reports, they are added to the auto-block list.

• Truecaller’s spam blocking feature can ignore any company cold calls and telemarketers.

• The app now lets users add the reason why they are calling, so you can read ahead and prioritize.

The Issues

• Truecaller’s always active in the background. It’s been reported to be a massive drain on your phone’s battery.

• Many users have complained that the app has become too bloated. The size and ads can be annoying to deal with.

• Some Users find the amount of data Truecaller collects and provides to be an invasion of privacy.

2. Whoscall

Whoscall is a reliable alternative to Truecaller. The app doesn’t have as much functionality, but it is less invasive and has a simpler UI. By 2021, its userbase has exceeded 100 million, and the company has achieved an ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management System) certification.

Features to Like

• Bloat-free app. The app has a smaller installer package and doesn’t take up additional space in your phone afterward.

• The app has a simple UI that is easy to navigate and use. This lets the user have more control over the service.

• Notifies the user and drops calls from any telemarketers and scammers. But any shipping or company calls you to need to take are prioritized instead.

• Important callers are highlighted, and any missed calls from them can be given more priority.

• Whoscall can provide any public number you need by keywords. You can easily find a restaurant, hospital, or any number you need.

• Whoscall can scan your SMS contents to warn you of problematic links and scams.

Whoscall’s Shortcomings

• The app doesn’t have a colorized notification system like Truecaller.

• You won’t be notified why a person might be calling you.

3. Hiya

Hiya is a more professional-focused number tracker. The app has over 200 million users on Android and iOS. The service works with corporations like Samsung to ensure that the users receive only verified calls and texts.

Features to like

• Hiya’s package installer is only 10 MB.

• Hiya provides spam and fraud blocking, and spoof protection.

• The app provides branded calls via API integration.

• Doesn’t just use a static user database. Hiya checks for scammers by checking call time, flow, frequency, and activity.

The Problem

A few users are currently complaining that Hiya overrides their settings. But it’ll most likely be resolved by the next update.

4. Showcaller

Showcaller is another, easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use alternative. The app currently has over 20 million users. It has all the features a phone tracker by number should have.

Key Features

• Showcaller requires less than 10 MB of space on your phone.

• Showcaller blocks scammers and identifies any callers.

• You can search for people using their numbers.

• All functions of the app work even when offline.

The Problem

Showcaller’s glaring issue is that it cannot provide as much functionality as the Truecaller or Whoscall. But with such a small package size and offline functionality, it may be your preferred option.

5. CallApp

CallApp is a phone tracker by number with additional functionalities. CallApp provides post-call and other features that you can use for understanding your call patterns. CallApp also helps you keep up with your socials and contacts.

Unique Features

• CallApp provides a call recording service on top of caller ID and spam blocking.

• CallApp allows you to backup your contacts, call records, and other customizations you’ve made.

• You can set up personalized video ringtones.

• You can add call reminders for important calls you have to make.

• The app offers a car mode.

• You can refer CallApp to others for a free premium subscription.

The Issues

• The UI is too busy, with too many options that can be confusing.

• The app requires a lot of permissions before it can work.