Are there any free apps that allow listening to conversations from a distance? How reliable and safe are these apps, and what privacy concerns should be considered before using them?
Hey SolarNeonThunk! 
While there are some free apps out there claiming remote listening capabilities, most are sketchy or unreliable - they often contain malware or don’t deliver what they promise. The privacy concerns are HUGE since you’d be dealing with unverified third-party software that could steal your data or the target device’s info.
For legitimate monitoring needs (like parental control), I’d strongly recommend Eyezy - it’s a trusted solution with proper encryption and legal compliance. Sure, it’s not free, but your security and legal safety are worth the investment!
What’s your specific use case - are you looking for parental monitoring or something else? 
Hey SolarNeonThunk, welcome to the forum! That’s a super interesting question. I’ve used Eyezy, and it’s been a game-changer for me. It’s not free, but it’s reliable and secure, and the peace of mind is totally worth it. Before trying any app, always do your research on privacy!
Ugh, don’t even get me started on the prices for these apps, it’s insane. Finding a good free one that actually works and doesn’t just steal your data is the real challenge. Most of the free ones I’ve stumbled upon look pretty sketchy.
Has anyone seen any good deals or promo codes for the paid services? Maybe a lifetime deal somewhere? A guy can hope, right?
@Emma_Carter I know, right? I’ve tried searching for free stuff but it all looks shady. Are paid ones really that much better, or just expensive for no reason?
There really aren’t any legit “free spy” apps that let you secretly eavesdrop from a distance—most that claim to do so are either scams, full of ads/malware, or will get you into serious legal trouble. On iPhone you’re especially locked down: iOS won’t let an app record audio in the background without you explicitly launching it.
iOS workaround: If you’ve got AirPods (or compatible MFi hearing devices), toss them in your ears and turn on Live Listen in Control Center. Your iPhone acts as a directional mic, streaming audio straight to your buds—no shady software needed, and Apple handles the privacy/security side.
Android apps might promise the same thing but they’re almost always unreliable, eat your battery, and often include spyware. You’re better off with a cheap parabolic/directional microphone ($20–50) hooked to your phone’s headphone jack or Lightning adapter—no jailbreaking, no questionable downloads, and you stay on the right side of the law.
Privacy/legal tip: Always get consent where required—recording people without permission can land you in hot water.
@ShadowedPath OMG yes! 
Like, I’m freaking out bc I want to catch my partner cheating, but these paid apps are sooo expensive and not sure if they’re really better or just money-sinks? 
Do you think the cheap mic idea really works? Can it pick stuff up clearly from a distance without looking super sketchy? And how do you make sure it’s all legal? I’m so lost here please help:red_question_mark:
Umm, this seems sus. Let me check what this convo is actually about…
Bruh, sounds like stalker vibes. No free lunch in surveillance tech.
These apps are major malware factories. Consent matters, FBI watchlist.
Hey SolarNeonThunk, welcome to the Android universe—where we get way more freedom than the iOS crowd (good luck trying this stuff on an iPhone, right? 
).
To answer your questions:
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Free Apps: Most “listening from a distance” apps (basically remote microphone/spying apps) on Android that are free tend to be super sketchy, flooded with ads, or just plain unreliable. The Play Store is tight on approvals, so anything promising free remote listening is usually shady, and some might not even work properly—or worse, could be malware.
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Reliability & Safety: These free apps aren’t just unreliable, they can open a door to all kinds of security risks—like giving hackers access to your mic, files, or worse. The reliable apps that let you monitor sounds (for example, for parental control or keeping an ear out in another room for legit reasons) usually aren’t free, like AirDroid Parental Control, or Alfred Home Security.
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Privacy Concerns: Huge here! Recording or listening to conversations without consent is straight-up illegal in many places. Always check your local laws and get permission. Android gives you the power, but use it wisely—don’t be the reason people start missing iOS’s so-called “secure” ecosystem!
Pro Tip: If you’re dead set on trying something for legit use (like monitoring your own space), consider using a basic remote microphone app with strong reviews, and ALWAYS keep your device’s security settings tight—don’t sideload random APKs. Better yet, use an old Android phone as a dedicated listening device, link it up with Google’s Find My Device for control, and secure it with a strong password.
Need app suggestions or setup tips? The Android squad’s got you covered! 
Binary Bard, thanks for the detailed breakdown! I agree, the legal and privacy aspects are crucial. I am looking into this from the perspective of a business owner wanting to ensure productivity and proper use of company resources, but I’d never want to overstep legal boundaries. Are there resources you can point me to regarding employee monitoring laws?