12 Hand Tools That Are Actually Worth Buying From Walmart







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Virtually all Americans will be intimately familiar with Walmart. The superstore-type retail chain has long stood at the forefront of bulk consumer purchasing needs. Walmart carries a raft of household goods alongside the grocery section found in most locations today. Among those household items that can make a big difference for repairers, mechanics, and home improvers more generally, Walmart’s catalog of hand tools is particularly interesting. The big box store carries many products, including a smattering of off-brand options and private-label manufacturers like Hyper Tough. Craftsman, DeWalt, and even a range of Ryobi tools are also found on Walmart’s shelves.

These and other brands make a range of quality solutions that can help support all kinds of tasks from basic home maintenance to setting up a campsite for a weekend of adventure in the great outdoors. These 12 hand tools make for interesting and valuable additions to a growing tool collection. Roughly half of them come highly recommended by a large volume of previous buyers. The other half I’ve used personally in my own renovation work or during repair tasks. These have all given me plenty of value and can be found at favorable price points at Walmart.

Hyper Tough Heavy Duty SAE and Metric Combination Wrench Set (32-Piece)

The Hyper Tough Heavy Duty SAE and Metric Combination Wrench Set is wide ranging kit featuring both standard and stubby sized tools. This offers plenty of coverage across a wide range of tasks you might encounter when seeking to turn fasteners by hand. The wrenches are built with chrome vanadium steel and are heat treated to finish off the construction process. This gives them quality fundamentals and solid durability with a promise to last for quite some time. The wrenches are also mirror polished with a nickel chrome plating to add corrosion resistance and a shiny, sparkly look that will make reaching for one of these hand tools a pleasure rather than a burden.

The kit also includes both SAE and Metric sizes as well as an organizational tray to keep your gear easy to access and always ready for the next job. This is a highly-rated hand tool product at Walmart, and the price almost certainly has a lot to do with the high praise users give it. You’ll pay less than a dollar per wrench with a total price of $24 for the set. This affords a significant amount of capability added to a tool collection at a surprisingly low cost. If you’re in the market for a new set of wrenches, this is a solid choice that fits firmly within the budget-friendly arena without sacrificing quality.

Stanley 5-Inch Needle Nose Pliers

This is a tool I own personally. I purchased mine at least a 10 or 12 years ago to help with the job of soldering in new guitar pickups. I’ve since upgraded my beginner’s soldering setup, with both a cordless option and a more robust tool that more closely adheres to the specs of some of the best soldering irons and station layouts out there. Yet, even though I have since added quite a few Knipex pliers to my rotation of hand tools, My trusted Stanley 5-Inch Needle Nose Pliers remain at the forefront of my kit. The tool is available from Walmart for $11, and it features hardened cutting edges with a double dipped handle that makes getting a firm grasp on your workpiece a little more comfortable.

There’s not much that can be said about needle nose pliers beyond the obvious. This is a tool that won’t always be your first choice when you require gripping solutions, but it’s the only way to get into certain recessed areas or to pull wire through tight gaps. This makes the tool one that’s invaluable in any collection, even if you only use its sparingly. This Stanley model features a spring-loaded handle that snaps smoothly back open when you release your grip. Its rust resistant finish will keep the tool looking great for a long time, although mine has recently started to show its age in that department!

Hyper Tough Universal Socket with Power Drill Adaptor

The Hyper Tough Universal Socket with Power Drill Adaptor is a tool that easily veers into the territory of gimmicky (we’ve tested one from another brand and found some interesting results). It’s a piece of equipment that operates as a capability extender and acts in support of your drilling and fastening tasks, specifically. The solution features a grid of pins that retract into the socket to fit the fastener you’re targeting. It offers a range of size capabilities between ¼-inch and ¾-inch measurements and 7mm and 19mm Metric sizes. The tool is compatible with both ratchet handles and powered drilling implements, and it comes with both a connection socket adapter and the socket itself. The tool is available from Walmart for around $8 and can be a solid gift option for a tool enthusiast or a direct purchase that adds plenty of new capability to your tool box.

The socket’s adjustability makes it a great option for handling multiple fastener sizes without having to change out your accessory attachment. The result is a faster workflow, for starters. This solution also makes it possible to attack fasteners from a slightly obscured angle rather than needing to hit the head straight on. This allows for greater accessibility in tighter areas, potentially offering a game changer to your capabilities when things don’t quite line up perfectly.

Suizan Ryoba Double Edge Japanese Pullsaw

The Suizan Ryoba Double Edge Japanese Pullsaw is another tool that has been a staple in my personal collection for a few years. The Suizan brand is one that’s firmly accessible to the U.S. market, and its products can be found in a few high profile outlets, including Walmart. Here, the 9.5-inch saw is listed at $49. Admittedly, I bought mine as a sort of reaction to the hype going around a few years back on YouTube, where numerous woodworking channels seemed to put out explainers on the tool all at the same time. These saws were everywhere in the media, but after just a few uses (probably two) it became clear why so many people were talking about them. Japanese pullsaws cut on the opposite stroke from the standard Western-style hand saw. As a result, it takes a little getting used to when making the switch, but for many tool users, myself included, the change is well worth the effort. I’ve found that you gain a bit of extra control while cutting this way, and because of the natural construction of the tool it features better flexibility. The alternative configuration also lends itself to another point of functionality that a Western saw can’t match: The tool’s double-sided blade offers both specialized rip cut and cross cutting capability in one tool.

I’ve found the solution particularly helpful when handling long or deep cutting requirements. Its blade is thinner than most might expect, allowing for a smaller kerf and therefore greater precision across the entirety of a cut. These tools have had considerable hype attached to them in the past, but that celebrity status is well earned, at least in my opinion.

WorkPro 125-Piece Repair and Maintenance Kit

The WorkPro 125-Piece Repair and Maintenance Kit is a collection of hand tools from a notable brand at a great price. It’s available from Walmart for $50 and gets great reviews from buyers who’ve invested in it. The collection features chrome vanadium steel forged hand tools for solid durability and plenty of high quality performance. The kit is rounded out by a toolbox with a top handle to keep your gear organized and easy to carry with you. It features three drawers in which all of the equipment fits nicely together.

The kit includes just about every kind of hand tool you might require for a basic maintenance job. It comes with ratchet and sockets, a few pairs of pliers and an adjustable wrench, scissors and two utility knives, a hammer and level, and much more. The breadth of the kit paired up with its low price tag makes for a fantastic option for a new homeowner seeking rangy repair coverage in one purchase. It’s also a potentially solid option for a renter looking to put together a condensed toolkit for use in routine maintenance needs.

Knipex Cobra Adjustable Pliers Set (5-Piece)

Among the hand tools I personally use most often, the Knipex Cobra pliers are certainly high up the list. I have two pairs of these pliers, specifically one small and one large, that combine to offer solid coverage across a range of needs. A 5-piece Knipex Cobra Adjustable Pliers Set is available at Walmart for $160, offering a good price on a set of great tools. The kit also comes in an organizational sleeve that rolls up for easy transportation.

Knipex is a high quality German tool brand, and it’s frequently touted as one of the best options on the market specifically when it comes to pliers. This set ranges from 125mm (5 inches) up to 300mm (12 inches). This provides users with plenty of coverage across a wide range of tasks. Moreover, these pliers feature a 30% increase in jaw capacity over a standard pipe wrench, with an easy adjustment mechanism to further enhance their capabilities. The tools offer a firm grip and a no-nonsense approach to handling any task you might throw at them. They feel solid in your hand, too, and are built for the long haul.

Ozark Trail 12-Piece Camping Toolset

Hand tools aren’t always built for maintenance or repair, and the Ozark Trail 12-Piece Camping Toolset is a great example of a collection that offers a different take on this part. It’s available at Walmart for $37 and features a dozen total pieces of equipment including a machete, hex wrench hatchet, flashlight, and fixed blade knife. Each of these solutions can make a big difference as you gather up your gear for the next camping trip on your calendar.

The set is an inexpensive option for those looking to bundle up a range of critical hiking or camping equipment in a single purchase. A fire starter, 50 feet of paracord, and more come together to round out a kit with huge utility across a range of routine needs while exploring all that your local or regional environment has to offer just outside your front door.

Hyper Tough 77-Piece Precision Tool Kit

The Hyper Tough 77-Piece Precision Tool Kit features a magnetic screwdriver that allows each of the precision driving bits to snap into place with ease. The bits themselves are constructed of chrome vanadium steel to offer plenty of durability and strength, and the whole set comes in a plastic case that makes organization easy. The kit’s components are all fairly small, but they offer plenty of versatility across many different kinds of tasks you might face. It’s available from Walmart for $15, and it gets great reviews from users.

A precision screwdriver kit is a must-have hand tool solution for DIY repairers and tinkerers. Electronics of all types frequently utilize small screws that your typical driving tools simply aren’t compatible with, requiring a different approach altogether. For this, the precision screwdriver is essential. Although the Hyper Tough model isn’t one I’ve used before, it looks identical to an Amazon branded kit I bought a few years ago after misplacing my existing set. It performed admirably and the snap of the magnetic base when sticking a bit into the screwdriver was a reassuring touch that added a nice robust feeling to the toolkit. I can only take an educated guess without handling this branded model personally, but the experience is likely the same given its mirror image quality to the one I’ve used.

DeWalt Pro Wood Chisel Set (3-Piece)

DeWalt chisels are something I have lots of personal experience with. Surprisingly, even though many of the chisels I use frequently are vintage models that exist among a subset of my tools that are older than me, DeWalt-branded cutting implements are frequently the ones I use when performing a range of jobs. I’m particularly fond of the side strike chisel, which is among some of the DeWalt tools that even haters of the brand will love.

However, other chisels in the brand’s range are equally noteworthy. This solution in particular, the DeWalt Pro Wood Chisel Set, is one I gifted my father-in-law for Christmas a few years ago. I’ve used them personally, and both he and I are big fans of the experience you get from a DeWalt chisel. This three-pack features sizes ranging from ¼-inch to 1-inch, and they feature an ergonomic handle with a strike cap on the back end. The set is available from Walmart for $24, making for a cost-effective solution that’s sharp right out of the packaging and offers a robust, tempered carbon steel blade for long lasting performance. There’s a lot to like about DeWalt chisels, and they make for a great option for buyers seeking a versatile solution for renovation projects rather than a more expensive, premium brand aimed at finer woodworking tasks (although these may be capable of performing admirably in this setting, too).

Craftsman Right Angle Bit Driver Tool Set (24-Piece)

Walmart offers a wide range of Craftsman tools, and many of them would be excellent additions to a anyone seeking to build longevity and performance in their own garage or workshop. The Craftsman Right Angle Bit Driver Tool Set is one I have personal experience with. Even though you may not reach for it on a frequent basis to handle standard fasteners, the increased access you gain from a ratcheting right angle solution is unbeatable under certain circumstances. The tool features a full polished chrome finish with a 15-degree offset to its head for enhanced clearance when working in difficult recesses. The tool is available at Walmart for $33 and comes with a range of driving bits in standard sizes and drive shapes.

It’s also worth noting that the tool is backed by Craftsman’s lifetime warranty on hand tools. Even though some elements of the brand’s legendary warranty policy have been eroded in recent times, its coverage of hand tools remains intact and so this solution gains a particular advantage over alternative options. If you manage to break the tool under normal usage conditions, you can get it replaced without hassle. That adds plenty of value all on its own to your tool collection. The kit is rounded out by a storage case that makes organization and transportation simple.

Irwin ProTough Coping Saw

Irwin is among the best hand tool brands you’ll find. It matches low pricing with high quality construction, and Irwin gear can be found across the spectrum from clamps to cutting implements. The brand’s ProTough Coping Saw is a cutting solution that I have in my own collection. I love the tool, as it’s easy to use and has a comfortable handle. A coping saw is something of a niche piece of equipment so it doesn’t come out of the drawer too often, but it’s a consistent performer when the job calls for this particular solution.

The saw is available from Walmart for $17, making it a cost effective option featuring plenty of enhancements that go beyond what you might expect from a budget-friendly implement. It’s a 6-½-inch saw featuring DuraSteel pins that hold the blade in place. The ergonomic handle is a particular highlight and the tool is a joy to use.

Hart 110-Piece Screwdriver Set

The Hart 110-Piece Screwdriver Set is a great choice for a buyer seeking individual screwdrivers over a single multibit driver. There’s a lot to be said about the multibit screwdriver, and numerous excellent multibit options exist on the market. However, individual drivers in a set can make a big difference in any workflow. Instead of having to change out bits as you handle different sized screws or alternative screw head geometry, leaning on a set while working through a variety of needs can often be simpler. This is also a classic take on fastening jobs that is sure to provide comfort to those looking for a more throwback experience in their working environment. The primary offering in this kit is its individual drivers, but the set does feature a multibit handle, allowing users to stop and change their approach when necessary instead of being shoehorned into just one tool option.

In truth, there’s space for both screwdriver sets and multibit alternatives in any tool collection. This solution is in an inexpensive option, making it particularly eye catching for Walmart buyers. It’s available from the outlet for $34 and features a wide range of precision screwdrivers, standard drivers, Allen keys, and a magnetic tray. It also features nut driving bits, a collection of screwdriving bits, and the multibit head with ratcheting function for added versatility.

Methodology

I currently own or have at least used roughly half of these tools personally. Each one has made a big impact on the way I approach repairs and renovation tasks, and I would absolutely buy all of the tools I have experience with again. Some of them are favorites in my collection and come out to support jobs on a regular basis. The rest of the tools on this list have been reviewed by at least 100 buyers with the lowest score coming in at a 4.5 star average rating out of 5. Even without personal experience handling these specific products, I’ve used similar tools before and have hands-on experience with how useful they can be.





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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Spyware can track you, record calls, and steal phone data.
  • Watch for odd behavior, data spikes, unknown apps, and battery drain.
  • Use antivirus software, update regularly, and avoid untrusted app sources.

Spyware is one of the biggest threats to your mobile security and can severely impact your phone’s performance if you are unlucky enough to become infected. It is a type of malware that typically lands on your iPhone or Android phone through malicious mobile apps or through phishing links, emails, and messages.

While appearing to be a legitimate software package or useful utility, spyware will operate quietly in the background to monitor your movements, spy on your activities, and may also record your conversations, whether they are phone calls or social media threads. You may find your actions screenshotted, your call records logged, and even your physical location tracked via GPS. 

Also: 7 ways to lock down your phone’s security – before it’s too late

This information is then sent to a remote server and into the hands of someone else without your permission.

Similarly, a remote monitoring app promoted for parental use or work purposes could be abused and become a privacy invader rather than a legitimate service. 

Let’s explore the different types of spyware you might encounter, the warning signs of infection, and how to quickly remove it from your smartphone.

Spyware explained

It’s helpful to know the basic differences among types of spyware before you tackle infections on your handset.

Nuisanceware is bundled with mobile apps. It interrupts your web browsing with pop-ups, changes your homepage or search engine settings, may try to force you to watch videos, and may collect your browsing data to sell to ad agencies and networks. Although considered malvertising, it is generally not dangerous, as it focuses on generating illicit revenue by forcing ad views or clicks.

Also: As ransomware recedes, a new more dangerous digital parasite rises

There’s also generic mobile spyware. It steals operating system data, clipboard data, and anything of value, such as cryptocurrency wallet data or account credentials. Spyware isn’t always targeted and may be used in spray-and-pray phishing attacks.

Spyware may land on your device through phishing, malicious email attachments, social media links, fraudulent SMS messages, or physical device tampering.

Advanced spyware, sometimes also classified as stalkerware, is a step up from basic spyware. This malware is unethical and dangerous. It is sometimes found on desktop systems but is now more commonly installed on handsets. Stalkerware is typically used to spy on an individual and monitor what they do, say, and where they go, and is often linked to cases of domestic abuse.

Spyware and stalkerware may be used to:

  • Monitor emails, SMS, MMS messages, and other forms of communication sent and received, including Facebook and WhatsApp.
  • Intercept live cellular calls or Voice over IP (VoIP) applications.
  • Hijack camera functions to take photos and videos.
  • Screenshot mobile device screens and send them to a controller.
  • Track victims via GPS.
  • Conduct keylogging, account compromise, and data theft.

Finally, there’s government-grade commercial spyware, with Pegasus among the best-known variants. Unless you’re part of a group of specific interest to ethically challenged governments, it’s unlikely that it will impact you due to the expense of targeting victims.

Spyware warning signs

There aren’t always indicators of an infection attempt in real time, but the following scenarios could be warning signs that you are being targeted:

  • Receiving odd or unusual SMS messages, social media messages, or emails.
  • Strange permission, download, or software installation requests appear on your handset.
  • If your phone goes missing or is out of your possession for a period of time and then reappears with settings or changes you do not recognize, this may indicate that your device has been tampered with.
  • When it comes to stalkerware, initial infection messages may be more personal and tailored to the victim. Physical access to a handset may be necessary.

Also: I clicked on four sneaky online scams on purpose – to show you how they work

There are also signs you can watch for that may indicate your phone has been compromised. The most common are:

  • Power: You may experience unexpected handset battery drain, overheating, or sluggish performance.
  • Behavior: Strange behavior, such as GPS or camera functions turning themselves on and off without your input, or random reboots and unexplained crashes.
  • Pop-ups: If you are being bombarded with pop-ups, it’s likely that some form of adware is hidden on your handset. You may also find that your preferred search engine has been changed.
  • Increased cellular data usage: Information exfiltrated from your smartphone or hidden, active remote connections will use data.
  • Distortion: You may hear unusual noises or distortion during phone calls. Although this could simply be due to poor reception, it may also be a sign of interception.
  • On and off: You may also have trouble completely turning off your device, as more advanced spyware might prevent you from doing so.
  • Financial transactions: If spyware has obtained sufficient permissions, it may have signed you up for services or premium SMS plans you didn’t ask for.

Android

One telltale sign on an Android device is a setting that allows apps to be downloaded and installed outside of the official Google Play Store. If this setting is enabled, it may indicate tampering or jailbreaking without your consent. Not every form of spyware and stalkerware requires a jailbroken device, however.

Also: Your Android phone’s most powerful security feature is off by default and hidden – turn it on now

This setting is found in most modern Android builds in Settings > Security > Allow unknown sources. (This varies depending on the device and vendor.) You can also check Apps > Menu > Special Access > Install unknown apps to see if anything is unfamiliar.

Some forms of spyware also use generic names and icons to avoid detection. For example, they may appear to be useful utility apps such as calendars, calculators, utilities, or currency converters.

iOS

iOS devices that aren’t jailbroken are generally harder to infect with malware than Android handsets, unless a spyware developer is exploiting an unpatched vulnerability.

Also: How to lock down your iPhone to the extreme – so even the FBI can’t get in

However, the same principles apply. With the right tool, exploit, or software, your device could be compromised either with physical access or remotely. You may be more susceptible to infection if you have not updated your iPhone’s firmware to the latest version and you do not run frequent antivirus scans.

How to remove spyware from your smartphone

Spyware is often hard to detect and can be difficult to remove. It is not impossible in most cases, but it may take some drastic steps on your part.

When spyware, especially stalkerware, is removed, operators may receive an alert indicating that the victim’s device has been cleaned. Should the flow of your information suddenly stop, this would be another clear sign to the attacker that the malicious software has been removed. Do not tamper with your device if doing so would risk your physical safety.

Also: How to turn ChatGPT into a scam detector using the new Malwarebytes integration – for free

Instead, reach out to law enforcement and supporting agencies. Otherwise, here are some removal options:

  • Run a malware scan: There are mobile antivirus solutions available that can detect and remove spyware. This is the easiest solution available, but it may not be effective in every case. Cybersecurity vendors, including Malwarebytes.
  • Use a dedicated spyware removal tool: You can also use software specifically designed to detect and remove spyware. However, be careful to download tools only from reputable firms and official sources, as one of the most common ways to distribute malware is to disguise it as antivirus software. Check out the spyware removal apps offered by Bitdefender, Avast, and Malwarebytes.
  • Delete suspicious apps: Examine the list of installed apps on your handset and remove any you don’t recognize.
  • Check device administration controls: In advanced security settings, you can see if any suspicious apps have admin permissions. If so, you can try removing them, although this may require restoring your handset to factory settings.
  • Reboot in Safe mode: Restarting your smartphone in Safe mode prevents third-party software from running. On Android handsets, you can usually do this by long-pressing the power-off button and selecting Safe mode. This can allow you to safely uninstall apps — but it is not a failsafe solution against advanced spyware variants.
  • Update your operating system: It may seem obvious, but when an operating system releases a new version, which often includes security patches and upgrades, it can — if you’re lucky — cause conflicts and problems with spyware. Keep it updated.

Also: Rebooting your phone daily is your best defense against zero-click attacks – here’s why

If you have found suspicious software on your handset, consider changing your passwords and enabling biometrics.

If you suspect account compromise, change the passwords for every important account you have. Many of us have one or two central “hub” accounts, such as an email address linked to all of our other services. Remove access to any such hub services you use from a compromised device. 

For added security, consider changing your account passwords on a PC, forcing a logout on other devices, and enabling biometric authentication to prevent physical handset tampering.

An important point to mention is that sometimes spyware or other forms of malicious software might end up on your device via an initially benign app. There have been cases of developers releasing a genuine, useful app in official repositories, such as a currency converter or weather app, and then, after a large user base has been gathered, the developers twist the app’s functions into a Trojan through a software update.

If you recently downloaded a mobile app and now your phone is displaying odd behavior, consider removing it and running a malware scan.

Keeping spyware and stalkerware off your device

Unfortunately, no mobile device is completely protected against the scourge of spyware. However, we have provided some tips below to mitigate the risk of future infections:

  • Protect your device physically: Your first line of defense is to maintain adequate physical controls. Modern smartphones let you set PIN codes and patterns or use biometrics such as fingerprints or retina scans to prevent your handset from being physically tampered with.
  • Update your operating system: Install OS updates as soon as they are available. They contain security fixes and patches and are one of the most important lines of defense against malware.
  • Use antivirus software: Mobile antivirus solutions can detect and remove spyware. Running frequent scans will help protect your handset.
  • Only download apps from official sources: Most spyware and malware are found outside Google Play and the App Store, so be cautious about installing apps from third-party websites. Sometimes, malicious apps still slip through the net, so check reviews and app descriptions before installing anything new.
  • Enable app security: Enable built-in scanners that check any new app installs. On Android, you can find this setting in Security and privacy > App security.
  • Check permissions: You should monitor what permissions have been issued to which apps and when. If you haven’t used an app with extensive permissions for a while, consider deleting it. If any apps appear more intrusive than necessary, remove them and refuse to provide permissions on install.
  • Watch out for malicious links: Mobile malware is often spread through phishing and malicious links. These links may urge you to download apps from outside Google Play or the App Store and may be disguised as everything from antivirus software to streaming services.
  • Do not jailbreak your device: Jailbreaking not only voids your warranty but can also allow malicious apps and software to gain a deep foothold in your operating system, making removal extremely difficult.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): When account activity and logins require further consent from a mobile device, this can also help protect individual accounts. (However, spyware may intercept the codes sent during 2FA protocols.)

If all else fails: Factory reset

Performing a factory reset and clean install on the device you believe is compromised may help eradicate some forms of persistent spyware. Make sure to back up important content first, as this process can’t be reversed. 

  • On Android platforms, the reset option is usually found under Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. 
  • On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Phone.

Google’s guide to factory resetting your device can be found here, and Apple has also provided instructions on its support website.

Unfortunately, some malware may survive factory resets. Failing that, consider restoring to factory settings and then disposing of your device.

Parental control or employee monitoring apps: spyware?

There are cyberthreats around every corner, and while children often want a smartphone and to be on social media at a young age, parents want to monitor what they are viewing and who they are interacting with online in order to protect them.

This is a responsible position to take, but at their core, parental control apps are designed for surveillance — as are many “employee productivity” apps.

The main issue is the potential for abuse, turning what may have been a product developed with good intentions into invasive software used for purposes beyond protecting a minor or ensuring employee time is used wisely.

Also: The best employee monitoring software of 2026: Expert tested

A balance between a right to privacy and protection has to be maintained. With this in mind, both Apple and Google have introduced parental controls for their devices. These features focus on restricting screen time, locking and unlocking devices, managing permissions lists, restricting web content and app downloads, and approving purchases.

Regarding employee monitoring apps, don’t install them on your personal handset. If your employer insists on using them, then it should issue you a work laptop and phone.

Most common consumer monitoring apps

As we mentioned earlier, many apps may be advertised as parental control monitors or simple trackers, but their use can be unethical. Other app developers freely market their products for full device control and surveillance. 

Also: 5 ways to avoid spyware disguised as legit apps – before it’s too late

Apps often use the phrases ‘spy,’ ‘monitor,’ or ‘parental control,’ but they may also disguise themselves on a device as a utility, a game, or otherwise as an innocent piece of software.

Are Google and Apple protecting devices from spyware?

Google and Apple are generally quick to remove malicious apps that manage to evade the privacy and security protections in their respective official app stores. When individuals are considered particularly at risk, you can enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program, which provides additional security for your Android device.

Google has also banned spyware and stalkerware ads, and the firm’s Threat Analysis Group is constantly publishing research on new commercial spyware strains and their potential targets.

Apple has cracked down on parental control apps, citing privacy-invading functions as the reason for removal. The company offers its own parental device control service called Screen Time for parents who want to limit their child’s device usage.

Furthermore, the company does not allow sideloading — that is, installing third-party apps from sources other than Apple’s App Store — and is quick to remove any iOS apps that exhibit privacy-eroding functionality.

Apple also provides Lockdown Mode, an optional setting you can enable on your iOS device for extreme security. However, unless you don’t mind a heavily restricted smartphone, you should only consider this option if you are worried about commercial-grade spyware.


Consider checking out ways to remove yourself from the internet and ZDNET’s recommended data brokers of 2026.





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