13 Performance Tires With The Best Treadwear Ratings







Choosing a tire today can be surprisingly difficult, given the sheer number of options spread across different categories and manufacturers. Price, warranty, and use case are all important, but in many cases, people opt for the tire they believe will last them the longest. 

In 2026, the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) rating is a leading standard. This system measures tires on several performance aspects, and longevity is one of them. You’ll often see ratings like UTQG 400 or UTQG 600. The way that works is that every tire is graded versus a UTQG 100 reference tire that should last roughly 10,000 to 15,000 miles. A UTQG 200 tire is expected to last twice as long as a 100, and a 400 twice as long as a 200. 

So, if you’re shopping for a performance tire that will go the distance, below is a list of tires that should last longer than your standard performance tire. 

Toyo Extensa HP II

The Toyo Extensa HP II is the first of many all-season performance tires to make the list. It’s a high-performance all-season tire and one of two Toyo tires that could’ve made this list. The other is the Toyo Proxes Sport A/S+, which has similar UTQG ratings across most of its sizes, but the variability keeps it off the list. The Japanese tire maker offers the Extensa HP II in dozens of sizes and should fit most vehicles, but Toyo says that the tire is specifically made for sports cars, sporty coupes, and performance sedans. 

The tire carries a rating of 500 UTQG, which was the minimum score for inclusion on this list. It maintains this rating across all of its sizes (unlike the aforementioned Proxes Sport A/S+), and the manufacturer offers a 45,000-mile warranty. Those are all very decent specs, and based on Tire Rack’s ratings, it shouldn’t have any problems maintaining that treadwear rating, provided that they’re driven correctly. User reviews are largely positive, and all things considered, the Extensa HP II is a decently long-lasting performance tire. 

Cooper Cobra Instinct

Cooper Tires enters the chat with a strong set of performance tires that are made in America. The brand is one of several to come out of Ohio, where it still makes tires to this day, despite being owned by Goodyear. The brand’s contender for this list is the Cooper Cobra Instinct. It’s a slightly more accessible tire, built for luxury sedans, sports cars, and Cooper even gives a nod to family sedans in its product description, despite being an ultra-high-performance all-season tire. It’s available in dozens of sizes, so it should fit most cars in its target demographic. 

The Cooper Cobra Instinct comes in with a UTQG 500 rating, which puts it in contention with several other tires. It isn’t the only performance tire to do so with Cooper’s branding. The Zeon RS3-G1 also has a UTQG 500 rating across its entire lineup. However, the Cobra Instinct has better overall Tire Rack ratings in every category, so we went with that one. It sports a 45,000-mile warranty, which is slightly lower than some competitors, which is the only reason it’s not higher on the list. 

Vredestein Hypertrac All Season

Vredestein isn’t a household name like Michelin or Firestone, but by all accounts, it can hang with the big boys, and its inclusion on the list is further proof of that. In the performance tire segment, Vredestein has several options, but the longest-lasting one appears to be the Hypertrac All-Season tires. These are categorized as ultra-high-performance all-season tires that are specifically made for performance sedans, sports cars, luxury sedans, and other high-end cars. Vredestein says it’s designed for predictable handling in wet and dry conditions and can also handle light snow. Tire Rack’s ratings back up this claim, giving this tire one of the few “good” ratings of any performance tire from any brand. 

The Hypertrac All-Season tires boast a 500 UTQG rating, and based on Tire Rack’s ratings, it’s near the top of the charts in dry and wet grip and is among the best in its category for snow. However, some other brands have slightly higher overall treadwear ratings within the same 500 UTQG category. The brand backs up its rating with a 50,000-mile warranty, which is a big more than some other brands. 

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+

Bridgestone Tires is a pretty big player in tires, and it also owns several other tire brands, so Bridgestone’s inclusion on the list shouldn’t come as a surprise. There were a few tires to choose from for this list, but we ultimately went with the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+. This ultra-high performance all-season tire was developed for the usual suspects like sports cars and luxury sedans. Like most of the tires on the list, it comes in dozens of sizes, so it should fit most vehicles that it was designed to fit. 

The RE980AS+ comes with a UTQG rating of 500 across its entire size lineup, which is on par with several other tires. This one got put a little higher on the list thanks to its treadwear ratings on Tire Rack and also because of its slightly more generous 50,000-mile warranty. It handedly beat out the Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS, which also has a UTQG 500 rating and a 50,000-mile warranty, but slightly worse ratings overall on Tire Rack. Both of them should last a good, long while, though, so both could easily fit on this list. 

Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires are often listed on lists such as this one since it does have a superior UTQG rating. There was no way Michelin wasn’t going to make at least one appearance on this list since it is routinely scores at or near the top of Consumer Reports ratings. It also has one of the most interesting warranties for any tire on the list. Any Pilot Sport All Season 4 tire with a V speed rating gets a 30,000-mile warranty, while the other speed ratings get a 45,000-mile warranty. So, if you do buy one of these, get the one with a higher speed rating for the better warranty. 

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 comes with a 540 UTQG rating, and that’s across every size and speed rating, even the one with 30,000 miles. That’s a little unusual since other brands often have their tires at different ratings at different sizes. In any case, this tire steps above several others, and despite its shorter warranty, it should perform pretty well. It’s also designed for the usual stuff like sports cars along with crossovers and SUVs.

Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season

Goodyear is a massive player in the tire game, with roughly a dozen tire brands under its umbrella. Its main branding still makes tires, though, and they make some pretty good ones. One such example is the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season tire, which is an ultra-high performance all-season tire that is designed for sports cars, sedans, and even performance-oriented light trucks, which is a first for this list so far. Its Tire Rack ratings show no obvious weaknesses, and customer reviews agree that it’s a decent overall tire. 

It sports a 560 UTQG rating, a step up from many competitors when it comes to performance tires. Goodyear keeps this rating across the entire size lineup, so it doesn’t matter which one you buy. It backs up its rating with a six-year, 50,000-mile warranty, which is a reasonable warranty for this treadwear rating. There are several tires in the 560 UTQG rating, though, and most of them score better on Tire Rack metrics than Goodyear, so it’s good, but it’s not great. This would probably be further down the list if the UTQG rating were lower. 

Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

Continental is a German tire maker and another big player in the tire market. It also owns nearly a dozen other tire brands, including well-known brands like Uniroyal and General. Among its product portfolio, we think the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is appropriate for this list. It’s designed for most vehicles, including sedans, sports cars, luxury sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. As such, it comes in a metric ton of sizes. Despite its wide availability, Continental classifies it as an ultra-high performance all-season tire, and with over 7,000 reviews on Tire Rack, it’s also one of the most popular tires on the list. 

It also lasts a long time, sporting a UTQG 560 rating across its extensive size lineup. Continental backs it up with a 50,000-mile warranty, and Tire Rack gives it good marks for treadwear. Realistically, all the relevant treadwear stats are the same as the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season. However, Tire Rack does deem the Continental a superior tire overall in terms of traction in all conditions and comfort, and so that served as the tiebreaker for Continental. 

Kumho Ecsta Sport A/S

Kumho is a South Korean tire maker that you may be familiar with because the company make a lot of OEM tires for various automakers. It commonly trades blows with the likes of Goodyear and other tire brands on Consumer Reports, so it’s an overall reasonably good tire company. Kumho’s entrant on this list is the Ecsta Sport A/S. This is an ultra-high performance all-season tire made for the usual luxury and sports cars that boasts decent stats on sites like Tire Rack, where it excels at wet and dry traction, and can do the occasional light snow if you really need it to. 

It also performs admirably on longevity with a UTQG 560 rating across its entire size lineup. This is paired with an 8.7 treadwear rating on Tire Rack, and backed with a six-year, 50,000-mile warranty. All that data suggests that Kumho does pretty well among 560-rated tires, and has pretty good odds that it’ll make its longevity estimates pretty reliably as long as you drive the car reasonably. It has slightly better ratings than the Goodyear and Continental above, so it gets better list placement. 

Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3

Formula 1 fans are no doubt familiar with Pirelli, as the racing organization sources tires exclusively from Pirelli and has since 2011. The brand’s consumer tires aren’t quite that hardcore, but they often rank really well in the upper echelon of tires, often trading blows with Michelin and other top tire brands. So, it should be no surprise that Pirelli is pretty far up the list. The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 is about as good as it gets in terms of performance tire longevity from the brand. Pirelli markets these to sports cars, EVs, luxury sedans, and sporty coupes. 

The tire has a UTQG 560 rating across its entire size lineup. It also comes with a standard 50,000-mile warranty over six years, although Pirelli does say that the mileage is cut in half if the back tires are different sizes than the front, and EVs only get 80% of the stated mileage. That than that little caveat, the P Zero AS Plus 3 has (or is tied for) the highest rating among the UTQG 560 tire competitors, which includes treadwear, so it gets top placement among that segment. 

Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S

Yokohama is a pretty well-known Japanese tire maker, and while it doesn’t necessarily compete with the top tire makers in the segment, it can still put out a really good tire from time to time. One such example is the Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S, a tire that is make specifically for EVs. This is kind of a big deal because you can put most tires on an EV. However, because they’re heavier and produce more torque than regular gas vehicles, tire manufacturers often shorten their warranties when their rubber is put on one. Yokohama made this tire specifically for EV use, and as such, it has some advantages for EV drivers. 

On paper, longevity is pretty good, with the tire having a UTQG of 580. Tire Rack and other authorities don’t have treadwear ratings out for this tire yet, so we’re unsure of how reliably the tire will be able to hit that metric. The brand does offer a 55,000-mile warranty, even when shoed on an EV, which is higher than some other brands when equipped on an EV, making it an interesting option for folks who drive one. 

Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S

Falken is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Tire, and most of its tires are manufactured in Japan. The brand makes all sorts of tires, including the Falken Ziex ZE950 AS, which is the brand’s ultra-high performance all-season tire option. Unlike most of the tires on the list, Falken markets this brand to family vehicles like sedans and coupes over the usual performance tire customers like sports cars and luxury sedans, although drivers of those vehicles can certainly still buy these tires for their car. 

The Ziex ZE950 AS tires come with several UTQG ratings based on size. They range from 500 to 600. Thus, they could either be toward the bottom of the list or toward the top, depending on how you look at it. We placed it closer to the top because the UTQG 600 tires have an excellent 65,000-mile warranty, while the UTQG 500 versions have a respectable 45,000-mile warranty. The difference here is once again speed rating, like it was for the Michelin tire above, where H and V-rated tires get the 65,000-mile warranty, and the W-rated tires. If you’re curious what all that means, here is Tire Rack’s primer on the speed rating system.

Hankook Ventus S1 AS

Hankook makes its return to the list with the Ventus S1 AS H125. This tire is perhaps best known as the OEM tire for some Tesla models, which is a tall order since EVs chew through tires more quickly than regular gas cars. Tesla recommends this tire for replacements as well. For shoppers, Hankook markets the tire for sports cars, performance coupes, and high-performance sedans. Like every other tire on the list, it’s categorized as an ultra-high performance all-season tire. Even Hankook admits that most buyers of this tire are replacing the original OEM tires on their vehicles, which is perfectly okay. 

The UTQG rating on these tires range from 560 on the low end to 620 on the high end. These were difficult to determine placement since the warranty maxes out at 50,000 miles, which is less than other tires that reach these lofty tread life ratings. However, it’s likely that the warranty takes into account that Tesla owners will buy it, and so the EV penalty is built into the warranty coverage. It’s not great for gas car owners, but it’s hard to beat for EV owners. 

Sumitomo HTR A/S P03

Sumitomo Tires is the flagship brand of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which owns a couple other tire brands like Falken and Dunlop. Topping the list, at least for now, is the brand’s HTR A/S P03 tire. Like most other tires in the ultra-high performance all-season segment, Sumitomo makes these tires with powerful vehicles in mind and adds the tread life to match. It also garners good ratings on Tire Rack, with wet and dry traction being the stars of the show. 

The HTR A/S P03 has a variable UTQG rating based on its speed rating, which isn’t unusual. Tires start with a UTQG 540 rating and max out at a UTQG 640 rating, which is the single highest UTQG rating of any tire on the list right now. Its warranty is similarly fragmented, with the UTQG 540 tires getting a 45,000-mile warranty while the 640 rated models get 65,000 miles. So, in terms of pure longevity, Sumitomo has the biggest numbers on paper, but depending on what size and speed rating you need, the Yokohamas along with the UTQG 560 tires may actually last you longer. Make sure to check before purchase. 

How we chose these tires

Choosing tires for this list was surprisingly easy, but a little tedious. Every tire has a UTQG rating, and we chose the 13 highest ratings among performance tires specifically. We started at Tire Rack’s brand webpage and simply clicked on every performance tire until we had a good set of 13 ready to go. You are more than welcome to do the same and check our work if you’d like. 

You may have noticed a pattern while reading the article up to this point, and the pattern is that every tire listed is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire. During research for this article, it became immediately apparent that all-season models lasted much longer than summer tires, which usually hang out in the UTQG 200-400 area thanks to their softer rubber compounds, and that’s why no summer tires made this list. 

Any ties that occurred, like the multiple UTQG 500 and 560 tires, were settled with Tire Rack treadwear ratings, user reviews, and warranty length. So, if two tires had a UTQG 500 rating, the ones with better warranty, higher Tire Rack ratings, and more positive user reviews were placed higher on the list. 





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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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