Certo AntiSpy
certosoftware.com
What it is
Certo AntiSpy is an Android security app that scans for spyware, stalkerware, viruses, trojans, and other suspicious activity. Checks include keyloggers, rooting, device administrator privileges, and apps using accessibility features to monitor activity. Most detected threats can be removed with one tap; cases needing manual action come with instructions. Intruder features can alert users to access attempts, trigger an alarm, or secretly take a photo. A privacy audit identifies apps using sensitive permissions, including camera, microphone, and location, so users can revoke access. Breach Check searches the dark web for accounts or passwords that may have appeared in data breaches. Premium Plus includes Certo Secure VPN, which the product page says encrypts browsing connections, including on public Wi-Fi. Certo says scan analysis happens locally, files and app data are not uploaded to its servers, and removal requires user approval. The Android app runs on phones and tablets with Android 7.0 or later and does not require a computer to scan. The free AntiSpy plan costs nothing and includes spyware detection, threat removal, and a privacy audit. Paid monthly plans are $4.99 a month for Premium and $8.99 a month for Premium Plus; Premium yearly is $27.99 a year.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Certo AntiSpy scans iPhone and Android devices for spyware, stalkerware and other security vulnerabilities, then reports or removes detected threats.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Purpose
- Certo AntiSpy is an Android security app that scans for spyware, stalkerware, viruses and trojans.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Support
- Certo's Help Center provides iPhone and Android getting-started guides, troubleshooting articles and contact support.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Headquarters
- The company lists Unit 1, Vickers House, Basingstoke, Hampshire, United Kingdom as its address.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Company
- The About page says Certo Software was founded in August 2015 by two cybersecurity experts.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Android support
- The Android app supports phones and tablets running Android 7.0 or newer and was stated to be tested through Android 17.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Breach Check
- Premium plans check whether accounts or passwords appear in data breaches or on the dark web.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Company founding
- Certo's own history says the company was founded in August 2015 by two cybersecurity experts.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Company legal name
- The maker identifies itself as Certo Software Limited, registered in England and Wales under company number 10072356.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Company profile
- Crunchbase describes Certo Software as an active private security-software company headquartered in Basingstoke with 1–10 employees.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists Certo Software as privately held with 2–10 employees and headquarters in Basingstoke.Read 14 Oct 2026 · uk.linkedin.com
- Desktop requirements
- The iPhone agent requires a 1GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 500MB disk, 1024×768 display, internet, USB and Windows 10 or macOS 12 Monterey or later.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Documentation depth
- The public help area contains user setup and troubleshooting material but does not list a developer API or SDK documentation.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Intruder alerts
- The app can alert users when someone tries to access the device, trigger an alarm or secretly take an intruder photo.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Intruder detection
- Android Premium features can alert on attempted access, sound an alarm or secretly photograph the person trying to enter the device.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- iPhone computer requirement
- The iPhone desktop product requires a Windows or Mac computer connected over USB because iOS apps cannot access all spyware-relevant areas.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Keylogger detection
- It checks for malicious keyboards that could record typed information such as passwords.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Limit: detection concerns
- A Google Play reviewer reported that the app failed to detect spyware they believed was present.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Limit: installation and pairing
- G2 reviewers report that installation can take too long and that pairing with a Microsoft computer can be difficult.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Limit: paid advanced features
- Google Play reviewers complain that breach checking and intruder detection require an upgrade and that the free offering feels limited.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Limit: scan speed
- A G2 reviewer says virus detection sometimes takes too long, while an App Store reviewer found the on-screen instructions too fast to follow comfortably.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Local Android analysis
- Certo says Android scan analysis runs locally and that app data and files are not uploaded to its servers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Notable milestone
- Certo reports reaching one million protected devices across iOS and Android in September 2024.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Notable news
- Certo says it discovered an iOS malicious-custom-keyboard keylogger threat in December 2023.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- On-device processing
- The product page says scan analysis runs locally, app data and files are not uploaded to Certo servers, and removal requires explicit approval.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- OS integrity check
- The software examines operating-system integrity for tampering indicators such as jailbreaking.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Praise: feature coverage
- App Store reviewers praise the free security checks, Wi‑Fi scanning and broad security information presented in a simple interface.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Praise: reassurance
- Trustpilot reviewers commonly praise straightforward installation, thorough scans and peace of mind after clean results.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
- Praise: usability
- G2 reviewers repeatedly describe Certo as convenient, easy to use and understandable for nontechnical users.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Privacy audit
- Its privacy feature identifies apps accessing camera, microphone, location and other permissions so users can revoke invasive permissions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Privacy data collection
- Certo's policy says its apps may collect device, operating-system, usage and scan-result data for product improvement and troubleshooting.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Privacy policy data
- Certo's privacy policy says its software may collect device and usage data, including operating system and security scan results, to improve products and troubleshoot.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Proprietary licence
- GoodFirms categorizes Certo AntiSpy as proprietary software rather than open source.Read 14 Oct 2026 · goodfirms.co
- Protection scope
- complete securityRead 21 Sep 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 4.7 out of 5 from 111 ratings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on G2
- 2.8 out of 5 from 6 reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Rating on Google Play
- 4.7 out of 5 from about 3.3K reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Rating on Trustpilot
- 4.5 out of 5 from 37 reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
- Recent release information
- The Google Play listing says the Android app was updated on July 9, 2026, with bug fixes noted in the current release entry.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Refund
- The product page offers a full refund if requested within 30 days of purchase.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Spyware detection
- The product claims an engine that identifies spyware and bugging software on mobile devices.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Stalkerware initiative
- Certo says it joined the Coalition Against Stalkerware to combat non-consensual tracking and support survivors of tech abuse.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Standalone use
- The Android app runs on the phone or tablet and does not require a computer to scan.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Supported platforms
- Android,iOS,Windows,macOSRead 21 Sep 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Threat detection
- It scans for spyware, viruses, trojans, keyloggers, rooting, suspicious device administrator privileges and apps using accessibility features to monitor activity.Read 9 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Threat removal
- Detected threats can usually be removed in one tap, while cases needing manual action receive in-app instructions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- Tracking-app detection
- It identifies applications with access to location, microphone or camera and flags known tracking apps.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- VPN
- Premium Plus adds Certo Secure VPN for encrypted browsing on public or private networks.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
- VPN provider
- The privacy policy identifies GZ Systems Ltd, trading as PureVPN, as the third-party infrastructure provider for the in-app VPN.Read 14 Oct 2026 · certosoftware.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Most detected threats can be removed with one tap.
- Scans run locally, according to the product page.
- Supports Android 7.0 and above.
Limits
- Premium pricing is $4.99 a month.
- Premium Plus costs $8.99 a month.
- The stated device support is Android phones and tablets.
Who it suits
Certo AntiSpy suits Android phone and tablet users who want spyware detection, threat removal, and privacy checks without connecting a computer. Users considering VPN or breach-check features should review the paid plan details.
Certo AntiSpy in depth
Read the full write-up
Certo AntiSpy is a phone and tablet security app focused on spyware and unwanted monitoring. It suits Android users who want to find threats and review app permissions without connecting a computer. The free tier handles core scans and removal; paid tiers add ongoing safeguards, but the monthly and yearly plans are the clearest choices if you need a known price.
Overview
AntiSpy looks beyond conventional malware: it checks for stalkerware, keyloggers, suspicious administrator privileges and apps abusing accessibility features to monitor activity. That makes it particularly relevant when the concern is someone tracking or controlling a device, not just a conventional virus. Most detected threats can be removed with one tap, while cases needing manual steps come with instructions.
Scanning runs locally, and app data and files are not uploaded to Certo servers; removal also requires explicit approval. That is a useful privacy safeguard for a security app handling sensitive device checks. Certo's privacy policy still says its software may collect device and usage data, including operating-system information and scan results, for product improvement and troubleshooting.
Key features
Threat scanning and removal: The free plan includes detection and removal. One-tap removal for most threats reduces the work after a scan, while guided manual steps acknowledge that some cases need more intervention.
Intruder alerts: Paid Premium can alert users to attempted access, sound an alarm or secretly take an intruder photo. These features address physical access to a device, rather than replacing threat scanning.
Privacy audit: Included free, it identifies apps accessing the camera, microphone, location and other permissions, so users can revoke access they consider invasive.
Breach Check: Premium checks the dark web for accounts or passwords that may have appeared in breaches, extending protection beyond the phone itself.
VPN: Premium Plus adds Certo Secure VPN, which encrypts browsing connections, including on public Wi-Fi. It is the tier to consider if that extra protection is useful; otherwise it adds a cost for a separate need.
Pricing
The free AntiSpy plan costs nothing and includes spyware detection, threat removal and the privacy audit. It is a meaningful starting point for users who want to scan and act on findings without paying, but it does not include real-time protection, intruder detection or breach checks.
AntiSpy Premium (monthly) costs $4.99 a month, billed $4.99 /month, and adds real-time protection, Stop Intruders and Breach Check alongside all free features. The subscription renews automatically, though it can be cancelled anytime. It fits users who want those ongoing and account-focused protections without the VPN.
AntiSpy Premium (yearly) costs $27.99 a year, billed $27.99 /year, with the same features and automatic renewal and cancellation terms. The plan says yearly billing saves 53% compared with monthly billing, making it the lower-cost stated option for someone prepared to commit to annual renewal.
AntiSpy Premium Plus (monthly) costs $8.99 a month, billed $8.99 /month, and includes all Premium features plus Certo Secure VPN. It also renews automatically and can be cancelled anytime. This is the fit for buyers who want the VPN bundled in; those who do not need it can pay less with Premium.
AntiSpy Premium, Premium Plus and Certo AntiSpy also appear as plans with custom pricing. A 7-day trial and a full refund within 30 days of purchase offer a short evaluation window and a purchase safeguard.
Platforms
The app runs on Android phones and tablets from Android 7.0 onward, and does not require a computer to scan. Certo says support was last verified on Android 17. The platform range also includes iOS, Windows and macOS, but the scanning and threat details described here are for the Android app.
Who it's for
AntiSpy is a strong fit for Android users concerned about spyware, stalkerware or intrusive app permissions, especially those who want removal guidance as well as detection. The coalition membership Certo cites—its participation in the Coalition Against Stalkerware—also reflects a focus on non-consensual tracking and support for survivors of tech abuse. Users seeking a broader set of paid protections should weigh the Premium additions against their recurring price; those who only want core detection and privacy checks can stay on free.
Pros and cons
Pro: Free detection, removal and permission auditing make the basic plan useful without a subscription.
Pro: Local scan analysis and explicit removal approval limit unnecessary data transfer and prevent automatic removal.
Pro: Premium's intruder alerts and breach checks address risks that a spyware scan alone would miss.
Con: The 3-device Certo AntiSpy plan has custom pricing, leaving buyers without a stated cost to compare.
Con: Premium subscriptions renew automatically, so users must cancel if they do not want a renewal.
Con: The core scanning support described is Android-specific, which may disappoint buyers expecting the same security functions across every platform named.
Alternatives
For a broader antivirus comparison, start with the Antivirus software list; for tools centered on removing malware, use the Malware Removal Software list.
BitNinja is a freemium option spanning Android, API, Linux, self-hosted and web platforms, with a free VPS tier capped at 2 vCPU, 2 GB RAM and 10 hosted users; it is the relevant alternative when those VPS-oriented limits and platforms match the use case.
Microsoft Quick Assist is free and supports Windows, macOS and web, with macOS and web access limited to Microsoft Support interactions; choose it for that support interaction rather than Android anti-spyware scanning.
Comodo Internet Security is a freemium Windows option whose Pro plan is $39.99 a year; choose it when Windows antivirus and firewall protection are the priority.
Dr.Web LiveDisk is a free Windows and Linux recovery tool run from DVD or USB, better suited to system recovery than an on-device Android scan.
Malwarebytes Premium covers Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and extensions, with device-based plans including one-device and three-device tiers; consider it if that broader platform range is important.
Spybot – Search & Destroy offers a free Windows edition with anti-spyware scanning and removal, rootkit scanning, system immunization and startup tools; it is a Windows-focused alternative.
ClamAV is a free open-source antivirus engine for Linux, macOS, Windows, API and self-hosted use; choose it if an open-source engine rather than a phone app is the requirement.
Verdict
Choose Certo AntiSpy if you use Android and want spyware detection, practical removal support and a free audit of app permissions, with optional intruder and breach safeguards. Its clearest advantage is the combination of detection and response with privacy checks; look elsewhere if you need a stated price for the 3-device plan or expect the detailed Android protections to be established across iOS, Windows and macOS.
Verdict
Certo AntiSpy combines threat scanning with removal guidance, intruder alerts, and permission auditing on Android devices. The free plan covers core detection and privacy features; paid options add real-time protection, breach checks, or VPN.
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