Top 10 Location Tracking Apps for Personal Safety and Security

In one of our previous articles, we talked about how location tracking apps can help families protect each other, especially children, and find my phone location by number (or other family members’). Today we want to continue this topic and tell you about the 10 most popular applications, their main features, pros and cons. Make yourself comfortable - we're starting.

1. Number Tracker

Number Tracker is a family safety app that allows users to be close with their loved ones even from afar thanks to real-time location tracking, driving reports and various safety features that keep families safe and informed.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Users can share their real-time location with family members and close friends.

2. Place Alerts: Notifies users when a family member arrives at or leaves designated places (e.g., home, school, work).

3. Driving Safety: Monitors driving behavior (speed, rapid acceleration and hard braking).

4. Digital Safety: Provides protection against main digital crimes (e.g., identity theft, phishing, data breaches). 

5. Location History: You can check the history of movements of your loved ones to understand their behavioral patterns.

6. Joint Routes: Together with your friends and family, you can create routes for meetings and outings.

Pros:

• Comprehensive family safety features.

• Driving reports can improve teen driving habits.

• Easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• Can drain battery life.

• A new app with few ads.

• Available on the App Store only.
  

  

2. Glympse

Glympse is a simple and effective location sharing app that allows users to share their real-time location temporarily with friends, family or colleagues. It requires no sign-up and is designed for ease of use. It is perfect for short-term location sharing.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Send real-time location updates to friends and family without needing to sign up.

2. ETA Sharing: Share your estimated time of arrival with contacts.

3. Temporary Sharing: Location sharing is temporary and expires after a set time.

4. Integration: Compatible with social media, messaging apps, email.

Pros:

• No need for recipients to download the app.

• Easy to use with temporary sharing options.

• No sign-up required for basic features.

Cons:

• Limited to temporary location sharing.

• Fewer safety features compared to other apps.

• Privacy concerns if links are shared broadly.

3. Find My (Apple)

Find My is an Apple-exclusive app that helps users locate their Apple devices and share their location with family members. It combines device tracking with family location sharing and offers robust security features for lost or stolen devices.

Main Features:

1. Device Tracking: Locate Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods).

2. Family Sharing: Share locations with family members using Family Sharing.

3. Lost Mode: Lock and track a lost device, display a message and erase data remotely.

4. Notifications: Receive notifications when family members arrive or leave a location.

Pros:

• Integrated with Apple’s ecosystem.

• Robust security features for lost devices.

• No additional subscription needed for basic features.

Cons:

• Only available for Apple devices.

• Limited cross-platform compatibility.

• Privacy concerns with constant location sharing.

4. Google Maps

Google Maps is a versatile navigation app that also offers location sharing features. Users can share their real-time location with friends and family, view local information and use the app for various navigation needs.

Main Features:

1. Location Sharing: Share real-time location with contacts for a specified duration.

2. Navigation: Provides directions for driving, walking, biking and public transportation.

3. Local Information: Offers information about nearby places, businesses and reviews.

4. Timeline: Shows past locations and routes.

Pros:

• Multi-functional app with navigation features.

• Easy integration with other Google services.

• Temporary location sharing options.

Cons:

• Extensive data collection and privacy concerns.

• Battery drain due to GPS usage.

• Some features require a Google account.

5. Family Locator by Sygic

It is a location tracking app for family safety. It allows real-time location sharing, geofencing and has an SOS button for emergencies.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Share your real-time location with family members.

2. Geofencing: Set up safe zones and receive notifications when family members enter or leave these areas.

3. Check-Ins: Family members can check in to let others know they are safe.

4. SOS Button: Sends an emergency alert with the user's location to all family members.

Pros:

• Detailed family safety features.

• Customizable geofencing alerts.

• Integrated chat functionality.

Cons:

• Some features require a premium subscription.

• Occasional accuracy issues with location tracking.

• Can be battery-intensive.

6. GeoZilla

It is a family safety app that provides real-time location tracking, geofencing and emergency alerts. It helps families stay always close and ensure the safety of their loved ones.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Users can share their location with family members.

2. Geofencing: Set safe zones and receive notifications when family members enter or leave these areas.

3. Location History: View the location history of family members over a specific period.

4. Emergency Alerts: Send SOS alerts to family members with your location.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.

• Comprehensive family safety features.

• Battery-saving mode.

Cons:

• Some features require a premium subscription.

• Accuracy can sometimes be inconsistent.

• Battery drain if used continuously.

7. FamiSafe

FamiSafe is a parental control and location tracking app with many features that help its users monitor and protect children. It provides real-time tracking, geofencing and activity reports.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Tracking: Monitor the real-time location of your children.

2. Geofencing: Set up safe zones and receive alerts when children enter or leave these areas.

3. Activity Reports: Get detailed reports on your child's daily activities, e.g., app usage and screen time.

4. Emergency Alerts: Receive instant notifications in case of emergencies.

Pros:

• Extensive parental control features.

• Easy to use and set up.

• Provides peace of mind for parents.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription for full access.

• Can be intrusive for older children.

• Potential privacy concerns.

8. Find My Kids

Find My Kids is a GPS tracking app for parents that want to monitor the location of their children. It has real-time location tracking, geofencing and an SOS button for emergencies.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Tracking: Track your child's location in real-time.

2. Geofencing: Set safe zones and receive alerts when your child enters or leaves these areas.

3. SOS Button: Sends an emergency alert with the child's location to parents.

4. Activity Monitoring: Monitor your child's phone usage and receive detailed reports.

Pros:

• Child-friendly interface.

• Good tracking and safety features.

Cons:

• Subscription required for full features.

• Can be seen as invasive by older children.

• Occasional issues with accuracy.

9. Trusted Contacts

This is a personal safety app by Google that allows users to share their location with trusted contacts. It offers real-time location sharing and an emergency alert feature.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Share your location with trusted contacts in real-time.

2. Emergency Alerts: Send an SOS alert to your trusted contacts with your location.

3. Request Location: Trusted contacts can request your location if they are concerned about your safety.

4. Offline Tracking: Even if your phone is offline, it can send your last known location to your trusted contacts.

Pros:

• Simple and easy to use.

• No subscription required.

• Offline tracking capability.

Cons:

• Limited to basic safety features.

• No geofencing or advanced tracking options.

• Dependent on Google services.
  

  

10. iSharing

iSharing is a location tracking app that allows users to share their real-time location with family and friends. It provides features like geofencing, location history and an SOS alert button.

Main Features:

1. Real-Time Location Sharing: Share your location with family and friends in real-time.

2. Geofencing: Set up safe zones and receive notifications when someone enters or leaves these areas.

3. Location History: View the location history of your contacts over a specific period.

4. SOS Alert: Send an emergency alert with your location to your contacts.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.

• Tracking features.

Cons:

• Some features require a premium subscription.

• Can be battery-intensive.

• Privacy concerns with continuous location sharing.

These location tracking apps offer a lot of features that are developed to enhance personal safety and family coordination. Each app has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on your personal needs and device compatibility. 

So Many Options…

Choosing a good location tracking app is like finding a needle in a haystack; you need to sift through the options to find the gem that truly fits your needs. Look for an app that is as reliable as a Swiss watch, with real-time tracking, robust privacy features and good user experience. 

Remember, always check user reviews and test the app's performance before committing. With the right choice, you will have peace of mind knowing that those you care about are always within reach, even when they are miles away.