10 Best Family Tracking Apps for Android and iOS [Both Free & Paid]

Have you ever thought about using a family tracking app? Have you ever heard of one before and do you know what it is capable of doing? The very best family tracking apps are there for you to use to see the whereabouts of your children and family members to ensure they are safe and secure every single day. Designed to be user-friendly and interactive, these apps will give you great insights into the locations of your young children, the texts they have received and sent as well as call logs in addition to multiple other benefits that will be truly a vital part of your family’s security.

Child safety is a huge and vital thing for any parent, it is going to be what gives you peace of mind and allows you to rest easier knowing that they are not involved with any unfamiliar people or that they are being bullied or ill-treated via social channels. The family locator feature can make sure that you know where your family is and if you track them if they are out with friends or on the road, you don’t have to worry about them. 

What To Look For When Looking For The Best Tracking Apps

Ideally, you need to look for a few key features if you want the most secure app to use for your tracking. Here are the must-have features that will make life much easier:

• Location History – This shows where the phone has been on a virtual map and what activity in these areas has occurred, photos and videos, etc.
• Virtual Geofence – General geofencing technology can only deliver an accuracy of around 100-200 meters so it can track when someone is nearby.
• Speed Alerts – This provides you with driver support and alerts you about overspeeding. Don’t let your child become another story of texting and driving accidents.
• Real-Time Location – This allows you to see where your relative is in real-time, for example, you could see at 7:38 pm where they were or as near as possible. With technology, you can use a cell phone tracker app to locate a phone by number.
• Check-Ins – This allows the user to check in on certain locations to ensure that they have arrived safely and to keep track of their location. 
• SOS Alerts – If there is an issue, you can relay messages and it is a very good form of security that allows you to stay on track.
• Cross-Platform – The family tracker app that you choose must work between both iOS and Android platforms because you may have a family who prefers a diverse set of mobile devices for themself.

How Does A Family Tracker App Work?

A family locator app helps you find another phone using GPS technology and displays the location on an interactive map. This makes it a simple and effective way to track loved ones. With a user-friendly interface, these apps are easy to navigate, allowing you to receive notifications and speed alerts, and giving you deeper insights into your family’s whereabouts.

These apps work on both Android and iOS devices. As long as the devices have GPS enabled, you can access accurate location information in real-time.

Getting started is easy—simply sign up, install the app on your phone, and do the same on your family members’ devices to link them together. Once set up, you can remotely monitor their locations, ensuring your children are in safe places and not interacting with unfamiliar or untrustworthy individuals.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

Name	Key Features	Compatibility	Price	Rating	Recommendation
Family Orbit	– GPS tracking in real-time – Screen time monitoring – Parental control for apps and websites – Alerts for location and phone activity	Android, iOS	$19.95/month [Free Trial Available]	10/10	Best Overall – Comprehensive parental control & tracking
Life360	– Real-time location tracking – Crash detection & emergency alerts – Family groups with private chat – Driving analysis & location history	Android, iOS	Free with premium plans	9/10	Best for Families – Great for real-time updates & driving safety
GeoZilla	– GPS & Cell ID tracking – Family location sharing – Geofencing alerts – Battery usage optimization	Android, iOS	Free with in-app purchases	8.5/10	Best for Simplicity – Easy to use & lightweight tracking

10 Best Family Tracker Apps for Android

1. Family Orbit

Family Orbit is the app that has it all. In addition to the location services, it also includes more than just location tracking but features that will make your phone tracking much easier and more effective. Family Orbit offers GPS tracking as well as monitoring phone usage to see how long your children have been using their apps and phones, as well as a way to limit screen time to be sure that your child isn’t overusing their phone, as well as a way to take control back to control what they can access. These features make Family Orbit a great choice overall with all these additional features. Family Orbit is $19.95 per month with a free trial. 

Key Features

• GPS location tracking in real-time
• Monitors phone usage and screen time
• Allows parental control over apps and websites
• Sends alerts for location and phone activity

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive tracking with additional parental control features
• Allows setting screen time limits
• Provides activity insights for better child monitoring

Cons:

• Higher price compared to some alternatives
• Requires an internet connection for real-time updates

Price

• $19.95 per month with a free trial available

Experience

Family Orbit stands out due to its extensive features beyond location tracking. The ability to monitor screen time and app usage makes it a well-rounded parental control tool. The app runs smoothly, with accurate tracking and customizable alerts.

2. Guardely

Guardely is the only app that combines real-time family tracking with location-based situational awareness. With unlimited searches, full access to sex offender and crime data, and instant danger alerts based on your location, you’ll always have the insights you need to stay informed and protected. Whether you’re checking in on loved ones or assessing safety in your area, Guardely ensures you’re always prepared. No other app offers this level of security and awareness in one seamless experience.

Key Features

• Real-time family tracking
• Location-based crime and sex offender alerts
• Unlimited searches for security insights
• Instant danger alerts

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Provides an extra layer of security with crime data
• Unlimited searches for situational awareness
• Simple and intuitive interface

Cons:

• Less focus on parental control
• May require a premium plan for full access

Price

• Pricing varies based on subscription options

Experience

Guardely is ideal for families concerned about safety in their surroundings. The crime data integration is unique, and alerts work efficiently. However, it’s more suited for security awareness than strict parental control.

3. 360 Sygic Family Locator

Sygic Family Locator app will let you know when a family member’s battery is low and will send you an up-to-date location at the time of notification.  It also alerts you when one of your family members has reached a specified destination. Other positives are that the app helps you track lost or stolen phones and provides a Crash Detection service, getting in touch to offer assistance for a driver. 

Key Features

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Battery level notifications
• Arrival alerts for specified destinations
• Crash Detection service

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Notifies users when a family member’s battery is low
• Helps locate lost or stolen devices
• Crash Detection is a valuable safety feature

Cons:

• Some features require a premium plan
• No in-depth phone activity monitoring

Price

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features

Experience

Sygic Family Locator performs well for tracking and safety alerts. The Crash Detection feature is impressive, making it a good choice for families with teen drivers.

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4. GeoZilla

The GeoZilla GPS Tracker device uses GPS and specialized Cell ID technology to accurately locate the device. When GeoZilla Tracker receives the location updates via a wireless GSM network. Then it transmits to the app and you can instantly find the device location.  

Key Features

• Uses GPS and Cell ID technology
• Wireless GSM network for location updates
• Syncs instantly with the app

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accurate GPS tracking
• Simple and easy to use

Cons:

• Limited features compared to competitors
• No parental control options

Price

• Free with in-app purchases

Experience

GeoZilla is a good basic tracking app. While it lacks parental control features, its GPS accuracy is reliable, making it great for tracking family members.

5. Familo

Share your location every moment, with family and friends, and locate them with just one touch as well as allow automatic notifications that pop up for you to see when other members have reached or left a certain area, such as the supermarket, school, or friend’s house. You can stay connected easily and there is a panic button in case of an emergency. Stay connected with Familonet.

Key Features

• Real-time location sharing
• Geofencing alerts for arrival/departure
• Emergency panic button

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy setup and intuitive interface
• Useful geofencing notifications

Cons:

• Lacks advanced monitoring tools
• Limited customer support

Price

• Free with premium options

Experience

Familonet is great for staying connected with family, especially with its geofencing and emergency features. It works well for basic location sharing.

6. Find My Kids

This is an app that is a GPS location tracker that is designed for child safety and parental control. This can be done discreetly and track your child without them having to even know. You can connect a GPS watch or install an app to track your child’s phone and location instantly.

Key Features

• GPS location tracker
• Discreet child tracking
• Connects to GPS watches

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Highly accurate GPS tracking
• Can be used discreetly

Cons:

• Lacks additional parental controls

Price

• Free with in-app purchases

Experience

Find My Kids is perfect for parents who need to track their child without alerting them. It’s reliable, but limited in extra features.

7. Family Link

This mobile app allows you to create a specific Google Account for your child. It appears like your own account also but you can set rules and dictate what your child sees, such as how many websites and apps they can access and for how long they can do so. 

Key Features

• Parental control over apps and screen time
• Location tracking included
• Custom Google accounts for kids

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Integrated with Google ecosystem
• Free to use

Cons:

• Only works with Google accounts
• Not a dedicated tracking app

Price

• Free

Experience

Family Link is great for managing app usage and basic tracking, but it’s not a full-fledged GPS tracking solution.

8. Tracker Sprint

Powered by the Safe & Found app, Tracker Sprint provides a parental control platform that provides you with real-time location tracking.

Key Features

• Real-time tracking
• Parental control platform

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple and effective tracking

Cons:

• Basic features compared to competitors

Price

• Pricing varies

Experience

Tracker Sprint is decent for location tracking but lacks advanced features.

9. Family Locator

Family Locator lets you stay linked to your family members during the day and will allow you to share statuses via GPS. You can easily install the Life360 Family Locator app on your phone, and invite your family to join also so you can all stay connected. 

Key Features

• GPS tracking and status updates
• Family groups for location sharing

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Well-established app

Cons:

• Requires subscription for premium features

Price

• Free with premium plans

Experience

Life360 remains one of the best-known tracking apps, offering great tracking features.

10. Glympse

Glympse – You can share your real-time location using GPS tracking on your mobile device with Glympse, with any of your family, friends, or even colleagues. You can choose who sees and when and it can be used by parents to monitor children’s habits.

Key Features

• Real-time location sharing
• Custom visibility settings

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No account required
• Works on multiple devices

Cons:

• No long-term tracking

Price

• Free

Experience

Glympse is great for short-term tracking but not ideal for ongoing family monitoring.

Testing Criteria

Our reviews were conducted by expert testers using Android and iOS devices, evaluating ease of use, accuracy, privacy settings, and battery consumption across various real-world scenarios.

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It’s so important to use tracking services to your advantage. It is a way not only to stay safe but also to stay connected and stay in sync with your entire family. You can help coordinate your family events and daily life and be sure that they are not involved with any activity that is dangerous. Particularly important for younger children who may be talking to people they shouldn’t or perhaps even being bullied online. It is a way for parents to stay on top of that and discuss the topic if the need arises. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which family tracking app offers the best accuracy? Family Orbit and Life360 are among the most accurate, providing real-time updates with minimal lag.

2. Can family tracking apps work without an internet connection? Most require internet access, but some, like Find My Kids, can use SMS-based tracking as a backup.

3. How do these apps handle privacy concerns? Most apps offer encryption and privacy settings to control who can see location data.

4. Do tracking apps drain phone battery quickly? Real-time GPS tracking can impact battery life, but apps like Sygic Family Locator offer battery-saving features.

5. Are there any free family tracking apps worth using? Google Family Link and Life360 offer free versions with decent tracking capabilities.

Conclusion

These apps will use the Cloud and GPS sensors to safely track and you can update as you go, telling people you will be late, so they do not worry or informing them of your location to prove that you are going to be late for work or late home from your meeting, or even your teenage child who is coming home from a friend’s house, you can ensure that they are in fact doing so.

It allows you to stay on top of things easier as well as features, especially on Family Orbit, that will allow you to keep track of what they are getting up to online. Social media is a scary world and younger children can be easily led and bullied online which is a frightening thought for parents. A lot of family tracking apps are free but they do not often have the features that will really help keep you safe.

Investing in a good app is going to be vital. Whilst these may vary in pricing schemes, you should look for the best features and what will be the best investment for your family. Safety should always come first, so be sure to download the best app that will be the most beneficial to your family, allowing safety and security across all areas. Never worry about your relative again and be aware when they are speeding as well as when they are nearby and when they are due home. It takes the worry out of a lack of communication and allows you to raise the alarm if something is wrong. Take back control today with the best family tracking apps!