When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn The best family tracker apps can be your strongest line of defense when it comes to keeping your loved ones safe.
Whether it’s knowing if your kid has got home safe from school or monitoring the whereabouts of a vulnerable elderly relative, family trackers give the critical information needed to keep them from coming to harm.
I have tested the best family tracking apps with my own kids. I’ll help you find the best one for your needs based on price, features, and functionality.
- Show Full Guide
The Best Family Tracker Apps Ranked
- mSpy — Best for accurate, real-time family location tracking
- uMobix — Best family monitoring app for non-tech-savvy parents
- Hoverwatch — Best family tracking app for large households
- Scannero — Best for tracking family members who are traveling
- Phonsee — Best family tracking app for Android users
- SpyBubble Pro — Best iPhone family tracking app
- Eyezy — Best budget-friendly family tracking app
Why You Need a Family Tracking App
Family tracking apps are essential track a phone tools in a world full of danger. No parent can be everywhere all the time, and they make juggling multiple schedules more manageable. The most common use is, of course, to monitor children. Tracker apps provide a detailed overview of your kids’ activities so you don’t feel as anxious when they venture out on their own.
There have been newsworthy cases of parents using GPS tracking to find their kids who have been in an accident or even been abducted. On a larger scale, research shows that kids who know their parents are tracking them are less likely to make poor decisions like smoking, drinking, or skipping school.
Family tracking apps are useful at the other end of the age scale, too. They are a great way to care for elderly family members and allow you to find them easily in case of an emergency. Anyone with parents who suffer from memory-related medical conditions like Alzheimer’s will appreciate the ability to quickly find them if they wander off.
The Best Family Tracking Apps Reviewed
After researching the top family trackers, these options stood out based on factors like location accuracy, ease of use, functionality, compatibility, and value for money.
1. mSpy — Best for Accurate, Real-time Family Location Tracking
| Starting Price | $11.67/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
mSpy is my top choice because it delivers accurate, real-time locations. It lets you track your child’s or relative’s movements around the clock, as well as access their location history in case you missed something.
Features
mSpy uses GPS and Wi-Fi to show your loved ones’ precise location. It updates every few seconds, so the data you receive is as close to real-time as possible. Of course, actively monitoring someone isn’t always possible, and that’s where mSpy’s location history feature comes in.
It not only shows you where they have been with precise coordinates and addresses but also includes timestamps to let you know when they arrived or left a location. It’s really useful if you want to know the exact route your child takes to come home from school or where they’re going when they say they’re hanging out with friends.
Unlike many other location-tracking apps that deliver only coordinates, mSpy shows the location on a detailed map, so you can easily identify an area even if you aren’t familiar with an address or street name.
mSpy also has a useful geofencing feature that lets you set virtual boundaries on a map and be notified instantly if the other person crosses them. The boundary radius doesn’t have an upper limit, so you can cover everything from the local park, a school, or a nursing home to entire city blocks if you wish.
On top of mSpy’s precise location tracking features, it comes with a host of other useful tools to help keep your kids safe, including social media monitoring, call tracking, and more. All said and done, mSpy is easily one of the best family tracking apps you can get, as well as being one of the best spy apps in general.
Price
mSpy isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it’s a bargain considering everything it brings to the table. If you want to save money, the annual subscription is the best choice.
| mSpy Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $48.99/month |
| 3 Months | $28/month |
| 12 Months | $11.67/month |
mSpy does not have a free version, but it has a great free demo to see how the dashboard works and get used to the tool. It also has a handy 14-day refund policy, so even without a free trial, there’s little risk.
Who It’s Best For
mSpy is my top choice for any parent who wants an app with accurate, real-time location tracking. The app shows you exactly where your kids are on a map at all times, and you can even track their route and location history and set up geofencing restrictions.
Read our full mSpy review.
Pros
- The best suite of location-tracking features
- Extensive geofencing radius
- Shows accurate location history with timestamps
- Great value for money
Cons
- No free version or trial, but handy free demo
2. uMobix — Best Family Monitoring App for Non-tech-savvy Parents
| Starting Price | $12.49/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Thanks to its easy installation and user-friendly interface, uMobix is perfect for parents who are less than tech-savvy. It is a beginner-friendly app with an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to track everything you need.
Features
uMobix offers two excellent tracking features – a real-time GPS tracker with location history and a Geofinder feature. The latter doesn’t require physical installation or complicated and risky jailbreaking. If you want to track your family member’s location, all you need to do is send a link via text message. Once they open the link, you’ll be able to see their exact location.
While the Geofinder feature might not show routes, timestamps, or location history, it is a quick and easy solution for locating anyone without having to install an app on their device. It’s useful if you lose your own phone, too.
Of course, you’ll get far more detailed reports if you install uMobix on your family’s devices. It shows every location and timestamp on an easy-to-follow map and lists all the locations your loved ones visit. Everything is neatly ordered and just a click away.
uMobix is a lot more than just a family tracking app, though, which makes it great value for money. You can monitor the other person’s social media activity and messages and view what they are doing on their phone with a hidden screen recorder.
Pricing
Similarly to Spynger, uMobix offers the full feature package regardless of your subscription’s cost. The price only depends on how long you plan to use the app.
| uMobix Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99/month |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months | $12.49/month |
The annual subscription is considerably cheaper than the monthly subscription. Longer subscriptions also mean longer data storage.
Like mSpy and Eyezy, uMobix does not offer a free version plan, only a demo to help you familiarize yourself with the app. You also have a standard 14-day refund policy.
Who It’s Best For
uMobix is best for families that have never used location-tracking features before. The Geofinder feature makes it ideal for people who want to locate someone without installing any apps. The only catch is that uMobix doesn’t support geofencing. You’ll need mSpy or Spynger for that.
Read our full uMobix review.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Real-time location tracking and location history
- Straightforward Geofinder feature that requires no setup or installation
- Seamless background operation
Cons
- No geofencing feature
- iOS users must perform an iCloud data sync
3. Hoverwatch — Best Family Tracking App for Large Households
| Starting Price | $8.33/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | Up to 25 devices |
| Free Trial/Demo | 3-day trial |
| Compatibility | Android, Windows |
| Money-back Guarantee | ❌ |
Why We Picked It
I picked Hoverwatch because it’s one of the few apps that lets you track multiple devices (up to 25) simultaneously, making it the perfect choice for large households. Even better, its excellent location-tracking features extend to Windows laptops as well.
Features
Hoverwatch uses OpenStreetMap to provide a detailed map with real-time location updates and route tracking. You’ll also get complete location history information with addresses, coordinates, and timestamps. While that’s par for the course compared to other family trackers on the list, there’s plenty that makes this app stand out.
To start, Hoverwatch’s biggest selling point is that you can track up to 25 devices at once, including Windows laptops. With a single subscription, you can track your parents, kids, spouse, and even aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews!
Another standout feature is that Hoverwatch uses GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, and cell towers for tracking. While GPS is the most accurate, it also causes the most battery drain, making continuous active monitoring difficult. With Hoverwatch, you can switch to Wi-Fi tracking, which utilizes nearby Wi-Fi networks to track the phone’s location. It may not be the most accurate, but it is far less stressful on the battery.
It’s cell tower tracking is the icing on the cake, though. Even if the other person disables GPS and Wi-Fi, Hoverwatch can still triangulate their location using cell towers.
Besides real-time monitoring, you can also set update intervals, making Hoverwatch an excellent option for passive monitoring. If you, say, set the update interval to every 30 minutes, the app will dot the map at every location they are at those points in time.
Pricing
Hoverwatch continues to stand out from the crowd by being the only app on this list to offer a 3-day free trial. That should be more than enough time to see if the app is the right fit for you.
| Duration | Personal Plan (1 device) | Professional Plan (5 devices) | Business Plan (25 devices) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $29.95/month | $49.95/month | $149.95/month |
| 3 Months | $19.98/month | $33.32/month | $99.98/month |
| 12 Months | $8.33/month | $16.66/month | $41.66/month |
The Professional and Business plans also include access to the Hoverwatch Mobile Viewer app, making it easier for you to track your family from your own phone.
Who It’s Best For
Hoverwatch is perfect if you have a large family and want to track everyone’s whereabouts. The only catch is that it doesn’t monitor iPhones. For that, I recommend mSpy or Eyezy.
Read our full Hoverwatch review.
Pros
- 3-day free trial
- Track up to 25 devices
- Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers for location tracking
- Can track Windows laptops
Cons
- No iOS monitoring
- No geofencing
4. Scannero — Best For Tracking Traveling Family Members
| Starting Price | $49.80/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | Unlimited |
| Free Trial/Demo | 1-day trial at $0.89/day |
| Compatibility | Any device with a SIM card |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Scannero allows you to locate a device that you can’t physically access. It’s useful for families whose members often travel abroad and use foreign SIM cards since it can be used with all phone carriers worldwide.
Features
Scannero lets you monitor unlimited devices with just their phone number or via messaging apps. You send the other person a link and see their location once they open it. While similar to GEOFinder, Scannero offers some unique features. In addition to its simple but effective location tracking, this family-friendly app has a useful reverse lookup feature.
This lets you enter an unknown person’s cell phone number or username and receive detailed information like their name, age, gender, social media data, and even their current address. It’s great to track unknown callers who might be harassing or cyberbullying your children.
Thanks to its Email and Phone Leak Checker feature, Scannero also lets you find out if your family’s data has been compromised, reducing the risk of identity theft and other common scams.
Pricing
Scannero has a single monthly subscription that you can use to track unlimited devices.
| Scannero Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Trial | $0.89 |
| 1 Month | $49.80 |
Like GEOFinder, Scannero offers a 24-hour trial for $0.89. It is the best option for those who plan to track their family members only occasionally. It also offers a 14-day refund policy.
Who It’s Best for
Scannero is best for families with members who frequently travel abroad and use foreign SIM cards.
Read our full Scannero review.
Pros
- Tracking device location without having physical access to it
- No compatibility concerns
- Precise, real-time location delivery
- Affordable one-day trial suitable for occasional location tracking
Cons
- A limited number of features
5. Phonsee — Best Family Tracking App for Android Users
| Starting Price | $8.85/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Phonsee is compatible with all Android devices, even older models, making it the best Android family tracking app on my list.
Features
Phonsee offers advanced geolocation services on all Android devices and even works on phones that are more than ten years old. It delivers live GPS updates and one of the most comprehensive geofencing functionality I have encountered so far.
You can set up unlimited geofencing alerts, like you’d find in the best geofencing apps, for restricted and permitted locations and get instant and automatic alerts when your child or your spouse crosses these virtual boundaries. Phonsee also shows you your family’s location history with dates and timestamps so you know where they were even if you can’t track them in real time.
It also grants you access to calls, messages, social media activities, browser history, and shared media files, providing complete access to everything the other person does on their phone.
Pricing
Like uMobix or Spynger, Phonsee has a single plan that includes all the features. The price changes depending on whether you choose a one, three, or twelve-month subscription.
| Phonsee Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $42.51/month |
| 3 Months | $24.79/month |
| 12 Months | $8.85/month |
There is no free version but you do get the standard 14-day refund policy. Customers report it is very strict, though, and applies only to first-time subscribers.
Who It’s Best for
Phonsee is the best choice for families that use older Android devices and affordable options from carriers like Cricket Wireless. For a comprehensive iPhone spy app, I recommend mSpy or SpyBubble Pro.
Read our full Phonsee review.
Pros
- Compatible with older Android devices
- Shows real-time location, route history, timestamps, and most visited destinations
- Automatic geofencing alerts
- User-friendly control panel
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Strict refund policy
- No free trial
6. SpyBubble Pro — Best iPhone Family Tracking App
| Starting Price | $12.49/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
With an easy tracking option that only requires the other person’s iCloud credentials, SpyBubble Pro is a feature-rich and easy to use family tracking app for iPhone users.
Features
Like all the apps on my list, SpyBubble Pro provides accurate location information through GPS tracking. In my testing, not only did the family tracker work impeccably, but it also offered more information than some competitors, including full addresses rather than just street names or coordinates.
Unfortunately, SpyBubble Pro doesn’t have a geofencing feature so you can’t set any virtual boundaries and receive alerts. If this feature is crucial for you, I recommend Phonsee or mSpy.
On the bright side, SpyBubble Pro does offer some unique features, such as a SIM card replacement alert and spyware scanner. It also has one of the best keylogger software tools that will let you know everything a family member does on their phone.
Pricing
SpyBubble Pro is competitively priced, especially considering its robust set of features. Like others, it offers a single plan that will cost you less the longer your subscription is.
| SpyBubble Pro Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $49.99/month |
| 3 Months | $29.99/month |
| 12 Months | $12.49/month |
Like its competition, SpyBubblepro offers a demo version and a standard 14-day refund policy.
Who It’s Best for
SpyBubble Pro is the best solution for families that use iOS devices and don’t want to worry about complicated jailbreak procedures.
Read our full SpyBubble Pro review.
Pros
- Uses iCloud sync for easy installation
- Shows real-time location and detailed location history
- One of the easiest family tracking apps to use
- Unique features like a spyware scanner
Cons
- No geofencing feature
7. Eyezy — Best Budget-friendly Family Tracking App
| Starting Price | $7.99/month |
|---|---|
| No. of Devices | 1 |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window |
Why We Picked It
Even though it is affordable and suitable for families on a tight budget, Eyezy doesn’t lag behind some of the more expensive family tracking apps on the market.
Features
Eyezy’s Pinpoint feature delivers precise, real-time location of your family members so that you can monitor them when they are out and about. The location history page shows you coordinates, full addresses, and timestamps. There’s also a handy “View on Google” button to take you to Google Maps.
Unlike SpyBubble Pro, Eyezy also offers a reliable geofencing feature that allows you to set up virtual boundaries, with both restricted and permitted zones.
Despite being the cheapest app on my list, Eyezy offers an incredible number of other features, including a keylogger, screen recorder, and connection blocker. Along with location tracking, Eyezy gives parents a complete picture of what their kids are up to.
Pricing
Eyezy is a budget-friendly family tracking app. For the highest savings, opt for the longest plan.
| Eyezy Plans | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $38.39/month |
| 3 Months | $22.39/month |
| 12 Months | $7.99/month |
Like mSpy and many other family tracking apps on the market, Eyezy does not offer a free version. However, there’s an excellent demo that will give you a clear idea of how Eyezy works.
Who It’s Best for
Eyezy is the best option for families that want great tracking features at a low price.
Read our full Eyezy review.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Excellent Pinpoint and geofencing features
- Real-time screen recording
- Magic Alerts
Cons
- No free version
- No phone support or live chat at the moment
The Best Family Tracking Apps Compared
Here’s a comprehensive comparison table highlighting the best apps for spying on your spouse’s phone and their top features.
| Provider | mSpy | uMobix | Hoverwatch | Scannero | Phonsee | SpyBubble Pro | Eyezy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $11.67/month | $12.49/month | $8.33/month | $49.80/month | $8.85/month | $12.49/month | $7.99/month |
| Free trial/demo | ✅ | ✅ | 3-day free trial | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Top Features | The best suite of location-tracking features, Extensive geofencing radius, Location history with timestamps |
Beginner-friendly interface, Real-time location tracking and location history, Geofinder feature |
Monitor multiple devices, including laptops, precise location tracking with GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers | Tracking device location without having physical access to it, No restrictions on geolocations; Precise, real-time location delivery |
Real-time location and route history, Timestamps, and most visited destinations, Automatic geofencing alerts |
Can be installed via iCloud, Shows real-time location and detailed location history, One of the easiest family tracking apps to use |
Lowest prices and additional discounts Excellent Pinpoint feature, Geofencing |
| No. of devices | 1 | 1 | Up to 25 | Unlimited (web-based) | 1 | 1 | Up to 3 |
| Compatibility | All devices | Android and iOS devices | Android and Windows devices | All devices | Android and iOS devices | Android and iOS devices | Android and iOS devices |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day refund window | 14-day refund window | ❌ | 14-day refund window | 14-day refund window | 14-day refund window | 14-day refund window |
How We Review And Test Spyware Apps
Important Note: Spy software is not legal to use without the device owner’s permission in many countries and states. When we test spy software, we do so only with the explicit consent of the device owner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular spy applications on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- General Features: We evaluate the comprehensive feature set of each spy app, including but not limited to features such as App Management, Time Management, Call Monitoring, Device Control and GPS Tracking.
- Ease of Use: We gauge the user-friendliness of each app, considering factors such as installation process complexity, the necessity of jailbreaking (for iOS) or rooting (for Android) the target device, and more.
- Device Support and Compatibility: We thoroughly examine the compatibility of each spyware app with different devices and operating systems, including iOS and Android. We also assess whether the app offers a unified dashboard accessible from both desktop and mobile devices.
- Customer Support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support provided by each app developer. We evaluate the availability of support channels, such as live chat, email, or phone support, as well as the satisfaction ratings of customer assistance.
- Price and Value for Money: We assess each spyware app’s pricing structure in relation to its features and functionalities, aiming to determine its overall value proposition. We analyze whether the app offers different subscription tiers, flexible payment options, and discounts for long-term commitments. Additionally, we check whether the app provides free trials or demos for users to test its capabilities before making a purchase.
- Privacy and Security: We prioritize the privacy and security of user data in our evaluation. We scrutinize the app’s data encryption measures, adherence to privacy regulations, and commitment to regular security updates to safeguard user information from unauthorized access or breaches.
Free vs. Paid Family Location Apps: Are Free Options Any Good?
Can you get the best family tracking app free of charge? While some tracking apps, like Life360 and FamiSafe, offer a free version or trial period, they aren’t the best solution. In fact, even the paid versions of these apps aren’t as feature-packed as those on my list.
You probably know the saying—you get what you pay for. This is absolutely true when it comes to tracking software. If a company has invested its expertise, time, and effort to create a tracking application that meets the highest standards, it likely won’t be free.
Compared to free apps, paid family tracking apps are far more discrete (most can run in stealth mode) and offer an array of extra features, like location history and geofencing. They are 100% safe, too.
On the other hand, installing free third-party apps comes with a risk. They can compromise your privacy or even damage your device. These apps rarely adhere to strict data protection standards, which can result in the exposure of sensitive information. Only recently, a million Life360 customers’ data was leaked on the dark web following a data breach.
Many free third-party apps can even create or exploit existing vulnerabilities or even infect your device with viruses or malware.
How to Use a Family Tracking App - Step-By-Step
Here's how to install mSpy to track the location of your family members. We will be using an Android device for this guide.
Create Your mSpy Account
- Go to mSpy and click the Try Now button. You will then create an account using your email or Google account.
- Pick a subscription plan. mSpy offers three duration-based pricing plans. Choose the option that best meets your needs and budget.
Disable Play Protect
You’ll need to disable Play Protect on Android phones. Open the Google Play Store, tap the account icon (which might be a profile picture) at the top right corner, select Play Protect, and go to settings. Disable “Improved Harmful App Detection.”
Install mSpy and Start Tracking
- Open a browser on the phone and type in the URL mSpy sends you when you sign up. Follow the steps to complete the installation process.
- On your device, open the control panel URL and log in to your mSpy account.
You’ll now have access to mSpy’s dashboard, which you can use to see all your family members’ location tracking information.
How to Choose the Best App to Locate Family Members
In my search for the best tracking app for family use, I’ve considered the following factors:
The best tracking apps rely on modern tracking systems that provide highly accurate results by utilizing advanced GPS receivers and satellites. For additional accuracy, they use Wi-Fi networks and cell tower information. Every app on my best family location-sharing app list can pinpoint a precise location no matter where the person is.
Geofencing lets you define a virtual boundary around a real-world geographical area. You will get an instant and automatic alert when the other person leaves this area. It’s a very important parental control tool and a must-have if you’re looking for the best family tracking apps.
The tracking app must synchronize every few seconds to show you the most accurate location of your spouse or child. Real-time location tracking is crucial for keeping your loved ones safe at all times.
Some family tracking apps allow you to see only the current location of your family members, while the best have a location history feature. This feature lets you see where your family members have been with detailed addresses and timestamps.
It helps you keep tabs on the family schedule and plan your time more effectively. It also lets parents away on a business or private trip to ensure their kids are sticking to the routine and staying safe.
It is important that even less tech-savvy family members can install and use these apps. So, you should choose an app that is easy to install, doesn’t require rooting or jailbreaking, and has a user-friendly dashboard. The best family tracking apps allow you to find the information you need quickly and easily.
The best app for locating family members should be reliable, provide the most advanced features, and be reasonably priced. The quality-to-price ratio is an important factor to consider for every buyer. You shouldn’t be paying a premium for features you might not end up using.
Ethical and Legal Considerations when Using an App to Track Your Family
There are some privacy concerns that come up if you are tracking the movements of others, even if they are your closest family. I found that many US states, like California or Florida, have laws that prohibit tracking apps or devices used to determine the location or movement of a person without their explicit consent.
Tracking someone without informed consent is illegal, even if they are your spouse or parent. However, you can legally track children in your care as long as you own the devices they are using. Tracking your kids without their knowledge, while legal, raises ethical concerns, though.
Research suggests that adolescents often consider digital location tracking intrusive and inappropriate. It’s best to have an open discussion about the benefits of using a family tracking tool with safety and security the primary concern.
Conclusion – What is The Best Family Tracking App?
The family app should be reliable, user-friendly, and offer a comprehensive feature package. My top picks all offer some unique features, too, that might be best suited for your needs. Spynger and Eyezy are among the more affordable options, while Phonsee offers excellent geofencing. Meanwhile, uMobix and SpyBubble Pro are great options for parents who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
That said, mSpy ticks all the right boxes. Its unlimited geofencing range is a huge positive, and you’ll get location-tracking data in almost real time. Everything is available with an easy-to-navigate dashboard as well, making mSpy one of the most well-rounded family trackers you can get.
FAQs
What is the best app for tracking family members?
Is there a better app than Life360?
What is the most accurate location-sharing app?
Can you locate family members without them knowing?
Is there a free app to locate family?
References
- *Myths and Realities: Understanding Recent Trends in Violent Crime (Brennan Center for Justice)
- Life360 Customer Details Leaked Following API Breach (SC Magazine UK)
- Satellite Navigation (GPS Federal Aviation Administration)
- Private Use of Location Tracking Devices: State Statutes (NCSL)
- Digital Location Tracking: A Preliminary Investigation of Parents’ Use of Digital Technology to Monitor their Adolescent’s Location
(National Library of Medicine)
