Side by side
BuddySOS vs Family Locator
Both stand on family locator apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhone
BuddySOS combines group location sharing, boundary alerts, and SOS messages, with a free plan and a $1.99 monthly Pro plan. Keep its safe-zone limits, regional sign-up availability, and lack of end-to-end encryption in mind.
Visit BuddySOS Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac
Family Locator combines location sharing with zones, SOS and messaging, with location history and other features included in Premium. Location sharing requires everyone's consent, and the maker warns that background GPS use can reduce battery life.
Visit Family LocatorThe facts
| BuddySOS | Family Locator | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone | Android, iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | BuddySOS Plus annual: $19.99 a year | Monthly Premium Subscription: $19.99 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | buddysos.app | family-locator.com |
| On family locator apps | #4 of 29 | #8 of 29 |
BuddySOS: what it does well
- SOS shares live GPS location with the active group.
- Emergency contacts can receive a link by SMS.
- Safe zones send entry and exit alerts.
- The maker says it keeps no location history.
- Battery Saver Mode adjusts location checks based on movement.
What to know first
- Free plan is limited to one group and one safe zone.
- Each safe zone needs a 100-meter minimum radius.
- Service is not end-to-end encrypted.
- Sign-up is listed for numbers in specific regions.
Family Locator: what it does well
- Free version is listed as offering complete functionality.
- SOS can send a child’s exact GPS location.
- Safe and unsafe zones trigger entry and exit notifications.
- Premium includes automated SOS calls and unlimited alerts.
What to know first
- Supported only on Android and iOS.
- Continued background GPS use can dramatically decrease battery life.
- Lifetime Premium costs 14.99 USD once.
- Monthly Premium Subscription costs $19.99 a month.
Alternatives to BuddySOS Alternatives to Family Locator The whole list