Side by side
Family Safety: GPS Locator vs OwnTracks
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
Choose Family Safety if your family or invited circle wants opt-in map sharing, check-ins, and place notifications on Android or iOS. Look elsewhere for an emergency service, since the app is intended for coordination and feature availability can depend on device and network conditions.
Visit Family Safety: GPS Locator Paid AndroidAPIiPhone+1
OwnTracks offers location reporting and sharing while leaving storage and backend control with the user. Its privacy and security options are extensive, but setup and mobile background limits require attention.
Visit OwnTracksThe facts
| Family Safety: GPS Locator | OwnTracks | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone | Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Unlimited circles: $1.99, paid once | Not published |
| Plans published | 2 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | familysafety.io | owntracks.org |
| On family locator apps | #14 of 29 | #29 of 29 |
Family Safety: GPS Locator: what it does well
- Free plan is available on Android and iOS.
- Circle members can view shared location updates on a map.
- Place alerts can notify members about arrivals and departures.
- Manual check-ins and circle-code invitations are supported.
- The privacy policy says personal information is not sold for third-party advertising.
What to know first
- Some capabilities require optional in-app purchases.
- Location freshness, routes, and alert timing depend on device and network conditions.
- The service is not an emergency service.
- Users under 18 need parent or legal guardian consent.
OwnTracks: what it does well
- Open-source and free
- Supports iOS and Android
- User-chosen backend
- MQTT and HTTP connections
- Optional payload encryption
What to know first
- Requires a configured server
- iOS background operation is OS-governed
- Android restrictions can delay messages
- Location history is limited
Alternatives to Family Safety: GPS Locator Alternatives to OwnTracks The whole list