In this day and age protecting and communicating with our family members, especially our children or our aged relatives is very important. One good way to achieve this is to be able to track the location of a person through his mobile phone.
So no matter if the phone in the hand of the loved ones is an iPhone or Android, a family location tracking app is a simple and efficient way to keep a tab on their whereabouts.
With the power of GPS technology, you can stay informed about their live locations in real time. This article will help you become familiar with the seven best family phone location tracking software so that you can choose the most appropriate for your family.
Quick Summary of the 7 Best Family Phone Location Tracking Software
Before we discuss the seven best family phone location tracking software in detail let’s look at a quick summary of them;
- Msafely
Msafely offers comprehensive monitoring, including real-time GPS tracking and social media oversight, without notifying the user. Its stealth mode and compatibility with both Android and iOS make it ideal for parents.
- SpyX
SpyX provides tracking along with the tracking app without the need for rooting or jailbreaking. It is an ideal solution for parents looking to track their kids’ digital presence.
- SpyPhone
SpyPhone is a family location app that has free versions. It is a very cheap solution for family attackers since they are able to track their family from anywhere.
- Google Family Link
Google Family Link is a free application and it just enables you to know the position of a person and also sit back to manage the screen time in events like playing games or watching videos.
- Qustodio
Qustodio has an element that allows tracking in real-time and other advanced features such as geo-fencing the device and a panic button. It is quite pricey compared to some alternatives but the location history is quite extensive reaching 30 days.
- Hoverwatch
Hoverwatch excels in stealthy tracking, recording messages, and social media activity while remaining invisible on the target device. It’s a robust option for monitoring Android users.
- Snoopza
Snoopza is an effective spy app for tracking calls, texts, and social media on Android devices. It runs undetected and is easy to install, though its free version has limited features.
7 Best Family Phone Location Tracking Software Tested-Review
When it comes to tracking your family’s location, and ensuring their safety, finding the right software can be important.
Let’s now discuss seven of the best family phone location tracking apps we’ve tested, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you decide which one fits your needs.
1. Msafely
Msafely is a highly comprehensive monitoring tool that operates without notifying the user of the tracked device.
Msafely is a great tool as it allows you not only to track the location of the device but also social media activity, calls, texts, and even applications. All of this makes it very useful for parents or family members who require complete surveillance of someone’s activities. It works perfectly for both Android and iPhone devices and operates discreetly.
Key Features of Msafely
- GPS tracking: This feature ensures that the location of the device is found at any given time.
- Social media activity map: You can track activity within apps including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Call and text message spy apps: With Msafely you can read and access call history, text messages, and emails of the target phone.
- Monitor History of all Internet browsings: This will help you see web pages that were viewed.
- Geofencing: Msafely operates without icons or notifications on the tracked device. It also allows you to set digital boundaries for your kid.
Pros and Cons of Msafely:
Pro:
- Comprehensive monitoring beyond just location
- Works on both iOS and Android devices
- Real-time updates on texts, social media, and calls
- Operates in complete stealth
- Remote control options
Cons:
- Only free demos, no free trials.
Price:
- 1 Month Plan: $39.99/month
- 3 Months Plan (Most Popular): $23.33/month
- 12 Months Plan (Best Value): $8.33/month
2. SpyX
SpyX is a family tracking software with a focus on parental control features ideal for families.
This software provides parents with the capability to track their children’s activities in real-time, whether physical location utilizing GPS or virtual space via apps and social media.
Unlike other applications, SpyX can comfortably spy without the implementation of jailbreak or root access to the target device making the configuration easier as compared to other applications.
Key Features include:
- Live GPS tracking: The current position of the device is updated constantly.
- Social media and app monitoring: You can monitor usage of the target device across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Screen recording and live audio capture: Record the phone’s screen and listen to surrounding audio.
- Web activity monitoring: This feature allows the administrator to see what pages are being used by the specific person.
Pros and Cons of SpyX:
Pro:
- Location tracking with real-time updates
- Social media and app monitoring
- Works on both Android & iOS without rooting/jailbreaking
- Screen and audio capture
- Simple and user-friendly setup
Cons:
- Only free demos, no free trials.
Price:
- 1 Month Plan: $49.98/month
- 3 Months Plan: $28.32/month
- 12 Months Plan: $11.66/month
3. SpyPhone
SpyPhone is a budget-friendly solution, offering a free version, making it a great option for larger families. It works on Android and iOS. It is mostly used by couples.
Key Features of Spyphone:
- GPS location tracking: Monitor real-time GPS location every 30 minutes.
- Contact and app monitoring: Track who your family members are contacting and which apps they’re using.
Pros and Cons of SpyPhone
Pro:
- Free version available
- GeoFencing alerts for added security
- Works on both Android and iOS
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like live screen capture.
Price: Free
4. Google Family Link
If you’re looking for a free, reliable solution for tracking your family members’ locations, Google Family Link is a great option.
It is designed by Google, it’s more than just a location tracker—it includes parental control features to help you manage digital activity. Family Link allows you to monitor the real-time location of your loved ones and control their screen time.
Key Features of Google Family Link:
- Real-time location tracking: View your family member’s location using satellite data.
Parental controls: Set limits on screen time and control app usage.
Location-based reminders: Receive notifications when your loved ones arrive or leave a specific area.
Pros and Cons of Google Family Link:
Pro:
- Free to use with no subscription fees
Easy to set up and manage parental controls
Developed by Google, offering robust security
Cons:
- Basic location features (no history)
Can only track Android devices
Geofencing and advanced features lacking
Price: Free
5. Qustodio
Qustodio is an excellent option for families who want comprehensive location tracking paired with advanced safety features. Its Family Locator tool provides real-time updates, and you can set geofencing zones to get notified when your child enters or leaves a specific area.
Qustodio also offers a Panic Button that your child can use to send an emergency alert with their location details.
Key Features of Qustodio:
- Real-time GPS tracking: Get updates every 10 minutes.
- Geofencing: Create virtual boundaries and get alerts when kids cross them.
- Location history: Store up to 30 days of location data to review past movements.
- Panic button: Send immediate alerts to parents in case of emergencies.
Pros and Cons of Qustodio:
Pro:
- Accurate real-time tracking
- Location history for up to 30 days
- Excellent geofencing tool
- Works on both Android and iOS
Cons:
- Panic button feature not available on iOS
- More expensive than some alternatives
- Requires separate apps for parents and kids
Price:
- Starts at $4.58/month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
6. Hoverwatch
For families needing stealthy, detailed tracking of phone activity, Hoverwatch excels. It not only tracks location but also records text messages, social media activity, and calls, making it an all-in-one tool for monitoring Android devices.
Hoverwatch is invisible on the target phone, ensuring that the user doesn’t know they’re being tracked, which can be useful for parents monitoring younger kids or teens.
Key Features of HoverWatch:
- Geolocation: Tracks location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers.
- Social media monitoring: Records activity on apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Screenshots: Captures screenshots and camera photos to monitor usage.
Pros and Cons of Hoverwatch:
Pro:
- Completely invisible tracking
- Tracks a wide variety of apps and messages
- Offers remote SIM card replacement tracking
- Supports tracking of up to 5 devices
Cons:
- Only available for Android
- No free version beyond trial period
- Can feel invasive for some users
Price:
- 4-day free trial available
- Paid plans start from $24.95/month for tracking multiple devices
7. Snoopza
Snoopza is a simple and effective spy app for tracking your family’s activity. Snoopza offers a stealth mode that allows you to monitor phone calls, text messages, location, and even social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. It’s especially useful for families with Android devices.
Although it’s marketed as a tool for both personal and business use, parents can use it to ensure their kids are safe.
Key Features of Snoopza:
- Location tracking: Get real-time location updates of the target device.
- Social media monitoring: Tracks usage on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook.
- Call recording: Record and review all incoming and outgoing calls.
- SIM card tracking: Get alerts if the SIM card is changed.
Pros and Cons of Snoopza:
Pro:
- Invisible tracking feature
- Comprehensive monitoring of calls, texts, and apps
- Easy to install and use
- Multiple monitoring options (e.g., files, SIM changes)
Cons:
- Available only for Android
- Free version has limited functionality
- Limited features on the free version
Price:
- 4-day free trial available
- Paid version starts at $9.99/month
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Family Phone Location Tracking Software
There are certain considerations that you should know before you decide on a family phone location tracking application. Ease of application use, features, and privacy offered by the application are some core features that you must also evaluate beforehand.
Let’s discuss six key factors you should consider when picking the right tool for your family:
1. Tracking Features
In terms of app features, location tracking is important but other apps go further than that. Would you like a constant stream of real-time updates fed to you? Or do you want an update every now and then regarding the whereabouts of someone?
Msafely and SpyX are examples of such applications. They use real-time GPS tracking which is useful for someone who wants to track the location of their children or any other loved one at any time.
2. Geofencing
This feature Geofencing is one of the coolest for families who have set specific places for their family members or in this case children. For instance, if you want a notification if your kids leave school too early, or if your grandmother goes outside the front yard.
3. Hardware Compatibility and Installation
Before you jump in, it is worth confirming that the app is available on all the devices that you and your family have.
Certain applications, such as the Hoverwatch and Snoopza features, are solely in the Android app. There are others, available in both Android and iOS, like Msafely and Google Family Link.
Apart from this, you will also need to think about how simple (or involved) the installation procedure is.
4. Ease of Use
An application might be blessed with a wide array of functionalities, but, if it is not user-friendly or intuitive, you might wish to look elsewhere.
Try to search for a family phone location app that is simple to use. For example, Msafely is a good example of an application with a simplistic and straightforward interface.
5. Privacy and Security
It is also necessary to have privacy issues considered before anything else.
Phone location apps like Msafely run their tracking services in the stealth mode which is good in protecting the safety of your children but may be problematic as they are not aware that someone is tracking them.
Think about what level of transparency works best for your family, and ensure the app encrypts sensitive data to protect it from breaches.
6. Cost
While some tracking apps like Google Family Link are completely free, others, such as Qustodio and SpyX, come with monthly subscription fees.
Make sure to balance the features provided with the price. For instance, Spy Phone offers a free version that covers up to five devices, which is perfect for larger families on a budget.
How to Use the Best Family Phone Location Tracking Software to Track a Phone
After carefully reviewing the seven best family phone location tracking software, Msafely stands out as the best choice. Its simple interface, powerful features, and great customer support make it a favorite.
Another thing that sets Msafely apart is its ability to monitor devices remotely without needing to install an app on the tracked phone, thanks to its cloud technology. For Android devices, you either need physical access or Google credentials, while for iOS, iCloud credentials are required.
Now, let’s walk through how to track a phone using Msafely:
Step 1. Registration
Start by heading over to the Msafely website and signing up free with your email address. Be sure to use an email you actively check, as this is where you’ll receive important updates and details.
Step 2. Choose the Device
Once registered, you’ll need to specify the device you want to track—whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone.
Step 3. Pick a Subscription Plan
Msafely offers a variety of plans depending on how much monitoring you need. Pick a plan. After picking your plan, link the target device by providing the necessary credentials.
Step 4. Start Monitoring
Once everything is set up, you can access your Msafely dashboard. From here, you can start monitoring the phone’s location in real time. You’ll see location history, social media activity and more.
There is no doubt that with Msafely, tracking a phone is easy, efficient, and secure, giving you the peace of mind that your loved ones are safe, wherever they go.
Conclusion
It is now very clear that choosing a suitable family phone location tracker has great importance in ensuring the safety of your dear ones as well as maintaining contact with them.
Of all the available options, the most preferable one to consider is Msafely with its features like real-time tracking, monitoring social media, and working in stealth mode. The user-friendly interface of Msafely also comes in handy as it allows all users to easily monitor the safety of their families without any difficulties.
As you assess these tools, also keep in mind their shortcomings like ease of use, privacy, and the prices for these tools. Picking the right family location app will help you have peace of mind, knowing you’re safeguarding your family’s well-being.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best app to track family location?
Msafely is widely regarded as the best app for tracking family locations due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
Q2. What’s better than Google Family Link?
Apps like Msafely and Qustodio are advanced in tracking, monitoring, and active surveilling making them a great alternative to Google Family Link.
Q3. Is there a free app to track someone’s location?
Yes, Spy Phone and Google Family Link apps provide versions that are free to use and allow a person to be located, but with some limitations.
Q4. How easy is it to set up a family tracking app?
Setting up a family tracking app is typically straightforward, often requiring just a quick registration and a few configuration steps to start tracking.
Q5: Can I track my child’s location without them knowing?
Many tracking apps offer stealth modes, allowing you to monitor their location discreetly. However, it’s important to consider the ethical implications and maintain open communication with your child about safety.