Best Location Tracking Apps in 2022

The outside world is changing every day, and the common concern of most people these days is the safety of their family and loved ones. We all get worried when our loved ones go out or are traveling, especially women and children. Thus, tracking the location of family or friends to ensure their wellness at all times has become a necessity. 

As we live in a world of mobile apps, there are some solutions available to keep an eye on your loved ones as well. Hence no need to bother them with your persistent questions about their whereabouts or hamper their productivity. The Location tracking apps are the answer to your problem. 

This article has discussed why you need Location-based apps, the technologies used, and the top Location-tracking apps available in 2022. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Location Tracker App? 

Location Tracker apps allow the app users to know the exact location of target devices, so it is easier to learn the remote location of your family, kids, spouse, and friends. Using a share location app makes tracking lost/stolen devices easier. The app users can even obtain the device’s location history to know past routes and whereabouts of their loved ones. 

When users apply geofences, they can receive instant updates on their phone regarding check-in and check-out of their people. 

Market Insights Of Services Using Geolocation

The pandemic badly hit geolocation-based industries like tourism and logistics and made the businesses look for new ways to keep customers happy. Despite the drop in consumer activity, they have adapted to modern methods to manage lockdown regulations. Their adjustments involve the usage of geolocation apps such as Apple Mapkit that bridges gap between businesses and retailers. Even healthcare services rely on geolocation services and platforms.  

Research made by MarketsandMarkets states that the location-based services and real-time location systems market is precited to experience a 17% compound annual growth rate within the next five years. The market value was around USD 17.8 billion in 2021, and this number is expected to go up to USD 39.2 billion by 2025, signifying an estimated increase of 50% in revenue growth. In the coming years, even social media apps and user-oriented software like Whatsapp will significantly boost the location-based services market.

Technologies That Are Useful In Creating Location-Tracking Apps

The location-based mobile apps only function with up-to-date map and location services. To get more accurate Geolocation, it requires the implementation of several technologies such as:

1. GPS Module

GPS is a Global Positioning System, a satellite navigation technology providing data on Geolocation and time. The latest GPS technology offers accurate geolocation data within a few meters. 

2. Cell ID

Cellular Identification is a vital component of Geolocation as it is unique for every device. Even when the live data from a mobile device is not available, information from cell towers can provide an approximate location. 

3. Assisted GPS

Also known as Augmented GPS, it is a separate system that enhances the general performance of a GPS positioning technology. A combination of a Cell ID and A-GPS offers a more accurate location tracking as it improves the performance of standard GPS. 

4. Geofencing

is more like a virtual boundary where the location-tracking app executes a complex or straightforward pre-programmed action. The child-monitoring software uses an adapted version of geofence technology to track the movements of young children. 

5. iBeacon & Eddystone

This Bluetooth-based low-energy proximity sensor transmits a unique signal from beacons to receivers (an app). Google’s iBeacon version is Eddystone, and this technology is named after the lighthouse of England.

6. Geolocation For IoT

IoT-enabled devices carry out route tracking using geolocation coordinates. These IoT devices easily collect signals (data) from device sensors similar to radio antennas. Then this data can be utilized for identifying the device’s location coordinates. 

Now let’s explore the best location to track locations. 

Top Location Tracking Apps Of 2022

The availability of smarter technologies and wearable gadgets allows us to ensure our loved ones’ safety. Today, there are many phone location tracking apps available. However, it can be a bit daunting to pick the right app from the pool of apps, so here we bring the best location-tracking apps available in the app stores for both iOS and Android devices:

1. My Family locator, GPS tracker

mSpy is one of the best apps to locate someone. Since then, it launched in 2010 and has been famous for its accuracy. mSpy is a free phone tracker app that tracks kids’ smartphone activities without permission. It records the child’s GPS location and sends it to the parent, making it easier to track kids’ real-time location during the day. mSpy comes with more than 25 features with SMS, calls, GPS tracking, and more. The users need to install the app on their child’s phone and monitor their activity without realizing they are tracked. 

Best Features:

• It efficiently tracks real-time location with GPS tracking
• Allows viewing call history get details such as contact names, time and date, phone numbers, and call duration.
• Easily monitors received/sent text messages and tracks their internet activities. 
• It allows restricting the incoming calls
• Parents can view photos/videos saved in their child’s gallery

Apple Store Ratings: 4.1

Google Play Ratings: 3.9

2. FollowMee GPS Tracker: Locate & Track Your Device

For users looking for a phone tracking app without its user finding out, then FollowMee is your answer. This app converts your smartphone into a GPS tracking device. This app can be installed on any smartphone, and then it tracks device location directly from the website of FollowMee.com. The app comes with many features that allow the integration of multiple devices with just one account and will enable users to track the location of these devices at any time.

The app works well even when the internet connectivity is poor and stores data when the device is offline, and as the network is back, it instantly updates maps. 

Best Features:

• Works even with no internet connectivity
• Tracks multiple devices at the same time
• Completes data privacy
• Allows to monitor location via website

Apple Store Ratings: 4.3

Google Play Ratings: 3.8

3. Map My Run By Under Armour

Map My Run by Under Armour is among the best location tracker apps with advanced wearable integration features. It is mainly an excellent workout tracker app that is also great at tracking locations and routes. The fitness enthusiasts love this app as it allows them to record essential statistics and metrics from their workout to analyze their fitness levels better. It comes with the ground contact time, foot strike angle, and stride length. It precisely monitors activities and makes necessary changes to attain better results. 

This highly integrable app is easily synced with most wearables such as Suunto, Google Fit, Fitbit, Garmin, Android Wear, and more. The app also comes with under armor-connected shoes to track workouts.

Best Features:

• Outside Magazine named this app as the best wearable tech of 2019 
• The app offers real-time visual & haptic updates
• It tracks workouts, routes, and location
• It provides a one-year free trial with premium functionalities

Apple Store Ratings: 4.8

Google Play Ratings: 4.6

4. iSharing: GPS Location Tracker

iSharing app comes with functionalities crafted to give an extra layer of security and peace of mind to the app users, so they don’t persistently worry about the safety of their family and loved ones. The app allows you to track your loved ones in real-time with a GPS tracker privately. The app offers additional features like sending alerts whenever the family person you are following arrives or leaves a destination, sending alerts if the member is nearby, sending panic alerts, and doing a lot more. 

Best Features:

• Ability to track lost/stolen phone
• It allows real-time tracking
• Sends automatic alerts when that family member is nearby
• It can send panic alerts
• Allows to review history to find which places the family members visited

Apple Store Ratings: 4.7 

Google Play Ratings: 4.5

5. Glympse – Share GPS location

This is the best app when you need to track someone’s location. Among the most popular location-tracking apps, Glympse offers real-time location tracking. Though the app doesn’t come with stealth mode, it provides other wide-ranging features like location sharing without downloads, navigation options, instant alerts, downloads, in-app messaging, and geo-fencing. The app also offers to manually turn off or on location tracking, and it supports cross-platform location sharing. 

Best Features:

• The app allows a location-sharing feature in real-time with a dynamic map
• It doesn’t require ant signup
• It provides a courtesy notice with ETA
• Offers direct emergency 

Apple Store Ratings: 4.5

Google Play Ratings: 4.4

6. TrackView – Find My Phone

TrackView is an app that allows tracking phones for family’s safety and security without seeking permission. It is a free app that allows you to monitor your loved ones’ location and turn their smartphones, tablets, and PCs into an IP camera with a GPS locator. TrackView offers many features like real-time device location tracking, geo-fencing, and a web interface that can be remotely accessed, stealth mode, access to social media feeds, and more. This location tracker gives information regarding the previous locations of target devices and allows to operate remote audio & video recording. 

Its premium plan starts at $2.99, and an ultimate edition comes at $54.99. This reliable app to stay connected with loved ones and friends offer a range of free features that the users can use without going with paid features. 

Best Features:

• Allows to track location
• Offers remote audio-video recording
• Integrated with GPS tracker
• Turns devices into an IP camera

Apple Store Ratings: 4.1

Google Play Ratings: 4.0

7. Life360: Find Family & Friends

This without permission phone tracker app is user-friendly and reliable. It provides users with an easy and intelligent way to monitor their kid’s location or stay informed about their friend’s whereabouts in real-time. Life360 mobile locator also consists of cross-platform location sharing and in-app messaging features. It allows you to turn off sharing feature if you do not desire to disclose your current location. The in-app purchase for the phone tracking feature starts at $1.5, whereas the premium plan starts at $4.99. 

Best Features:

• The app offers the option to create private groups, known as ‘Circles’. 
• It gives the location of Circle Members in real-time.
• Stolen/lost phones can be tracked easily.
• App connects the user to a representative with a single push.

Apple Store Ratings: 4.8

Google Play Ratings: 4.5

8. Parental Control App & Location Tracker – FamiSafe

FamiSafe is the apt app for you to track a phone without the person finding out. The app offers advanced features like geofencing, app blocker, smart parental control setting, location tracking, emergency alerts, screen time control, and web filtering. The geofencing technology allows you to create customized virtual safety zones, such as your kids’ school or coaching classes. You receive alerts when your kid reaches or leaves a place. 

It is a great app as it informs about your loved one’s whereabouts without causing them any stress and keeps you at peace, assured of their safety. The app comes with a three-day trial, and it is available on both Android and iPhone platforms.

Best Features:

• It is excellent at tracking inappropriate content in the social media apps used by kids.
• The app sends real-time alerts to adult content, cyberbullying, and signs of suicide.
• It sends real-time alerts regarding detected pictures and a lot more.

Apple Store Ratings: 4.0

Google Play Ratings: 4.3

9. Google Maps

Google Maps is among the most popular phone tracker apps for Android and iPhone devices. The app’s share location functionality allows the most accurate & reliable tracking results. It offers a user-friendly interface and several options to customize real-time location tracking requirements. The app also records past locations and is displayed on the timeline. Google Maps allows users to manage sharing options like the phone owner can choose people with whom the location and duration can be shared. Its many features make it an excellent app for Android and iPhone users.

Best Features:

• Offers indoor maps to find the way quickly and more
• Allows automatic rerouting based on live traffic
• Enables ride-sharing with real-time transit info
• Offers ETAs and traffic conditions in real-time

Apple Store Ratings: 4.7

Google Play Ratings 4.3

10. Find My iPhone

Availability only on iPhone; find my iPhone is an iPhone location tracker app that allows you to find the location of your kids, friends, family, friends, and even devices signed into their iCloud account. To track location, turn on family sharing functionality in the iPhones. People who constantly lose their iPhone and look for an excellent phone tracking app go with Find my iPhone made by Apple Inc. 

Meanwhile, if the person in the user’s contact list didn’t enable the location-sharing option, they can play a sound on their mobile. The app is a free built-in app for iPhone and currently has three tabs, People, Devices, and me. This app is also helpful to find Apple device even when it is offline. 

Best Features:

• The app can erase a device’s content and settings remotely
• It offers driving directions to the device location
• It features a battery charge indicator
• The app can remotely lock the device using a passcode and more.

Apple Store Ratings: 4.5

11. Family Locator – GPS Tracker & Find Your Phone App

This is a free app that tracks phones without permission. It is ideal for people concerned about their families’ wellbeing and safety. It works more like a hired detective keeping an eye on family at all times. It sends the users notifications as their family member reaches their destination and allows location sharing on the family map. 

It also checks location history and other statistics recorded by the app and is helpful if the phone is lost as the app can track it down. The app allows to set zones in user maps and get alerts regarding them. Hence, this app is highly recommended for people looking to track their kids’ or family member location.  

Best Features:

• Private groups can be created
• Tracks stole or lost devices
• Initiates zone-based tracking
• Sends notifications on reaching destinations

Apple Store Ratings: 4.3

Google Play Ratings: 4.3

Conclusion

So, this is the list of top Location-tracking mobile apps; however, before installing the apps, it is vital to find out the risk involved. These tracking apps list has been created based on customer ratings and reviews while also keeping their affordability and convenience in mind. This list guides you through many location-tracking apps with their many features, so it is easier to find the one that works best for your purpose. 

If you want to build a location tracking app then get in touch with us. We are an app development company that specializes in building robust and scalable mobile apps.