Best Mobile Tracking App: Top 9 Picks for iPhone & Android

by LVGPS Staff

Best Mobile Tracking App: Top 9 Picks for iPhone & Android

Picking a “best” mobile tracking app isn’t simple when your needs range from keeping kids safe, checking on an elderly parent, recovering a lost phone, to verifying where a vehicle or asset actually is. App stores are packed with look‑alikes, some drain batteries, others lack real‑time accuracy, and a few raise serious privacy questions. You want something dependable, easy to use, and clear about consent—ideally with the right mix of live location, smart alerts, geofencing, and history—whether you’re on iPhone, Android, or both. And in some cases, an app alone won’t cut it; hardware‑backed tracking for vehicles and assets can be the smarter move.

This guide narrows the field to nine standout options for 2025—covering free and paid picks, app‑only tools, and hardware‑supported solutions. You’ll see exactly how each one works, its key features, who it’s best for, pricing, plus pros and cons. We highlight refresh rates, battery impact, cross‑platform support, SOS/crash detection, driver insights, and privacy controls so you can choose a safe, legal solution that fits your budget and use case. Let’s compare the top contenders and match the right tracker to your day‑to‑day needs.

1. LiveViewGPS mobile app (with hardware trackers)

When you need dependable, always‑on tracking that a phone alone can’t guarantee, LiveViewGPS pairs pro‑grade GPS hardware with an easy iOS/Android app and a full web portal. You get true fleet‑grade visibility with 60‑second updates, rich alerts, and reports your operations team can act on.

How it works

Install a 4G LTE LiveViewGPS tracker in a vehicle or attach it to an asset (OBD plug‑in, hardwired, battery, solar, or satellite options). The device reports location and status to LiveViewGPS’s cloud platform, which you access via mobile app or browser. Set geofences, configure SMS/email alerts, and view trips, stops, and driver behavior in near real time.

Key features

You’re not just watching dots on a map—you’re managing activity with controls that cut costs and boost accountability.

  • 60‑second live updates: See current location and movement/stops with time durations.
  • iPhone & Android apps + web portal: Full‑featured tracking anywhere you work.
  • Advanced geofencing: Dynamic circular and polygon zones with instant alerts.
  • Smart alerts: SMS/email for events like arrivals, exits, idling, and more.
  • Google Maps with live traffic: Faster dispatch and route clarity.
  • Driver behavior monitoring: Detect harsh braking, turns, and acceleration; Driver‑ID support.
  • Reports library: Trips, stops, mileage, utilization, and more for audits and billing.
  • Routing tools & closest‑vehicle: Assign jobs to the nearest unit.
  • API access: Integrate tracking data into your existing systems.
  • Device variety: Hardwired, OBD, plug‑and‑play, battery, solar, and satellite asset trackers.

Who it’s best for

LiveViewGPS excels when “find my phone” isn’t enough and you need business‑grade reliability.

  • Fleets and contractors: Service, delivery, trades, and field ops.
  • Government/public sector: Resource deployment and asset accountability.
  • Families with vehicles/RVs/boats: Always‑on tracking beyond a phone’s battery.

Pricing

Hardware and monthly service are packaged without long‑term contracts. Costs vary by tracker type (OBD, hardwired, battery, solar, satellite) and feature needs. LiveViewGPS underscores competitive pricing and a no‑risk 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Pros and cons

Expect operational clarity and control—plus the support to back it up.

  • Pros:

    • Reliable 60‑second tracking with rich alerts and reports
    • Advanced geofences (circular and polygon)
    • Driver behavior + Driver‑ID for safer, accountable driving
    • Google Maps traffic, routing, API, and mobile apps
    • No long‑term contracts and expert support (since 2007)

  • Cons:

    • Requires hardware install or placement
    • Monthly service fees apply
    • Battery trackers need charging (unless solar/satellite)
    • More setup than simple phone‑only apps

2. Life360 family locator

Life360 is a popular pick for families that want ongoing peace of mind without fiddling with settings every day. It bundles live location, place alerts, SOS, and crash detection, and on higher tiers adds identity protection and 24/7 assistance—useful whether you’re checking a teen’s commute or keeping tabs on an elderly parent who lives alone.

How it works

Everyone installs the Life360 app on iPhone or Android, joins a private “Circle,” and consents to share location. The app updates locations in real time, triggers alerts when members arrive or leave saved places, and can initiate an SOS that shares location with Circle members. Paid plans add crash detection and live agent support that can coordinate help.

Key features

  • Real-time location + place alerts: See where members are and get notified on arrivals/departures.
  • SOS and crash detection: Share your location in an emergency; paid tiers include live agent support.
  • Identity and theft protection: Higher plans add monitoring and assistance services.
  • 24/7 help lines, roadside and medical travel assistance: Safety features beyond the map.
  • Large Circles: Support for big families or blended households (up to 99 per Circle).

Who it’s best for

  • Families wanting set‑and‑forget safety: Daily visibility with actionable alerts.
  • Caregivers of seniors: Quick check‑ins without constant calls; SOS for peace of mind.
  • Mixed iOS/Android households: Consistent experience across platforms.

Pricing

Life360 offers a free tier and three paid plans: Silver ($4.99/mo), Gold ($14.99/mo), and Platinum ($24.99/mo). Premium plans unlock crash detection with live agent support, identity protection, and additional assistance services. Availability of refunds varies by plan.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Robust safety stack: Real-time location, SOS, crash detection, assistance services
    • Cross‑platform with large Circles
    • Good fit for seniors and multi‑generational families

  • Cons:

    • Full feature set requires paid tiers
    • Interface can feel busy for some users
    • Free plan includes ads, which some find intrusive

3. FamiSafe parental control and kid tracker

If your priority is a kid‑safe, phone‑friendly solution that blends live location with digital supervision, FamiSafe is a strong, parent‑first pick. It combines real‑time GPS and geofencing with screen‑time tools and content filters, so you can guide habits and get alerted to risky behavior without hovering.

How it works

Install FamiSafe on your child’s iPhone or Android and on the parent device, link accounts, and grant the necessary permissions. From the parent dashboard you set geofences for school, home, or activities, manage screen time and app access, and receive alerts. An SOS panic option shares instant location in emergencies. One account can manage up to 30 devices, making it practical for larger families.

Key features

  • Real‑time GPS + geofencing: Live location with enter/exit alerts for saved places.
  • Screen‑time control & app blocking: Set schedules and restrict distracting apps.
  • Content monitoring: Emoji + keyword filtering flags risky messages/photos.
  • YouTube & TikTok activity insights: See usage patterns to coach healthier habits.
  • SOS panic alert: Child can broadcast location for fast help.
  • Cross‑platform: Works on both Android and iOS.

Who it’s best for

  • Parents of school‑age kids and teens who want location plus digital safety.
  • Families managing multiple devices (up to 30) across iOS and Android.
  • Caregivers who need quick geofence alerts around school, home, and activities.

Pricing

FamiSafe is subscription‑based: $9.99/month, $19.99/quarter, or $59.99/year (~$4.99/month). A 7‑day money‑back guarantee is available.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • All‑in‑one safety: live GPS, geofences, screen time, and content filtering
    • Real‑time updates with SOS for emergencies
    • Manages up to 30 devices; great for larger families
    • YouTube/TikTok usage insights to guide digital habits

  • Cons:

    • Setup can feel complex for non‑technical parents
    • Slower screenshots on some lower‑end Android devices during heavy use
    • Some users report intermittent issues with screenshots or app blocking
    • Ongoing subscription required for full feature set

4. Google Find My Device (Android)

If you just need a fast, trustworthy way to locate a misplaced Android phone, tablet, or smartwatch, Google Find My Device is the best free option. It’s built into the Android ecosystem, so you can ping a device even when it’s set to silent, lock it remotely, or wipe it if you can’t recover it—no paid plan or complicated setup required. Just know it’s for recovery, not continuous family tracking.

How it works

Sign in with the same Google account that’s on the missing Android device. From there, you can request the current location on demand, make the device ring (even on silent), lock it with a message and callback number, or erase it. It’s recovery‑focused—there’s no live, continuous tracking or movement alerts.

Key features

  • On‑demand location: Check the latest known spot when you need it.
  • Remote ring, lock, erase: Secure your data or get an audible ping immediately.
  • Finds silent devices: Override silent mode to help you recover it nearby.
  • Built into Android: Works via your Google account—no extra app on the lost device.
  • Multi‑device support: Track phones, tablets, and Wear OS watches on your account.
  • Free to use: No subscription fees.

Who it’s best for

  • Android owners who want a free, built‑in safety net for lost or stolen devices.
  • Households with multiple Androids on the same Google account.
  • Travelers and students who need quick lock/erase controls if a device goes missing.

Pricing

Free.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Totally free and integrated with Android
    • Remote ring/lock/erase for rapid response
    • Works with phones, tablets, Wear OS; supports multiple devices

  • Cons:

    • No continuous tracking or geofence/movement alerts
    • Limited to Google‑connected devices on the same account
    • On‑demand updates only, not true real‑time following

5. Apple Find My (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

For Apple‑only households, Apple’s Find My is the default, low‑friction way to keep tabs on people and recover missing gear. It’s built in, privacy‑forward, and great for quick check‑ins or putting a lost iPhone into Lost Mode. Just note it’s not a parental control suite or a fleet tool—it focuses on secure sharing and device recovery.

How it works

Enable Find My on each Apple device and sign in with your Apple ID. You can share your location with family or trusted contacts, see their live location when they share back, and locate devices on demand from another Apple device or the web. If something’s missing, trigger a sound, lock it with Lost Mode and a custom message, or erase it remotely.

Key features

  • Locate Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, and supported accessories
  • Lost Mode with custom message: Lock the device and display contact info
  • Remote lock and erase: Protect data if recovery isn’t possible
  • Real‑time sharing with family: Location sharing across Apple’s family group
  • Item tracking: Works with AirTag and compatible accessories

Who it’s best for

  • Apple‑first families who want simple, secure location sharing
  • iPhone/iPad/Mac owners who need fast, reliable device recovery
  • Travelers and students who want a free safety net if a device goes missing

Pricing

Free (built into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS).

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Built‑in and free; no separate subscription
    • Lost Mode + remote lock/erase for strong recovery/security
    • Family location sharing that’s easy to enable
    • Works with AirTag for keys, bags, and other items

  • Cons:

    • Apple‑only; no Android support
    • No parental controls or driver reports
    • Not designed for business geofencing or analytics

6. GeoZilla family GPS locator

GeoZilla is a family‑centric mobile tracking app built around safety moments—live location for daily check‑ins, plus crash detection that can alert emergency contacts instantly. It runs on iPhone, Android, and even Wear OS smartwatches, adding flexible ways to stay connected while preserving battery with smart, low‑drain GPS modes.

How it works

Create a private group, invite family members, and each person explicitly approves location sharing before tracking begins. GeoZilla updates locations in real time, flags risky driving with behavior reports, and uses crash detection to notify designated contacts. Its “sleep‑mode” GPS helps reduce battery drain while maintaining useful updates.

Key features

GeoZilla focuses on fast visibility and rapid response when it matters.

  • Crash detection + emergency alerts: Notifies contacts right away.
  • Driver behavior reports: Flags speeding and phone usage.
  • Smartwatch tracking: Follow location from Wear OS devices.
  • Sleep‑mode GPS: Battery‑friendly location updates.
  • Private in‑app messaging: Keep context with your group.
  • Real‑time location sharing: See movement as it happens.

Who it’s best for

Families that want everyday visibility with extra protection on the road.

  • Teen drivers and their parents who value behavior insights and crash alerts.
  • Caregivers of seniors who want quick, simple status checks.
  • Mixed iOS/Android homes that also use smartwatches.

Pricing

GeoZilla typically offers a Premium membership at $69.99/year (~$5.83/month), with a 14‑day money‑back guarantee. Features and pricing can change by region and platform.

Pros and cons

A strong safety toolkit with a few trade‑offs to know.

  • Pros: Crash alerts to emergency contacts; driver behavior insights; battery‑savvy GPS; smartwatch support.
  • Cons: Every user must approve tracking to start; interface can feel dated to some users.

7. Glympse temporary live sharing

When you only need to share where you are for the next 15–60 minutes—not all day—Glympse is a simple, privacy‑friendly fit. It’s great for school pickups, meetups, or letting someone follow your drive without forcing them to install an app. Shares auto‑expire, so you get the benefits of a best mobile tracking app without long‑term monitoring.

How it works

You send a time‑limited “Glympse” from the iPhone or Android app. Recipients open a secure link in any browser—no account or app required—to see your live location until the timer ends. You can create Private Groups for family or teams, and shares automatically stop at expiration to protect privacy.

Key features

Glympse focuses on fast, temporary visibility that’s easy to control.

  • No sign‑up to view: Recipients follow along in a browser.
  • Auto‑expiring live links: Time‑boxed sharing ends automatically.
  • Private Groups: Keep location requests and shares within your circle.
  • Cross‑platform: Works on Android, iOS, and the web.
  • One‑tap sharing via SMS: Send links quickly to any contact.
  • Premium Tags (events): Organize public tracking around gatherings.

Who it’s best for

  • Parents and caregivers: School pickups, practices, field trips.
  • Friends and carpools: Coordinating arrivals without constant texting.
  • Contractors and clients: Share an ETA window, then let it expire.

Pricing

Free basic plan; optional “Premium Shares” at approximately $9.99/month.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Temporary, privacy‑first sharing with auto‑expiry
    • No app needed for viewers; frictionless across devices
    • Quick, lightweight, and cross‑platform

  • Cons:

    • Not for continuous family tracking or geofence alerts
    • Map accuracy can vary in some browsers/regions
    • Limited safety features compared to full family locator apps

8. Google Maps location sharing

If you’re comparing the best mobile tracking apps and want something everyone already knows how to use, Google Maps’ built‑in location sharing is a reliable, no‑cost choice. It shines for real‑time check‑ins with family or friends and for coordinating meetups, with the bonus of Google’s navigation context—traffic, routes, and Street View—to make arrivals smoother.

How it works

From Google Maps on iPhone or Android, choose a contact and share your live location. They’ll see you on the map inside Google Maps along with travel routes and traffic conditions, making it easy to coordinate ETAs. For your own account, Maps can keep a private location history (Timeline) you can review later for places visited and routes taken.

Key features

Simple, familiar tools that make live sharing practical day to day.

  • Live location sharing: Let trusted contacts follow your position in real time.
  • Traffic and Street View: Add context for safer, clearer meetups.
  • Saved places: Mark home, work, and favorites for fast routing.
  • Cross‑platform: Works on both Android and iOS.
  • Location history (Timeline): Review past routes and visits on your account.

Who it’s best for

  • Families and friends who want a free, familiar way to check in live.
  • Mixed iOS/Android households that need a single tool everyone has.
  • Travelers and teams coordinating arrivals with traffic‑aware ETAs.

Pricing

Free.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Free and widely adopted; minimal learning curve
    • Real‑time sharing with navigation context (traffic, Street View)
    • Cross‑platform with optional location history for your account

  • Cons:

    • No parental controls, geofence alerts, or driver reports
    • No SOS/crash detection or safety agent services
    • Not designed for business analytics or fleet‑grade oversight

9. MyCarTracks trip and mileage tracker

Need automatic, accurate trip logs without installing hardware? MyCarTracks turns iPhone or Android devices into drivers’ trackers, capturing routes, times, and mileage automatically. It layers on driver behavior scoring, maintenance reminders, and exportable reports—useful for families, contractors, and small fleets that need documentation and insight.

How it works

Install the app on each driver’s phone and link them to your account. MyCarTracks auto‑detects trips, records routes and stops, and syncs to the cloud for real‑time viewing on mobile or web. From the dashboard, review driving behavior scores, generate CSV/PDF mileage reports, and schedule maintenance based on usage.

Key features

You get reliable logging plus light fleet management that keeps records audit‑ready.

  • Auto trip logging: Hands‑off capture of routes, time, and distance.
  • Driving behavior scores: See trends in safe vs. risky habits.
  • Fleet tracking & maintenance alerts: Keep vehicles healthy and on schedule.
  • Expense & refueling log: Centralize operating costs.
  • CSV/PDF mileage reports: Clean exports for taxes, billing, or audits.
  • Web dashboard analytics: Filter trips, visualize routes, and organize drivers.
  • Real‑time updates: Follow active trips as they occur.
  • Geofences (web setup): Configure zones from the browser.

Who it’s best for

  • Families with teen or elder drivers needing visibility and gentle coaching.
  • Self‑employed and gig workers who require IRS‑ready mileage records.
  • Small fleets and trades wanting trip history and maintenance oversight without hardware.

Pricing

Transparent subscriptions: Individual $3.50/month; Business $8/vehicle/month. Trial supports up to 10 devices; 14‑day money‑back guarantee. Works on Android and iOS.

Pros and cons

  • Pros:

    • Automatic trip logs with driver scores
    • Maintenance and mileage reports with CSV/PDF exports
    • Real‑time tracking plus a web dashboard for analysis
    • Strong fit for tax reporting and small fleets

  • Cons:

    • Geofence setup requires PC/web access
    • UI can feel utilitarian for casual family users

Key takeaways

Choosing the best mobile tracking app starts with your use case and privacy expectations. If you only need recovery tools, built‑in options are enough. If you want ongoing safety, driving insights, or compliance‑ready mileage logs, step up to a purpose‑built app—or pair software with dedicated hardware for vehicles and assets. Always secure consent, set sensible geofences, and balance update frequency with battery life.

  • For free phone recovery: Google Find My Device (Android) and Apple Find My (iPhone/iPad/Mac).
  • For family safety with SOS/crash support: Life360; for road safety insights and crash alerts: GeoZilla.
  • For kid location plus digital supervision: FamiSafe.
  • For short, privacy‑friendly shares: Glympse.
  • For simple live check‑ins with navigation context: Google Maps location sharing.
  • For automatic trip logs, mileage reports, and small fleets: MyCarTracks.
  • For business‑grade, always‑on vehicle/asset tracking with reports and alerts: LiveViewGPS.

Need hardware‑backed reliability with 60‑second updates and no long‑term contracts? Explore LiveViewGPS tracking solutions.

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