Top 6 Easy-to-Use Apps for Live Location Tracking

As a CEO of a time-tracking software company, my team and I are constantly looking at the best B2B software to know what’s going on in the market. That means we’re often researching about and/or playing around with their products; you know, it’s part of the job. Here, I share my findings on the best live location tracking apps, giving credit to those products where credit is due and being honest about which products I believe you really need to avoid. And so, there you have it, this review, and in it, I try to be honest, fair, and insightful. I hope it helps you make the right decision…

Why Do You Need Apps for Live Location Tracking?

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping track of the whereabouts of our loved ones, valuable assets, or even our own location has become increasingly important. Fortunately, there are numerous apps available that offer live location tracking, providing us with peace of mind and enhanced safety. In this article, we will review the top 6 easy-to-use apps for live location tracking. We will explore their key features, user feedback, and provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best app for your specific needs.

How Do Apps for Live Location Tracking Help?

Live location tracking apps have revolutionized the way we stay connected and ensure the safety of our loved ones. By harnessing the power of GPS technology, these apps offer a range of benefits, including:

• Peace of Mind: With live location tracking, you can easily keep tabs on the whereabouts of your family members, ensuring their safety and peace of mind.
• Coordination Made Easy: Planning meetups or group outings becomes a breeze as you can track the real-time locations of your friends or colleagues and navigate to their exact whereabouts.
• Lost Device Recovery: Many apps offer the ability to track lost or stolen devices, helping you locate and recover them quickly.

Top 6 Easy-to-Use Apps for Live Location Tracking

1. Jibble

Are you tired of constantly wondering where your team members are during work hours? Do you often find yourself juggling multiple communication channels just to get a simple update on their whereabouts? Look no further than Jibble – the free, user-friendly app designed to revolutionize live location tracking.

It allows you to effortlessly keep track of the real-time location of your loved ones. With its intuitive interface and simple setup process, Jibble simplifies the process of monitoring and ensuring the safety of your family members or friends.

Key Features of Jibble

1. Easy-to-Use Interface

Jibble understands the importance of simplicity. With its easy-to-use interface, even the least tech-savvy individuals can navigate the app effortlessly. Upon signing up, you’ll be greeted by a sleek and intuitive dashboard, providing a clear overview of your team’s locations in real time. With just a few taps, you can effortlessly track your team members’ movements, eliminating the need for constant back-and-forth communication.

No more struggling with complex systems or wasting time on extensive training sessions. Jibble is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making your tracking experience smooth and enjoyable.

2. Reliability in Real-Time Tracking

Jibble takes live location tracking to the next level by offering accurate and reliable data. Gone are the days of guessing your team’s progress or waiting for sporadic updates. With Jibble, you can see your team members’ exact locations as they move, ensuring transparency and allowing you to plan and allocate resources effectively. Whether your team is spread across different locations or simply working remotely, Jibble ensures you’re always in the loop.

3. Enhanced Team Collaboration

Jibble understands that effective team collaboration goes beyond just tracking locations. The app offers a range of features to facilitate seamless communication among team members. Need to send a quick message to a colleague who’s on-site? Jibble’s in-app chat functionality allows for instant communication, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications. You can even set up notifications to receive alerts when team members arrive or leave specific locations, enabling you to stay informed and respond promptly.

4. Geofencing and Task Allocation

One of Jibble’s standout features is its geofencing capabilities. By creating virtual boundaries around specific areas, such as job sites or client locations, you can receive automatic updates whenever team members enter or exit these zones. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that require meticulous time tracking or need to ensure compliance with project requirements. Additionally, Jibble enables you to assign tasks directly within the app, streamlining project management and boosting productivity.

5. Flexible Integration

Jibble recognizes that every team has its own set of tools and systems. That’s why the app seamlessly integrates with popular project management platforms, communication tools, and time tracking software. Whether you use Trello, Slack, or any other essential business applications, Jibble ensures that you can centralize your team’s location tracking without disrupting your existing workflow.

How to Track Live Location Using Jibble: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Download and install the Jibble app from your device’s app store.
2. Sign up for an account and complete the setup process by providing the necessary details.
3. Grant the app permission to access your device’s location services.
4. Invite the individuals you want to track to join your Jibble network by sending them an invitation.
5. Once they accept the invitation and join your network, you can easily track their live location within the app.

Tips for Optimal Usage

To maximize your experience with Jibble, consider the following tips:

1. Customize Geofencing Zones

Take advantage of Jibble’s geofencing feature by customizing zones that are relevant to your team’s activities. Define specific areas like job sites, client locations, or important venues, ensuring you receive accurate notifications when team members enter or exit these zones.

2. Encourage Transparent Communication

Foster a culture of open and transparent communication within your team. Encourage team members to share their live location status on Jibble and provide regular updates, enhancing collaboration and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

3. Set Up Relevant Notifications

Tailor your notification settings to receive alerts that are most relevant to your needs. Configure notifications for arrivals, departures, or any specific events that require your attention. This will help you stay informed and act promptly when necessary.

4. Integrate with Key Tools

Explore Jibble’s integrations with project management, communication, and time tracking tools that you use in your workflow. By connecting Jibble with these tools, you can centralize your team’s location tracking alongside other essential activities, streamlining your operations and improving efficiency.

5. Regularly Review Location History

Make use of Jibble’s location history feature to review past movements and identify patterns. This can provide valuable insights into your team’s activities, helping you optimize workflows, plan resources effectively, and identify areas for improvement.

6. Promote Data Privacy and Security

Educate your team members about Jibble’s privacy settings and encourage them to adjust their location sharing preferences according to their comfort levels. Emphasize the importance of data security and reassure them that their privacy is respected.

7. Provide Training and Support

Ensure that your team members are well-versed in using Jibble’s features by providing training and ongoing support. This will help them make the most out of the app and reduce any potential barriers to adoption.

8. Continuously Provide Feedback

If you encounter any challenges or have suggestions for improvement, don’t hesitate to provide feedback to the Jibble team. They value user input and are constantly working to enhance the app’s functionality and user experience.

Integrations

• Trello
• Asana
• Slack
• Microsoft Teams
• Google Workspace

What Users Like about Jibble

• Free
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Accurate and reliable real-time tracking
• Seamless communication through in-app chat
• Geofencing feature for automated updates on team members’ movements
• Task allocation and assignment within the app
• Flexible integration with other business tools

What Users Don’t Like about Jibble

• Jibble doesn’t have a “teleport to the office” feature. . . because we’re not wizards (yet)!

Is Jibble Free?

Absolutely! Jibble offers its key features and functionality completely free of charge. Say goodbye to expensive tracking solutions that eat into your budget. It empowers you to enhance team collaboration and productivity without adding any financial burden.

So, wave goodbye to the struggles of traditional tracking methods and embrace Jibble – the app that revolutionizes the way you monitor your team’s movements, all for free.

2. Life360

Life360 is a popular and easy-to-use app for live location tracking that allows you to stay connected with your family and friends. It offers real-time location updates, safety notifications, and various features designed to enhance your peace of mind.

Key Features of Life360

1. User-Friendly Interface

Life360 boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the initial setup process. The app’s design is relatively intuitive, and navigating through its features is straightforward. However, some users may find the interface slightly cluttered, especially when accessing additional features beyond the basic location tracking functionality. It could benefit from a more streamlined design that prioritizes essential information and reduces visual clutter.

2. Real-Time Location Tracking

Life360’s real-time location tracking feature is its core strength. The app allows you to keep track of your family members or friends accurately and provides frequent updates on their whereabouts. This feature proves invaluable when you want to ensure the safety of your loved ones or coordinate meetups. However, it’s important to note that the accuracy of location data can vary depending on various factors, such as network connectivity and device settings.

3. Geofencing and Alerts

Life360 offers geofencing capabilities, allowing you to set virtual boundaries on the map and receive notifications when someone enters or exits those areas. While the concept is promising, the app’s geofencing functionality can sometimes be inconsistent. Users have reported instances of delayed notifications or false alerts, which can be frustrating. It’s worth considering these limitations and managing expectations when relying on geofencing as a crucial feature.

4. Driving Behavior Analysis

Life360’s driving behavior analysis feature aims to promote safe driving habits. By monitoring factors such as speed, phone usage, and hard braking, the app provides insights into driving behaviors. While the intention is commendable, the accuracy of these analyses may not always be reliable. Users have reported instances of false positives or inaccuracies, which can affect the overall usefulness of this feature. It’s important to approach the driving behavior analysis with caution and use it as a starting point for conversations about safe driving practices.

5. SOS and Emergency Assistance

Life360 includes an SOS button that allows users to send distress signals to their designated contacts in emergency situations. While this feature offers a sense of security, its effectiveness is dependent on various factors, such as network connectivity and the responsiveness of your contacts. It’s crucial to test this functionality beforehand and ensure that your designated contacts are readily available and capable of providing assistance when needed. 

How to Track Live Location Using Life360: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Install the Life360 app from your device’s app store.
2. Create an account and set up your family or friend circles within the app.
3. Enable location services on your device and grant necessary permissions to Life360.
4. Invite your family members or friends to join your Life360 circle by sending them an invitation.
5. Once they accept the invitation and join your circle, you can easily track their live location and receive safety alerts.

Tips for Optimal Usage 

To maximize your experience with Life360, consider the following tips:

1. Communication and Consent

Openly communicate with your family or friends about the app’s purpose and ensure that everyone involved is comfortable with location tracking. Respecting each individual’s privacy and obtaining mutual consent is essential for a healthy and respectful use of the app within your social circle.

2. Customization 

Take advantage of Life360’s customization options to tailor notifications and preferences according to your needs. Finding the right balance between staying informed and avoiding unnecessary interruptions will enhance your overall experience.

3. Consider Limitations

Keep in mind the limitations of the app, such as potential inaccuracies in location data or false alerts in geofencing. Understanding these limitations will help manage expectations and prevent undue frustration.

Integrations

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• IFTTT (If This Then That)
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto 

What Users Like about Life360

• User-friendly interface that simplifies navigation
• Real-time location tracking provides accurate updates on loved ones’ whereabouts
• Geofencing feature offers the ability to set virtual boundaries and receive notifications
• SOS button provides a sense of security in emergency situations
• Driving behavior analysis feature promotes safer driving habits
• Customization options allow users to personalize notifications and preferences

What Users Don’t Like about Life360

• Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming at times
• Inconsistencies in geofencing notifications and false alerts reported by some users
• Accuracy of driving behavior analysis can be questionable, with instances of false positives or inaccuracies
• Effectiveness of the SOS feature depends on network connectivity and responsiveness of designated contacts

Is Life360 Free?

Life360 offers both free and premium subscription plans. The free version provides basic location tracking and limited features, while the premium subscription offers additional features such as unlimited place alerts, driving analysis, and crime reports. Users can choose the plan that best suits their needs and upgrade to the premium version for access to advanced functionalities.

3. Glympse

Glympse is an easy-to-use app for live location tracking that allows you to share your real-time location with friends, family, or colleagues. With its user-friendly interface and seamless sharing capabilities, Glympse simplifies the process of keeping others informed about your whereabouts.

Key Features of Glympse

1. Effortless Location Sharing

Glympse excels in its ability to simplify location sharing. Imagine you’re running late for a family gathering, and your loved ones are eagerly waiting for you. Instead of frustrating text messages or calls, Glympse allows you to send your real-time location with just a few taps. This feature saves you time and helps alleviate the stress of keeping others informed.

2. Real-Time Updates and ETA 

Glympse provides accurate and real-time location updates, ensuring that your friends, family, or colleagues can track your progress. This feature proves invaluable when meeting up with friends at a crowded event or when coordinating a surprise visit. You can even share your estimated time of arrival (ETA) to keep everyone informed and avoid misunderstandings.

3. Customizable Duration

Glympse allows you to control how long your location is visible to others. Picture yourself on a road trip, and you want your family back home to track your journey for safety purposes. Glympse lets you set the duration, providing peace of mind to your loved ones while respecting your privacy.

4. Group Location Sharing

Planning an outing with friends or coordinating a team activity becomes effortless with Glympse’s group location sharing feature. Instead of repeatedly asking, “Where are you?” and “When will you arrive?”, you can share your location with multiple recipients simultaneously. This functionality fosters better communication and ensures everyone stays on the same page.

5. Integration with Messaging and Navigation Apps

Glympse seamlessly integrates with popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger. This integration allows you to share your location within the conversation, eliminating the need for multiple apps or tedious copy-pasting. Additionally, Glympse integrates with navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, combining location sharing with turn-by-turn directions for a comprehensive experience.

6. Safety and Peace of Mind

Glympse prioritizes user safety by providing a reliable way to share your location in emergency situations. Imagine you’re meeting a new client in an unfamiliar area, and you want to ensure your colleagues know where you are. With Glympse, you can share your live location, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for both you and your contacts.

How to Track Live Location Using Glympse: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Download and install the Glympse app from your device’s app store.
2. Sign up for an account and complete the initial setup process.
3. Grant the app permission to access your device’s location services.
4. Choose the people you want to share your live location with and send them a Glympse invitation.
5. Once they accept the invitation, they can view your real-time location within the app.

Tips for Optimal Usage 

To maximize your experience with Glympse, consider the following tips:

1. Adjust Location Sharing Duration

Experiment with different durations based on the situation. For casual meetups, a shorter duration may be sufficient, while longer journeys or events may require an extended duration.

2. Communicate ETA

When sharing your location, remember to provide your estimated time of arrival. This proactive approach keeps everyone informed and minimizes confusion.

3. Coordinate Group Outings

Take advantage of Glympse’s group location sharing feature to plan outings with friends. It ensures everyone arrives at the destination on time, and no one gets left behind.

4. Explore Integration Options

Familiarize yourself with Glympse’s integration capabilities. Linking your preferred messaging and navigation apps will streamline the sharing process and enhance your overall experience.

Integrations 

• WhatsApp
• iMessage
• Facebook Messenger.
• Google Maps 
• Waze
• Smartwatches

What Users Like about Glympse

• Effortless Sharing
• Real-Time Updates
• Customizable Timeframe
• Multiple Recipients

What Users Don’t Like about Glympse

• Battery Drain
• Limited Offline Access
• Interface Complexity

Is Glympse Free?

Yes, Glympse offers its core features for free, making it accessible to a wide range of users. However, they do offer a premium version called Glympse Plus, which includes additional features such as ad-free usage, extended duration for location sharing, and trip history. Glympse Plus requires a subscription for full access to these premium features.

4. Find My Friends

Find My Friends is an app developed by Apple that enables users to share their live location with trusted friends and family members. It simplifies the process of keeping track of loved ones’ whereabouts and fostering a sense of security.

Key Features of Find My Friends

1. Real-Time Location Tracking

Find My Friends enables users to track the live location of their trusted contacts, ensuring you’re always aware of their whereabouts.

2. Geofence Notifications

Users can set up geofences around specific locations and receive notifications when a contact enters or leaves those areas, providing an added layer of convenience and safety.

3. Temporary Sharing

The app allows for temporary location sharing, making it easy to coordinate meetups or monitor loved ones during specific events or activities.

4. Location History

Find My Friends maintains a location history log, enabling users to review past locations and movements of their contacts. 

How to Track Live Location Using Find My Friends: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Open the Find My Friends app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new account if you don’t have one.
3. Add friends by sending them an invitation or accepting their requests to share location.
4. Grant the necessary permissions to the app to access your location.
5. Once your friends have accepted the invitation and shared their location with you, you can easily track their live location within the app.

Tips for Optimal Usage 

To maximize your experience with Find My Friends, consider the following tips:

1. Adjust Privacy Settings

Take the time to review and customize your privacy settings according to your comfort level. This will help you strike a balance between sharing your location and maintaining your privacy.

2. Enable Notifications

Utilize the notification feature to receive alerts when contacts arrive or leave specific locations. This ensures you’re informed without continuously checking the app.

3. Communicate Expectations

Establish open communication with your contacts regarding location sharing. Discuss expectations, boundaries, and the duration of temporary location sharing to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Use Geofences Wisely

Make effective use of geofences by setting them up around places that are relevant to your daily routine or frequently visited locations. This will enhance the usefulness of notifications and streamline coordination efforts.

Integrations

• Messages app
• Contacts app
• Siri

What Users Like about Find My Friends

• User-Friendly Interface
• Accurate and Reliable
• Customizable Notifications
• Sharing Temporary Locations

What Users Don’t Like about Find My Friends

• Limited Cross-Platform Support
• Requires Active Internet Connection
• Privacy Concerns

Is Find My Friends Free?

Yes, Find My Friends is a free app available for iOS devices. It comes pre-installed on iPhones and can be downloaded from the App Store for free.

5. Google Maps

Google Maps is a widely used navigation app that not only provides directions but also offers live location tracking features. It allows you to share your real-time location with friends and family, making it easier to coordinate meet-ups or stay connected.

Key Features of Google Maps

1. Live Traffic Updates

Users benefit from real-time traffic updates, which assist in selecting the most efficient routes and avoiding congestion.

2. Public Transportation Information

Google Maps provides comprehensive public transportation information, including schedules, routes, and estimated arrival times. This feature is invaluable for commuters.

3. Offline Maps

Users can download maps for specific regions, enabling navigation without an active internet connection. This feature proves especially useful when traveling in areas with limited network coverage.

4. Multi-Stop Route Planning

Google Maps allows users to plan and optimize routes with multiple stops, making it ideal for road trips, deliveries, and exploring multiple locations in a single journey.

5. Customizable Map Layers

Users can toggle various map layers, such as satellite imagery, traffic conditions, and cycling paths, to tailor the map display to their specific needs. 

How to Track Live Location Using Google Maps: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Open the Google Maps app on your device.
2. Sign in to your Google account or create a new one if needed.
3. Tap on the menu icon and select “Location sharing” or “Share location.”
4. Choose the people you want to share your live location with and set the duration.
5. Once the sharing is initiated, the selected individuals can view your real-time location on their Google Maps app.

Tips for Optimal Usage 

To maximize your experience with Google Maps, consider the following tips:

1. Save Frequent Destinations

To save time, consider saving your frequent destinations, such as home, work, or favorite places. This enables quick access and eliminates the need to repeatedly enter addresses.

2. Explore Street View

Before embarking on a journey, utilize the Street View feature to familiarize yourself with the destination. It helps in recognizing landmarks and facilitates easier navigation.

3. Optimize Battery Usage

To reduce battery drain, consider adjusting the location settings of your device, such as enabling battery-saving mode or limiting the frequency of location updates while using Google Maps.

4. Download Offline Maps

If you anticipate traveling to areas with limited network coverage, download offline maps in advance to ensure uninterrupted navigation.

5. Contribute to the Community

Users can contribute to Google Maps by reporting changes, updating business information, and adding reviews. By actively participating, you help improve the accuracy and reliability of the app. 

Integrations

• Uber
• Lyft 
• Google Calendar
• Google Assistant

What Users Like about Google Maps

• Accurate and Reliable Navigation
• Real-Time Traffic Updates
• Extensive Point of Interest Database
• Integrated Street View
• Seamless Cross-Platform Integration

What Users Don’t Like about Google Maps

• Data Consumption
• Battery Drain
• Occasional Inaccuracies

Is Google Maps Free?

Yes, Google Maps is free to download and use. It offers a comprehensive suite of features without requiring any subscription fees. However, data charges may apply for accessing the app and downloading maps if you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network.

6. FollowMee GPS Tracker

FollowMee GPS Tracker is a user-friendly app that allows you to track the real-time location of devices or people important to you. It offers a range of features designed to simplify live location tracking and enhance personal safety.

Key Features of FollowMee GPS Tracker

1. Real-Time Tracking

FollowMee GPS Tracker provides precise and up-to-date location information, allowing you to monitor the movement of your tracked devices in real-time. This feature proves invaluable for concerned parents, fleet managers, and individuals looking to safeguard their belongings.

2. Geofencing

The app allows you to set virtual boundaries, known as geofences, around specific areas. You will receive instant notifications whenever the tracked device enters or exits these predefined zones, providing added security and peace of mind.

3. Location History

FollowMee GPS Tracker records the complete location history of the tracked device, giving you the ability to review past routes, destinations, and duration of stays. This feature proves helpful for analyzing travel patterns and identifying any suspicious activities.

4. Multiple Device Support

The app supports tracking multiple devices simultaneously, making it ideal for families, businesses, or organizations managing a fleet of vehicles or mobile workforce.

5. Battery Optimization

FollowMee GPS Tracker efficiently manages the device’s battery life by employing intelligent tracking algorithms. It minimizes the app’s impact on battery consumption while ensuring consistent location updates. 

How to Track Live Location Using FollowMee GPS Tracker: In 5 Easy Steps

1. Download and install the FollowMee GPS Tracker app on your device.
2. Sign up for an account and complete the initial setup process.
3. Grant the app the necessary permissions to access your device’s location services.
4. Configure the settings and choose the tracking options that best suit your needs.
5. Once set up, you can track the live location of your devices or individuals within the app.

Tips for Optimal Usage 

To maximize your experience with Google Maps, consider the following tips:

1. Ensure Proper Device Configuration

To optimize the app’s performance, make sure that the tracked device has a stable internet connection and GPS functionality enabled.

2. Enable Geofencing

Take advantage of the geofencing feature by setting up boundaries around relevant locations. This is particularly useful for tracking the movement of children, elderly family members, or valuable assets.

3. Customize Notification Settings

Tailor the app’s notification settings to suit your preferences. By selecting relevant events and configuring notification alerts, you can stay informed without being overwhelmed.

Integrations

• Google Maps
• Web Interface
• API Integration:

What Users Like about FollowMee GPS Tracker

• User-Friendly Interface
• Accurate Location Tracking
• Geofencing Alerts
• Battery Optimization

What Users Don’t Like about FollowMee GPS Tracker

• Occasional Lag in Tracking Updates
• Limited Advanced Features

Is FollowMee GPS Tracker Free?

FollowMee GPS Tracker offers both free and premium subscription plans. The free version provides basic tracking capabilities, limited location history, and supports tracking up to three devices. Premium plans unlock advanced features such as unlimited location history, geofencing, and the ability to track an unlimited number of devices. The pricing structure is transparent and flexible, catering to the diverse needs of users.

How to Choose Live Location Tracking Apps

When selecting a live location tracking app, consider the following factors:

• User-Friendliness: Look for apps that have intuitive interfaces, easy setup processes, and straightforward navigation, making them accessible to users of all skill levels.
• Reliability and Accuracy: Opt for apps that provide reliable and accurate location data, ensuring you can trust the information being shared.
• Privacy and Security: Check for apps that prioritize user privacy and offer robust security features to protect your location data.
• Additional Features: Explore apps that offer additional features such as geofencing, SOS alerts, and location history to cater to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, live location-tracking apps have become indispensable tools in today’s interconnected world. By reviewing the top 6 easy-to-use apps for live location tracking and providing a comprehensive guide on choosing the best app, we aim to empower you to make an informed decision. Whether you need to track the whereabouts of loved ones, monitor your personal devices, or coordinate professional activities, these apps offer user-friendly interfaces and robust features to meet your needs. So, dive into the world of live location tracking and embrace the convenience and peace of mind it brings.

Remember, with the right app at your fingertips, keeping track of important locations and staying connected has never been easier.