Losing your iPhone or Android device is no longer the end of the world. These GPS-based solutions each bring their own perks to the table, whether you need to check your family are safe, or often misplace your smartphone at home.

Whatever your mobile platform, you can have the best phone trackers on the market at your service. The following keep your security and privacy in mind.

1. Glympse

This company is all about improving customer experience, especially with delivery services. Among their many solutions that use location sharing technology is Glympse, a simple app for commercial and personal use.

You can broadcast your location to a chosen recipient or ask someone to return the favor. That’s the phone tracker’s main function, but it also lets you add messages, speed, metric units, and even specify for how long the app should share your location.

Whether your priority is security or convenience when keeping appointments, for example, Glympse is a good choice. Not just because it’s one of the easiest apps to use, but you can also be sure of its reliability, considering it’s already a key tool for professionals on the go.

Download: Glympse for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Life360

If you’re looking for lots of extra features in your phone tracker, then Life360 is a better choice. Designed for close circles, like family and friends, the app lets you check in with everyone else when necessary.

Thanks to a good GPS system and detailed global map, alerts between members of the circle are quick and precise.

In addition to sharing locations, you can contact each other in emergencies like an injury or car crash. Interestingly, the app can even monitor and keep a log of a user’s driving, including top speed and total miles.

The SOS button is just as valuable. Whenever you feel unsafe, you press it. Once released, you have 10 seconds to enter a pin before an alert is sent to circle members and emergency services. This last feature is only available to Gold members, but could be a lifesaver alongside other smart apps and devices for emergencies.

The membership-based restrictions are a downside of Life360. Nevertheless, depending on how much you want to invest and get out of the app, it can make a big difference to your connections and security.

Download: Life360 for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. iSharing

This is another app with plenty to offer, especially to a group of people. It can notify you about a range of things, from when linked people leave a location to where they are at any given time. It also works as a walkie-talkie, allowing you to exchange messages fast and free.

iSharing comes with its own panic alert too. You can either tap the button on the screen or shake your smartphone. Both methods notify group members within seconds.

It lacks the massive range of services that Life360 comes with, but does provide the essentials any family could need. You get an efficient and user-friendly GPS that cares about your peace of mind and well-being.

That ticks all the boxes of what the best phone trackers are supposed to do.

Download: iSharing for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Find My (iOS Only)

On busy days, it’s so easy to put down your mobile and forget where it is. Phone trackers are especially handy here. If you use an iPhone or iPad, you’ll come across many location sharing software, but on iOS 13 or above, you get access to the new and improved Find My app.

For best results, make sure your devices are traceable by GPS. If so, all you need to do to track one of them is go to another device and check Find My’s interactive map. Additionally, you can have the lost iPhone or iPad make a distinctive sound or display a message for whoever finds it.

Even if your phone is stolen, there are safety measures you can take, like remotely locking it or erasing its contents. Losing that all-important tablet doesn’t mean you need to worry about its information falling into the wrong hands. Just be certain everything is backed up before you erase it all.

Alongside many cool ways to use Find My, the app offers friend-tracking features. You can all stay on each other’s radar through your phones, assuming the devices are compatible and want to be found.

Get permission before you start tracking people, even friends and family. Keep that in mind while searching for the perfect phone tracker.

Download: Find My (Free)

5. Find My Phone Whistle (Android Only)

Apart from serious, complicated programs like the above, there's this funny but no less useful app. Think of all the times you were in a hurry and couldn't find your mobile anywhere. Now, you can just call it and it'll bark back.

Only available on Android, Find My Phone Whistle lets you choose a sound for your device to make when you summon it. Basically, if your phone isn't active but the app is on, whistle and it will respond with a chime, laugh, animal noise, or anything else you want.

There’s also a flashlight option so the device can guide you to it in the dark. The more you explore, the more interesting tools you’ll discover.

The main problem with Find My Phone Whistle is the constant ads, but you can get rid of them with the VIP version. This unlocks extra content as well. On the other hand, sticking with the software's free side gives you enough services to make it worthwhile.

Download: Find My Phone Whistle (Free, in-app purchases available)

Choose the Best Tracker App for the Situation

Choosing the best app depends on why you’re browsing phone trackers. Life360, for example, would suit a busy family or group of traveling friends because of its many services aimed at keeping you safe. Find My Phone Whistle, however, is for people who just lose their phone too often and want an easy way to dig it up again.

Think about what your ideal app should do for you, as well as what software actually works on your device. Google Play and the App Store (manage Android location settings) are full of information on these and many more helpful tools.