Hi, I’m Jessica 👋 — a mom of two (ages 6 and 10), wife, and Marketing Manager living in Austin, Texas. Like many parents, keeping my family safe and connected is always at the top of my priority list. That’s why apps like Life360 are so popular. They help families stay connected with location sharing, driving reports, and safety alerts.

But sometimes Life360 isn’t the perfect fit. Maybe you’re looking for an app with stronger privacy controls, fewer notifications, or more kid-friendly features. The good news? There are plenty of alternatives out there. I did some research (and tried a few myself), and here are 12 Life360 alternatives in the USA worth considering.

1. Google Family Link

Google Family Link lets parents manage their kids’ devices while also offering location tracking. You can set screen time limits, approve app downloads, and track where your child’s phone is.

Why I like it: It’s a two-in-one tool — digital safety plus location tracking. Perfect if your kids are just getting their first phones.

2. Find My (Apple)

For iPhone families, Apple’s Find My app is a built-in lifesaver. It helps locate devices, share locations, and even track lost AirTags.

Mom perk: Since we’re an iPhone household, it’s seamless and doesn’t require downloading another app.

3. Glympse

Glympse lets you share your real-time location for a set period of time. It’s great if you don’t want constant tracking but want peace of mind during travel.

Why it works: I use it when my husband is jogging or when the kids are on a school trip — temporary check-ins without 24/7 monitoring.

4. FamiSafe

FamiSafe is a parental control app with GPS tracking, geofencing, and driving reports. It’s like Life360 but with stronger parental tools.

Family-friendly feature: I can set safe zones for my kids, like home or school, and get alerts if they leave.

5. Bark

Bark focuses on online safety while also offering location tracking. It monitors texts, emails, and social media for harmful content, which is a bonus.

Why I like it: It’s great for parents who worry about both digital dangers and physical safety.

6. GeoZilla

GeoZilla is designed specifically for family tracking. It has location sharing, driving reports, and battery alerts (so you know if your teen’s phone died or they turned it off).

Cool feature: Driving behavior reports help you see if your teen is speeding or braking too hard.

7. Microsoft Family Safety

If you use Microsoft products, this app is a good alternative. It combines location tracking with screen time management and content filtering.

Why it fits families: It works across devices, from PCs to Xbox, making it a one-stop family management tool.

8. Sprint Safe & Found (also offered by T-Mobile)

This carrier-based service includes family location sharing, safety zones, and even device security features.

Why it’s handy: Since it’s integrated with your cell plan, it can feel smoother than a third-party app.

9. Verizon Smart Family

Similar to Sprint’s service, Verizon Smart Family offers location tracking, driving insights, and parental controls.

Family bonus: If you’re already a Verizon customer, it’s easy to add this feature without downloading another app.

10. KidLogger

KidLogger is more of a monitoring app than a location tracker, but it includes GPS tracking alongside device activity reports.

Why it’s useful: It helps parents with older kids who spend lots of time online by combining digital monitoring with location features.

11. iSharing

iSharing is a straightforward family locator app. It offers real-time location sharing, driving reports, and alerts when family members arrive or leave designated places.

Why I like it: It’s simple, affordable, and easy to use without all the extra clutter.

12. Circle Home Plus

While Circle is primarily known for managing internet usage, it also includes some location features when paired with its app.

Why it’s interesting: It helps balance screen time with physical safety tracking — two things parents are constantly managing.

Final Thoughts

As a mom, I know that peace of mind is priceless. Apps like Life360 are popular because they give families a sense of connection and safety. But depending on your values — whether that’s privacy, simplicity, digital safety, or carrier integration — another app might work better.

Here’s a quick recap of the best alternatives:

• For iPhone households: Find My
• For Android/Google users: Google Family Link
• For parental controls + safety: FamiSafe, Bark, Microsoft Family Safety
• For temporary check-ins: Glympse
• For carrier-based tools: Sprint Safe & Found, Verizon Smart Family
• For simple family tracking: GeoZilla, iSharing

Personally, I use Google Family Link for screen time management, and Find My for quick check-ins with my husband and kids. It’s a combo that keeps us connected without feeling like we’re over-surveilling each other.

At the end of the day, these apps are just tools. What matters most is open communication with our kids about trust, safety, and independence. Technology can help, but strong family connections are the real key to peace of mind