Compare software

PhoneTrack SMS vs OwnTracks: catalog facts
PhoneTrack SMS	OwnTracks
Best for: Sharing your location with trusted contacts where mobile data is unreliable	Best for: Private location history and family location sharing on your own server
Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence; normal SMS charges may apply.	Free Free and open source.
Android	Android, iOS, Self-hosted
Works without a data connection or any server Replies include accuracy, battery level and a configurable map link All 3 strengths for PhoneTrack SMS Works without a data connection or any server Replies include accuracy, battery level and a configurable map link No account required	Location data goes to a server you control Open protocols and open-source code All 4 strengths for OwnTracks Location data goes to a server you control Open protocols and open-source code Works as a personal diary or for family sharing Setup guide for running your own server
Anyone who learns the keyword can request your location Depends on SMS coverage and may incur text message costs All 3 limitations for PhoneTrack SMS Anyone who learns the keyword can request your location Depends on SMS coverage and may incur text message costs Android only	Needs a server, which takes some setup to host yourself Not a map or navigation app on its own
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0-only	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for PhoneTrack SMS github.com/gideontek/phonetrack Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for OwnTracks owntracks.org f-droid.org/packages/org.owntracks.android apps.apple.com/us/app/owntracks/id692424691 Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.