The best safety apps are simple to use in any situation and offer 24/7 protection. Take advantage of key features including location sharing to emergency contacts, crash detection, and the opportunity to stay connected to medically trained security experts to make sure you’re safe in any emergency.
From walking alone at night to hiking in a remote area, chances are there is an app tailored specifically for your needs. Picking which app makes the most sense for you depends on your personal situation.
Meet The Top 8 Family & Personal Safety Apps for 2023
What are the best personal safety apps you should explore this year? 52% of personal safety apps are targeted towards the general population, with 16% targeting women. From sharing your location to an SOS button like the Arlo Safe Button accessory, there are plenty of options out there tailored specifically to your needs.
While Arlo Safe is ideal for anyone seeking personal safety for life on the go, there are also tailored apps for hikers, first aid responders, and even air force cadets.
Whatever path you pave forward, we’ve compiled the list of 8 personal safety apps that you should not be without.
1. Arlo Safe is ideal for all users.
Arlo Safe is a helpful security app that supplies personal and family protection for its users. Whether you need emergency help immediately or want someone to know you’re okay, Arlo Safe delivers personal protection for ultimate peace of mind when you’re on the go. Arlo’s dedicated team of live, medically trained experts are ready 24/7 to make sure you’re safe with the touch of a button. And with Guardian Mode, you can hold down the safety button until you are clear of a dangerous situation, or release it for immediate help.
Arlo Safe also has features built with families in mind, including the ability to see the arrival and departure alerts of each family member and the choice to check in with everyone individually. Arlo’s new service plan offers even more benefits that help protect your family at home or on the go.
Crash response notifications are also present on this safety app and will immediately contact local emergency experts if the software detects that you have been in an accident.
2. bSafe is built with prevention in mind.
Similar to Arlo Safe, the bSafe security gap is built on real life incidents and immediate user needs. The bSafe technology platform was developed with a holistic view to offer prevention, handling and documentation of incidents. bSafe works by providing a live “follow me” map alongside a host of voice activated tools that help aid a user. You can even get your phone to call you and get out of any threatening situation.
3. Hike off the beaten path with Cairn.
Are you an avid hiker, but are concerned about walking into the wilderness alone? Before you hit the trail, download Cairn — a safety app developed specifically for hikers. Cairn helps you create a safety circle of contacts who are aware of your current hike and sends them your location. If you don’t return at your estimated time of arrival, an emergency SOS text message is instantly released to your contacts in the app.
Cairn also allows you to see where other Cairn users have found cell coverage on the trail you’re on. (Google Maps for hikers? Yes, please.)
4. Lean on my SOS Family if you live alone.
True to its name, my SOS Family builds a close-knit community of trusted individuals who are committed to an individual’s wellbeing. Created for those who live alone, SOS family offers a tailored experience for individual users with detailed instructions for emergency services, a red panic button, and a collection of emergency contacts hand-picked by each user.
5. Circulo was built for college students.
Praised by President Joe Biden for its strong defense against violence, Circulo (formerly known as Circle of 6) is a safety app that is extremely fast and incredibly easy to use. Circulo was originally created exclusively for college students but is now available for everyone to use.
Circulo works by urging users to create a circle of friends (no surprise: 6 is the ideal number.) Then, when the user is in a sticky situation, two simple taps on the phone will automatically send out text messages to that circle of 6 friends.
Circulo has garnered national attention, much like bSafe, and is often used by the U.S Air Force cadets to keep track of one another across the world.
6. Learn First Aid with the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has also created their own safety app, First Aid. Given the company who created it, First Aid supplies free and, more importantly, correct lifesaving knowledge available right in the palm of your hand. The app features videos and interactive quizzes that, when passed, reward users with badges that highlight the extent of their life-saving knowledge.
Emergency weather alerts are also featured on this safety app that will help you and others evacuate or take shelter before a disaster hits. Then, using the Essential Wired Video Doorbell or Home Security System, you can keep an eye on your home during a storm. Plus, monitor the weather channel for advice from leading experts to be prepared for anything.
7. Kite String is available on mobile web.
Make sure that you and your loved ones get home safe with Kite String. This safety software periodically checks in on you when you’re away from home and, if you don’t respond within a certain time frame, Kite String will alert your family and friends so they can take action.
For added ease of use, Kite String does not require that users download an app before using their features. Rather, their completely free software is available on a mobile web browser and takes little time to set up with your preferences.
Users can even pair Kite String with another safety app and, if the app does not protect the user, Kite String will act as a failsafe and alert the designated emergency contacts.
8. Right to Be supports victims of harassment.
Right to Be (formerly called Hollaback!) is a safety app that was created to gather evidence of firsthand street harassment directed at women and report that evidence to the authorities. This helps victims of harassment feel safer walking alone down unfamiliar — or even familiar — streets at all hours of the day.
Right to Be also goes a step further and looks to create a safe space for victims of harassment to show support for each other in a no-judgment environment where they can feel completely safe.
Wait, what is the Arlo Safe Plan?
If you’re not sure what app fits you best, start with a universally applicable technology like Arlo Safe. When your family has different schedules and places to be, Arlo Safe makes it easier than ever to stay connected. From personal safety to family safety and even crash response, Arlo Safe is an all-purpose personal safety solution for 24/7 peace of mind while on the go. Download the Arlo Safe app for free on iOS and Android today. For additional safety features, take advantage of three different monthly subscription plans starting at $4.99/month for individuals. Arlo’s all new Safe and Secure Pro plan offers the best value for complete on-the-go security for $19.99.
Can my phone detect a car crash?
Yes, it is possible for your phone to detect a car accident with the use of a safety app. Options like Arlo Safe can automatically detect automobile accidents and then call for help if the user is currently unable to do so themselves. Automatically alert live security experts to send emergency help during a car accident.