Quick answer
Start with Safella. The free plan gives you one-tap SOS alerts to up to three trusted contacts, a check-in timer that alerts them if you don't respond, AI chat with ready-made companions, and a few minutes of AI calls every month.
Then add the tools already on your phone: Apple's Check In or Google Maps location sharing for the trip home, and your phone's built-in emergency SOS. Together they make a solid safety routine that costs nothing.
Free safety apps compared
| App | What is free | What costs extra | Works on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safella (our pick) | SOS alerts, check-in timer, up to 3 trusted contacts, AI chat, a few AI call minutes a month | Walk With Me, scheduled Date Escape calls, more call time, your own companions | iOS and Android |
| Apple Check In | Tells a friend when you arrive, and alerts them if you don't | Nothing, it is built in | iPhone with iOS 17 or later, for you and your friend |
| Google Maps location sharing | Your live location for a set time, or until you stop sharing | Nothing, it is built in | Android and iPhone |
| Life360 | Location sharing, 2 place alerts, 2 days of location history | More history, more alerts and extra safety features | iOS and Android |
| Noonlight | A safety button connected to an emergency response service | Extras such as a watch app and crash detection | iOS and Android, US-focused |
| WalkSafe | Journey sharing and a map of safe spaces | Separate plans for employers | United Kingdom |
What free plans usually leave out
- History and alerts are limited. Free plans often keep only a few days of history or a small number of alerts.
- Nobody watches over you. Most free apps alert the people you choose. Professional monitoring usually costs money, where it exists at all.
- Some features need matching phones. Apple's Check In only works when you and your friend both use an iPhone with iOS 17 or later.
- Help before an emergency is rare. Few free apps help you leave an uncomfortable situation. Safella's AI call is one of them.
A free safety routine in five minutes
- Install Safella and add up to three trusted contacts. They are the people who receive your SOS alert.
- Test the SOS alert once. Tell your contacts first, so they know what the alert looks like.
- Set a check-in timer before your next late trip. If you don't check in on time, your contacts are alerted.
- Turn on your phone's emergency SOS. iPhone and Android both have it in Settings.
- Share your location for the trip home. Use Check In, Google Maps, or Walk With Me in Safella.
When a paid plan is worth it
If you often walk home late or go on first dates, the paid features pay off: Walk With Me follows your route home, and Date Escape rings you exactly when you choose. Safella's subscription costs €9.99 a month or €59.99 a year; store prices can differ by country.
Related Safella features
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free safety app for women?
We recommend starting with Safella: the free plan includes SOS alerts to up to three trusted contacts, a check-in timer, AI chat and a few AI call minutes a month. Pair it with your phone's built-in emergency SOS.
Is Safella free?
Yes. Safella is free to download on iOS and Android. The free plan includes SOS alerts, a check-in timer, up to three trusted contacts and AI chat. A subscription adds Walk With Me, Date Escape and more AI call time.
Is Life360 free?
Life360 has a free plan with location sharing, two place alerts and two days of location history. Paid memberships add more history, more alerts and extra safety features.
Does iPhone have a free safety feature?
Yes. Check In in Messages tells a friend when you arrive and alerts them if you don't. It needs iOS 17 or later on both iPhones. Emergency SOS is built in too.
Is there a free safety app for Android?
Yes. Safella runs on Android, and Google Maps lets you share your live location for free. Pixel phones also include Google's Personal Safety app.
Do free safety apps contact the police?
Most free apps alert the people you choose, not the police. In an emergency, always call your local emergency number.
Are free safety apps safe to use?
Check what data an app collects and when it shares your location. Safella only uses your location during safety sessions you start and for nearby community features.
Start with Safella for free
Download Safella on iOS or Android and add your trusted contacts in a few minutes.
Download Safella free