OwnTracks vs Glympse

Struggling to choose between OwnTracks and Glympse? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OwnTracks is a Travel & Location solution with tags like location-tracking, gps, mobile.

It boasts features such as Real-time location tracking, Customizable tracking intervals, Works across multiple platforms, Open source and self-hosted option available, Integration with other services via MQTT and HTTP APIs, Waypoint and region based notifications, Power saving modes, Encrypted communication and pros including Free and open source, Highly customizable and extensible, Respects user privacy, Works offline and across different networks, Active development community.

On the other hand, Glympse is a Social & Communications product tagged with location, sharing, realtime, temporary, crossplatform.

Its standout features include Real-time location sharing, Cross-platform - works on iOS, Android, desktop browsers, Temporary location sharing - can set time limit on how long location is shared, Group location sharing - can share location with multiple people, Custom messaging - can include text messages with location, and it shines with pros like Easy way to let people know your ETA or location, Can feel safer sharing location for limited time, Good for coordinating meetups or events.

Feature	OwnTracks	Glympse
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Travel & Location	Social & Communications

Product Overview

OwnTracks

Description: OwnTracks is an open source application that allows users to track the location of phones and other devices. It works by sending location data from GPS-enabled devices to a central server, which can be visualized on a map. It is useful for keeping tabs on family members or assets.

Glympse

Description: Glympse is a free app that allows users to temporarily share their real-time location with others. It works across platforms and devices. Users can create a Glympse to share their location for a specified period of time, after which the Glympse expires automatically.

Key Features Comparison

OwnTracks Features

• Real-time location tracking
• Customizable tracking intervals
• Works across multiple platforms
• Open source and self-hosted option available
• Integration with other services via MQTT and HTTP APIs
• Waypoint and region based notifications
• Power saving modes
• Encrypted communication

Glympse Features

• Real-time location sharing
• Cross-platform - works on iOS, Android, desktop browsers
• Temporary location sharing - can set time limit on how long location is shared
• Group location sharing - can share location with multiple people
• Custom messaging - can include text messages with location

Pros & Cons Analysis

OwnTracks

Pros

• Free and open source
• Highly customizable and extensible
• Respects user privacy
• Works offline and across different networks
• Active development community

Cons

• Setup can be complex for non-technical users
• Requires always-on GPS which can drain battery
• Limited analytics compared to commercial options
• No official mobile apps

Glympse

Pros

• Easy way to let people know your ETA or location
• Can feel safer sharing location for limited time
• Good for coordinating meetups or events

Cons

• Can be privacy concern for some users
• Requires recipient to also have app installed
• Can be battery drain on mobile

Pricing Comparison

OwnTracks

• Open Source
• Freemium

Glympse

• Freemium