Family1st Portable GPS Trackers: Are They Good For Family Tracking?

Keeping track of family members, especially children and elderly parents, is a priority for many. Family1st portable GPS trackers are marketed as affordable, reliable tracking devices designed for personal and family safety. They promise real-time tracking, geofencing alerts, and extended battery life. But do they deliver?

This review breaks down accuracy, battery life, features, usability, and pricing to determine whether Family1st GPS trackers are a good choice for family tracking.

1. Accuracy and Real-Time Tracking

Accuracy is the most important feature of a GPS tracker. Family1st uses 4G LTE GPS technology to provide location updates.

Tracking Performance

• Real-time tracking with location updates every 10–60 seconds.
• Accuracy range within 6–10 feet under clear skies.
• Performance drops in tunnels, underground parking, and areas with poor cellular coverage.

In urban areas, Family1st performs well with fast and accurate location updates. However, in rural areas, accuracy may fluctuate due to weak cellular signals.

Geofencing and Alerts

• Customizable geofences allow users to set safe zones (e.g., home, school, park).
• Instant alerts when the person carrying the tracker enters or exits a geofenced area.

For parents tracking children or caregivers monitoring seniors, geofencing is reliable, ensuring timely notifications.

2. Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a major factor in choosing a GPS tracker. Family1st trackers claim up to 2 weeks of battery life, but actual performance varies based on tracking frequency.

Battery Performance by Usage

Tracking Interval	Battery Life
Updates every 10 sec	1–2 days
Updates every 30 sec	3–4 days
Updates every 60 sec	7–14 days

Charging Convenience

• Rechargeable battery with micro-USB charging.
• Takes 2–3 hours for a full charge.
• Battery-saving mode extends life when movement is low.

For active tracking (e.g., children commuting daily), expect to charge the device every 3–4 days. If used passively, battery life lasts longer.

3. Features and Functionality

Family1st trackers offer essential tracking features without unnecessary extras.

Key Features:

• Live Tracking – Real-time updates with adjustable refresh rates.
• Geofencing – Alerts when a person enters/exits a defined area..
• Tracking History – Stores past routes, speed data and movements..

4. Usability and Setup

Device Setup

• Simple installation – Turn on the device, connect to the app, and start tracking.
• User-friendly mobile app available for iOS and Android.
• Clear instructions for geofencing, alerts, and tracking modes.

Tracking via Mobile App

• Clean, intuitive interface with a live map.
• Easy to add multiple devices for tracking different family members.
• Custom notifications for movement, low battery, and location updates.

Family1st GPS trackers are designed for non-tech-savvy users, making setup and tracking straightforward for parents and caregivers.

5. Pricing and Subscription Costs

Family1st trackers are affordable compared to competitors, but they require a monthly subscription for tracking services.

Cost Breakdown

• Device Price: Around $29.95 (one-time purchase).
• Subscription Fees:
  • $21.95 (monthly) 
  • $15.95 (annual plan

Comparison to Competitors

Brand	Device Cost	Monthly Fee	Battery Life
Family1st	$29.95	$15.95 – 21.95	1–14 days
Jiobit	$129.99	$8.99–$14.99	1–7 days
AngelSense	$99.00	$39.99	1–2 days
Tracki	$28.88	$9.95–$19.95	2–5 days

Family1st offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on basic tracking features.

6. Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros

• Affordable device price compared to competitors.
• Long battery life (up to 14 days with power-saving mode).
• Accurate real-time tracking in urban areas.
• Reliable geofencing alerts for safe zone monitoring.
• Simple mobile app for easy tracking.

Cons

• Cellular coverage dependency – Tracking may be inaccurate in rural or low-signal areas.
• No two-way calling – Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t support direct communication.
• Subscription required – No free tracking option.

7. Who Should Use Family1st GPS Trackers?

Best for:

• Parents monitoring young children – School commutes, extracurricular activities, and emergencies.
• Families caring for elderly members – Dementia or Alzheimer’s patients who may wander.
• Teen drivers – Speed monitoring and route tracking for safer driving habits.
• Individuals traveling alone – Personal safety during trips.

Not ideal for:

• Users needing two-way communication – No built-in microphone or speaker for direct calls.
• People in rural areas – Accuracy may drop in weak network zones.
• Anyone avoiding subscription fees – A monthly plan is mandatory for tracking.

Final Verdict: Is Family1st Good for Family Tracking?

Family1st portable GPS trackers are a solid option for family tracking, offering essential features at an affordable price. Real-time tracking, geofencing alerts, and tracking history make it reliable for monitoring children, elderly relatives, and vehicles. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to two weeks on power-saving mode.

However, coverage issues in rural areas and lack of two-way communication may limit its usefulness for some users. If you need a simple, budget-friendly tracker for urban use and basic safety tracking, Family1st is a good choice. But if direct calling or ultra-precise rural tracking is necessary, a higher-end tracker like Jiobit or AngelSense may be better.

For families seeking an affordable, no-fuss tracking solution, Family1st provides great value with reliable performance in everyday situations.

Purchase a subscription plan here.