Choosing a tracker
Period tracker app or online tracker?
Both can predict your next period. The real difference is where your data ends up and what you have to sign up for.
A period tracker app and a tracker that runs in your browser do the same basic job. Choosing between them mostly comes down to features versus privacy.
Side by side
| Typical free app | Period Tracker Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Often required | None |
| Where data is stored | Often on the company's servers | Only in your browser |
| Install | App store download | None (optional home screen shortcut) |
| Reminders | Usually | No |
| Sync across devices | Usually, through your account | No. Enter your date on each device |
| Works offline | Usually | Yes, after your first visit |
| Cost | Free tier, often with paid extras | Free, no paid tier |
When an app is the better choice
If you want push reminders before your period, automatic sync between your phone and laptop, or a connection to a smartwatch, a dedicated app will do those things better. They usually need an account and server storage, and for a lot of people that's a fair trade.
When a browser tracker is the better choice
If you'd rather your cycle data wasn't on anyone else's servers, don't want another account, or share a phone and want something that forgets by default, a browser-only tracker is simpler. There's nothing to install and you can wipe everything with one button.
Questions to ask about any tracker
- Do I need an account? What happens to my data if I delete it?
- Is my data stored on a server, and in which country?
- Is it shared with or sold to advertisers or other companies?
- Can I export my data and delete it completely?
- If it's free, how does the company make money?
A good privacy policy answers these in plain language. Ours is here, andthis page explains how storage works in practice.