Trends + Culture

Finding the best period tracker app for you

Sep 28, 2020

Whether or not you’re thinking about getting pregnant, period tracking is an underutilized tool for better understanding the ways in which your body responds to factors like stress, exercise, sleep, and birth control. Plus, it only takes a couple of seconds to open up an app and log your data: Most of the apps on this list use cute icons (rather than boring text boxes or keeping a menstrual cycle diary) for recording PMS and menstrual symptoms, energy levels, sexual activity, and other relevant details that will benefit your entire health.

What are the benefits of tracking your cycle?

Curious? Here are a few things you might learn about yourself by tracking your cycle:

How your sex drive fluctuates during different days of each month (relative to your cycle phases)
How your moods and energy levels fluctuate before, during, and after your mensesAnother term for menstrual flow (commonly known as your period).
Whether or not stress levels impact your flow, symptoms like cramps and bloating, or even the appearance of menstrual blood
The days of the month when you are most fertile (tracking your fertile window is useful information for folks who are trying to get pregnant – and for those who are most definitely not)

For the second part of our 3-part “Re: Your Cycle” series, we put together this shortlist featuring our 5 favorite period tracking and female health apps along with their subscription information (most of which are free to download with optional premium upgrades). We hope you’ll check them out. Let us know what you learn in the comments below!

PS: Missed Part 1? Click here to learn all about the four phases of your menstrual cycle.

Pro tip: Always check your period tracking app privacy policies

But first, let’s talk about data privacy. When it comes to choosing the best period tracker app, handling of data and privacy are key concerns. With the intimate nature of the data being logged, ensuring that your personal information is secure and protected should be a top priority. Before diving into tracking your cycle, take a moment to review the app’s privacy practices. Look for features like end-to-end encryption, anonymized data and the ability to use anonymous mode, and clear guidelines on how your information will be used, stored and shared.

Last year, consumer reports indicated that data privacy was a big concern for many app users, with several apps being criticized for selling user data to third parties without consent.

Remember, your health data is sensitive and personal. Always chek the developer’s privacy policy and opt for apps that prioritize user privacy and data security to track your cycle with peace of mind.

1. Flo App – Period tracker, ovulation tracker, pregnancy app

App Store Rating: 4.8 ✩

Best period app for: Those who are experiencing irregular periods or severe PMS who want totrack their entire cycle in detail and access a wealth of relevant content and resources.

Pros:

Loads of insights and features (including over 70 symptoms & activities to track)
Unlimited access to multimedia content library: podcast, video, and written content resources, including period FAQs, tips for getting pregnant, professional medical advice, stress and well-being tips, and more
One of the best period tracker apps in the Apple App Store (with over a million reviews)
Flo’s Medical Board of 50+ doctors & medical experts work to make the app effective, accurate, and accessible for all
Transforms into a pregnancy tracker app if needed where you can see pregnancy updates, due date, follow your pregnancy week by week, etc.

Cons:

The various options can be overwhelming or unnecessary if you prefer a simple tracker
Flo isn’t free – but the yearly subscription comes out to only $2.50/month

Cost: subscription plan is$5.99/month or $29.99/year (with a free 30-day trial)

Where to download: On the App Store for iOS or Google Play from FLO Health UK Limited

2. Clue App – Period & cycle tracking app

App Store Rating: 4.8 ✩

Best period app for: Those who want a well-designed, sleek, and easy-to-use period tracking app who aren’t planning to get pregnant or nearing menopause.

Pros:

Sleek, modern, and easy-to-navigate interface with period predictions for your next three cycles, birth control and other calendar reminders, and trend reports
Log your period, track cravings, moods, energy levels, other period symptoms and “not-so-scientific” data to help you learn how your cycle affects you holistically
Lots of valuable (yet easily digestible) menstrual cycle science and resources
Option to add other cycles besides your own (like your partner, child, etc.).

Cons:

No way to track menopause symptoms
No “pregnancy assistant mode” feature

Cost: FREE – with the option to sign up for Clue Plus for $4.99/month, $29.99/year (with a free 7-day trial), or $24.99/6 months to get a monthly Cycle Review email as well as early access to new features.

Where to download: On the App Store for iOS or Google Play

3. Ovia App – Fertility, cycle and health tracker

App Store Rating: 4.8 ✩

Best period app for: Individuals trying to get pregnant, undergoing fertility treatments, or with a diagnosed medical condition who want to pay closer attention to symptoms as they relate to the menstrual cycle.

Pros:

With Ovia, fertility tracking takes center stage. It has a simple interface that makes it easy to see when you’re most fertile and which phase of your cycle you’re currently experiencing
Allows you to log health data from medical conditions (such as endometriosis, PCOS, or uterine fibroids) in order to receive tailored insights for a more personalized experience
Period tracking algorithms are developed using cutting-edge medical research for a precise fertility window and ovulation tracker
Track exercise, sleep, medications, moods, menstrual flow, discharge, cervical mucus, cervical position, and more

Cons:

Useful articles and other timeline content is occasionally interrupted by ads or sponsored content
Clunkier and less streamlined in appearance than others on our list

Cost: FREE

Where to download: On the App Store for iOS or Google Play

4. Eve App – Period Tracker, ovulation and menstruation calendar

App Store Rating: 4.7 ✩

Best period app for: Those who are sexually active (but not necessarily trying to get pregnant); those seeking a judgment-free online community to talk about sex and menstruation.

Pros:

Eve by Glow, is one of the original fertility tracking apps. It helps users learn more about their menstrual cycles with fun, useful insights and a user-friendly interface for tracking your period
Features a digital community of users that encourages supportive, open discussion about periods, sex, and other taboo-but-important topics
Sex positive, body positive mentality with relatable language throughout
Predicts the dates of your next three periods

Cons:

The free version offers limited features (you have to upgrade to access charts, PMS symptom forecasts, and complete cycle analysis)
At first glance, it looks a little bit busy – and without the Premium upgrade, ads tend to get in the way of the higher quality, curated content

Cost: FREE – the optional Premium subscription is $7.99/month for 3 months, $47.99/year (with free 7-day trial), or $59.99 for a lifetime membership. With Premium, get access to Cycle Analysis, CycleScope health readings, Advanced Cycle Chart, Meditations, and Comparative Insights (and no ads).

Where to download: On the App Store for iOS or Google Play

5. Cycles App – Period and cycle tracker, fertility and ovulation

App Store Rating: 4.6 ✩

Best period app for: Those who prefer a simple, bare-bones period tracking with quick insightsbacked by scientific research. Not to be confused with Natural Cycles, the birth control app.

Pros:

Cycles is a simple, easy to navigate, and straightforward period tracking for those who don’t want tons of extra content or features cluttering their screen
Option to require FaceID or password in order to access it, maintaining your privacy in the event that your device is stolen
The free version is robust enough that most users won’t feel the need to upgrade: You can still log information on your flow, mood, sexual activity, basal body temperature, and birth control intake
Partner Connect feature allows you to share basic cycle information with a partner (while keeping personal logs and insights private)

Cons:

Some users may find it to be lacking in informational content and bonus features
Only available for iOS/Apple devices

Cost: FREE – the optional Premium subscription is $29.99/year (with a free 7-day trial) or $4.99/month (also with a free 7-day trial).

Where to download: On the App Store for iOS

What are the key features to look for in a period tracker app?

Look for period trackers that offer features like customizable period predictions, fertility tracking, symptom recording, and discreet reminders. Look for user-friendly interface, strong data privacy policy, and syncing capabilities across devices for a seamless experience in tracking menstrual cycles.

Finding the best period tracking app: Key takeaways

When searching for the best cycle tracker app, focus on customizable, most accurate predictions, fertility tracking, symptom recording, and discreet reminders. A user-friendly interface, data privacy, and syncing capabilities across devices are also crucial for a seamless tracking experience. Consider apps like Cycles with quick insights and a Partner Connect feature for sharing cycle information. Remember to check for compatibility with your device and cost considerations before making a decision.

This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician.