Which Safety App for College Students? Comparing 3 Apps
Heading off to college is super exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking—especially when it comes to staying safe in a new environment. Luckily, there are some pretty cool safety apps out there that can give you and your family some peace of mind. Three of the top ones are "I'm Safe," "Noonlight," and "bSafe." Let’s break down what each one offers and figure out which one might be the best fit for you as you start your new chapter.
"I'm Safe": Simple, No-Frills, and Free
If you’re looking for something super straightforward and, best of all, free, "I'm Safe" is a solid choice. It’s all about the basics—keeping your trusted contacts in the loop and making a recording/photo if anything feels off.
What It Does:
Panic Button: If you’re in a sticky situation, you can hit the panic button to alert your friends or family, along with your location.
Check-Ins: You can set up check-ins at certain times. If you don’t respond, it’ll alert your contacts.
Location Sharing: Share your location in real-time with the people you trust, so they always know where you are.
Fake Call: You can initiate a fake call to get out of a potentially bad situation.
Records Audio and Photo: Records audio and takes a forward/rear view when SOS button is pushed.
Bottom Line: If you want a no-hassle, free option to keep your loved ones updated and record potentially dangerous situations, "I'm Safe" is perfect. It’s a great way to stay connected without adding any extra stress to your budget.
"Noonlight": More Features, More Protection
Noonlight is like the next level up when it comes to safety apps. It offers both free and paid versions, depending on how much protection you want. This app can even connect you with emergency services, which is a big plus.
Free vs. Paid Versions:
Free Version: You get the basics—a panic button and location sharing with your emergency contacts.
Paid Version: This is where it gets fancy:
24/7 Monitoring: Professional dispatchers are on standby to help if you need it, even if you can’t call for help yourself.
Smart Device Integration: Got smart home devices? Noonlight can connect with them to automatically alert you to emergencies.
In-App Messaging: You can chat directly with dispatchers in real-time, which can speed up getting help.
Bottom Line: The free version is solid, but if you’re in a situation where you want extra protection—like professional monitoring or smart device integration—the paid version is worth considering.
"bSafe": Most Features and Technology
bSafe is for those who want to take advantage of the latest technology to stay safe, offering Voice Activation if you happen to be away from your phone and Live Streaming to contacts during emergencies
What It Does:
SOS Button: Hit this, and your contacts get your location and a video/audio recording of what’s going on.
Voice Activation: You can trigger an SOS alert with a voice command—even if your phone isn’t in your hand.
Follow Me: Your friends can follow your movements in real-time, and you can alert them if something feels off.
Fake Call: Schedule a fake call to get out of awkward or potentially dangerous situations.
Live Streaming: Audio and video automatically start recording when the SOS button is activated, and your guardians can see and hear in real time.
Bottom Line: If you’re into tech and want some extra security features, bSafe is a great option. Handy features like voice activation and live streaming are super handy for staying safe in tricky situations.
Which App Should You Pick?
Here’s the rundown:
Go with "I'm Safe" if you want a free, easy-to-use app that covers the basics. Perfect for staying connected with your friends or family without any extra cost.
Go with Noonlight if you’re looking for a more robust safety net. The free version is great, but the paid version adds professional monitoring and smart device integration, which could be a lifesaver.
Go with bSafe if you’re into tech and want features that make staying safe easier and more intuitive. This app is packed with cool tools that can help you in a pinch.
So whether you’re looking for something simple or a full-on safety system, there’s an app out there that’s got your back.