Greenalp vs Google Maps live location.
Google Maps live location is a quick, free way to say “here I am”. Greenalp is built for the whole journey — a recorded route you can replay, trip-ready features, and a live map you can embed on your own website. With both, the people following you just open a link — no app.
Free on Android. 500,000+ installs on Google Play.
Side by side
How they compare.
Both share live location well. They're built for different jobs — here's where each leans.
| Greenalp | Google Maps | |
|---|---|---|
| People following you need an app | GreenalpNoany browser link, no account | Google MapsNoa browser link too, for up to 24 hours |
| Share one whole trip by link | GreenalpYesone link for as long as the trip lasts | Google MapsUp to 24 hourslonger only with people who have a Google account |
| How live it is (update interval) | GreenalpSecondsdown to 5s — 1s with Premium | Google MapsNot publishedno interval setting |
| Embed a live map on your website | GreenalpYesone iframe | Google MapsNo |
| See & download the track | GreenalpYesview & download the route (Premium) | Google MapsNofollowers see where you are; your Timeline stays private on your phone |
| Battery-saving on-demand location | GreenalpYeswake tracking remotely, grab a fix, let it sleep | Google MapsNoshares in the background while a share is on |
| Alerts when they arrive, leave or run low | GreenalpYesgeofence, low-battery and speed alerts by email or SMS (Premium) | Google MapsArrive & leavefor followers with a Google account, up to 5 places per person |
| Built for trips & the outdoors | GreenalpYesspeed, altitude, geofence, long sessions | Google MapsBasicposition and battery level, no speed or altitude |
| Broadcasting platform | GreenalpAndroidviewers on any device | Google MapsiOS & Android |
| Account to broadcast | GreenalpGreenalp login | Google MapsGoogle account |
| Price | GreenalpFree coreplus Premium add-ons | Google MapsFree |
Google Maps details as Google Maps publishes them, checked September 2026.
Honestly
Which one fits you?
Pick Greenalp
When the journey matters: one link that lasts the whole trip, a recorded route to replay, features built for hiking, sailing, travel and events, alerts by email or SMS, and a live map you can embed on your own site.
Pick Google Maps
When you need a quick, free “here I am” for a meetup or a ride, on iPhone or Android — or ongoing sharing with people who already have a Google account.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Isn't Google Maps sharing free and already on my phone?
Yes — and it's great for a quick “here I am”. Greenalp adds what it doesn't: a recorded route you can replay, trip-ready features, and a live map you can embed on your website.
Do the people I share with need an app?
No — they just open a link in a browser. Google Maps has a browser link too, for up to 24 hours; a Greenalp link keeps working for the whole trip. Only you need the Android app to broadcast.
Can I embed the map on my website?
Yes — with one iframe. Google Maps location sharing can't be embedded. How it works is on the embedding page.
Does it show my whole route?
Yes. Greenalp records your track so followers can replay the full route. Google Maps shows the people you share with where you are; its Timeline is separate and stays private on your phone.
Is Greenalp free?
Core live location sharing is free. Some extras (website embedding, Google-Maps credits, track loading) are Premium add-ons.
Ready when you are
Share the whole journey, not just a moment.
Send your first live link in under a minute — it keeps working for as long as your trip does.
