We count on apps for so many things these days, like avoiding traffic, finding dates, and keeping up with our friends. In fact, the average American cellphone user accesses approximately twenty-seven apps per month, according to Nielsen.1 So why don’t more of us use an app for safety? It could be because there are so many personal safety apps available, so we don’t know which one is best. Fortunately, SafeWise has your back.

We researched dozens of free apps with your safety in mind and chose four based on their unique safety features, reviewer ratings, and my insights as a former police officer. Download one or more of our recommended personal safety apps, then share this article so everyone you know can be safer.

SafeWise Reminder: These apps are excellent safety tools, but they don’t take the place of sound judgement or gut instinct. I’ve interviewed countless victims who said that a person or place made them feel uneasy, but they unfortunately dismissed their feelings. Be proactive about safety by using good decision-making tactics and trusting your intuition.