What our articles are—and are not

Our launch library consists primarily of source-researched comparisons, explainers, and how-to guides. Unless an article explicitly names the devices, operating-system versions, app versions, test date, and scenarios used, it should not be read as a hands-on product test.

How we verify factual claims

For claims that can change, we use the following source order:

  1. Official product, support, pricing, App Store, terms, and privacy pages from the company responsible for the product.
  2. Current device-platform documentation from Apple or Google for operating-system behavior and settings.
  3. Reputable independent sources only when a first-party source cannot answer the question.

We link material pricing, plan, eligibility, and product-behavior claims to their sources in the article. Comparison prices use the same market and billing period wherever possible. The “sources and facts reviewed” date shows when the page was last checked; it is not a promise that a third party will never change its product afterward.

How we compare products

We start with the reader's job—such as sharing an ETA, getting an arrival notification, or managing a child's device—then compare only the capabilities relevant to that job. We include material limitations, platform eligibility, recurring price, and who should keep using a competitor when it is the better fit.

Our relationship to Lighthouse

The blog and the Lighthouse app are both produced by MapQuest. That is a direct commercial interest, so every comparison identifies Lighthouse as our product. Competitors do not pay for inclusion or ranking in these articles. Product calls to action are visually separated from the editorial copy.

Family consent, safety, and privacy

We recommend informed, permission-based location sharing. We do not publish instructions for covert tracking, stalking, or one-sided surveillance. Location, ETA, and alert delivery can depend on permissions, battery, device state, network availability, and service status. Lighthouse does not replace emergency services.

For the governing Lighthouse terms, read our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Updates and corrections

We recheck volatile prices, plans, platform requirements, and app instructions when an article is materially updated. When a source conflicts with another source, we qualify or remove the claim until it can be resolved. Material revisions update the date shown on the article and in its structured data.