How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Birth control apps mainly track cycles, pills, and fertility signs, and most are not contraception on their own.
- Natural Cycles is FDA-cleared as a contraceptive when used exactly as directed with daily temperature readings, but it requires strict use and is not right for everyone.
- Clue and Flo lead for cycle tracking, pill reminders, and symptom logging, with large user bases and strong interfaces.
- Cycle tracking alone is not a reliable contraception method, since ovulation timing varies and app predictions can be wrong.
- This article is general information only, not medical advice, and users should talk to a clinician about contraception choices.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Clue | Cycle tracking | Free | Yes |
 Flo | Cycle and symptom tracking | Free | Yes |
 Natural Cycles | FDA-cleared contraception | See website | No |
 Ovia Fertility | Fertility and cycle tracking | Free | Yes |
 Kindara | Fertility awareness tracking | Free | Yes |
 Glow | Fertility and health tracking | Free | Yes |
 Daysy | Fertility tracker device | See website | No |
 WomanLog | Simple cycle calendar | Free | Yes |
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The best birth control apps
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Clue is a leading cycle tracking app with a clean, science-led design that tracks periods, symptoms, moods, and fertility windows, plus pill reminders for users on hormonal birth control. It suits users who want a straightforward tracker without pink, gamified design, and its predictions improve as users log more cycles. Clue also publishes educational content about menstrual health.
The limits are contraception scope. Clue is a tracker, not a contraceptive, and its fertility predictions can be wrong, especially for users with irregular cycles. Premium features add deeper forecasts. Even so, Clue suits users who want a trusted, privacy-conscious cycle tracker and pill reminder app.
What we like- Clean, science-led design
- Cycle and symptom tracking
- Strong privacy stance
Watch out for- Not a contraceptive on its own
- Predictions vary
- Premium needed for full forecasts
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Flo is the most widely used cycle tracking app, covering periods, ovulation predictions, symptoms, moods, and pregnancy tracking, with pill reminders for hormonal users. Its large user base means predictions draw on broad data, and the app includes health articles and community features. Flo suits users who want an all-in-one women's health tracker.
The trade-offs are scope and privacy history. Flo is a tracker, not a contraceptive, premium features need a subscription, and the company faced past scrutiny over data sharing, though it has since changed policies. Even so, Flo suits users who want the largest cycle tracking app with symptom and pregnancy tools.
What we like- Large user base
- Cycle, symptom, and pregnancy tracking
- Pill reminders
Watch out for- Not a contraceptive on its own
- Premium needed for full features
- Past privacy concerns
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Natural Cycles is the first app cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration as a contraceptive, using daily basal body temperature readings and cycle data to identify fertile and non-fertile days. When used exactly as directed, it tells users which days require protection or abstinence, and it suits users who want a hormone-free contraceptive method with a certified algorithm. The app requires a thermometer and consistent daily logging.
The limits are strictness and fit. Natural Cycles requires daily temperature readings and careful use, it costs a subscription, and it is not suitable for users with very irregular cycles, certain conditions, or those who cannot follow the routine. Even so, Natural Cycles suits users who want a hormone-free, FDA-cleared app method and who will use it exactly as directed, after talking to a clinician.
What we like- FDA-cleared as a contraceptive
- Daily temperature-based algorithm
- Clear fertile and non-fertile days
Watch out for- Requires strict daily use
- Subscription cost
- Not suitable for irregular cycles or all users
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Ovia Fertility tracks cycles, fertile windows, and symptoms, and it suits users trying to conceive as well as users tracking cycles for general health. Its predictions draw on logged data and cycle history, and the app includes articles and tools for fertility health. Some employers and health plans offer Ovia as a benefit, which expands access.
The trade-offs are scope and privacy. Ovia is a tracker, not a contraceptive, predictions vary with cycle regularity, and employer-program data sharing has raised privacy questions for some users. Even so, Ovia Fertility suits users who want fertility-focused tracking with a clean interface and broad health content.
What we like- Fertility predictions
- Cycle and symptom tracking
- Employer and health plan programs
Watch out for- Not a contraceptive on its own
- Data sharing with employers in some programs
- Predictions vary
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Kindara supports fertility awareness methods by charting basal body temperature, cervical fluid, and other signs, which helps users understand their cycles in depth. It suits users who practice fertility awareness for conception or, with strict method rules, for contraception, since the charts show fertile windows clearly. The community adds support for learning the method.
The limits are discipline and scope. Kindara needs daily charting to be useful, it is not a contraceptive on its own without strict fertility awareness rules, and the user base is smaller than Clue or Flo. Even so, Kindara suits users committed to fertility awareness charting who want detailed signs tracking.
What we like- Fertility awareness method support
- Temperature and cervical fluid charting
- Community
Watch out for- Needs daily charting discipline
- Not a contraceptive without strict method use
- Smaller user base
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Glow tracks fertility, cycles, symptoms, and health data, with community forums and a partner app that lets couples share tracking. It suits users trying to conceive who want community support alongside predictions, and its health tracking covers mood, weight, and symptoms. The app is free to start, with premium features for deeper insights.
The trade-offs are scope and polish. Glow is a tracker, not a contraceptive, premium features need a subscription, and the interface packs in many features that can feel busy. Even so, Glow suits users who want fertility tracking plus community and partner sharing in one app.
What we like- Fertility and cycle tracking
- Community forums
- Partner app for shared tracking
Watch out for- Not a contraceptive on its own
- Premium needed for full features
- Interface is busy
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Daysy is a dedicated fertility tracker device that measures basal body temperature each morning and shows fertile and non-fertile days with a simple light system, paired with an app for cycle history. It suits users who want a device-based fertility awareness tool without phone-only predictions, since the hardware standardizes temperature readings. The core use needs no subscription after buying the device.
The limits are cost and discipline. The device costs far more than an app, it needs daily morning readings before getting up, and it is not a contraceptive without following fertility awareness rules strictly. Even so, Daysy suits users who want a dedicated, device-based fertility tracker for conception or fertility awareness.
What we like- Dedicated fertility tracker device
- Temperature-based fertile window
- No subscription for core use
Watch out for- Device cost is high
- Needs daily morning readings
- Not a contraceptive without method discipline
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
WomanLog is a simple cycle calendar app that tracks periods, fertile windows, symptoms, and weight, with password protection for privacy. It suits users who want a straightforward calendar without social features, articles, or complex predictions, and its interface is easy to learn. The app covers the basics well for daily use.
The trade-offs are depth and scope. WomanLog is a tracker, not a contraceptive, predictions are basic compared with Clue or Flo, and the feature set is smaller. Even so, WomanLog suits users who want a simple, private cycle calendar without extra features.
What we like- Simple calendar design
- Cycle and symptom tracking
- Password protection
Watch out for- Not a contraceptive on its own
- Predictions are basic
- Smaller feature set
How we chose
We compared birth control and cycle apps on tracking quality, fertility predictions, reminders, privacy, and regulatory status, favoring apps with large user bases or FDA clearance. We excluded apps without cycle tracking and apps that claim contraceptive effects without evidence. This article is general information only, not medical advice, and users should talk to a clinician about contraception, especially when choosing a fertility awareness method.
Buying guide
Start by deciding your goal: tracking cycles, remembering pills, trying to conceive, or preventing pregnancy. Trackers such as Clue, Flo, and WomanLog suit the first two goals, while only Natural Cycles, used exactly as directed, is FDA-cleared for contraception, and fertility awareness methods need strict daily use and clinician guidance. Do not rely on a tracker alone to prevent pregnancy, since ovulation timing varies and app predictions can be wrong.
Then check privacy carefully. Cycle and fertility data is intimate health data, so read each app's privacy policy, check what data is shared with third parties, and use password protection and data deletion options where offered. Finally, talk to a clinician about the full range of contraceptive options, including pills, IUDs, implants, and barrier methods, since apps cover only part of the picture and the best method depends on health, lifestyle, and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Can a birth control app prevent pregnancy on its own?
Only Natural Cycles, used exactly as directed with daily temperature readings, is FDA-cleared as a contraceptive. Other apps are trackers, and cycle tracking alone is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy.
Is Natural Cycles as effective as the pill?
When used perfectly, its published efficacy is high, but typical use is lower, since missed readings and unprotected sex on fertile days reduce effectiveness. It requires strict daily use and is not right for everyone, so talk to a clinician first.
Which app is best for pill reminders?
Clue and Flo both offer pill reminders alongside cycle tracking, which suits users on hormonal birth control who want a tracker plus reminders in one app.
Are cycle tracking apps private?
It varies. Check each app's privacy policy, data sharing, and deletion options, since cycle data is sensitive health data. Use password protection and avoid sharing accounts where possible.
Should I talk to a clinician about contraception?
Yes. A clinician can explain the full range of options, including pills, IUDs, implants, and barrier methods, and help you pick based on health, lifestyle, and preferences, rather than an app alone. Bring your cycle history to the visit if you have it, since tracked data can help the conversation.
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We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.