If you’ve ever tried to track your fertile window with a paper calendar, a highlighter, and sheer optimism, you already know: your cycle has a mind of its own. That’s where fertility apps come in. These ovulation and period tracking apps turn your phone into a (mostly) friendly data nerd that remembers when you last had a period, estimates when you might ovulate, and helps you time sex when you’re trying to conceive.
Today’s best fertility apps do a lot more than guess based on a 28-day cycle. Many use algorithms trained on millions of cycles, integrate data from wearables, and track everything from basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus to LH (luteinizing hormone) tests and mood. At the same time, experts remind us that apps are tools, not magic wands: accuracy depends heavily on your input, and most apps are not approved as birth control.
Below, we’ll dig into how fertility tracking apps work, what to look for in one, and 11 of the best options for ovulation and period tracking. Then, we’ll wrap up with real-world experiences and practical tips so you can get the most from whichever app you choose.
How ovulation and fertility apps actually work
The basics of cycle tracking
Fertility apps usually start with a simple idea: ovulation happens roughly once per cycle, and there are only a handful of days when pregnancy is possible. To find those days, apps can combine several types of information:
- Calendar data: How long your cycles are, when your period starts and ends, and how consistent your cycle length tends to be.
- Basal body temperature (BBT): Your resting temperature, taken first thing in the morning. It tends to rise slightly after ovulation.
- Cervical mucus changes: Many users track when their mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and “egg white-like” a sign that ovulation is near.
- Hormone tests: Some apps let you scan or sync ovulation predictor kits or hormone analyzers to detect LH surges or other hormone shifts.
- Other symptoms: Cramps, breast tenderness, mood, sleep, stress, and even libido can help refine predictions.
Apps then use algorithms ranging from basic date math to machine learning to estimate your fertile window and ovulation day. Over time, as you log more data, predictions usually get better for your body instead of a generic average cycle.
What the science says
Fertility awareness–based methods (FABMs) and natural family planning approaches have been studied for decades. When users track cycle length, mucus, and/or temperature consistently and correctly, these methods can identify fertile and infertile days fairly accurately. However, they are highly user-dependent and can be less reliable for people with very irregular cycles, PCOS, or postpartum cycles.
Medical organizations emphasize that apps are tools for tracking signs you observe they don’t replace medical advice or fertility evaluation. Some apps are designed mainly for education and TTC (trying to conceive); a very small number have regulatory clearance for use as contraception. Always read how each app is intended to be used, and talk with a clinician if you’re unsure how it fits in your overall fertility or birth control plan.
A quick safety and privacy note
There are two big caveats with fertility apps:
- They are not all birth control. Unless an app explicitly states it’s approved as contraception (like Natural Cycles in the U.S.), assume it’s for tracking and education, not pregnancy prevention.
- Data privacy matters. Many apps collect sensitive information about sex, pregnancy intentions, and health. Some share de-identified data with advertisers or partners. Others, like Euki, are built to store data only on your device. Before committing, skim the privacy policy and in-app settings boring, yes, but important.
Bottom line: use apps as powerful helpers, but keep your doctor, your own judgment, and your privacy boundaries very much in the loop.
What to look for in a fertility app
With hundreds of period and fertility apps available, it helps to have a checklist. Consider:
- Tracking features: Do you want basic cycle predictions, or detailed charting of BBT, cervical mucus, LH tests, and symptoms?
- Scientific grounding: Does the app reference clinical research, partner with clinicians, or use hormone data and established FABM principles?
- Privacy controls: Can you use the app without creating an account? Can you delete your data easily? Is data stored locally or in the cloud?
- Inclusivity: Does it accommodate irregular cycles, PCOS, perimenopause, LGBTQ+ users, and non-heteronormative family building?
- Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive? Are charts readable without having to be a data scientist?
- Cost: Many apps are free with optional premium upgrades. Some devices, like Mira, require hardware purchases.
- Extras: Educational content, community forums, partner views, pregnancy tracking, or integration with wearables (Oura, Apple Watch, etc.).
Now, let’s look at 11 standout apps that cover a range of needs from privacy-first period tracking to high-tech hormone analysis.
11 of the best fertility apps for ovulation and period tracking
1. Flo: the all-rounder for TTC and beyond
Best for: People who want a polished, all-in-one app that can follow them from period tracking, through TTC, to pregnancy and even perimenopause.
Flo is one of the most widely used period and fertility apps worldwide. It offers cycle predictions, ovulation and fertile window estimates, and daily tips based on your goals (trying to conceive, tracking only, or pregnancy support). You can log more than 70 body signals, including symptoms, mood, sex, discharge, and medications, and Flo’s AI uses those inputs to refine your fertile window over time.
Flo also features educational content created with medical experts, a large community discussion section, and integrations with some wearables and health apps. The free version is robust enough for basic tracking; Flo Premium adds in-depth insights, courses, and more personalized guidance. Do expect regular nudges to upgrade mildly annoying, but the trade-off for a feature-rich free tier.
2. Clue: data-driven, research-minded cycle tracking
Best for: Users who care about science, a clean interface, and transparency about how predictions are made.
Clue began as a period tracker and has grown into a science-focused reproductive health app with a strong reputation in the medical community. You can track cycle length, symptoms, mood, sex, and more than 30 categories of data points. Clue uses statistical models based on both your data and large aggregate datasets to predict your period and fertile window. The app is also a CE-marked medical device in certain regions, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based design.
Clue offers modes for tracking periods only, trying to conceive, and navigating perimenopause. For TTC, its “Conceive” features provide ovulation predictions and highlight your most fertile days. It’s especially appealing if you like clear, uncluttered design and want to support a company that collaborates with researchers and is open about how it handles data.
3. Natural Cycles: FDA-cleared digital birth control
Best for: People who want a hormone-free option that can be used both to prevent and to plan pregnancy and who are prepared to track diligently.
Natural Cycles is unique on this list because it’s been cleared by the FDA as a form of contraception in the U.S. It uses daily morning BBT readings plus optional LH test inputs and cycle data to classify each day as fertile or not. Many people use it primarily for birth control, but the same algorithm can also help you time sex for conception by showing when you’re most likely to ovulate.
The app now integrates with devices like the Oura Ring so you can sync temperature data instead of always using a traditional basal thermometer. This can make consistent tracking much easier if you already wear a compatible device. The trade-off: you need to be comfortable logging data daily, following the app’s instructions about protected sex on fertile (often “red”) days, and accepting that no method digital or otherwise is 100% foolproof.
4. Glow: community-driven fertility tracking and TTC support
Best for: Users who want fertility data plus a big built-in community to share the journey with.
Glow started as a fertility awareness app and now offers a full suite of apps for period tracking, pregnancy, and parenting. The core Glow fertility app lets you track your cycle, ovulation symptoms, BBT, and tests, then uses AI to identify your fertile window and estimate your chances of conceiving in a given cycle.
One of Glow’s biggest draws is its community: message boards where users share charts, ask questions, and cheer each other on. For some, that’s a huge emotional boost during a stressful TTC process; for others, it can feel like information overload. Glow also offers premium upgrades, integrated ovulation and pregnancy tests, and partner support features. If you’re motivated by data, graphs, and group support, Glow is worth exploring.
5. Ovia Fertility & Cycle Tracker: personalized health insights
Best for: People who want fertility tracking plus broader reproductive health tools, including education and employer-supported benefits in some cases.
Ovia’s fertility and cycle app focuses on giving you a “bigger picture” view of your reproductive health. You can track periods, ovulation signs, moods, medications, and lifestyle factors, and Ovia’s algorithm generates daily fertility scores and personalized insights. The app also supports irregular cycles and can be used long-term, even if you’re not yet actively trying to conceive.
Ovia stands out for its extensive library of articles and tools, many created with clinicians and academic partners. In some employer or health plan programs, Ovia connects users to additional coaching or care coordination, which can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or a history of pregnancy loss. For solo users, the base app is still a strong choice for detailed yet approachable cycle tracking.
6. Premom: fertility tracking plus smart ovulation test integration
Best for: TTC users who rely heavily on ovulation test strips and want an app that can read and organize those results automatically.
Premom is built around a powerful pairing: its app plus at-home ovulation tests from the same brand. You can scan your LH test strips with your phone, and Premom’s algorithm interprets the lines, maps hormone surges over time, and shows where you are in your fertile window. It also supports BBT tracking, cervical mucus logging, and period tracking for a more complete picture.
Many users appreciate Premom’s visual hormone charts, money-back guarantee programs (when used with specific products), and educational resources explaining how to interpret your data. It can be especially helpful if you’ve found regular ovulation tests confusing in the past and want the app to do the heavy lifting on reading lines and predicting ovulation.
7. Mira: lab-style hormone insights at home
Best for: People who want more quantitative hormone data and are open to investing in a dedicated device.
Mira pairs a reusable handheld analyzer with disposable test wands and a companion app. Unlike traditional LH strips that simply say “positive” or “negative,” Mira measures actual hormone concentrations and displays them in the app. Over time, it builds a hormone curve for your cycles and uses AI to pinpoint your fertile window and confirm ovulation with more precision.
The app itself is free and can track cycles even without the device, but Mira’s real value comes from its hormone analytics. It’s especially appealing if you’ve been tracking for a while, have irregular cycles, or feel like standard apps never quite capture what your body is doing. The downside is cost hardware plus test wands are more expensive than simple strips but some users find the extra clarity worth it, especially after months of guesswork.
8. Fertility Friend: classic charting for serious data lovers
Best for: Users who want full-featured, traditional fertility charting with in-depth interpretation tools.
Fertility Friend has been around for years and is beloved by users who enjoy detailed charting. The app (and web platform) lets you record BBT, cervical mucus, cervical position, symptoms, intercourse timing, and tests. It then generates classic fertility charts and uses algorithms to estimate ovulation and fertile days.
Where Fertility Friend shines is education. It offers tutorials, charting courses, examples of real charts, and explanations of how different patterns relate to ovulation or potential issues. The interface looks a bit more old-school than newer, minimalist apps, but if you want deep control over your data and robust interpretation guides, it’s a powerful tool.
9. Kindara: fertility awareness and charting with a supportive feel
Best for: People specifically practicing fertility awareness–based methods and those who value visual charts and community stories.
Kindara is built for users who are committed to fertility awareness whether to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or simply understand their bodies better. You can chart BBT, cervical mucus, cervical position, and other symptoms on clear, customizable charts. Kindara’s design makes it easy to see how different signs line up around ovulation.
Historically, Kindara also offered a Bluetooth BBT thermometer that synced directly with the app, making temperature tracking more seamless. Even without the device, the app remains a strong choice for natural family planning enthusiasts and those working with FABM instructors, since the charts are designed to be shared and interpreted. If you’re the kind of person who loves seeing beautifully organized data, Kindara may feel like home.
10. Euki: the privacy-first period and fertility tracker
Best for: Users who are deeply concerned about data privacy, especially those in regions where reproductive health data may carry legal or personal risks.
Euki looks like a simple period tracker at first glance, but its biggest selling point is what it doesn’t do: it doesn’t collect your personal data in the cloud. Everything you enter stays on your device, and you can set a PIN that isn’t tied to your name, email, or phone number. The app even offers options to quickly delete data or schedule regular data sweeps.
Feature-wise, Euki supports period tracking, notes on sex and contraception, and simple fertility-related logging. It’s not as analytics-heavy as Flo or Mira, but for people who worry about how their data might be used, the trade-off is worth it. It also includes educational resources on contraception, abortion, and reproductive health, written in user-friendly language.
11. Conceivable: going beyond tracking to address root causes
Best for: People who suspect there’s more going on than timing alone such as lifestyle, nutrition, or underlying health factors affecting fertility.
Conceivable started as a comprehensive natural fertility program and now uses an app-plus-coaching model to help users identify and address barriers to conception. While it does track your cycles and fertile window, its main goal is to analyze patterns related to nutrition, sleep, stress, and other health factors that can affect fertility, then offer tailored recommendations.
This approach may appeal most to people who have been trying to conceive for a while without success, or those preparing for IUI/IVF who want to optimize their overall health. It’s more structured and often more expensive than typical free apps, but the trade-off is a deeper, more holistic look at why getting pregnant might be harder than expected with concrete steps you can take in response.
Real-world experiences with fertility apps: what actually helps
On paper, fertility apps sound straightforward: you log your information, the app crunches the numbers, and you get your fertile days. In real life, it’s a bit messier and that’s okay. Here are some pattern-based “experiences” many users report when they talk about ovulation and period tracking apps.
1. There’s a learning curve (and that’s normal)
The first month or two with a new app often feels confusing. Predictions may be generic, your fertile window might shift, and your charts can look like abstract art. Most people find that things settle after 3–6 cycles of consistent tracking. That’s when the app has enough data to recognize your patterns instead of assuming a textbook 28-day cycle.
A practical tip: treat the first few cycles as “practice rounds.” Use them to build habits taking your temperature at the same time each morning, logging mucus or LH tests regularly, and jotting down symptoms. Don’t panic if the predictions jump around at first.
2. Combining methods tends to work better
Many users discover that their most helpful setup is a combination of tools rather than a single app. For example:
- Using Flo or Clue for everyday symptom logging and reminders.
- Pairing Premom or Mira for hormone testing and more precise ovulation confirmation.
- Keeping a “classic” chart in Fertility Friend or Kindara to review patterns across many months.
This layering of data can increase confidence that you’ve truly caught ovulation especially if you have irregular cycles, coming off hormonal birth control, or managing a condition like PCOS.
3. Emotions matter just as much as data
Trying to conceive often comes with a roller coaster of hope, disappointment, and sometimes grief. Some people love community features in apps like Glow or Flo because they make the process feel less lonely. Others find constant posts and pregnancy announcements emotionally draining and choose apps with fewer social features or turn off in-app forums.
It’s perfectly valid to pick (or switch) apps based on how they make you feel, not just what they can technically do. If a certain app leaves you more anxious than informed, that’s useful feedback.
4. Privacy preferences change over time
Another common experience: what felt fine to share two years ago may feel too vulnerable now, especially as conversations around reproductive rights and data privacy evolve. Some users migrate from data-hungry apps to more privacy-conscious tools like Euki or to offline charting once they learn more about how data is used.
There’s no shame in changing your mind. You can export or delete your data, start fresh with a new app, or simplify your tracking if you no longer want every detail recorded in a digital format.
5. Apps are helpful, but they’re not the whole story
For many people, fertility apps are genuinely empowering. They can reveal patterns like short luteal phases, very long or very irregular cycles, spotting, or signs that might warrant a conversation with a clinician. They help you time sex more effectively and understand your body better.
At the same time, apps can’t diagnose blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or certain hormonal disorders on their own. If you’ve been tracking carefully and trying to conceive for 6–12 months (or sooner if you’re over 35, have known conditions, or feel something is wrong), it’s wise to bring your app data to a fertility-aware clinician. Think of the app as your logbook, not your doctor.
Bringing it all together
Choosing the “best” fertility app really comes down to your priorities. If you want a user-friendly all-rounder, Flo and Clue are strong contenders. If you’re comfortable with devices and want more hormone-level detail, Mira or Premom might feel like a game changer. If privacy is your top concern, Euki offers rare peace of mind. And if you’re looking beyond tracking to deeper root-cause support, Conceivable stands out.
Whichever app you choose, remember that you’re still the expert on your body. Use apps to spot patterns, ask better questions, and make more informed choices but don’t let them dictate your worth, your timelines, or your hope. Cycles can be unpredictable; your decision to keep going, pause, or take a different path is what truly drives your journey.
