Kinetiq
The short answer
Choose Polarsteps if you mostly want your route tracked automatically, a map of everywhere you've been, and a printed travel book at the end.
Choose Kinetiq if you're planning with other people: a shared day-by-day plan, a live map of your group, chat, split costs and eSIM data in one app.
At a glance
| Feature | Kinetiq | Polarsteps |
|---|---|---|
| Plan with friends | Yes: one day-by-day plan everyone edits, live on every phone | Not listed |
| Trip planning | Yes: day by day, with Remi | Yes: an itinerary builder and an AI trip planner |
| Your route recorded | Countries and cities you've visited, on a Footprints map | Yes: “watch your route unfold on a beautiful world map” |
| Family following your trip | Yes: read-only, the trip that's underway | Yes: “let your friends and family follow along” |
| Live group map on the trip | Yes: people who choose to share, only while the app is open | Not listed |
| Group chat | Yes: messages and voice notes | Not listed |
| Split costs | Yes | Not listed |
| Travel eSIM | Yes: buy data in the app and hand packs to your group | Not listed |
| Printed travel book | No | Yes |
| Price | Free, no subscription | Not stated on their homepage |
Where Kinetiq is different
- Built for groups. Everyone edits the same plan and sees the same map.
- Location only while the app is open. Kinetiq doesn't track you in the background.
- Everything for the trip in one place: bookings, chat, split costs and eSIM data.
Where Polarsteps may suit you better
- You travel solo or as a couple and want an automatic record of your route.
- You want a printed book of the trip.
- You're on iPhone today: Kinetiq is Android-only for now.
What we say about other apps comes from their own websites, checked in September 2026, and may have changed since. “Not listed” means their homepage didn't mention it; check their site. Polarsteps are trademarks of their owners. Kinetiq isn't affiliated with them.
Try Kinetiq
Kinetiq is free, in early access on Android. Leave your email and we'll send you the link.
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