Waze vs OsmAnd: Navigating Privacy & Security Concerns
Explore how Waze from the US and OsmAnd from the EU handle your data privacy needs. Discover which offers better protection today.
Should You Switch to OsmAnd?
Gain offline navigation and enhanced data privacy with OsmAnd.
Lose real-time traffic updates and community reports.
Switch if privacy and offline use are priorities; stay with Waze for features.
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Waze
free
OsmAnd
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Waze | OsmAnd |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US, EU | EU |
GDPR Compliance | Partial (SCCs) | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Optional | Optional |
Data Portability | Partial | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
Waze is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. OsmAnd is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Waze
🇺🇸Google (Alphabet)
OsmAnd
🇪🇺US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓OsmAnd uses OpenStreetMaps, ensuring community-driven updates.
- ✓Works offline, saving data and battery during long trips.
- ✓Full GDPR compliance protects user data under EU regulations.
- ✓Open source allows for community contributions and transparency.
Things to Consider
- !Waze's real-time traffic updates are more frequent and detailed.
- !OsmAnd lacks community reports for hazards and police alerts.
- !Learning curve for new users due to different interface and features.
Migration Overview
Quick Steps
Create OsmAnd account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from Waze
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Other alternatives to Waze
Ready to make the switch?
Start using OsmAnd today and take control of your data privacy.