MyShake vs Earthquake Network vs GeoShake: Community Detection Apps Compared
Three major apps offer community-powered earthquake detection. Each takes a different approach to turning collective participation into seismic monitoring. This comparison helps you choose the right one — or understand why using multiple might be your best strategy.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MyShake | Earthquake Network | GeoShake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | UC Berkeley | Private company | GeoShake (open source) |
| Detection method | Phone accelerometer | Phone accelerometer | Dedicated hardware sensors |
| Sensor hardware | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ GeoShake T1 (€49) |
| Sampling rate | Variable (phone-dependent) | Variable (phone-dependent) | 100 Hz (fixed) |
| Always monitoring | When phone idle + plugged in | When phone idle + plugged in | 24/7 (dedicated device) |
| Official data integration | ✅ ShakeAlert (US West Coast) | ❌ | ✅ AFAD + USGS |
| Open source | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Primary coverage | USA (California focus) | Global | Turkey + expanding globally |
| Platform | iOS + Android | iOS + Android | iOS + Android |
| Cost | Free | Free (ads), Premium available | Free |
MyShake
Developer: Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, UC Berkeley
MyShake was one of the first apps to use smartphone accelerometers as a distributed earthquake sensor network. It also delivers ShakeAlert (official US EEW) notifications to users in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Strengths
- Backed by leading seismological research institution
- Integrates official ShakeAlert data
- Large user base in California
- Contributes to published scientific research
- No ads
Limitations
- Phone-based detection only — no dedicated hardware
- Detection requires phone to be stationary and plugged in
- Strongest coverage limited to US West Coast
- Less useful outside ShakeAlert regions
Best for: US West Coast residents wanting combined ShakeAlert + crowdsourced detection.
Earthquake Network
Developer: Private company (Italy-based)
Earthquake Network is a pioneer in smartphone-based crowdsourced earthquake detection with a global user base.
Strengths
- Global presence — users in many countries
- Real-time earthquake map
- In-app chat for users in same region
- Long track record (operating since 2012)
- Historical earthquake data access
Limitations
- Phone-based detection only
- Higher false positive rate than hardware-based systems
- No integration with official EEW systems
- Ads in free version
- Closed source
Best for: Users in regions without official EEW wanting global crowdsourced detection.
GeoShake
Developer: GeoShake (open-source project)
GeoShake takes a fundamentally different approach: purpose-built hardware sensors alongside a mobile app. The network validates detections against official sources (AFAD for Turkey, USGS globally).
Strengths
- Dedicated hardware sensors (€49) with much higher sensitivity than phones
- 100 Hz fixed sampling rate — optimized for seismic detection
- 24/7 continuous monitoring — doesn't depend on phone being idle
- Dual validation — community sensors + AFAD/USGS official data
- Open source — transparent, auditable, community-improvable
- Real-time map with active sensor stations
- No ads — completely free app
Limitations
- Newer platform — sensor network still growing
- Densest coverage currently in Turkey
- Requires purchasing or building hardware sensor for full participation
Best for: People who want the most accurate community detection, particularly in Turkey and earthquake-prone regions.
📱 Download GeoShake: iOS | Android
Detection Accuracy Comparison
The fundamental divide is phone accelerometers vs. dedicated sensors:
| Scenario | MyShake | Earthquake Network | GeoShake |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5.0 at 50 km | Likely detects | Likely detects | Detects with high confidence |
| M4.0 at 30 km | May detect | May detect | High probability of detection |
| M3.5 at 20 km | Unlikely | Unlikely | Likely detects |
| M3.0 at 10 km | Very unlikely | Very unlikely | May detect |
| False alarm rate | Low (ShakeAlert areas), moderate elsewhere | Moderate | Very low (multi-source validation) |
Our Recommendation
Use GeoShake as your primary earthquake detection app, especially if you:
- Live in Turkey or earthquake-prone regions
- Want hardware-backed detection accuracy
- Value open-source transparency
- Are willing to host a sensor to strengthen the network
Layer with MyShake if you're in the US West Coast for ShakeAlert integration.
Layer with Earthquake Network if you want global coverage while traveling.
The ideal setup: GeoShake T1 sensor at home + GeoShake app on phone + Android built-in alerts.
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