The 17 Best Earthquake Apps for Android and iPhone.

Updated at: 10/10/2024

Living in an earthquake-prone area can be nerve-wracking, but having the right tools can make a difference. These 17 apps offer everything from real-time earthquake detection and warnings to preparedness guides and safety tips. Whether you need an app to track seismic activity, receive urgent alerts, or learn how to stay safe during an earthquake, this list has you covered. Our top picks include My Earthquake Alerts, which provides detailed information about recent earthquakes worldwide, Earthquake Alert!, a highly-rated app known for its timely and accurate warnings, and MyShake, developed by researchers at UC Berkeley, which uses crowdsourced data to detect earthquakes in real-time.

Top app for earthquake

1. My Earthquake Alerts

Download:

My Earthquake Alerts is the earthquake app I use because it's the most reliable and informative out there. It's got over 6 million downloads and consistently ranks highly on the Play Store, which speaks volumes about its quality. The app pulls data from the top US and worldwide networks, like the USGS and EMSC, so you know the information is accurate and up-to-date. Plus, it's super easy to use with a clear map and customizable alerts, so you're always in the loop.

My Earthquake Alerts - Live earthquake map, Free earthquake alerts, Powerful search feature

Key Features:

  • Live earthquake map with global coverage
  • Free, customizable earthquake alerts
  • Search historical earthquake data back to 1970

2. Earthquake Alert!

Download:

Looking for an earthquake app that keeps you informed and safe? Look no further than Earthquake Alert! This app is superior to others because it doesn't just show you where earthquakes happen, it also lets you filter by intensity, location, and even if you felt it. You can see earthquakes as small as magnitude 1.0 from the US, and 4.5 globally, giving you a comprehensive understanding of seismic activity. With Earthquake Alert!, you'll always be in the know and prepared, even if the ground starts shaking.

Earthquake Alert! - World earthquake data, Map and list view, USGS data source

Key Features:

  • Displays global earthquakes from USGS
  • Provides map and list views of quakes
  • Allows filtering and sharing quake information

3. MyShake

Download:

MyShake is the ultimate earthquake app for anyone living in California, Oregon, or Washington. This free app uses the USGS ShakeAlert system to give you a crucial head start on strong earthquakes, sending you alerts seconds before shaking hits. Unlike other earthquake apps, MyShake is developed and maintained by the University of California, Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, providing a level of expertise and trust unmatched in the industry. These alerts can be life-saving, giving you time to drop, cover, and hold on, and potentially preventing injury or property damage.

MyShake - Erdbebenfrühwarnung, Erdbebensicherheit, Erdbebenkarte

Key Features:

  • Earthquake early warning alerts
  • Safety tips and preparedness information
  • Earthquake map and community reports

4. Earthquakes Near Me

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"Earthquakes Near Me" is the earthquake app I trust for peace of mind. It's super accurate, using data from multiple sources like the USGS and EMSC, so I know I'm getting the most up-to-date information. Unlike other apps that just show you a list of earthquakes, this one has a map that pinpoints the exact location, even showing how far away it was from me. Plus, you can customize it to track specific regions, so you're only notified about quakes that matter to you. With over 50,000 downloads, it's clearly a popular choice for anyone who wants to stay informed about seismic activity.

Earthquakes Near Me - Echtzeit-Erdbebenwarnungen, Weltweite Erdbebenverfolgung

Key Features:

  • Real-time earthquake alerts worldwide
  • Interactive map with earthquake locations
  • Personalized notifications based on your location

5. Earthquake Network

Download:

Cost: Free Plan (Free), Subscription 10k for 1 month ($1.99)

Earthquake Network is a comprehensive earthquake app that provides real-time alerts, user reports, and data from seismic networks. While it offers a wealth of information and the potential for early warning, it also has some drawbacks. Some users find the app confusing to navigate and the alerts can be delayed, making their effectiveness questionable. The app's constant notifications, even when the phone is on silent, can be quite disruptive. Although the app offers customization options, the persistent notification issue remains a significant annoyance.

Earthquake Network - Erdbebenfrühwarnung, Benutzerberichte, Daten ab Magnitude 0,0

Key Features:

  • Real-time earthquake alerts
  • User-reported felt earthquakes
  • Earthquake data from global networks

Other earthquake app

The most important factors when choosing a earthquake app

  1. Accuracy and Reliability: The app should provide accurate and timely information about earthquakes, including location, magnitude, and depth.
  2. Alert System: A robust alert system is crucial, ensuring you receive notifications promptly, whether through push notifications, sounds, or vibrations.
  3. Features and Functionality: Look for features that meet your needs, such as earthquake tracking, preparedness guides, safety tips, and the ability to share your location with loved ones.
  4. Ease of Use: The app should be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily access information and understand the features.