Been App vs. Days Around: Which Visited Countries Map is More Private?

Been App vs. Days Around: Which Visited Countries Map is More Private?

When it comes to tracking your travel history, the tools you choose can make a substantial difference—not just in functionality but also in privacy. Been is known for its engaging design, but it comes with certain data collection practices that may concern privacy-conscious users. On the other hand, Days Around is a privacy-first alternative that processes data entirely on your device. This article breaks down the two apps, comparing their features, user experience, and data privacy considerations.

User Experience

Been App

The Been app offers a visually appealing interface that allows users to mark countries they have visited. Its features include:

• Fun Design: Colorful maps and badges make tracking enjoyable.
• Social Sharing: Users can share their travel maps on social media, enhancing community engagement.
• Standard Features: Basic analytics on countries visited while the interface keeps user interaction casual.

App Store Review Highlights:

• "Great for casual travelers, but I’m concerned about privacy."
• "Love the badges, but the data collection feels intrusive."

UX Breakdown

• Ease of Use: The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to add visited countries.
• Visual Appeal: High-quality graphics and badges keep users engaged.
• Data Collection: Requires an account, and has options for syncing user data.

Days Around

Days Around focuses on privacy while providing robust tracking capabilities. Some standout features include:

• On-Device Processing: All data stays on your iPhone, ensuring user privacy.
• Detailed Analytics: Offers real-time calculations for Schengen 90/180 rule and tax residency.
• Historical Insights: Reconstructs years of travel history based on geotagged photos.

App Store Review Highlights:

• "Perfect for privacy-inclined travelers! Easy setup."
• "Never have to worry about my travel data leaving my phone."

UX Breakdown

• Ease of Use: Simple one-scan setup for reconstructing travel history.
• Visualize Your Travels: Clear annual breakdowns of trips enhance user understanding.
• No Data Collection: No account needed; everything processes locally.

Privacy Considerations

Been App

The Been app, while aesthetically pleasing and fun, collects user data, which can be a dealbreaker for privacy-conscious individuals. Key points include:

• Data Storage: Your travel data might be stored on cloud servers.
• Analytics Tracking: User behavior may be tracked for app improvement, compromising privacy.

Days Around

Days Around ensures user data remains private. Here’s why:

• 100% On-Device: All processing happens locally, which means no cloud uploads.
• No User Accounts: No need to create an account, minimizing the risk of data exposure.

Feature Comparison Table

Conclusion

Choosing between Been and Days Around boils down to what’s more important to you: engagement and community or data privacy. Been is perfect for users who prioritize a fun, social experience. However, if privacy is your top concern, Days Around is the software you can trust. With its on-device processing, Days Around ensures your travel history remains yours—secure and private.

FAQ: Been App vs. Days Around

1. Which app is better for frequent travelers?
Days Around is better for frequent travelers, especially those needing to track compliance with visa rules.

2. Can I rely on the Been app for accurate tracking?
Been may not provide full accuracy due to manual entries and potential data loss.

3. How does Days Around ensure my data is private?
Days Around operates entirely on-device without uploading any user data to the cloud.

4. Is the user interface of Days Around as engaging as Been?
Days Around focuses more on functionality than aesthetics, but it provides useful visual summaries.

5. Can I add countries manually in Days Around?
Yes, you can manually add countries to fill in any gaps in your travel history.

Sources

• Privacy Laws & Tech Considerations - Electronic Frontier Foundation
• Data Privacy in Apps - International Association of Privacy Professionals
• User Review Comparisons - App Store