Do you need an app/to upload your data to the cloud? I have a Garmin watch and keep it completely offline, similarly I had an Amazfit before that which I also kept offline (though that one did require and account an app for the initial setup). In both instances I've kept them in aeroplane mode 24/7 and just looked at data on the watch itself. An added bonus is that battery life is much improved.
this post was submitted on 05 Aug 2025
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Privacy
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A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.
Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.
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Gadgetbridge?
Get a smartwatch with Gadgetbridge support and keep your data on your phone.
I agree. I have been using it for years. First it was a bit buggy with my Huawei GT 2, but it has become almost buttersmooth. The devs are really putting effort in it.
There's also FitoTrack which is an open source, local android app for fitness tracking
I think I've donated but need to check. This app is absolutely fantastic in simplicity and usability.
Garmin then use the FOSS Garmin connect app I forget the name. You get all the fancy important data and monitoring. None of the worries. Or just don't sync your data and monitor over time on the watch itself. Batteries are second to none. Garmin is the way to go. I've tried them all.
HealthyPi Move is open source (including hardware) and doesn't send data anywhere (only locally to the app being developed). It's available for pre-order at this time.
I doubt it, their entire business model is data mining so you would need one whose entire business model is selling G the device with a privacy focus. I bet that would make them not very cheap.
I wouldn't characterize Garmin as having a business model based on data mining, their privacy policy is actually the best out of the mainstream fitness watches and they're probably one of the best privacy respecting choices especially if you don't connect it to the internet. It doesn't necessarily satisfy OPs requirement of not sending data to the US, though.
Pinetime
The pinetime is weak, both hardware and software. It doesnt even support unicode chars...
Pencil and paper. In a small safe. :(
Tsmt
What are you looking to track? Also, don't worry if you don't know how to self host, that's what the community is for 🙂
Do you have a URL to this foss app?
You could try Withings. I believe they're based out of France.
I've heard one their dev once drunk a Pepsi...
Not sure, but maybe a Casio G-Shock? You'll likely still be spied on, but maybe not by the US? Personally, i wear a Huawei,,, oh well.