Weather · head to head
1Weather vs WeatherBug
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 1Weather free version includes banner ads, creating visual clutter in weather interface; WeatherBug requires persistent internet connection for real-time radar and live data
- They diverge on capability: 1Weather covers Animated backgrounds, WeatherBug covers Lightning detection.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 1Weather and WeatherBug actually diverge.
| Attribute | 1Weather | WeatherBug |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Android, iOS | iOS, Android, Windows, Web |
| Founded | 2011 | 1995 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Weather).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in 1Weather
- Animated backgrounds
- 12-day forecasts
- Customizable widgets
- Radar maps
- Severe alerts
- Android widgets
- Wear OS
- Wearos support
Only in WeatherBug
- Lightning detection
- Spark lightning alerts
- Live conditions
- 18 weather maps
- Pollen data
- School networks
- Home weather stations
- Smart devices
Both cover
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
1Weather
- Checking current conditions and 24-hour forecastsnot WeatherBug
- Live radar and severe weather warningsnot WeatherBug
- Tracking air quality index and pollen levels (premium)not WeatherBug
- Minute-by-minute precipitation tracking (premium)not WeatherBug
- Sun/moon tracking and home-screen weather widgetsnot WeatherBug
WeatherBug
- Checking current conditions and forecasts from a network of local weather stationsnot 1Weather
- Viewing live weather radar mapsnot 1Weather
- Receiving severe weather alertsnot 1Weather
- Tracking lightning strikes near a locationnot 1Weather
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
1Weather
- Free version includes banner ads, creating visual clutter in weather interface
- Smaller global weather data coverage compared to AccuWeather and Apple Weather integration
- Limited offline functionality compared to competitors with cached forecast systems
WeatherBug
- Requires persistent internet connection for real-time radar and live data
- Radar images are smoothed for appearance, reducing detail compared to raw radar data
- No historical weather data available in the free version
- Free version contains advertisements
- Performance issues and lag reported, particularly during severe weather or high usage periods
- Lacks direct integrations with third-party apps and home automation systems
Pricing, plan by plan
1Weather
Free- FreeFree
- Weather forecasts
- Radar maps
- Widgets
- Pro$undefined/mo
- All free features
- No ads
- Extended 10-day forecasts
WeatherBug
Free- Free$undefined/mo
- 20+ weather maps
- 10-day forecast
- 140+ hours hourly forecast
- Premium$4.99/month
- Ad-free experience
- Extended forecasts
- Historical data
Which should you pick?
Choose 1Weather if
- You need animated backgrounds.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Android, iOS.
- You also want 12-day forecasts.
Choose WeatherBug if
- You need lightning detection.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Windows, Web.
- You also want spark lightning alerts.
Questions people ask
- Is 1Weather or WeatherBug better?
- Neither clearly leads. 1Weather starts at Free and WeatherBug at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 1Weather or WeatherBug?
- 1Weather starts at Free and WeatherBug at Free.
- Does 1Weather or WeatherBug run on more platforms?
- 1Weather runs on Android, iOS. WeatherBug runs on iOS, Android, Windows, Web.
- Can I use 1Weather for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is 1Weather best used for?
- 1Weather is most often used for checking current conditions and 24-hour forecasts, live radar and severe weather warnings, tracking air quality index and pollen levels (premium), minute-by-minute precipitation tracking (premium). Of those, checking current conditions and 24-hour forecasts and live radar and severe weather warnings are not what WeatherBug is typically brought in for.
- What can 1Weather do that WeatherBug cannot?
- 1Weather covers Animated backgrounds, 12-day forecasts, Customizable widgets, Radar maps. WeatherBug covers Lightning detection, Spark lightning alerts, Live conditions, 18 weather maps. Both handle Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
1Weather: What are 1Weather's core features?
1Weather provides current conditions, 12-week hourly forecasts, 10-day forecasts, animated radar maps with minute-by-minute precipitation tracking, air quality metrics, and customizable widgets for up to 12 locations.
SourceWeatherBug: Does WeatherBug work offline?
Partially. WeatherBug can cache weather data when you have an internet connection, allowing you to view cached information offline. However, real-time radar and live data require an active internet connection.
Source1Weather: What platforms does 1Weather support?
1Weather is available on both Android and iOS platforms, developed by OneLouder Apps. It has 180+ million downloads and is rated 4.32 out of 5 stars on app stores.
SourceWeatherBug: What weather maps and radar layers does WeatherBug include?
WeatherBug includes over 20 weather maps including Radar, Future Radar (1-hour), Lightning, Pollen, Severe Storm Risk, and Precipitation. The free version includes a 10-day forecast and over 140 hours of hourly forecast data.
Source1Weather: What widget options does 1Weather offer?
1Weather offers a wide range of attractive, customizable widgets for home screen display. Multiple widget styles allow users to personalize their at-a-glance weather updates.
SourceWeatherBug: Is there a cost to use WeatherBug?
WeatherBug is free with ads. Premium subscription costs $4.99 per month for ad-free experience and includes extended forecasts and historical data.
Source1Weather: Is there a paid version of 1Weather?
Yes. 1Weather is free with ads (small banner ads), while the Pro version removes ads and unlocks additional features like extended 10-day forecasts and air quality index cards.
SourceWeatherBug: Can I customize weather alerts?
Yes. WeatherBug allows customizable alerts for severe weather conditions including lightning, storms, and precipitation.
SourceWeatherBug: What platforms is WeatherBug available on?
WeatherBug is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and the web. The desktop app provides real-time weather updates, interactive maps, live radar, and detailed forecasts.
SourceRelated pages
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