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Software · head to head

Aeris Weather vs IQAir

Aeris Weather logo

Aeris Weather

Software

Powerful weather API with mapping solutions

From
Free
Rated
-
IQAir logo

IQAir

Software

Global air quality information and purification

From
$399/one-time
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Aeris Weather has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Aeris Weather aerisWeather now sells as Xweather under Vaisala; IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
  • They diverge on capability: Aeris Weather covers Weather API, IQAir covers Global AQI data.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aeris Weather and IQAir actually diverge.

Attributes where Aeris Weather and IQAir differ
AttributeAeris WeatherIQAir
Starting priceFree$399/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsApi, Web, MobileWeb, iOS, Android, Hardware
Founded20111963

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Aeris Weather

  • Weather API
  • Interactive maps
  • Severe weather alerts
  • Tropical data
  • Historical records
  • REST API
  • Mapping SDKs
  • Mobile SDKs

Only in IQAir

  • Global AQI data
  • City rankings
  • Health recommendations
  • Forecasts
  • Historical data
  • API access
  • Mobile apps
  • Smart home

Both cover

  • Api support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Aeris Weather

  • Adding weather data to an application through a REST APInot IQAir
  • Rendering weather map layers with the MapsGL SDKnot IQAir
  • High volume weather data feeds for commercial forecasting productsnot IQAir

IQAir

  • Checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (AQI, PM2.5, etc.) via the AirVisual appnot Aeris Weather
  • Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot Aeris Weather
  • Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot Aeris Weather
  • Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot Aeris Weather
  • Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot Aeris Weather

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Aeris Weather

  • AerisWeather now sells as Xweather under Vaisala
  • The free Developer tier is capped at 15,000 API accesses per month and the service pauses once the limit is reached
  • The Developer tier gets community support only
  • The self-serve paid subscription is EUR 300 per month for 1,000,000 accesses per month
  • Anything beyond 1,000,000 accesses per month requires contacting sales for a custom arrangement
  • Dedicated support and custom SLA guarantees are enterprise only
  • Free tier usage resets on the account creation date rather than the calendar month

IQAir

  • Extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
  • Energy inefficient motors consume 215W at comparable CFM to cheaper models
  • Limited sensor specificity for users with specific allergies or respiratory concerns
  • Bulky design and outdated appearance unsuitable for modern interior design
  • Replacement filters are very expensive at $199.99 with high ongoing costs

Pricing, plan by plan

Aeris Weather

Free
  • DeveloperFree
    • 1,000 calls/day
    • Basic data
    • Maps
  • Professional$100/month
    • Unlimited calls
    • All data
    • Premium support

IQAir

$399/one-time
  • Atem Desk$399/one-time
    • Portable desktop air purifier
    • Small room coverage
  • Atem Eco$799.99/one-time
    • Smart air purification
    • Most affordable smart model
    • Released June 2026
  • Atem X$1399/one-time
    • Premium smart purifier
    • Large room coverage
    • Advanced filtration
  • HealthPro Plus$949/one-time
    • Medical-grade HyperHEPA filtration
    • Large room coverage
    • Gas and particle filtration

Which should you pick?

Choose Aeris Weather if

  • You need weather api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Api, Web, Mobile.
  • You also want interactive maps.

Choose IQAir if

  • You need global aqi data.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
  • You also want city rankings.

Questions people ask

Is Aeris Weather or IQAir better?
Neither clearly leads. Aeris Weather starts at Free and IQAir at $399/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aeris Weather or IQAir?
Aeris Weather has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Aeris Weather and $399/one-time for IQAir.
Does Aeris Weather or IQAir run on more platforms?
Aeris Weather runs on Api, Web, Mobile. IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
Can I use Aeris Weather for free?
Yes. Aeris Weather has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IQAir starts at $399/one-time.
What is Aeris Weather best used for?
Aeris Weather is most often used for adding weather data to an application through a rest api, rendering weather map layers with the mapsgl sdk, high volume weather data feeds for commercial forecasting products. Of those, adding weather data to an application through a rest api and rendering weather map layers with the mapsgl sdk are not what IQAir is typically brought in for.
What can Aeris Weather do that IQAir cannot?
Aeris Weather covers Weather API, Interactive maps, Severe weather alerts, Tropical data. IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Health recommendations, Forecasts. Both handle Api support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IQAir: What does IQAir do?

IQAir is a Swiss company providing two main services: air purification hardware (home and commercial air purifiers and filters) and air quality monitoring (real-time global air quality data from 80,000+ sensors worldwide, accessible via the AirVisual app and IQAir.com).

Source
IQAir: How much do IQAir air purifiers cost?

IQAir air purifiers range from $399 for portable Atem models to $949 for the HealthPro Plus. The new Atem Eco model is $799.99. Replacement filters cost $199.99 and last 1-4 years depending on usage.

Source
IQAir: What real-time air quality data does IQAir provide?

IQAir provides real-time air quality data covering 500,000+ locations in 100+ countries, integrating data from government monitoring stations and 80,000+ IQAir-validated sensors. The platform measures PM2.5, PM10, and AQI for each location.

Source
IQAir: Does IQAir have a mobile app?

Yes. IQAir's AirVisual app is available on iOS and Android, providing real-time air quality information, AQI rankings, health recommendations, and remote control of IQAir smart air purifiers.

Source
IQAir: Is IQAir affordable compared to other air purifiers?

No. IQAir air purifiers are significantly more expensive than alternatives. The HealthPro Plus at $900 offers similar particle filtering to the Winix 5500-2 at $300. Higher cost is primarily due to superior gas filtration but poor overall value for most users.

Source

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