Software · head to head
AirVisual vs Ambient Weather Network
Ambient Weather Network
Software
Connect your weather station to the cloud
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage; Ambient Weather Network the App Store listing states the Ambient Weather Network app requires iOS 14.1 or later, and the underlying station apps (awnet, AmbientTool) are tied to specific discontinued hardware models.
- They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, Ambient Weather Network covers Cloud connectivity.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AirVisual and Ambient Weather Network actually diverge.
| Attribute | AirVisual | Ambient Weather Network |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Platforms | Ios, Android, Web | Web, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2015 | 2003 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 AirVisual
- Global AQI coverage
- 3-day forecasts
- Health recommendations
- City rankings
- Historical data
- Widgets
- Apple Watch
- Smart displays
Only in Ambient Weather Network
- Cloud connectivity
- Real-time data
- Historical storage
- Alerts
- Public sharing
- Alexa
- Google Home
- IFTTT
Both cover
- Ios support
- Android support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AirVisual
- Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot Ambient Weather Network
- Seven day air quality forecastsnot Ambient Weather Network
- Health guidance based on current pollutionnot Ambient Weather Network
- Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot Ambient Weather Network
Ambient Weather Network
- Professional Worknot AirVisual
- Content Creationnot AirVisual
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
AirVisual
- Outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- Indoor measurement needs an IQAir AirVisual monitor bought separately
- The app pages do not state what, if anything, costs money
Ambient Weather Network
- The App Store listing states the Ambient Weather Network app requires iOS 14.1 or later, and the underlying station apps (awnet, AmbientTool) are tied to specific discontinued hardware models.
Pricing, plan by plan
AirVisual
Free- FreeFree
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- Health tips
- Pro$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Historical data
- Widgets
Ambient Weather Network
Free- FreeFree
- Data upload
- Dashboard
- API access
Which should you pick?
Choose AirVisual if
- You need global aqi coverage.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want 3-day forecasts.
Choose Ambient Weather Network if
- You need cloud connectivity.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want real-time data.
Questions people ask
- Is AirVisual or Ambient Weather Network better?
- Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and Ambient Weather Network at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AirVisual or Ambient Weather Network?
- AirVisual starts at Free and Ambient Weather Network at Free.
- Does AirVisual or Ambient Weather Network run on more platforms?
- AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. Ambient Weather Network runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- Can I use AirVisual for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is AirVisual best used for?
- AirVisual is most often used for checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels, seven day air quality forecasts, health guidance based on current pollution, comparing indoor and outdoor air with an iqair monitor. Of those, checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels and seven day air quality forecasts are not what Ambient Weather Network is typically brought in for.
- What can AirVisual do that Ambient Weather Network cannot?
- AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Ambient Weather Network covers Cloud connectivity, Real-time data, Historical storage, Alerts. Both handle Ios support, Android support, Web support.