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Weather · head to head

AirVisual vs Carrot Weather

AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Weather

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Carrot Weather logo

Carrot Weather

Weather

Hilariously accurate weather app with personality

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage; Carrot Weather most advanced weather data sources (AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, Aeris Weather, Netatmo personal stations) and map layers (lightning, alerts, wind, humidity, dew point, snow depth) are locked behind paid Premium/Ultrapremium Club subscriptions, not included in the base app
  • They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, Carrot Weather covers Personality modes.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AirVisual and Carrot Weather actually diverge.

Attributes where AirVisual and Carrot Weather differ
AttributeAirVisualCarrot Weather
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsIos, Android, WebiOS, Android, macOS
Founded20152013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 AirVisual

  • Global AQI coverage
  • 3-day forecasts
  • Health recommendations
  • City rankings
  • Historical data
  • Smart displays
  • Android support
  • Web support

Only in Carrot Weather

  • Personality modes
  • Multiple data sources
  • Custom layouts
  • Secret locations
  • Snarky commentary
  • Siri shortcuts
  • Macos support
  • Watchos support

Both cover

  • Widgets
  • Apple Watch
  • Ios 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 Carrot Weather
  • Seven day air quality forecastsnot Carrot Weather
  • Health guidance based on current pollutionnot Carrot Weather
  • Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot Carrot Weather

Carrot Weather

  • Checking current, hourly, and daily weather forecasts with a humorous AI personalitynot AirVisual
  • Viewing radar, storm cell, and weather alert mapsnot AirVisual
  • Receiving push notifications for rain, lightning, or storm cells (premium)not AirVisual
  • Tracking historical weather data (up to 70 years back) or long-range forecasts via the 'weather time machine' featurenot AirVisual
  • Using Apple Watch complications/widgets for at-a-glance forecastsnot 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

Carrot Weather

  • Most advanced weather data sources (AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, Aeris Weather, Netatmo personal stations) and map layers (lightning, alerts, wind, humidity, dew point, snow depth) are locked behind paid Premium/Ultrapremium Club subscriptions, not included in the base app
  • Background Apple Watch updates for premium data sources require an active subscription
  • Pricing for named tiers (Premium Club, Premium Ultra, Premium Family) is disclosed only via in-app purchase screens rather than a public pricing page with fixed dollar figures
  • Mac App Store listing shows a separate $14.99 one-time purchase price for macOS, a different pricing model than the free-to-download iOS/Android version

Pricing, plan by plan

AirVisual

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Global AQI data
    • Forecasts
    • Health tips
  • Pro$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Historical data
    • Widgets

Carrot Weather

Free
  • Premium Club$undefined/mo
    • Additional data sources and map layers
  • Ultrapremium Club$undefined/mo
    • Full data sources, map layers, notifications
  • Premium Family$undefined/mo
    • Shares Premium/Ultrapremium across up to 5 family members

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.
AirVisual review

Choose Carrot Weather if

  • You need personality modes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, macOS.
  • You also want multiple data sources.
Carrot Weather review

Questions people ask

Is AirVisual or Carrot Weather better?
Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and Carrot Weather at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AirVisual or Carrot Weather?
AirVisual starts at Free and Carrot Weather at Free.
Does AirVisual or Carrot Weather run on more platforms?
AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. Carrot Weather runs on iOS, Android, macOS.
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 Carrot Weather is typically brought in for.
What can AirVisual do that Carrot Weather cannot?
AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Carrot Weather covers Personality modes, Multiple data sources, Custom layouts, Secret locations. Both handle Widgets, Apple Watch, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AirVisual: Why doesn't AirVisual publish pricing for its air quality products?

AirVisual does not publish specific prices on its product pages. The company offers various purchasing and financing programs instead, including 0% financing options, filter subscriptions, and trade-in programs.

Source
Carrot Weather: How much does Carrot Weather cost?

Carrot Weather pricing is not displayed on the vendor website. The app offers a Premium Club membership model for access to advanced features like custom widgets, notifications, data source switching, weather maps, and customization options, but specific costs require checking the app store. Source: https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer financing for equipment purchases?

Yes, AirVisual offers 0% financing options for equipment purchases.

Source
Carrot Weather: What features require Carrot Weather Premium Club?

Advanced features including custom widgets, notifications, data source switching, detailed weather maps, and interface customization require Carrot Weather Premium Club membership. Basic weather forecasting is available without a paid membership. Source: https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather

Source
AirVisual: Are AirVisual products eligible for HSA or FSA spending accounts?

Yes, AirVisual products are eligible for FSA and HSA payments, allowing customers to use tax-advantaged health savings accounts for purchases.

Source
AirVisual: What ongoing service does AirVisual offer beyond the initial product purchase?

AirVisual offers filter subscription services to ensure continued operation of air quality monitoring equipment.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer trade-in or upgrade programs?

Yes, AirVisual operates a trade-in program that allows customers to trade in older equipment, as well as a Restored Program for refurbished products.

Source
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