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AirVisual vs EPA AirNow

AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Weather

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
EPA AirNow logo

EPA AirNow

Weather

Official U.S. government air quality information

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; EPA AirNow air quality data availability depends on nearby monitoring stations, can show no data found near a location when no monitor is close enough
  • They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AirVisual and EPA AirNow actually diverge.

Attributes where AirVisual and EPA AirNow differ
AttributeAirVisualEPA AirNow
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
Founded20151970

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Ios, Android, Web), 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
  • City rankings
  • Historical data
  • Apple Watch
  • Smart displays
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Only in EPA AirNow

  • Official AQI data
  • Air quality forecasts
  • Fire & smoke data
  • API access
  • Data feeds
  • API
  • Api support

Both cover

  • Health recommendations
  • Widgets
  • 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 EPA AirNow
  • Seven day air quality forecastsnot EPA AirNow
  • Health guidance based on current pollutionnot EPA AirNow
  • Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot EPA AirNow

EPA AirNow

  • Checking current Air Quality Index (AQI) for a location or any searched areanot AirVisual
  • Viewing next-day AQI forecasts to plan outdoor activitiesnot AirVisual
  • Monitoring wildfire smoke via the Fire and Smoke Map (built with the U.S. Forest Service)not AirVisual
  • Saving multiple locations for quick referencenot AirVisual
  • Receiving optional push notifications for local AQI 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

EPA AirNow

  • Air quality data availability depends on nearby monitoring stations, can show no data found near a location when no monitor is close enough
  • Interactive monitor map (PM2.5, PM10, ozone) coverage documented on the primary source is U.S.-focused
  • As a government-run service it offers no paid tiers, proprietary data sources, or customization options found in commercial weather/air-quality apps

Pricing, plan by plan

AirVisual

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

EPA AirNow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the EPA AirNow review.

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 EPA AirNow if

  • You need official aqi data.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want air quality forecasts.
EPA AirNow review

Questions people ask

Is AirVisual or EPA AirNow better?
Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and EPA AirNow at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AirVisual or EPA AirNow?
AirVisual starts at Free and EPA AirNow at Free.
Does AirVisual or EPA AirNow run on more platforms?
AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. EPA AirNow runs on iOS, Android, Web.
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 EPA AirNow is typically brought in for.
What can AirVisual do that EPA AirNow cannot?
AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, City rankings, Historical data. EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Air quality forecasts, Fire & smoke data, API access. Both handle Health recommendations, Widgets, Web 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
EPA AirNow: Is AirNow.gov free to use?

Yes. AirNow.gov is a free service operated by the EPA and its partners that provides air quality data, forecasts, maps, and educational resources at no cost to users.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer financing for equipment purchases?

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

Source
EPA AirNow: Are there any subscription costs or fees associated with AirNow.gov?

No. AirNow.gov offers all services, data access, and tools completely free. There are no subscription tiers, fees, or payment options of any kind.

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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