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Weather & Environment · head to head

EPA AirNow vs AirVisual

EPA AirNow logo

EPA AirNow

Weather & Environment

Official U.S. government air quality information

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Weather & Environment

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
  • They diverge on capability: EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where EPA AirNow and AirVisual differ
AttributeEPA AirNowAirVisual
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Founded19702015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (iOS, Android, Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Weather & Environment).

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 EPA AirNow

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

Only in AirVisual

  • Global AQI coverage
  • 3-day forecasts
  • City rankings
  • Historical data
  • Apple Watch
  • Smart displays
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Both cover

  • Health recommendations
  • Widgets
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

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

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

EPA AirNow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the EPA AirNow review.

AirVisual

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

Is EPA AirNow or AirVisual better?
Neither clearly leads. EPA AirNow starts at Free and AirVisual at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, EPA AirNow or AirVisual?
EPA AirNow starts at Free and AirVisual at Free.
Does EPA AirNow or AirVisual run on more platforms?
EPA AirNow runs on iOS, Android, Web. AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use EPA AirNow for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is EPA AirNow best used for?
EPA AirNow is most often used for checking current air quality index (aqi) for a location or any searched area, viewing next-day aqi forecasts to plan outdoor activities, monitoring wildfire smoke via the fire and smoke map (built with the u.s. forest service), saving multiple locations for quick reference. Of those, checking current air quality index (aqi) for a location or any searched area and viewing next-day aqi forecasts to plan outdoor activities are not what AirVisual is typically brought in for.
What can EPA AirNow do that AirVisual cannot?
EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Air quality forecasts, Fire & smoke data, API access. AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, City rankings, Historical data. Both handle Health recommendations, Widgets, Web support.
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