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EPA AirNow vs RainViewer

EPA AirNow logo

EPA AirNow

Weather

Official U.S. government air quality information

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RainViewer logo

RainViewer

Weather

Global rain radar with accurate precipitation forecasts

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; RainViewer limited to precipitation forecasting without comprehensive weather data like temperature or wind
  • They diverge on capability: EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, RainViewer covers Global rain radar.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where EPA AirNow and RainViewer differ
AttributeEPA AirNowRainViewer
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb, iOS, Android
Founded19702015

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 EPA AirNow

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

Only in RainViewer

  • Global rain radar
  • Smooth animations
  • 2-hour forecasts
  • Lightning data
  • Satellite imagery
  • Notifications
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Both cover

  • API access
  • 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 RainViewer
  • Viewing next-day AQI forecasts to plan outdoor activitiesnot RainViewer
  • Monitoring wildfire smoke via the Fire and Smoke Map (built with the U.S. Forest Service)not RainViewer
  • Saving multiple locations for quick referencenot RainViewer
  • Receiving optional push notifications for local AQI forecastsnot RainViewer

RainViewer

  • Professional Worknot EPA AirNow
  • Content Creationnot 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

RainViewer

  • Limited to precipitation forecasting without comprehensive weather data like temperature or wind
  • Forecast window limited to 2 hours, not suitable for extended weather planning
  • Smaller global weather station network compared to national meteorological services
  • Limited historical weather data compared to competing weather platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

EPA AirNow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the EPA AirNow review.

RainViewer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Global radar
    • Animations
    • Forecasts
  • Premium$2.99/month
    • No ads
    • API access
    • Extended history

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 RainViewer if

  • You need global rain radar.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want smooth animations.
RainViewer review

Questions people ask

Is EPA AirNow or RainViewer better?
Neither clearly leads. EPA AirNow starts at Free and RainViewer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, EPA AirNow or RainViewer?
EPA AirNow starts at Free and RainViewer at Free.
Does EPA AirNow or RainViewer run on more platforms?
EPA AirNow runs on iOS, Android, Web. RainViewer runs on Web, iOS, Android.
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 RainViewer is typically brought in for.
What can EPA AirNow do that RainViewer cannot?
EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Air quality forecasts, Fire & smoke data, Health recommendations. RainViewer covers Global rain radar, Smooth animations, 2-hour forecasts, Lightning data. Both handle API access, Widgets, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
RainViewer: What weather data does RainViewer use?

RainViewer processes radar data from over 1,000 radar stations worldwide to provide precipitation forecasts with sub-kilometer accuracy updated every 5 minutes.

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
RainViewer: How far ahead can RainViewer forecast rain?

RainViewer provides 2-hour precipitation forecasts updated frequently throughout the day with hyperlocal predictions.

Source
RainViewer: Is RainViewer available on all platforms?

RainViewer offers both a mobile app and web platform for accessing precipitation forecasts and radar data.

Source
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