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EPA AirNow vs Today Weather

EPA AirNow logo

EPA AirNow

Weather

Official U.S. government air quality information

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Today Weather logo

Today Weather

Weather

Clean minimalist weather with multiple data sources

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; Today Weather weather forecast accuracy is dependent on underlying data sources and cannot account for local microclimates
  • They diverge on capability: EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Today Weather covers Multiple data sources.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which EPA AirNow and Today Weather actually diverge.

Attributes where EPA AirNow and Today Weather differ
AttributeEPA AirNowToday Weather
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, Android
Founded19702017

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
  • API access
  • Data feeds
  • Widgets
  • API

Only in Today Weather

  • Multiple data sources
  • Clean design
  • Hourly forecasts
  • Air quality
  • Precipitation alerts
  • Android widgets
  • iOS widgets
  • Wear OS

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

Today Weather

  • 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

Today Weather

  • Weather forecast accuracy is dependent on underlying data sources and cannot account for local microclimates
  • App does not provide offline forecast capability
  • Premium features require subscription or one-time purchase

Pricing, plan by plan

EPA AirNow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the EPA AirNow review.

Today Weather

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Weather forecasts
    • Basic radar
    • Air quality and UV index
  • Premium$2.99/year
    • Ad removal
    • Full radar capabilities
    • Advanced weather alerts
  • Premium (Lifetime)$17.99/one-time
    • All premium features
    • Perpetual license

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 Today Weather if

  • You need multiple data sources.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, Android.
  • You also want clean design.
Today Weather review

Questions people ask

Is EPA AirNow or Today Weather better?
Neither clearly leads. EPA AirNow starts at Free and Today Weather at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, EPA AirNow or Today Weather?
EPA AirNow starts at Free and Today Weather at Free.
Does EPA AirNow or Today Weather run on more platforms?
EPA AirNow runs on iOS, Android, Web. Today Weather runs on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, 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 Today Weather is typically brought in for.
What can EPA AirNow do that Today Weather cannot?
EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Air quality forecasts, Fire & smoke data, Health recommendations. Today Weather covers Multiple data sources, Clean design, Hourly forecasts, Air quality.

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
Today Weather: Is Today Weather free?

Today Weather is free to download and use, with premium features available. Premium subscriptions are $2.99/year (with additional one-time purchase options at $17.99 for perpetual access), which unlock ad removal and full radar capabilities.

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
Today Weather: What weather data sources does Today Weather use?

Today Weather integrates data from multiple sources including NOAA, AccuWeather, Dark Sky, Weatherbit, OpenWeatherMap, Foreca, and national meteorological services for each country such as Weather.gov (US) and UK Met Office.

Source
Today Weather: What platforms does Today Weather support?

Today Weather is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac (M1+), iPod touch, and Apple Vision Pro. An Android version is also available on Google Play.

Source
Today Weather: Does Today Weather offer widgets?

Yes, Today Weather includes 23 customizable widgets with multiple styles, allowing users to see weather data they need directly on their home screen.

Source
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