Softwr

Software · head to head

Hello Weather vs IQAir

Hello Weather logo

Hello Weather

Software

Simple beautiful weather with multiple sources

From
Free
Rated
-
IQAir logo

IQAir

Software

Global air quality information and purification

From
$399/one-time
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Hello Weather has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Hello Weather limited features in free version compared to competitors with native rain alerts; IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
  • They diverge on capability: Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, IQAir covers Global AQI data.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Hello Weather and IQAir actually diverge.

Attributes where Hello Weather and IQAir differ
AttributeHello WeatherIQAir
Starting priceFree$399/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOSWeb, iOS, Android, Hardware
Founded20161963

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Hello Weather

  • Multiple data sources
  • Simple design
  • Comparison mode
  • Custom icons
  • Widgets
  • Apple Watch
  • iOS widgets
  • Siri shortcuts

Only in IQAir

  • Global AQI data
  • City rankings
  • Health recommendations
  • Forecasts
  • Historical data
  • API access
  • Mobile apps
  • Smart home

Both cover

  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Hello Weather

  • Professional Worknot IQAir
  • Content Creationnot IQAir

IQAir

  • Checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (AQI, PM2.5, etc.) via the AirVisual appnot Hello Weather
  • Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot Hello Weather
  • Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot Hello Weather
  • Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot Hello Weather
  • Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot Hello Weather

Where each one falls short

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

Hello Weather

  • Limited features in free version compared to competitors with native rain alerts
  • Smaller development team means slower feature updates compared to enterprise weather apps
  • No native invoicing or team management for business use

IQAir

  • Extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
  • Energy inefficient motors consume 215W at comparable CFM to cheaper models
  • Limited sensor specificity for users with specific allergies or respiratory concerns
  • Bulky design and outdated appearance unsuitable for modern interior design
  • Replacement filters are very expensive at $199.99 with high ongoing costs

Pricing, plan by plan

Hello Weather

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Current, hourly, daily forecasts
    • Multiple data source options
    • Dark mode
  • VIP$3/year
    • Home screen and lock screen widgets
    • Push notifications for precipitation
    • Apple Watch app

IQAir

$399/one-time
  • Atem Desk$399/one-time
    • Portable desktop air purifier
    • Small room coverage
  • Atem Eco$799.99/one-time
    • Smart air purification
    • Most affordable smart model
    • Released June 2026
  • Atem X$1399/one-time
    • Premium smart purifier
    • Large room coverage
    • Advanced filtration
  • HealthPro Plus$949/one-time
    • Medical-grade HyperHEPA filtration
    • Large room coverage
    • Gas and particle filtration

Which should you pick?

Choose Hello Weather if

  • You need multiple data sources.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS.
  • You also want simple design.

Choose IQAir if

  • You need global aqi data.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
  • You also want city rankings.

Questions people ask

Is Hello Weather or IQAir better?
Neither clearly leads. Hello Weather starts at Free and IQAir at $399/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Hello Weather or IQAir?
Hello Weather has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Hello Weather and $399/one-time for IQAir.
Does Hello Weather or IQAir run on more platforms?
Hello Weather runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS. IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
Can I use Hello Weather for free?
Yes. Hello Weather has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IQAir starts at $399/one-time.
What is Hello Weather best used for?
Hello Weather is most often used for professional work, content creation. Of those, professional work and content creation are not what IQAir is typically brought in for.
What can Hello Weather do that IQAir cannot?
Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, Simple design, Comparison mode, Custom icons. IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Health recommendations, Forecasts. Both handle Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Hello Weather: What is Hello Weather's business model?

Hello Weather is free to download from the App Store with optional VIP membership. VIP costs $3 for one year, $5 for two years, or $7 for lifetime access.

Source
IQAir: What does IQAir do?

IQAir is a Swiss company providing two main services: air purification hardware (home and commercial air purifiers and filters) and air quality monitoring (real-time global air quality data from 80,000+ sensors worldwide, accessible via the AirVisual app and IQAir.com).

Source
Hello Weather: What weather data sources does Hello Weather support?

Hello Weather supports multiple weather data sources including Apple Weather, AccuWeather, Foreca, OpenWeather, Pirate Weather, The Weather Company, Tomorrow.io, Visual Crossing, Weatherbit, and Xweather.

Source
IQAir: How much do IQAir air purifiers cost?

IQAir air purifiers range from $399 for portable Atem models to $949 for the HealthPro Plus. The new Atem Eco model is $799.99. Replacement filters cost $199.99 and last 1-4 years depending on usage.

Source
Hello Weather: What platforms does Hello Weather support?

Hello Weather is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android. It includes Apple Watch app and complications, plus home screen and lock screen widgets.

Source
IQAir: What real-time air quality data does IQAir provide?

IQAir provides real-time air quality data covering 500,000+ locations in 100+ countries, integrating data from government monitoring stations and 80,000+ IQAir-validated sensors. The platform measures PM2.5, PM10, and AQI for each location.

Source
Hello Weather: Is Hello Weather an independent project?

Yes, Hello Weather is developed by indie developers Jonas Downey and Trevor as a side project. The team describes themselves as friends with day jobs who make the app for fun.

Source
IQAir: Does IQAir have a mobile app?

Yes. IQAir's AirVisual app is available on iOS and Android, providing real-time air quality information, AQI rankings, health recommendations, and remote control of IQAir smart air purifiers.

Source
Hello Weather: When was Hello Weather first launched?

Hello Weather was launched in 2016 and has achieved half a million downloads with thousands of paying VIP customers.

Source
IQAir: Is IQAir affordable compared to other air purifiers?

No. IQAir air purifiers are significantly more expensive than alternatives. The HealthPro Plus at $900 offers similar particle filtering to the Winix 5500-2 at $300. Higher cost is primarily due to superior gas filtration but poor overall value for most users.

Source

Related pages

Other head to heads