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Weather · head to head

Hello Weather vs RainViewer

Hello Weather logo

Hello Weather

Weather

Simple beautiful weather with multiple sources

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: Hello Weather limited features in free version compared to competitors with native rain alerts; RainViewer limited to precipitation forecasting without comprehensive weather data like temperature or wind
  • They diverge on capability: Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, RainViewer covers Global rain radar.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Hello Weather and RainViewer differ
AttributeHello WeatherRainViewer
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOSWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20162015

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 Hello Weather

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

Only in RainViewer

  • Global rain radar
  • Smooth animations
  • 2-hour forecasts
  • Lightning data
  • Satellite imagery
  • API access
  • Notifications
  • Web support

Both cover

  • Widgets
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Hello Weather

  • Professional Work
  • Content Creation

RainViewer

  • Professional Work
  • Content Creation

Both are used for professional work, content creation, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

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

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

RainViewer

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

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.
Hello Weather 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 Hello Weather or RainViewer better?
Neither clearly leads. Hello Weather 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, Hello Weather or RainViewer?
Hello Weather starts at Free and RainViewer at Free.
Does Hello Weather or RainViewer run on more platforms?
Hello Weather runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS. RainViewer runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Hello Weather for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Hello Weather best used for?
Hello Weather is most often used for professional work, content creation.
What can Hello Weather do that RainViewer cannot?
Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, Simple design, Comparison mode, Custom icons. RainViewer covers Global rain radar, Smooth animations, 2-hour forecasts, Lightning data. Both handle Widgets, 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
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
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
RainViewer: How far ahead can RainViewer forecast rain?

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

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
RainViewer: Is RainViewer available on all platforms?

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

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
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
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