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Weather & Environment · head to head

IQAir vs Windward

IQAir logo

IQAir

Weather & Environment

Global air quality information and purification

From
$399/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windward logo

Windward

Maritime & Shipping

AI-powered maritime risk intelligence

From
$3000/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: IQAir covers Global AQI data, Windward covers AI-powered risk scoring.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IQAir and Windward actually diverge.

Attributes where IQAir and Windward differ
AttributeIQAirWindward
Starting price$399/one-time$3000/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, HardwareWeb, Api
CategoryWeather & EnvironmentMaritime & Shipping
Founded19631996

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 IQAir

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

Only in Windward

  • AI-powered risk scoring
  • Sanctions compliance
  • Ship-to-ship detection
  • Dark activity alerts
  • Compliance systems
  • Trading platforms
  • Banking systems

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Api support

What people use each for

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

IQAir

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

Windward

No use cases recorded yet. See the Windward review.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal 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  • Bulky design and outdated appearance unsuitable for modern interior design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

Windward

Nothing recorded yet. See the Windward review.

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Windward

$3000/month
  • Professional$7500/month
    • Behavioral analytics
    • Dark activity detection
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose IQAir if

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

Choose Windward if

  • You need ai-powered risk scoring.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want sanctions compliance.
Windward review

Questions people ask

Is IQAir or Windward better?
Neither clearly leads. IQAir starts at $399/one-time and Windward at $3000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IQAir or Windward?
IQAir starts at $399/one-time and Windward at $3000/month.
Does IQAir or Windward run on more platforms?
IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware. Windward runs on Web, Api.
What is IQAir best used for?
IQAir is most often used for checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (aqi, pm2.5, etc.) via the airvisual app, getting air quality forecasts for a location, remotely monitoring and controlling iqair air purifiers from a smartphone, integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the airvisual api. Of those, checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (aqi, pm2.5, etc.) via the airvisual app and getting air quality forecasts for a location are not what Windward is typically brought in for.
What can IQAir do that Windward cannot?
IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Health recommendations, Forecasts. Windward covers AI-powered risk scoring, Sanctions compliance, Ship-to-ship detection, Dark activity alerts. Both handle Web support, Api support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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
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