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Weather · head to head

OpenWeatherMap vs StormGeo

OpenWeatherMap logo

OpenWeatherMap

Weather

Developer-friendly weather API with global coverage

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
StormGeo logo

StormGeo

Weather

Weather intelligence for shipping optimization

From
$800/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenWeatherMap has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OpenWeatherMap free tier capped at 60 calls/minute and 1,000,000 calls/month; StormGeo no longer independent as fully owned subsidiary of Alfa Laval since June 2021
  • They diverge on capability: OpenWeatherMap covers Weather API, StormGeo covers Weather routing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenWeatherMap and StormGeo actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenWeatherMap and StormGeo differ
AttributeOpenWeatherMapStormGeo
Starting priceFree$800/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Windows, Api
Founded20171997

Identical on both: 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 OpenWeatherMap

  • Weather API
  • Current conditions
  • Forecasts
  • Historical data
  • Weather maps
  • REST API
  • JSON format
  • Widgets

Only in StormGeo

  • Weather routing
  • Voyage optimization
  • Fleet performance analytics
  • Safety alerts
  • ECDIS systems
  • Fleet management platforms
  • ERP systems
  • Windows support

Both cover

  • Api support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

OpenWeatherMap

  • Embedding current weather and short-term forecasts into third-party apps/websitesnot StormGeo
  • Pulling historical and statistical weather data for researchnot StormGeo
  • Displaying weather map overlays (precipitation, clouds, etc.) via the Weather Maps APInot StormGeo
  • Monitoring air pollution levels via the Air Pollution APInot StormGeo
  • Geocoding locations for weather lookupsnot StormGeo

StormGeo

No use cases recorded yet. See the StormGeo review.

Where each one falls short

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

OpenWeatherMap

  • Free tier capped at 60 calls/minute and 1,000,000 calls/month
  • Free tier limited to current weather, 3-hour/5-day forecast, air pollution, 15 map layers, and geocoding only
  • One Call API free allowance is only 1,000 calls/day before pay-per-call charges apply
  • Paid tier (Startup, Developer, Professional, Expert) exact USD prices are not published on the public pricing page

StormGeo

  • No longer independent as fully owned subsidiary of Alfa Laval since June 2021
  • Primarily Europe-based with less established presence in Asian maritime markets compared to Weathernews
  • Focused on commercial and industrial sectors rather than consumer weather services

Pricing, plan by plan

OpenWeatherMap

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1,000 free API calls per day

StormGeo

$800/month
  • s-Suite$2000/month
    • Weather routing
    • Voyage optimization
    • Fleet performance

Which should you pick?

Choose OpenWeatherMap if

  • You need weather api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want current conditions.
OpenWeatherMap review

Choose StormGeo if

  • You need weather routing.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Api.
  • You also want voyage optimization.
StormGeo review

Questions people ask

Is OpenWeatherMap or StormGeo better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenWeatherMap starts at Free and StormGeo at $800/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenWeatherMap or StormGeo?
OpenWeatherMap has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenWeatherMap and $800/month for StormGeo.
Does OpenWeatherMap or StormGeo run on more platforms?
OpenWeatherMap runs on Web. StormGeo runs on Web, Windows, Api.
Can I use OpenWeatherMap for free?
Yes. OpenWeatherMap has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. StormGeo starts at $800/month.
What is OpenWeatherMap best used for?
OpenWeatherMap is most often used for embedding current weather and short-term forecasts into third-party apps/websites, pulling historical and statistical weather data for research, displaying weather map overlays (precipitation, clouds, etc.) via the weather maps api, monitoring air pollution levels via the air pollution api. Of those, embedding current weather and short-term forecasts into third-party apps/websites and pulling historical and statistical weather data for research are not what StormGeo is typically brought in for.
What can OpenWeatherMap do that StormGeo cannot?
OpenWeatherMap covers Weather API, Current conditions, Forecasts, Historical data. StormGeo covers Weather routing, Voyage optimization, Fleet performance analytics, Safety alerts. Both handle Api support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OpenWeatherMap: How much does OpenWeatherMap cost?

OpenWeatherMap operates on a pay-as-you-call usage-based pricing model. The platform offers a free tier with 1,000 API calls per day, and customers can purchase additional calls based on their needs.

Source
StormGeo: What industries does StormGeo serve?

StormGeo serves shipping, oil and gas, renewable energy, utilities, aviation, and cross-industry sectors with weather intelligence, routing, and operational decision support services.

Source
OpenWeatherMap: Is there a free weather API service?

Yes. OpenWeatherMap provides a free tier that includes up to 1,000 API calls per day. Users can subscribe for free at home.openweathermap.org without providing payment information.

Source
StormGeo: What is s-Suite and what does it include?

s-Suite is StormGeo's complete, one-stop solution for shipping companies combining Voyage Planning, Onboard Route Optimization, Route Advisory Services and Fleet Performance Management.

Source
OpenWeatherMap: Does OpenWeatherMap offer enterprise plans?

OpenWeatherMap offers separate service tiers for enterprise customers, with pricing and features determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact the company directly for enterprise plan details and custom pricing.

Source
StormGeo: Does StormGeo offer weather routing for maritime operations?

Yes. StormGeo provides Weather Routing and Voyage Optimization services that empower onboard and shoreside teams to plan and execute optimized, compliant voyages by combining AI-driven insights, advanced technology, and weather intelligence.

Source
StormGeo: What is the s-Planner product used for?

StormGeo's s-Planner integrates route optimization and weather insights with up-to-date Electronic Navigational Charts and Publications to streamline onboard voyage planning workflow.

Source
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