Software · head to head
RainViewer vs AirVisual
RainViewer
Software
Global rain radar with accurate precipitation forecasts
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: RainViewer limited to precipitation forecasting without comprehensive weather data like temperature or wind; AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- They diverge on capability: RainViewer covers Global rain radar, AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which RainViewer and AirVisual actually diverge.
| Attribute | RainViewer | AirVisual |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Ios, Android, Web |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2015).
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 RainViewer
- Global rain radar
- Smooth animations
- 2-hour forecasts
- Lightning data
- Satellite imagery
- API access
- Notifications
Only in AirVisual
- Global AQI coverage
- 3-day forecasts
- Health recommendations
- City rankings
- Historical data
- Apple Watch
- Smart displays
Both cover
- Widgets
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
RainViewer
- Professional Worknot AirVisual
- Content Creationnot AirVisual
AirVisual
- Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot RainViewer
- Seven day air quality forecastsnot RainViewer
- Health guidance based on current pollutionnot RainViewer
- Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot RainViewer
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal 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
AirVisual
- Outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- Indoor measurement needs an IQAir AirVisual monitor bought separately
- The app pages do not state what, if anything, costs money
Pricing, plan by plan
RainViewer
Free- FreeFree
- Global radar
- Animations
- Forecasts
- Premium$2.99/month
- No ads
- API access
- Extended history
AirVisual
Free- FreeFree
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- Health tips
- Pro$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Historical data
- Widgets
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose AirVisual if
- You need global aqi coverage.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want 3-day forecasts.
Questions people ask
- Is RainViewer or AirVisual better?
- Neither clearly leads. RainViewer starts at Free and AirVisual at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, RainViewer or AirVisual?
- RainViewer starts at Free and AirVisual at Free.
- Does RainViewer or AirVisual run on more platforms?
- RainViewer runs on Web, iOS, Android. AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web.
- Can I use RainViewer for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is RainViewer best used for?
- RainViewer is most often used for professional work, content creation. Of those, professional work and content creation are not what AirVisual is typically brought in for.
- What can RainViewer do that AirVisual cannot?
- RainViewer covers Global rain radar, Smooth animations, 2-hour forecasts, Lightning data. AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Both handle Widgets, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceRainViewer: How far ahead can RainViewer forecast rain?
RainViewer provides 2-hour precipitation forecasts updated frequently throughout the day with hyperlocal predictions.
SourceRainViewer: Is RainViewer available on all platforms?
RainViewer offers both a mobile app and web platform for accessing precipitation forecasts and radar data.
Source