Software · head to head
RainViewer vs MyRadar
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; MyRadar rain and storm time predictions are inaccurate approximately 60 percent of the time according to user reports
- They diverge on capability: RainViewer covers Global rain radar, MyRadar covers Animated radar.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which RainViewer and MyRadar actually diverge.
| Attribute | RainViewer | MyRadar |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), 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 RainViewer
- Global rain radar
- Smooth animations
- 2-hour forecasts
- Lightning data
- Satellite imagery
- API access
- Widgets
- Notifications
Only in MyRadar
- Animated radar
- Fast loading
- Hurricane tracking
- Flight tracking
- Weather layers
- Apple Watch
- CarPlay
- Android Auto
Both cover
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
RainViewer
- Professional Work
- Content Creation
MyRadar
- 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.
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
MyRadar
- Rain and storm time predictions are inaccurate approximately 60 percent of the time according to user reports
- Radar coverage is limited to areas with land-based radar sites
- Only supports weather alerts for USA and Australia, not international coverage
Pricing, plan by plan
RainViewer
Free- FreeFree
- Global radar
- Animations
- Forecasts
- Premium$2.99/month
- No ads
- API access
- Extended history
MyRadar
Free- FreeFree
- Radar animation
- Location tracking
- Alerts
- Premium$4.99/year
- No ads
- Hurricane tracker
- Extended features
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 MyRadar if
- You need animated radar.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want fast loading.
Questions people ask
- Is RainViewer or MyRadar better?
- Neither clearly leads. RainViewer starts at Free and MyRadar at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, RainViewer or MyRadar?
- RainViewer starts at Free and MyRadar at Free.
- Does RainViewer or MyRadar run on more platforms?
- RainViewer runs on Web, iOS, Android. MyRadar 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.
- What can RainViewer do that MyRadar cannot?
- RainViewer covers Global rain radar, Smooth animations, 2-hour forecasts, Lightning data. MyRadar covers Animated radar, Fast loading, Hurricane tracking, Flight tracking. Both handle 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.
SourceMyRadar: Does MyRadar work internationally?
MyRadar provides radar coverage in the USA and Australia. Weather watches and warnings for countries other than Australia and the USA cannot be viewed in the app.
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