Software · head to head
The Weather Channel vs AirVisual
The Weather Channel
Software
America's most trusted weather source with real-time forecasts
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: The Weather Channel premium radar features are limited to iOS and macOS; not available on Android or other platforms; AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- They diverge on capability: The Weather Channel covers 10-day forecasts, AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which The Weather Channel and AirVisual actually diverge.
| Attribute | The Weather Channel | AirVisual |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku | Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 1982 | 2015 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 The Weather Channel
- 10-day forecasts
- Hourly predictions
- Interactive radar
- Severe weather alerts
- Air quality index
- Smart home devices
- Connected cars
- Wearables
Only in AirVisual
- Global AQI coverage
- 3-day forecasts
- Health recommendations
- City rankings
- Historical data
- Widgets
- Apple Watch
- Smart displays
Both cover
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
The Weather Channel
- Checking daily and 10-day local weather forecastsnot AirVisual
- Tracking storms and hurricanes via Storm Radarnot AirVisual
- Viewing weather radar mapsnot AirVisual
- Getting severe weather alertsnot AirVisual
- Accessing weather news and video content on weather.comnot AirVisual
AirVisual
- Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot The Weather Channel
- Seven day air quality forecastsnot The Weather Channel
- Health guidance based on current pollutionnot The Weather Channel
- Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot The Weather Channel
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
The Weather Channel
- Premium radar features are limited to iOS and macOS; not available on Android or other platforms
- Premium subscription required for advanced radar customization
- Premium perks tied to partner deals which may change
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
The Weather Channel
Free- FreeFree
- Rain radar and storm tracker
- Allergy tracker
- 24-hour future radar
- Premium$29.99/year
- All free features
- Premium perks program (up to USD 187 value)
- 18Birdies golf app access (30% off plus free week)
AirVisual
Free- FreeFree
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- Health tips
- Pro$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Historical data
- Widgets
Which should you pick?
Choose The Weather Channel if
- You need 10-day forecasts.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku.
- You also want hourly predictions.
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 The Weather Channel or AirVisual better?
- Neither clearly leads. The Weather Channel 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, The Weather Channel or AirVisual?
- The Weather Channel starts at Free and AirVisual at Free.
- Does The Weather Channel or AirVisual run on more platforms?
- The Weather Channel runs on iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku. AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web.
- Can I use The Weather Channel for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is The Weather Channel best used for?
- The Weather Channel is most often used for checking daily and 10-day local weather forecasts, tracking storms and hurricanes via storm radar, viewing weather radar maps, getting severe weather alerts. Of those, checking daily and 10-day local weather forecasts and tracking storms and hurricanes via storm radar are not what AirVisual is typically brought in for.
- What can The Weather Channel do that AirVisual cannot?
- The Weather Channel covers 10-day forecasts, Hourly predictions, Interactive radar, Severe weather alerts. AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
The Weather Channel: What is the cost of The Weather Channel Premium?
The Weather Channel Premium subscription costs USD 29.99 annually with a 7-day free trial before the annual charge is applied.
SourceThe Weather Channel: What premium features are included?
The Weather Channel Premium includes premium perks program offering up to USD 187 in partner deals, access to 18Birdies golf app (30% off plus free week), and professional-grade customizable radar with high-resolution single-site radar on iOS and macOS devices.
SourceThe Weather Channel: What are the free features available?
Free features include rain radar, storm tracker, allergy tracker, 24-hour future radar, storm alerts, Feels Like temperature, hourly and daily forecasts, weather widgets with dark mode support, and air quality monitoring.
The Weather Channel: What devices are supported?
The Weather Channel app is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, and other streaming platforms.