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Ventusky vs Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Ventusky logo

Ventusky

Software

Beautiful weather maps from Czech developers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) logo

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Software

Hyperlocal precipitation forecasts built into iOS

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Ventusky the Premium subscription page names two tiers, Premium and Premium plus, capped at 4 and 25 devices respectively, but publishes no price for either, showing a dash where the figure would appear; Apple Weather (Dark Sky) dark Sky as a standalone app and API no longer exists, it was removed from the App Store and its API shut down; Dark Sky's technology now only exists folded into the built-in Apple Weather app, so any 'Dark Sky' branded product/API can no longer be evaluated or purchased
  • They diverge on capability: Ventusky covers Animated weather maps, Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ventusky and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) actually diverge.

Attributes where Ventusky and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) differ
AttributeVentuskyApple Weather (Dark Sky)
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidiOS, macOS
Founded20152011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Ventusky

  • Animated weather maps
  • Multiple forecast models
  • Wind visualization
  • Temperature maps
  • Precipitation forecasts
  • Web embedding
  • Web support
  • Android support

Only in Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

  • Minute-by-minute precipitation
  • Next-hour forecasts
  • Severe weather alerts
  • Air quality
  • UV index
  • iOS widgets
  • Siri
  • Apple Watch

Both cover

  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Ventusky

  • Interactive weather forecast, radar and wind mapping, with a paid Premium tier for unlimited layers and forecasts beyond 7 daysnot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

  • Checking hyperlocal current conditions and next-hour precipitation forecasts on iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple Watchnot Ventusky
  • Viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 daysnot Ventusky
  • Viewing high-resolution precipitation radar mapsnot Ventusky
  • Receiving severe weather notificationsnot Ventusky

Where each one falls short

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

Ventusky

  • The Premium subscription page names two tiers, Premium and Premium plus, capped at 4 and 25 devices respectively, but publishes no price for either, showing a dash where the figure would appear

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

  • Dark Sky as a standalone app and API no longer exists, it was removed from the App Store and its API shut down; Dark Sky's technology now only exists folded into the built-in Apple Weather app, so any 'Dark Sky' branded product/API can no longer be evaluated or purchased
  • Apple Weather has no public pricing/API tier of its own comparable to the old Dark Sky API, developers must use Apple's separate WeatherKit product instead
  • Apple Weather (the consumer app) is limited to Apple's own platforms; it is not available on Android or Windows

Pricing, plan by plan

Ventusky

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Weather maps
    • Multiple models
    • Forecasts

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full weather features
    • Minute-by-minute rain
    • Severe alerts

Which should you pick?

Choose Ventusky if

  • You need animated weather maps.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want multiple forecast models.
Ventusky review

Choose Apple Weather (Dark Sky) if

  • You need minute-by-minute precipitation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, macOS.
  • You also want next-hour forecasts.
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) review

Questions people ask

Is Ventusky or Apple Weather (Dark Sky) better?
Neither clearly leads. Ventusky starts at Free and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ventusky or Apple Weather (Dark Sky)?
Ventusky starts at Free and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) at Free.
Does Ventusky or Apple Weather (Dark Sky) run on more platforms?
Ventusky runs on Web, Ios, Android. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) runs on iOS, macOS.
Can I use Ventusky for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Ventusky best used for?
Ventusky is most often used for interactive weather forecast, radar and wind mapping, with a paid premium tier for unlimited layers and forecasts beyond 7 days. Of those, interactive weather forecast, radar and wind mapping, with a paid premium tier for unlimited layers and forecasts beyond 7 days is not what Apple Weather (Dark Sky) is typically brought in for.
What can Ventusky do that Apple Weather (Dark Sky) cannot?
Ventusky covers Animated weather maps, Multiple forecast models, Wind visualization, Temperature maps. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Next-hour forecasts, Severe weather alerts, Air quality. Both handle Ios support.
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