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Weather · head to head

AirVisual vs Windy

AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Weather

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Windy logo

Windy

Weather

Advanced weather visualization and forecasting platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage; Windy windy Premium is required for the 1-hour and 15-day forecast outlook, 4-6x daily model updates, 24-hour radar/satellite loops with 1-year archives, and tide forecast maps, per the App Store listing; the free tier lacks these
  • They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, Windy covers Weather visualization.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AirVisual and Windy actually diverge.

Attributes where AirVisual and Windy differ
AttributeAirVisualWindy
PlatformsIos, Android, WebWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20152014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), 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 AirVisual

  • Global AQI coverage
  • 3-day forecasts
  • Health recommendations
  • City rankings
  • Historical data
  • Widgets
  • Apple Watch
  • Smart displays

Only in Windy

  • Weather visualization
  • Wind forecasts
  • Precipitation maps
  • Interactive charts
  • Real-time data
  • Global weather models
  • Satellite data
  • Weather APIs

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

AirVisual

  • Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot Windy
  • Seven day air quality forecastsnot Windy
  • Health guidance based on current pollutionnot Windy
  • Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot Windy

Windy

  • Weather analysisnot AirVisual
  • Flight planningnot AirVisual
  • Wind pattern analysisnot AirVisual
  • Meteorological researchnot AirVisual

Where each one falls short

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

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

Windy

  • Windy Premium is required for the 1-hour and 15-day forecast outlook, 4-6x daily model updates, 24-hour radar/satellite loops with 1-year archives, and tide forecast maps, per the App Store listing; the free tier lacks these

Pricing, plan by plan

AirVisual

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Global AQI data
    • Forecasts
    • Health tips
  • Pro$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Historical data
    • Widgets

Windy

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Weather maps
    • Wind forecasts
    • Precipitation data
  • Premium$5.99/month
    • Advanced models
    • Historical data
    • API access

Which should you pick?

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.
AirVisual review

Choose Windy if

  • You need weather visualization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want wind forecasts.
Windy review

Questions people ask

Is AirVisual or Windy better?
Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and Windy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AirVisual or Windy?
AirVisual starts at Free and Windy at Free.
Does AirVisual or Windy run on more platforms?
AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. Windy runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use AirVisual for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AirVisual best used for?
AirVisual is most often used for checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels, seven day air quality forecasts, health guidance based on current pollution, comparing indoor and outdoor air with an iqair monitor. Of those, checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels and seven day air quality forecasts are not what Windy is typically brought in for.
What can AirVisual do that Windy cannot?
AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Windy covers Weather visualization, Wind forecasts, Precipitation maps, Interactive charts. Both handle Ios support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AirVisual: Why doesn't AirVisual publish pricing for its air quality products?

AirVisual does not publish specific prices on its product pages. The company offers various purchasing and financing programs instead, including 0% financing options, filter subscriptions, and trade-in programs.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer financing for equipment purchases?

Yes, AirVisual offers 0% financing options for equipment purchases.

Source
AirVisual: Are AirVisual products eligible for HSA or FSA spending accounts?

Yes, AirVisual products are eligible for FSA and HSA payments, allowing customers to use tax-advantaged health savings accounts for purchases.

Source
AirVisual: What ongoing service does AirVisual offer beyond the initial product purchase?

AirVisual offers filter subscription services to ensure continued operation of air quality monitoring equipment.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer trade-in or upgrade programs?

Yes, AirVisual operates a trade-in program that allows customers to trade in older equipment, as well as a Restored Program for refurbished products.

Source
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