Software · head to head
Windy vs IQAir
Windy
Software
Advanced weather visualization and forecasting platform
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
IQAir
Software
Global air quality information and purification
- From
- $399/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Windy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: 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; IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
- They diverge on capability: Windy covers Weather visualization, IQAir covers Global AQI data.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Windy and IQAir actually diverge.
Identical on both: 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 Windy
- Weather visualization
- Wind forecasts
- Precipitation maps
- Interactive charts
- Real-time data
- Global weather models
- Satellite data
- Weather APIs
Only in IQAir
- Global AQI data
- City rankings
- Health recommendations
- Forecasts
- Historical data
- API access
- Mobile apps
- Smart home
Both cover
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Windy
- Weather analysisnot IQAir
- Flight planningnot IQAir
- Wind pattern analysisnot IQAir
- Meteorological researchnot IQAir
IQAir
- Checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (AQI, PM2.5, etc.) via the AirVisual appnot Windy
- Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot Windy
- Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot Windy
- Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot Windy
- Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot Windy
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
IQAir
- Extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
- Energy inefficient motors consume 215W at comparable CFM to cheaper models
- Limited sensor specificity for users with specific allergies or respiratory concerns
- Bulky design and outdated appearance unsuitable for modern interior design
- Replacement filters are very expensive at $199.99 with high ongoing costs
Pricing, plan by plan
Windy
Free- FreeFree
- Weather maps
- Wind forecasts
- Precipitation data
- Premium$5.99/month
- Advanced models
- Historical data
- API access
IQAir
$399/one-time- Atem Desk$399/one-time
- Portable desktop air purifier
- Small room coverage
- Atem Eco$799.99/one-time
- Smart air purification
- Most affordable smart model
- Released June 2026
- Atem X$1399/one-time
- Premium smart purifier
- Large room coverage
- Advanced filtration
- HealthPro Plus$949/one-time
- Medical-grade HyperHEPA filtration
- Large room coverage
- Gas and particle filtration
Which should you pick?
Choose Windy if
- You need weather visualization.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want wind forecasts.
Choose IQAir if
- You need global aqi data.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
- You also want city rankings.
Questions people ask
- Is Windy or IQAir better?
- Neither clearly leads. Windy starts at Free and IQAir at $399/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Windy or IQAir?
- Windy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Windy and $399/one-time for IQAir.
- Does Windy or IQAir run on more platforms?
- Windy runs on Web, Ios, Android. IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
- Can I use Windy for free?
- Yes. Windy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IQAir starts at $399/one-time.
- What is Windy best used for?
- Windy is most often used for weather analysis, flight planning, wind pattern analysis, meteorological research. Of those, weather analysis and flight planning are not what IQAir is typically brought in for.
- What can Windy do that IQAir cannot?
- Windy covers Weather visualization, Wind forecasts, Precipitation maps, Interactive charts. IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Health recommendations, Forecasts. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
IQAir: What does IQAir do?
IQAir is a Swiss company providing two main services: air purification hardware (home and commercial air purifiers and filters) and air quality monitoring (real-time global air quality data from 80,000+ sensors worldwide, accessible via the AirVisual app and IQAir.com).
SourceIQAir: How much do IQAir air purifiers cost?
IQAir air purifiers range from $399 for portable Atem models to $949 for the HealthPro Plus. The new Atem Eco model is $799.99. Replacement filters cost $199.99 and last 1-4 years depending on usage.
SourceIQAir: What real-time air quality data does IQAir provide?
IQAir provides real-time air quality data covering 500,000+ locations in 100+ countries, integrating data from government monitoring stations and 80,000+ IQAir-validated sensors. The platform measures PM2.5, PM10, and AQI for each location.
SourceIQAir: Does IQAir have a mobile app?
Yes. IQAir's AirVisual app is available on iOS and Android, providing real-time air quality information, AQI rankings, health recommendations, and remote control of IQAir smart air purifiers.
SourceIQAir: Is IQAir affordable compared to other air purifiers?
No. IQAir air purifiers are significantly more expensive than alternatives. The HealthPro Plus at $900 offers similar particle filtering to the Winix 5500-2 at $300. Higher cost is primarily due to superior gas filtration but poor overall value for most users.
Source