Tried and Tested: What’s the Best Weather App in 2024?
Obsessed with getting weather updates? Looking for the most accurate weather app? You’re not alone. According to the latest numbers, ‘weather’ is the sixth-most popular Google search query in the United States and the only one in the top 10 that isn’t the name of something (like Facebook or YouTube).
The most amazing thing about this statistic is that it doesn’t even count people who get their forecasts from sources other than Google – like weather apps.
You may have already tried some free weather apps but found they didn’t meet your expectations. Here we’ll give you our list of the 10 best apps for weather – including the best free and most reliable weather apps and best weather apps that cost money.
Our Top 10 Most Accurate Weather Apps Forecasting - Free and Paid:
- The Weather Channel - Best Free Weather App Overall
- AccuWeather - Most Accurate Weather App
- WeatherBug - Best App for Free Weather Alerts
- Dark Sky - Best Weather App for iPhone
- Shadow Weather - Best Weather App for Android
- FlowX - Most Interactive Weather App
- RadarScope - Best Weather Radar App
- Tommorow.io - Best for Weather Forecast on Your Block
- AIR by Plume Labs - Best App for Viewing Air Quality
- CARROT Weather - Best App for Having Fun with the Weather
Here are our in-depth reviews of the 10 best weather apps for Android and iPhone:
1. The Weather Channel – Best Free Weather App
Price: Free, $3.99 ad free
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Comprehensive weather coverage with real-time alerts and radar maps
Pros:
- Clean interface for easy navigation
- Accurate 15-day forecasts available
Cons:
- Focus on departmental P&L over overall success
- Interface may include ads
The Weather Channel is the most-downloaded weather app – and with good reason. It’s free, it lays out everything you need in a forecast (including hourly forecasts, daily reports, and 10-day view), and it displays the latest weather conditions and news.
It even has social sharing features where you can upload and view photos and videos. An annual $3.99 subscription removes the ads, but there are better paid weather apps.
Its unique radar maps and weather news articles keep users informed about weather conditions worldwide. The app's user-friendly interface and live weather updates make it a top choice for everyday weather tracking.
The Weather Channel app is owned by The Weather Company (a subsidiary of IBM), who also own the Weather Underground.
The Weather Channel app is best used as originally intended: as a free weather app that does all the basics well.
2. AccuWeather – Most Accurate Weather App
Price:Free, $3.99 ad free, $8.99 premium
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Superior accuracy with MinuteCast feature that provides minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts
Pros:
- Up to the minute weather reports
- Global weather coverage
Cons:
- Ads may be intrusive
- Weather alerts can be delayed
Famous for its MinuteCast® feature, AccuWeather provides minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts up to two hours ahead, making it incredibly accurate for short-term planning.
With detailed forecasts, weather alerts, and radar maps, it stands out for its precision and reliability. AccuWeather's global reach ensures users anywhere can get accurate weather predictions.
For the weather junkies, it offers a detailed minute-by-minute breakdown of the next two hours, alongside hourly and daily forecasts, as well as 15-day views.
3. WeatherBug – Best App for Free Weather Alerts
Price:Free, $3.99 ad free
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Free weather alerts and extensive network of weather stations
Pros:
- Comprehensive local and national forecasts
- Hurricane and lightning alerts
Cons:
- App can be slow to update
- Interface clutter with ads
WeatherBug is a solid mobile weather app, but it’s best used for getting instant alerts. Download the app for free and then go to the app settings to turn on notifications.
Offering real-time weather data from over 2.6 million locations worldwide, WeatherBug is known for its live weather and forecast data. Its unique features include Spark lightning alerts and a comprehensive set of weather maps. WeatherBug is especially valuable for users looking for detailed environmental conditions, such as pollen levels and air quality.
4. Dark Sky - Best Weather App for iPhone
Price:$3.99
Compatible Platforms:iOS
Key Feature:Hyperlocal weather forecasts with down-to-the-minute predictions
Pros:
- Hyperlocal forecasts
- Minute-by-minute precipitation updates
Cons:
- Limited to iOS platforms
- Subscription required for full features
Ask a weather obsessive to name their favorite weather app, and the most likely answer will be Dark Sky. This app is loved by people all over the world for its detailed local weather forecasts, advanced radar maps, weather stations and high level of accuracy.
Dark Sky has its own hyperlocal forecasting system backed by radar data from the NOAA. In fact, Dark Sky’s own forecasts are used by some of the other weather apps on this list.
Dark Sky shut down its Android and Wear OS apps on August 1, 2020 (after it was bought by Apple), but the iOS app continues to be a favorite of iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users.
5. Shadow Weather – Best Weather App for Android
Price:$4.99
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Detailed weather analysis and comparisons with a user-friendly interface
Pros:
- Detailed weather analysis
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Lesser-known, fewer reviews
- Potential accuracy issues
Of all the Android apps still using the Dark Sky API, Shadow Weather is probably most similar to the actual Dark Sky app in terms of user interface and experience. Like Dark Sky, Shadow Weather offers detailed real-time radar imagery and weather maps against a sleek black background.
Another thing the two apps have in common is calendar integration. It’s not from the same makers as Dark Sky, but Shadow Weather is sure to catch on among weather-obsessed Android users.
6. FlowX – Most Interactive Weather App
Price:Free (in-app purchases available)
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Unique swipe-based interface that provides a graphical representation of weather forecasts over time
Pros:
- Graphical weather forecast over time
- Swipe-based interface
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited radar functionality
If they were giving out titles for weather apps, FlowX would be ‘the people’s app’. Its interactive features include finger sweeping to control the forecast animation over time, as well as a choice of multiple data layers to display on the weather map.
The great thing about FlowX is you don’t have to pay to get rid of ads. The only reason to pay is if you want access to additional features like 3-day ‘hindcast’ and customized graphs and maps.
Its unique feature is the ability to swipe through time to see weather patterns evolve. FlowX appeals to users who prefer a detailed, data-driven view of the weather.
7. RadarScope – Best Weather Radar App
Price:From $9.99 to $29.99 depending on plan
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Professional-grade radar data for weather enthusiasts and meteorologists
Pros:
- Professional-grade radar data
- Detailed severe weather information
Cons:
- High cost for full features
- Overwhelming for casual users
RadarScope is the best weather radar app for people who really need (as opposed to want) accurate real-time weather alerts. An iOS/Android subscription gets you advanced radar interrogation, true radial NEXRAD data, Apple Watch/Android Weather integration, and 24/7 live support.
RadarScope is used by bikers and hikers to get extreme weather warnings and wind speed, and by roofing and trucking businesses to be notified about events that affect business operations.
8. Tommorow.io - Best for Weather Forecast on Your Block
Price: Free
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Feature: Hyper-accurate forecasting technology aimed at mitigating weather's impact on people's lives
Pros:
- Hyper-accurate forecasting technology
- Weather impact mitigation focus
Cons:
- Complex subscription model
- Limited public reviews
ClimaCell, also known as Tomorrow, is a weather-tech startup trying to disrupt the traditional players. Backed by more than $100 million in venture capital funding, it gathers weather details from millions of connected devices such as cell phones, connected vehicles, street cameras, airplanes, and drones.
To give a basic example, if a connected vehicle turns on a windshield wiper, Tomorrow knows it’s raining. Tomorrow is focused mainly on expanding its business, but it has launched a useful consumer app which it claims can predict the weather patterns accurately down to your precise location.
Tomorrow.io stands out for its climate security platform, offering hyper-accurate weather forecasting and insights. The app is designed to help users make informed decisions based on weather predictions.
9. AIR by Plume Labs – Best App for Viewing Air Quality
Price:Free
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Features: Focuses on air quality reports and forecasts, integrating health recommendations
Pros:
- Air quality reports with forecasts
- Health recommendations included
Cons:
- Focused on air quality, less on weather
- Limited geographical coverage
For people living in big cities, it’s not enough knowing about the weather; you also need to know about air quality and UV index. AIR by Plume Labs is the best app for real-time air pollution levels in your area and around the globe.
It offers live weather maps, detailed data (live, historical, and forecast) and clean-air coaching. And best of all – it’s free!
Its user-friendly interface and actionable health recommendations make it essential for users in urban areas or with health concerns related to air quality. AIR is unique in its focus on environmental health.
10. CARROT Weather – Best App for Having Fun with the Weather
Price:$4.99
Compatible Platforms:Android and iOS
Key Features: Known for its personality-driven forecasts and humorous approach to weather updates
Pros:
- Humorous weather updates
- Personality-driven forecasts
Cons:
- Humor may not appeal to all
- Premium features require subscription
The folks at CARROT Weather call their creation ‘the crazy-powerful weather app’, with emphasis on ‘crazy’. This app is for smartphone users who want their weather to be entertaining, not just informative.
Features include weather maps, customizable widgets, and secret locations to unlock. CARROT Weather appeals to users looking for a fun and engaging weather app experience.
It includes fun games like secret treasure hunts on an interactive map of the world. It even lets you customize CARROT’s personality to match yours.
Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Weather Apps
At Top10.com, we've dedicated countless hours to reviewing, comparing, and dissecting the best weather apps available in 2024, ensuring that you have access to the most accurate, interactive, and user-friendly options on the market. This list was produced by Top10.com's editors, who thoroughly review of over 30 weather apps. Our team personally tested each app, ensuring reviews reflect real user experiences and functionality.
We conducted extensive research, including app usability and customer reviews. Finally, we compared each app's Key Differentiating Features (KDFs), emphasizing their unique strengths for a comprehensive evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria:
Pricing:We scrutinized each service's cost, focusing on value for money and affordability.
Free Version Quality:We assessed the availability and effectiveness of free features.
Compatible Platforms:We looked into which platforms the apps are available on, such as Android or iOS.
Reliability:We tested how reliable each app is according to the results it provides.
User-friendliness: We looked into how easy the app is to use and the simplicity of the interface.
Choose An App for Any Weather
In the world where weather can change as quickly as the wind, staying informed is more than a convenience—it's a necessity. Whether you're an Android enthusiast looking for detailed forecasts with Shadow Weather, an interactive data lover intrigued by FlowX, a radar aficionado with RadarScope, or in need of comprehensive planning with Tomorrow.io, we've got you covered.
Remember, the right weather app is not just about getting the forecast right; it's about enhancing your daily planning, ensuring safety, and bringing a touch of predictability to an otherwise unpredictable aspect of our lives. Explore our top picks and let us guide you towards finding your perfect weather companion today.
