Choose a free wind app by the feature you need, not the download price. Forecast maps, station readings and alerts are separate features, and a free tier may not include all three.
For many local sessions, a free forecast and a representative station report are a useful starting point. If you want an alarm when a supported station reaches your range, WindUp’s live wind alarm is free. Optional Pro extras are available in the app.
Start with your main task
| Task | What to try | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Explore a weather forecast | Windy.com | Your location, model and required forecast detail |
| Read a spot forecast | Windfinder or Windguru | Local coverage and the free features available |
| Check measured wind | A nearby station report | Sensor location and timestamp |
| Receive a live wind alarm | WindUp | Station coverage and phone permissions |
| Compare sport-specific tools | Windy.app | Which tools require Pro |
Windy.app and Windy.com are different products. A subscription to one does not unlock the other.
When the free forecast is enough
Try the same few checks you make before a normal session. Can you read the wind and gust forecast at the hour you need? Can you inspect direction? Can you understand the model or source?
If the free version answers those questions, keep using it. If you need more detail, identify that requirement first. Windy.com’s subscription page is one example of a provider listing the additional features separately.
Look at observations before paying for “live data”
Several services provide station observations. Windfinder, for example, documents live wind reports and their update intervals. Do not assume all observation access sits behind a paid tier.
A bigger station count is not the deciding factor. One well-placed, regularly reporting station may be more useful for your beach than many distant sensors. Check the reading’s age each time.
Compare alerts carefully
Ask four questions: what triggers the alert, which conditions can you set, how does it reach you, and does it require a subscription? Providers use “alert” for different workflows, including forecast notifications and station-based triggers.
WindUp lets you set a live wind alarm for a supported station. Download the app, choose a suitable station, and review the notification settings on your phone. The free alarm does not mean every optional feature in the app is free.
Avoid paying for the wrong problem
If your problem is repeatedly checking a forecast, changing to another map may not solve it. An alarm may be the useful addition. If your problem is understanding tomorrow’s conditions, an alarm alone will not replace the forecast.
For equipment questions, our kite calculator and wing-foil calculator are free web tools. They provide estimates to compare with your equipment manufacturer’s guidance, not a verdict that conditions are safe.
