Try Windfinder if you usually start with a spot forecast and report. Try Windy.com if you prefer exploring weather maps and comparing forecasts across an area. Both deserve a check at your actual locations before you choose a paid plan.
Here, Windy means Windy.com and its mobile app. Windy.app is a different service.
Compare the workflow
| Your question | What to compare |
|---|---|
| What is forecast at my spot? | How clearly each app shows wind, gusts and direction for the hours you need |
| What is measured now? | Station location, exposure and update time |
| How uncertain is the plan? | Available models and whether they agree about the timing |
| Can I get an alert? | Trigger data, conditions, delivery and plan requirements |
| Is the upgrade useful? | The specific feature you would use at your locations |
A feature list cannot tell you which app is quicker for your routine. Open your home spot in each and run the checks you normally make before leaving.
Windfinder: forecasts and reports at a spot
Windfinder provides forecasts and live measurement reports. Its documentation notes that station update intervals vary considerably. A displayed report can therefore be useful without necessarily being recent enough for your next decision.
Check the station on the map and compare it with the launch. A sheltered sensor and an exposed beach may not agree. Do not interpret a report as a measurement everywhere nearby.
Windy.com: explore the weather picture
Windy.com provides a map-based way to inspect weather and forecasts. It also documents forecast alerts and Premium features, so it is inaccurate to describe it as an app with no alerts.
If you are considering a subscription, use the current feature list. Check whether the feature matters to your routine before paying for more detail.
Which forecast should you trust?
Compare like with like. Record the selected model and issue time, then compare the forecast with a representative observation for the same target hour. Keep gusts separate from average wind and use the same units.
A result from one day does not establish that one app is always better. Watch for repeatable differences at your location using our local accuracy method.
Where a WindUp alarm fits
If you want an alarm when measured wind reaches your settings, check whether WindUp has a suitable station for your spot. The live wind alarm is free, with optional Pro features available in the app.
Get WindUp and keep either forecast service for planning. Check the station’s timestamp and your phone’s notification settings. The useful combination is a forecast you understand and an alert whose trigger you understand.
For more choices, see Windy alternatives or our kitesurfing app guide.
