Use PredictWind if…
You sail offshore, race competitively, or plan ocean passages.
4.8★ on the App Store
vs PredictWind
PredictWind alternative — for the rest of us
The quick verdict: PredictWind is built for offshore sailors and pros, WindUp is for riders who just want to know if their spot fires this afternoon. PredictWind's proprietary models, routing and departure planning are the offshore gold standard — and overkill, and pricey, for a beach session. WindUp does that one job free and rings you when it's on.
Head to head
WindUp
PredictWind
- Live wind alarm —
- Cuts through Do Not Disturb / Silent —
- Free live alarm (no subscription) Freemium
- Proprietary forecast models —
- Departure planner / routing —
Pick the one that fits how you actually use a wind app.
Use WindUp if…
You want a free live alarm at your local spot, with zero learning curve.
5.0★ · 20+ reviews · Free
What PredictWind does brilliantly.
This isn't a hit piece. PredictWind is a serious app — here's where they shine.
- Proprietary forecast models (PWG, PWE) trusted offshore
- Departure planner and routing for ocean passages
- Industry standard for racing and pro sailors
What PredictWind doesn't do.
And where WindUp picks up the slack.
- Pro features carry a serious subscription price
- Overkill for daily kitesurfers, drone pilots, hikers
- No alarm that bypasses Do Not Disturb
If you only install one.
If you're routing an offshore passage, buy PredictWind and don't look back — nothing else comes close for bluewater work, and WindUp doesn't pretend to. If you're a shore-based rider or day sailor, you don't need weather routing; you need to know when your local water turns on. That's the entire reason WindUp exists.
Feature comparison
| Feature | WindUp | PredictWind |
|---|---|---|
| Live wind alarm | — | |
| Cuts through Do Not Disturb / Silent | — | |
| Free live alarm (no subscription) | Freemium | |
| Proprietary forecast models | — | |
| Departure planner / routing | — | |
| Live wind stations | 10,000+ | Yes |
| Beginner-friendly UI | — |
WindUp vs PredictWind — FAQ
Is WindUp a PredictWind alternative?
If you sail offshore or race, no — PredictWind is in a different league for routing and proprietary models. If you're a daily rider just trying to catch wind at a local spot, WindUp is simpler, free, and has a live alarm PredictWind doesn't.
Why use WindUp over PredictWind?
PredictWind is built for pros and offshore navigation. WindUp is built for the rest of us — kitesurfers, drone pilots, weekend sailors who just want a free alarm at their spot.
Can I use both?
Absolutely. Many sailors use PredictWind for the passage and WindUp for daily local sessions.
Related comparisons & guides
Try WindUp. Free, alongside PredictWind.
You don't have to choose. Most riders use both — keep PredictWind for the forecast and add a free live wind alarm that wakes you the moment your spot fires.