Use Windfinder if…
You like a tidy forecast app and don't mind checking it morning and night.
4.8★ on the App Store
vs Windfinder
Windfinder alternative — alarm-first instead of map-first
WindUp vs Windfinder in one line: Windfinder is a polished forecast app for 160,000+ spots, WindUp flips the workflow so the app alerts you instead of you checking it. Windfinder tells you what's coming; WindUp rings the second it actually arrives at your spot, even on Do Not Disturb. Plan with one, get caught out by neither.
Head to head
WindUp
Windfinder
- Live wind alarm —
- Cuts through Do Not Disturb / Silent —
- Free live alarm (no subscription) Freemium
- Forecast spots 10,000+ live 160,000+ forecast
- Tides + waves —
Pick the one that fits how you actually use a wind app.
Use WindUp if…
You want zero friction — set an alarm once at your spot and forget. Wake up to the wind.
5.0★ · 20+ reviews · Free
What Windfinder does brilliantly.
This isn't a hit piece. Windfinder is a serious app — here's where they shine.
- 160,000+ forecast spots worldwide
- Clean, focused mobile app
- Reliable for kitesurf, sail and surf forecasts
- Tide and wave data integrated
What Windfinder doesn't do.
And where WindUp picks up the slack.
- Static notifications, no real-time station alarm
- Plus tier needed for animated maps and real-time data
- No Do Not Disturb / Silent bypass
If you only install one.
For trip planning across 160,000 spots, Windfinder's coverage is unbeatable — install it before you travel. For the spot you actually live near, what matters is knowing the moment it's on, and that's the one job Windfinder's free tier doesn't do. Travel with Windfinder; live with WindUp.
Feature comparison
| Feature | WindUp | Windfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Live wind alarm | — | |
| Cuts through Do Not Disturb / Silent | — | |
| Free live alarm (no subscription) | Freemium | |
| Forecast spots | 10,000+ live | 160,000+ forecast |
| Tides + waves | — | |
| Direction + gust threshold filter | Limited |
WindUp vs Windfinder — FAQ
What's a Windfinder alternative for kitesurf alarms?
WindUp. Windfinder's forecast spot coverage is huge; WindUp's strength is the live alarm that wakes you up the second your spot is on, regardless of phone settings.
Is WindUp better than Windfinder?
Different jobs. Windfinder is best at static forecasts and tide/wave data. WindUp is best at live alarms. Use both.
Does Windfinder ring you when conditions are right?
Standard Windfinder doesn't have a real-time wind alarm that cuts through Silent or Do Not Disturb. WindUp does.
Related comparisons & guides
Try WindUp. Free, alongside Windfinder.
You don't have to choose. Most riders use both — keep Windfinder for the forecast and add a free live wind alarm that wakes you the moment your spot fires.