Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Windy VS Dark Sky

Compare Windy VS Dark Sky and see what are their differences

Windy logo Windy

Wind and weather forecast for kiters, surfers, pilots, sailors and anyone else.

Dark Sky logo Dark Sky

Hyperlocal weather information, now on the web ⛈
  • Windy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-29
  • Dark Sky Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-22

Windy features and specs

  • Comprehensive Weather Data
    Windy offers a vast array of weather data including wind speeds, temperatures, precipitation, and more, providing users with a detailed overview of weather conditions.
  • Interactive and User-Friendly Interface
    The platform features an interactive map that makes it easy to visualize weather patterns and navigate through different data layers.
  • Global Coverage
    Windy provides weather information for locations around the world, making it a versatile tool for users regardless of their geographic location.
  • Free Access
    Most of the features on Windy are available for free, which makes it accessible to a wide audience.
  • Real-Time Updates
    Windy offers real-time weather updates, ensuring that users have the most current information available.

Possible disadvantages of Windy

  • Complexity
    The wealth of information and options can be overwhelming for new users, making the platform appear complex at first glance.
  • Data Overload
    With so much data available, it can be challenging for some users to find the specific information they need efficiently.
  • Mobile Experience
    While the desktop version is robust, some users report that the mobile app can be less intuitive and slower to load.
  • Requires Internet Connection
    To access Windy’s comprehensive features and real-time updates, a stable internet connection is necessary, which could be a limitation in remote areas.
  • Advanced Features Might Require Subscription
    Some advanced features and detailed data sets may require a subscription to Windy Premium, which might not be ideal for all users.

Dark Sky features and specs

  • High Accuracy
    Dark Sky is known for its highly accurate weather forecasting, particularly for short-term predictions.
  • Detailed Weather Information
    The app provides detailed weather data, including precipitation, temperature, wind speed, and humidity levels.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The design of the app is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple for users to find the information they need.
  • Hyperlocal Forecasts
    Dark Sky offers hyperlocal weather forecasts, giving users precise predictions for their exact location.
  • Severe Weather Alerts
    The app provides timely notifications about severe weather conditions, helping users stay safe.
  • Integration with Apple Devices
    Following its acquisition by Apple, Dark Sky is deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, providing seamless user experience across devices.

Possible disadvantages of Dark Sky

  • Subscription Fee
    The app requires a subscription fee for access to some features, which might not be appealing to all users.
  • Service Limitations Outside the U.S.
    Weather data and forecasting accuracy might be less reliable in regions outside the United States.
  • Limited to Apple Devices
    Post-acquisition by Apple, the app has become exclusive to the Apple ecosystem, leaving Android users without access.
  • End of Standalone App
    Following the integration with Apple Weather, the standalone Dark Sky app is no longer available, which may disappoint previous users.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with many apps, there are privacy concerns regarding how user location and data are collected and used.

Analysis of Windy

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Windy.com is considered to be a good and reliable weather forecasting tool. Its visual presentation of data helps users to easily interpret complex weather patterns, and it consistently receives positive reviews for its accuracy and expansive features.

Why this product is good

  • Windy.com is a popular weather forecasting website and app known for its detailed visualizations of weather data. It provides comprehensive weather models, including forecasts for wind, rain, temperature, and other meteorological phenomena. The platform is often praised for its user-friendly interface, interactive maps, and the wide range of available data, making it an excellent tool for both amateur weather enthusiasts and professionals.

Recommended for

  • Outdoor enthusiasts such as sailors, surfers, and hikers
  • Professional meteorologists
  • Pilots and aviation enthusiasts
  • Individuals planning outdoor events
  • Anyone interested in staying informed about weather conditions

Analysis of Dark Sky

Overall verdict

  • As of its final days before the API closure, Dark Sky was considered one of the top weather services available due to its accuracy and ease of use. However, it's important to note that Dark Sky's API was discontinued in 2023, and the platform was integrated into Apple's Weather service.

Why this product is good

  • Dark Sky (darksky.net) was widely praised for its hyper-local weather forecasting, clean and intuitive interface, and the level of detail in its weather data. It provided minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts and long-term weather predictions that were valuable for users who wanted precise and reliable information.

Recommended for

    Dark Sky was highly recommended for users needing detailed and reliable weather forecasts and those who preferred an intuitive and user-friendly application or website. As it became a part of Apple's ecosystem, iOS users are encouraged to try the Apple Weather app to experience similar benefits.

Windy videos

Windy.com Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - Windy Proline Boxing Gloves REVIEW-A GOOD BOXING GLOVE WITH EXTRA PADDING!
  • Review - Windy 27 Solano | Review | Motor Boat & Yachting
  • Review - Hurricane Tracker by Windy.com

Dark Sky videos

Dark Sky Weather App Review

More videos:

  • Review - Apple Buys Dark Sky Weather App & Ruins it for Android

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Windy and Dark Sky)
Web App
61 61%
39% 39
Weather Apps
52 52%
48% 48
Weather
54 54%
46% 46
Travel & Location
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Windy and Dark Sky

Windy Reviews

Best weather apps for 2023
Windy excels at wind patterns, of course, but the app has 40-plus maps available showing temperature, humidity and more. You've also got satellite and Doppler info at your fingertips, plus a hurricane tracking feature that comes in handy during storm season.

Dark Sky Reviews

Top 12 AccuWeather Alternatives For iOS You Can Use
A broad selection of notification choices is another area where Dark Sky and AccuWeather differ slightly from one another. You can thus personalize the alerts to suit your preferences in order to stay informed about the constantly changing weather conditions. And unlike AccuWeather, Dark Sky is regarded as being a weather app that prioritizes privacy and security.
The Best Apps for Cyclists
There are two types of committed cyclists: Those who watch the Weather Channel for fun and those whose nightmares are punctuated by ominously swirling weather radar. No matter whether you get excited or compulsively anxious about a life of variable riding conditions, you’re going to have to prepare for them. Most forecasts seem about as prescient as magic eight balls, but...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Windy seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 314 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Windy mentions (314)

  • What the hell is going on in Manchester? Why is every plane going around?
    Rain and wind see https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar and windy.com. Source: over 1 year ago
  • I 40 vs I 80?
    I'd recommend using windy.com if you want to check weather conditions across a wide area easily and quickly. That would be a good resource to check daily weather conditions to see if I80 is a safe option. Weather conditions can change quickly, and honestly there might be some days where I40 has worse weather than I80 since these things can be fairly localized. I'd say just check conditions before you leave and... Source: over 1 year ago
  • Advice for weather station? Building a DIY desktop station.
    Windy.com looks pretty cool. But just wondering if there is one specifically made to be a "weather station". Source: over 1 year ago
  • Good Bay Area microclimate weather app?
    The Windy app lets you choose from 5 models. It's also usable at https://windy.com . Learned about this app from KPIX meteorologist Darren Peck, who sometimes uses it during his on-air segments. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Why are air quality "readings" of Winnipeg so hopelessly wrong so often?
    Here's a reading Aug 15 at 6:19pm. Well the air outside absolutely sucks today. Filled with smoke. Going on windy.com and clicking air quality, then PM2.5 we see a huge cloud coming down from the north and of course we have a north wind today. There are 2 huge fires in northern Alberta. https://www.windy.com/-PM2-5-pm2p5?cams,pm2p5,55.553,-100.327,5,m:fcAadg7. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Dark Sky mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Dark Sky yet. Tracking of Dark Sky recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Windy and Dark Sky, you can also consider the following products

Weather.com - The Weather Channel and weather.com provide a national and local weather forecast for cities, as well as weather radar, report and hurricane coverage

AccuWeather - AccuWeather is an app that provides hourly, daily and 15-day weather forecasts, which you can...

Geometric Weather - Geometric Weather is a light and powerful weather app that provides you with real-time temperature, air quality, 15-days weather forecast, and accurate time-sharing trends.

Weather Underground - Weather Underground is committed to delivering the most reliable weather information possible.

Forecastie - A simple, opensource weather app for Android.

CARROT Weather - An eerily accurate weather app with hilarious forecasts

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