# LuckGrib vs NOAA Forecast

The clearest difference is rating: LuckGrib at 4.9 against NOAA Forecast's 3.7. LuckGrib also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 30 months) and ratings volume (343 vs 3). NOAA Forecast's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (16.2 vs 18.4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LuckGrib sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. NOAA Forecast asks for nothing beyond the download.

LuckGrib holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LuckGrib has 343 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

LuckGrib ships an update every 2 months, NOAA Forecast every 30 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | LuckGrib | NOAA Forecast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (343 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luckgrib/id1318450117/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-forecast/id1422826182/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **343** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 92.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 30 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 173 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.4 | **16.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Craig McPheeters](https://appshunter.io/developer/590365129) | [Geoffrey Domm](https://appshunter.io/developer/373378724) |

## What reviewers say

### LuckGrib

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luckgrib/id1318450117)

This app provides advanced weather data visualization, downloading, and routing for sailors and weather enthusiasts. It offers access to a wide range of global and high-resolution weather and ocean models, with features for optimizing routes and analyzing complex weather parameters. Remote access via satellite is also supported.

**Highlights:** GRIB file reader, viewer, and downloader, Advanced weather routing and route analysis, Satellite data access, High-resolution global and regional weather models, Ocean current models, Detailed weather parameter analysis

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day Trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 day trial of Offshore Data | Free | one-time |
| 14 day Weather Routing trial | Free | one-time |
| LuckGrib weather data access | $29.99 | one-time |
| Premium Offshore Data access | $59.99 | one-time |
| Weather Routing access | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent weather forecasting and routing
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💡 Wide range of weather models and data sources
- 🚢 Tailored for sailors and offshore navigation
- 💰 One-time purchase, no subscription fees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional issues with GRIB file downloads
- ⚠️ Steep learning curve for some features
- 🔍 Lack of support for some boat types (e.g., catamarans)

**Reported bugs**

- Reported issues with 'no wind data for start time'
- Occasional app crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Integration with boat instruments and data logging
- More advanced routing options and customization
- Improved support for regional weather models


### NOAA Forecast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noaa-forecast/id1422826182)

Visualize detailed weather forecasts from NOAA's Global Forecast System. Explore a scrollable and zoomable grid of forecast maps, with options for different forecast types and global regions.

**Highlights:** NOAA GFS weather map display, Scrollable and zoomable grid interface, Multiple forecast types (21 options), Forecasts displayed in 12-hour intervals, Global region selection, Raw GFS model data visualization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LuckGrib free?

LuckGrib is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NOAA Forecast free?

NOAA Forecast is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LuckGrib or NOAA Forecast?

LuckGrib is rated higher. LuckGrib averages 4.9 out of 5 from 343 ratings, while NOAA Forecast averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do LuckGrib or NOAA Forecast have ads?

Neither LuckGrib nor NOAA Forecast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LuckGrib or NOAA Forecast?

LuckGrib ships an update every 2 months, and NOAA Forecast every 30 months. Most recently, LuckGrib was updated on October 24, 2026 and NOAA Forecast on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*