# AQI vs SmokeCast

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SmokeCast at 100% against AQI's 42%. SmokeCast also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.4) and update cadence (every 4 days vs weekly). AQI's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (16 vs 3). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmokeCast sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. AQI asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmokeCast holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AQI has 16 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of AQI's written reviews are positive against 100% of SmokeCast's.

AQI ships an update weekly, SmokeCast every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AQI | SmokeCast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aqi/id1439684571/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 41.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 208 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Purelogic Labs India Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/704067891) | [Kyle Allred](https://appshunter.io/developer/6805199871) |

## What reviewers say

### AQI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aqi/id1439684571)

This app provides real-time air quality index and weather data from local monitoring stations. It alerts you to air quality levels and helps you plan outdoor activities. Track pollutants like PM2.5 and CO for healthier living.

**Highlights:** Real-time and historic air quality data, Global AQI map with 10,500+ stations, Air quality monitor dashboard, On-the-go AQI widget, Health advice based on AQI, Live world air quality ranking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmokeCast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869)

This app provides a 72-hour forecast of wildfire smoke and air quality, hour by hour. It uses EPA monitor data to correct NOAA's forecast, showing you where smoke is and when it will clear. Plan outdoor activities and protect your health by knowing current and future air conditions.

**Highlights:** 72-hour animated smoke forecast, Hourly air quality predictions, Corrected NOAA forecast with EPA data, View air quality at breathing level, Compare air quality between locations, Active fire mapping, Save favorite locations

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $8.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AQI free?

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

### Is SmokeCast free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AQI or SmokeCast?

SmokeCast is rated higher. AQI averages 3.4 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while SmokeCast averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do AQI or SmokeCast have ads?

Neither AQI nor SmokeCast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AQI or SmokeCast?

AQI ships an update weekly, and SmokeCast every 4 days. Most recently, AQI was updated on October 29, 2026 and SmokeCast on October 29, 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.*