playbuoy vs Surf Forecast AI
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
playbuoy
This app provides detailed swell observations and forecasts using NOAA buoy data and a custom algorithm. It offers beautiful, meaningful plots to compare real-time readings with model forecasts, helping you plan ocean activities.
- Detailed swell observations and forecasts
- Custom algorithm for accurate swell breakdown
- 16-day swell forecast data
- Up to five swell components displayed
- Visual comparison of buoy readings and model forecasts
- Full directional wave spectra visualization
- Widgets and watch complications
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playbuoy brings unparalleled insight into NOAA buoy wave readings. Detailed Swell Observations and Forecast. playbuoy analyzes NOAA buoy data with a customized algorithm to extract detailed swell information from raw buoy observations and wave models. This gives the most accurate breakdown of where swell is headed and when. With 16 days of forecasted swell data, you will always be informed of what to expect for whatever ocean activities you love. While other apps will show two swell components observed or forecasted, playbuoy will show up to five. Beautiful and Meaningful plots. Easily compare the the current buoy readings with model forecasts to prepare and plan for how the forecasts may not be matching up with what is actually happening in the ocean. No other service can visualize the full directional wave spectra for both buoy observations and wave models at once. Explore the latest buoy observations from all over the US and beyond to watch current weather events or plan for future activities. Or select your favorite buoys to keep the wave information you need the most a tap away. Widgets and watch complications keep the latest data a glance away. Never miss a swell again. Share plots and swell data with a custom share function to loop others in and make group plans for surfing, fishing, boating, or any other ocean activity you love.
Surf Forecast AI
This app uses AI to analyze swell, tide, and wind data for the next 7 days, identifying the best times to surf. It helps you find optimal sessions at your local spots or discover the best waves in your region, reducing wasted trips.
- AI-powered session predictions
- 7-day outlook for every surf spot
- Integrated swell, tide, and wind data
- Identifies best regional and local sessions
- Reduces wasted surf trips
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Spend less time studying charts and more time in the water. Surf Forecast AI reads swell, tide, and wind across the next 7 days and tells you exactly when to paddle out — so you never waste a drive on a flat day again. HOW IT WORKS Our AI forecasting agent analyzes a full week of conditions, then surfaces the sessions that actually matter: - The 2 best sessions at each of your spots - The 2 best sessions across your whole region Checking your home break or hunting the best waves nearby — either way, you know where and when to go. WHY SURFERS LOVE IT - AI predictions, not raw data dumps - Full 7-day outlook for every spot - Swell, tide, and wind in one clean view - Find the best waves in your region, not just one beach Less guessing. More surfing. Download Surf Forecast AI and never miss a good session again.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: playbuoy at every 2 weeks against Surf Forecast AI's every 3 months. playbuoy also leads on ratings volume (17 vs 3). Surf Forecast AI's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.5). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for playbuoy against 5.0 for Surf Forecast AI. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: playbuoy has 17 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
playbuoy ships an update every 2 weeks, Surf Forecast AI every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | playbuoy | Surf Forecast AI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (17 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 17 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Matthew Iannucci | Conor Macken |
Customer experience
playbuoy
Surf Forecast AI
In-app purchases
playbuoy
No in-app purchases
Surf Forecast AI
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is playbuoy free?
Is Surf Forecast AI free?
Which has better reviews, playbuoy or Surf Forecast AI?
Do playbuoy or Surf Forecast AI have ads?
Which is updated more often, playbuoy or Surf Forecast AI?
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