Comparison

playbuoy vs Duune

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Duune

This app provides weather forecasts. It aims to be a reliable source for current conditions and future predictions.

Highlights
  • Weather forecasts
  • Current conditions
  • Future predictions
  • Reliable weather source
Features
Read full description

LETS GO CREW! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstore/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

playbuoy4 screens
Duune4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: playbuoy at none against Duune's 11. Duune's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.5). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Duune sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. playbuoy asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for playbuoy against 5.0 for Duune. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 33 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

playbuoy ships an update every 2 weeks, Duune fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and July 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
playbuoy versus Duune: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterplaybuoyDuune
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (15 ratings)5.0 (33 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1533 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS18.515.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatthew IannucciGood Occupation LLC

Customer experience

playbuoy

All ratings15 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Duune

All ratings31 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews18 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

playbuoy

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Duune

Requested features

1 request
  • Bigger map

In-app purchases

None

playbuoy

No in-app purchases

11 purchases

Duune

Subscriptions11
  • Founding Member 4.991 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • Founding Member 9.991 Month trial$9.991 Month
  • Founding Member 12.991 Month trial$12.991 Month
Show 8 more
  • Founding Member 13.991 Month trial$13.991 Month
  • Founding Member 14.991 Month trial$14.991 Month
  • Founding Member 15.991 Month trial$15.991 Month
  • Founding Member 16.991 Month trial$16.991 Month
  • Founding Member 17.991 Month trial$17.991 Month
  • Founding Member 18.991 Month trial$18.991 Month
  • Founding Member 19.991 Month trial$19.991 Month
  • Founding Member 100.991 Month trial$100.991 Month

Questions

Is playbuoy free?
playbuoy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Duune free?
Duune is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, playbuoy or Duune?
playbuoy and Duune are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 15 and 33 ratings respectively.
Do playbuoy or Duune have ads?
Neither playbuoy nor Duune shows ads.
Which is updated more often, playbuoy or Duune?
playbuoy ships an update every 2 weeks, and Duune fortnightly. Most recently, playbuoy was updated on September 17, 2026 and Duune on July 31, 2026.

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