playbuoy vs Duune
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.
Duune
This app provides weather forecasts. It aims to be a reliable source for current conditions and future predictions.
- Weather forecasts
- Current conditions
- Future predictions
- Reliable weather source
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LETS GO CREW! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstore/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Duune sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. playbuoy asks for nothing beyond the download.
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.
playbuoy ships an update every 2 weeks, Duune fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and July 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | playbuoy | Duune |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (15 ratings) | 5.0 (33 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 15 | 33 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Matthew Iannucci | Good Occupation LLC |
Customer experience
playbuoy
Duune
Bugs and requests
playbuoy
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Duune
Requested features
1 request- Bigger map
In-app purchases
playbuoy
No in-app purchases
Duune
- 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
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- 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








