Weather4D Lite vs Global Surface Winds
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Weather4D Lite
Visualize complex atmospheric and oceanic data in 3D HD layers. Download and customize GRIB files from various models for detailed weather and sea condition forecasts. Compare different models and data types side-by-side.
- 3D HD weather data layers
- Automatic and manual animation
- Customizable GRIB file downloads
- Split-screen comparison (iPad)
- Multiple weather and oceanographic models
- Location-based forecasting
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Weather4D Lite is a powerful meteorological application based on atmospheric and oceanic data in GRIB format. It benefits from an interface derived from the “Routing & Navigation” version. View combined weather data displayed in 3D HD layers animated automatically or manually by sliding a finger on the screen. Use GFS model to get started. In addition, over 35 weather and oceanographic models are available with a yearly subscription (in-app purchase). Create your own geographical zones, select the models you need and download only the characteristics that matter to you: data type, resolution, periodicity, file size, etc. GRIB files can be downloaded anywhere through a regular or satellite internet connection. Split the screen (iPad only) to combine and/or compare: navigation and weather, weather and waves or currents, two weather models… The splitted screens can display charts at different scales. Create or import locations, combine them with GRIB forecast models and get a holistic view of the sea conditions. Default Models and Charts ———————————— GFS global forecast model at 0.25 °, 0.5 °, 1 ° and 2 ° resolutions. BING global chart OSM (Opens Street Map) global chart Optional Models (in-app purchase): ——————————————————— Weather -------- NAM USA GEM Global COAMPS Europe, West Atlantic, Central America, East Pacific ICON-EU Europe ARPEGE Global, Europe AROME France, Antilles, Guyane, Polynésie, Calédonie, Indien AROME HD France WRF France, Europe, Greece, NW Africa, Azores, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles Waves ------- MFWAM Global, Europe, France FNMOC WW3 Global, Europe Currents --------- MyOcean Global, IBI, NWS, Baltic, Med NCOM AMSEAS, USEAST, ALASKA, SOCAL, HAWAII
Global Surface Winds
Visualize global wind patterns with this interactive mapping application. It transforms data from the USDOC into an easy-to-use mobile tool for understanding wind conditions worldwide.
- Interactive wind mapping
- Global wind data visualization
- USDOC data integration
- Mobile application interface
- Ease of use
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The Global Surface Winds App takes data from the USDOC and turns it into an interactive mobile mapping application for ease of use.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Weather4D Lite at 68% against Global Surface Winds's 0%. Weather4D Lite also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and ads (none vs shown). Global Surface Winds's advantage is price (Free vs $17.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On device support 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
Global Surface Winds is free to download; Weather4D Lite costs $17.99 up front. Weather4D Lite sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Global Surface Winds asks for nothing beyond the download.
Weather4D Lite holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Global Surface Winds has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Weather4D Lite's written reviews are positive against 0% of Global Surface Winds's.
Weather4D Lite ships an update every 2 months, Global Surface Winds every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Weather4D Lite | Global Surface Winds |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 1.0 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.0% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 20 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | Ad-supported — better |
| Best chart rank | #139 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 484 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | APP4NAV | corey hoggard |
Customer experience
Weather4D Lite
Global Surface Winds
In-app purchases
Weather4D Lite
- 3 Months HD Forecast Subscription$17.99
- 1 Year HD Forecast Subscription$39.99
Global Surface Winds
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Weather4D Lite free?
Is Global Surface Winds free?
Which has better reviews, Weather4D Lite or Global Surface Winds?
Do Weather4D Lite or Global Surface Winds have ads?
Which is updated more often, Weather4D Lite or Global Surface Winds?
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