# FWAS vs Pocket RAWS

The clearest difference is rating: Pocket RAWS at 5.0 against FWAS's 3.1. Pocket RAWS also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). FWAS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pocket RAWS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. FWAS asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pocket RAWS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively.

FWAS ships an update every 4 months, Pocket RAWS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and June 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FWAS | Pocket RAWS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fwasfire-weather-alert-system/id6445856411/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-raws/id6741500191/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 200 MB | 164 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [USDA Forest Service](https://appshunter.io/developer/949583790) | [Josh Bradley](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787441182) |

## What reviewers say

### FWAS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fwasfire-weather-alert-system/id6445856411)

This app provides critical weather information and custom alerts for firefighters to anticipate dangerous fire behavior. It offers map-based access to fire-specific weather data, including RAWS, NWS forecasts, and radar, helping to prevent entrapments.

**Highlights:** Custom weather alerts, RAWS/ASOS station data, Fire-specific weather forecasts, Satellite hotspot mapping, Incident location and fire perimeters, NWS watches, warnings, and advisories, NEXRAD radar data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pocket RAWS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-raws/id6741500191)

Access near real-time weather data from Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) across California. Monitor fire danger ratings, fuel conditions, and set custom weather alerts for your favorite stations. Essential for firefighters and those in fire-prone areas.

**Highlights:** View California RAWS weather stations, Favorite up to five stations, Fire danger ratings and fuel discussions, Custom weather thresholds (Pro subscription), Access CAL FIRE Aviation Guide, No sign-in required

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro RAWS | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FWAS free?

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

### Is Pocket RAWS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FWAS or Pocket RAWS?

Pocket RAWS is rated higher. FWAS averages 3.1 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Pocket RAWS averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do FWAS or Pocket RAWS have ads?

Neither FWAS nor Pocket RAWS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FWAS or Pocket RAWS?

FWAS ships an update every 4 months, and Pocket RAWS every 2 weeks. Most recently, FWAS was updated on June 1, 2026 and Pocket RAWS on June 23, 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.*