The Buoy vs Wavey Surf
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Buoy
Get real-time ocean swell updates including size, period, and direction. This app combines buoy data with surf forecasts to help you plan your sessions and save your favorite conditions.
- Real-time swell data
- Swell size, period, and direction
- Surf forecast integration
- Save favorite conditions
- Lock screen widget
Read full descriptionHide full description
The Buoy is the simplest way to take the pulse of the ocean. Thanks to data provided by services like the NOAA in the US, Cerema (Candhis) in France, Channel Coastal Observatory in the UK/Ireland, Portus in Spain and Hidrografico in Portugal, the buoy allows you to know in real-time the swell conditions around you: size, period, and direction. But The Buoy goes even further. We cross-reference this data with surf forecasts so you can easily plan your sessions. You can also save your favorite conditions to know exactly when a spot is working according to YOUR criteria. Our widget, very easy to use, allows you to have the conditions at your favourite buoy in real-time on your iPhone's locked screen. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Wavey Surf
Read full descriptionHide full description
How Wavey Works We combine meteorological forecast data with real-time condition reports from the community. When you log your surf sessions, upload photos, and share conditions, you directly influence future forecasts. This constant feedback loop ensures that forecasts get more accurate with every session logged. The more data we get, the smarter the platform becomes. Personalized Recommendations for Every Surfer Wavey isn’t just about surf forecasts; it’s about you. Our AI learns when you like to surf, what conditions suit your skill level, and the spots you prefer. Using this data, we recommend the best times and places for you to surf, tailored just for you. A Platform Built for the Community Wavey is for surfers, by surfers. We’ve created a platform that encourages participation. The more you share your surf sessions, the more you help the community — and the more you get out of it. By logging sessions, submitting condition reports, and referring friends, you can earn Pro credits to unlock advanced features like long-range forecasts and webcam access Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Wavey Surf at every 10 days against The Buoy's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and 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
Both are free to download. The Buoy sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Wavey Surf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
The Buoy ships an update every 3 weeks, Wavey Surf every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | The Buoy | Wavey Surf |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 97.1% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Thomas Cailhol | Synapse Ventures Limited |
In-app purchases
The Buoy
- Monthly wax supply$2.991 Month
- Monthly wax supply$3.991 Month
- Monthly wax supply$8.991 Month
- Wax supply$2.99
- Wax supply$3.99
- Wax supply$8.99
Wavey Surf
- Monthly14 Days trial$5.991 Month
- Annual14 Days trial$44.991 Year









