Comparison

The Buoy vs Wavey Surf

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Real-time swell data
  • Swell size, period, and direction
  • Surf forecast integration
  • Save favorite conditions
  • Lock screen widget
Features
Read 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/

About

Wavey Surf

Features
Read 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

The Buoy4 screens
Wavey Surf4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
The Buoy versus Wavey Surf: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe BuoyWavey Surf
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews97.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas CailholSynapse Ventures Limited

In-app purchases

6 purchases

The Buoy

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly wax supply$2.991 Month
  • Monthly wax supply$3.991 Month
  • Monthly wax supply$8.991 Month
One-time3
  • Wax supply$2.99
  • Wax supply$3.99
  • Wax supply$8.99
2 purchases

Wavey Surf

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly14 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Annual14 Days trial$44.991 Year

Questions

Is The Buoy free?
The Buoy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Wavey Surf free?
Wavey Surf is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Buoy or Wavey Surf have ads?
Neither The Buoy nor Wavey Surf shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Buoy or Wavey Surf?
The Buoy ships an update every 3 weeks, and Wavey Surf every 10 days. Most recently, The Buoy was updated on October 30, 2026 and Wavey Surf on October 28, 2026.

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