# Swell Scope vs SurfMap

The clearest difference is monetization model: Swell Scope at free with in-app purchases against SurfMap's subscription. Swell Scope also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (93% vs 75%). SurfMap's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Swell Scope sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and SurfMap sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Swell Scope holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 55 and 40 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Swell Scope's written reviews are positive against 75% of SurfMap's.

Swell Scope ships an update monthly, SurfMap every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Swell Scope | SurfMap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swell-scope-surf-forecast/id6747609653/reviews)** | [4.5 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surfmap-personalized-forecast/id6749829392/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **55** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 112 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Flockatoo Tech Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721743955) | [Guillaume Bernos](https://appshunter.io/developer/1557243040) |

## What reviewers say

### Swell Scope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swell-scope-surf-forecast/id6747609653)

This app allows users to create custom surf spots globally by dropping pins and provides detailed forecast data from premier weather models. It features a surf journal with auto-import and trend charts to help users make informed decisions about their sessions.

**Highlights:** Custom surf spot creation worldwide, 14-day detailed weather forecast, Surf journal with auto-import, Similar session comparison, Trend charts for forecast data, Real-time data updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $2.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Unlimited Access | $49.99 | one-time |


### SurfMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surfmap-personalized-forecast/id6749829392)

This app uses AI to provide personalized surf forecasts based on your skill level and preferred spots. It offers an interactive map for viewing conditions and custom alerts to never miss a great session.

**Highlights:** AI-powered personalized forecasts, Interactive map with live conditions, 7-day surf planning, Customizable alerts, Tide and crowd level tracking, Skill-level adaptation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $34.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $99.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Swell Scope free?

Swell Scope is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SurfMap free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Swell Scope or SurfMap?

Swell Scope is rated higher. Swell Scope averages 4.9 out of 5 from 55 ratings, while SurfMap averages 4.5 from 40 ratings.

### Do Swell Scope or SurfMap have ads?

Neither Swell Scope nor SurfMap shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Swell Scope or SurfMap?

Swell Scope ships an update monthly, and SurfMap every 6 days. Most recently, Swell Scope was updated on October 25, 2026 and SurfMap on October 25, 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.*