Comparison

Swell Scope vs North Forecasting

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

Head to head
About

Swell Scope

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Raw forecasts at your own custom spots. Originally crowdfunded by surfers worldwide. Over 2 million forecasts served already! Swell Scope - the surf forecast app with no surf spots. Instead, you add your own custom surf breaks by dropping a pin anywhere in the world. Use first-of-their kind tools to setup the exposure of your spot in just a few seconds. Then jump into beautiful charts, animations, and visuals that show you the raw forecast data from the world’s premier weather models. After your session, auto-import the conditions into your journal and add your own detailed ratings for things like breaking-wave shape and surface cleanliness. Next time the conditions are similar, you’ll see your own ratings alongside the raw forecast data. Everything is designed so that you can make the call yourself, instead of relying on mysterious predictions and algorithms. My hope is to bring back the joy & excitement of learning your local, making the call, and chasing those special sessions. Over 5,000 people helped beta test Swell Scope throughout 2025! Here are some of the favourite features they helped us develop: 14-Day Forecast - Raw forecast data from the premier weather agencies. Primary, Secondary, and Wind Swells. Height, period, & direction. Wind strength & direction. Tides. Sunrise & Sunset times. Water Temp. Weather including rain & cloud cover. Custom Surf Spots - Worldwide - Drop a pin anywhere in the world to see the forecast there. Use first-of-their kind tools to setup the exposure & inform the app of onshore/offshore directions. Surf Journal with Auto-Import - Add your sessions to your journal and all the conditions are automatically imported. Fill out detailed ratings bout breaking wave shape, wind quality, and more Similar Sessions - Next time the conditions are similar, see your past ratings alongside the forecast. Use the comparison screen to see for yourself how similar the sessions are and make the call Trend Charts - See three full days of charted data for every detail in forecast on a single screen. Spotting trends is easy when you can see so much in one view Fresh Data - See which weather agencies & models are being used for every detail in the forecast. Data is updated in the app as soon as it's published by the sources. Most models update every 6-hours, with some being as frequent as hourly! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.swell-scope.com/privacy-policy

About

North Forecasting

Features
Read full description

North Forecasting is built for surfers who deal with the reality of the North Sea. Fast-changing conditions, strong winds, and narrow windows mean timing matters. The app gives you a clear 5-day forecast with swell percentages, wind, and weather data, plus wave and wind overlay maps that make it easier to see what’s actually happening out there. For the spots that its available we also included webcams! North Forecasting is uniquely made for the North Sea Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Swell Scope4 screens
North Forecasting3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: Swell Scope at #144 against North Forecasting's unranked. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Swell Scope sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and North Forecasting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Swell Scope ships an update monthly, North Forecasting every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 10 level
Swell Scope versus North Forecasting: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSwell ScopeNorth Forecasting
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (54 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings54 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#144 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size112 MB83 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFlockatoo Tech Pty LtdRemi Audrey D Vanderhaeghen

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Swell Scope

Subscriptions2
  • Unlimited Access14 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Unlimited Access1 Month trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlimited Access$49.99
2 purchases

North Forecasting

Subscriptions2
  • NORTH PRO monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • NORTH PRO yearly3 Days trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is Swell Scope free?
Swell Scope is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is North Forecasting free?
North Forecasting is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Swell Scope or North Forecasting have ads?
Neither Swell Scope nor North Forecasting shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Swell Scope or North Forecasting?
Swell Scope ships an update monthly, and North Forecasting every 3 weeks. Most recently, Swell Scope was updated on October 18, 2026 and North Forecasting on October 6, 2026.

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