Comparison

Surf Window vs SpotAlert

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

Head to head
About

Surf Window

Features
Read full description

Surf Window helps you decide if it’s worth surfing—fast. Get a simple Go/Maybe/No decision, the best time window, and alerts for your favorite spots. Key Features -Go / Maybe / No in seconds based on your rules -Best Window: the best time range to surf today -Pick up to 3 favorite spots and switch instantly -Set your rules (wave height required; tide preference optional) -Alerts before conditions peak -Offline-ready: view cached data when the network is weak Premium (Auto-Renewable Subscriptions) Unlock more spots and extended forecasts (and other premium features in-app). Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://garylee11.github.io/surf-window-support/privacy.html - Support:https://garylee11.github.io/surf-window-support/

About

SpotAlert

This app helps surfers optimize their time by providing custom surf alerts for their favorite spots. It monitors wave and weather forecasts, notifying users when conditions are ideal for surfing. Save time checking forecasts and spend more time in the water.

Highlights
  • Custom surf spot monitoring
  • Pre-populated popular spots
  • Personalized surf alerts
  • Push and email notifications
  • Advanced alert criteria
  • Alert dashboard
Features
Read full description

SpotAlert helps surfers spend less time checking forecasts and more time surfing. Save your favorite spots and set up alerts that notify you when conditions are worth your time. Whether you're planning a dawn patrol, watching for a swell next week, or tracking a secret local break, SpotAlert keeps an eye on the forecast so you don't have to. • Create and monitor custom surf spots anywhere on the planet • Hundreds of popular spots to get you started fast • Custom surf alerts • Push and email notifications • Advanced alert criteria • Alert dashboard with upcoming and active alerts • All powered by ECMWF's industry-leading 10-day wave and weather forecast models. (That's nerd speak for the best forecast data out there) Why SpotAlert? Most surfers check the forecast over and over, hoping something changes. SpotAlert flips that around. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll let you know when it's time to paddle out. Perfect For: • Dawn patrol surfers • Weekend warriors • International strike missions • Surfers tracking multiple breaks • Anyone who's busy and forgets to check the forecast Stop checking. Start surfing. Go when it's good.

Screenshots

Surf Window4 screens
SpotAlert4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SpotAlert at none against Surf Window's 3. Surf Window's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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. Surf Window sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. SpotAlert asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Surf Window ships an update every 5 days, SpotAlert every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Surf Window versus SpotAlert: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSurf WindowSpotAlert
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB13 MB
Age rating17+4+
Developer广玉 李David Levin

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Surf Window

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Premium7 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$29.991 Year
None

SpotAlert

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Surf Window free?
Surf Window is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SpotAlert free?
SpotAlert is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Surf Window or SpotAlert have ads?
Neither Surf Window nor SpotAlert shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Surf Window or SpotAlert?
Surf Window ships an update every 5 days, and SpotAlert every 4 days. Most recently, Surf Window was updated on October 13, 2026 and SpotAlert on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons