Comparison

SpotAlert vs Surfing Waves

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

Head to head
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.

About

Surfing Waves

Features
Read full description

Surfing Waves gives you powerful global surf intelligence so you can decide when and where to paddle out with confidence. Pick any beach or surf spot on the map and instantly see detailed forecast data, including wave height, swell period, swell direction, wind speed, wind direction, and tide information. Use the clear surf report view to check current and upcoming conditions at a glance. An AI surf summary analyzes waves, wind, tides, and trends to highlight the best surf windows for your location. See if it is worth heading to the ocean now or waiting for cleaner sets, stronger swell, or lighter wind. Customize your favorite spots and quickly compare conditions across different breaks, reefs, points, and beaches. Monitor marine weather changes with live style charts that show how height, period, and wind will evolve through the day. Switch between map and list views to explore new locations around the world. The Surfing Waves widget brings key surf data right to your Home Screen. Pin your top spot to see wave height, swell, wind, and tide status at a glance without opening the app. Stay ready for fast decisions when the surf starts pumping or when an offshore wind window appears. Enable notifications to receive surf alerts when forecast thresholds you set are met, such as minimum wave height, maximum wind speed, or preferred tide stage. Never miss a good session because you forgot to refresh a report. Surfing Waves is built for surfers of all levels who want reliable ocean data rather than guesswork. Check the forecast, read the AI summary, and time your surf around the best conditions available. Key features: • Global surf forecast coverage for beaches, reefs, and points • Wave height, swell period, swell direction, and tide stages • Wind speed, wind direction, and basic marine weather context • AI powered summary of the best surf windows • Home Screen widget for quick surf condition checks • Favorites list to track multiple surf locations easily • Clear charts for upcoming surf trends Plan smarter sessions, match your surfboard to the forecast, and track the conditions that matter to your style. Use Surfing Waves to follow the ocean, read the data, and surf when your local break looks its best.

Screenshots

SpotAlert4 screens
Surfing Waves3 screens

Verdict

The call

SpotAlert and Surfing Waves are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
SpotAlert versus Surfing Waves: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpotAlertSurfing Waves
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.026.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid LevinGal Linial

In-app purchases

None

SpotAlert

No in-app purchases

None

Surfing Waves

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SpotAlert free?
SpotAlert is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Surfing Waves free?
Surfing Waves is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SpotAlert or Surfing Waves have ads?
Neither SpotAlert nor Surfing Waves shows ads.

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