# OpenSnow vs SmokeCast

The clearest difference is monetization model: SmokeCast at free against OpenSnow's free with in-app purchases. SmokeCast also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 11 days) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). OpenSnow's advantage is ratings volume (9.1K vs 3) and chart position (#20 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OpenSnow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year and SmokeCast sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SmokeCast holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenSnow has 9.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of OpenSnow's written reviews are positive against 100% of SmokeCast's.

OpenSnow ships an update every 11 days, SmokeCast every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenSnow | SmokeCast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (9.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opensnow/id780890907/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9.1K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 80.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#20** | — |
| Size | 125 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cloudnine Weather, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/487445927) | [Kyle Allred](https://appshunter.io/developer/6805199871) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenSnow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opensnow/id780890907)

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Grossing · Weather, #41 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

Get the most accurate snow forecasts, detailed snow reports, and severe weather maps. Access 15-day forecasts, local expert insights, and offline 3D maps for snow depth, avalanche risk, and more. Track storms with advanced radar and AI-powered weather systems.

**Highlights:** 15-Day Snow Forecast, Local Expert Snow Reports, 3D & Offline Weather Maps, AI-Powered Weather System, Severe Weather Tracking, Mountain Webcams, Snow Depth & Avalanche Risk Maps

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OpenSnow Legacy | $49.99 | per year |
| OpenSnow Base | $49.99 | per year |
| OpenSnow Base Legacy | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate snow forecasts
- 📊 Detailed weather data and maps
- 🗺️ Comprehensive coverage of ski resorts
- 💻 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🤖 Reliable and consistent forecasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription model can be expensive
- 🌐 Limited coverage outside of North America
- 🕰️ Occasional delays in updating snow conditions
- 🤖 Inconsistent accuracy in long-term forecasts
- 🔒 Paywall restricts access to some features

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes or freezes on certain devices
- Inconsistencies in the display of weather data and forecasts

**Requested features**

- Expand coverage to more international ski resorts
- Improve offline functionality and data availability
- Introduce more customization options for user preferences
- Enhance integration with other outdoor activity planning apps
- Provide more detailed snow and weather data for backcountry use


### SmokeCast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smokecast/id6805199869)

This app provides a 72-hour forecast of wildfire smoke and air quality, hour by hour. It uses EPA monitor data to correct NOAA's forecast, showing you where smoke is and when it will clear. Plan outdoor activities and protect your health by knowing current and future air conditions.

**Highlights:** 72-hour animated smoke forecast, Hourly air quality predictions, Corrected NOAA forecast with EPA data, View air quality at breathing level, Compare air quality between locations, Active fire mapping, Save favorite locations

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $8.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenSnow free?

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

### Is SmokeCast free?

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

### Which has better reviews, OpenSnow or SmokeCast?

SmokeCast is rated higher. OpenSnow averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9.1K ratings, while SmokeCast averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do OpenSnow or SmokeCast have ads?

Neither OpenSnow nor SmokeCast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenSnow or SmokeCast?

OpenSnow ships an update every 11 days, and SmokeCast every 2 days. Most recently, OpenSnow was updated on October 26, 2026 and SmokeCast on October 16, 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.*