# Sunset Predictions vs Surf

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Surf at 86% against Sunset Predictions's 48%. Surf also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). Sunset Predictions's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sunset Predictions sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Surf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Surf holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.1K and 1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of Sunset Predictions's written reviews are positive against 86% of Surf's.

Sunset Predictions ships an update every 5 days, Surf every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sunset Predictions | Surf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunset-predictions-alpenglow/id978589174/reviews) | **[4.9 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surf-forecastcom/id6450721636/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 1K |
| Positive reviews | 48.4% of reviews | **86.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#108** | #117 |
| Size | 188 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Yates](https://appshunter.io/developer/407626114) | [Meteo365 Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/661723505) |

## What reviewers say

### Sunset Predictions

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunset-predictions-alpenglow/id978589174)

**Currently charting:** #108 Top Grossing · Weather, #167 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

This app predicts not only sunrise and sunset times but also the quality of light, helping photographers and enthusiasts plan their shoots. It offers detailed forecasts, customizable alerts, and augmented reality tools to visualize the sun's path.

**Highlights:** Sunrise & Sunset Quality Forecasts, Golden Hour & Blue Hour Times, Flexible Reminder Alarms, Custom Location Planning, Augmented Reality Sun Path, Live Activities & Widgets, Apple Watch Support

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, SharePlay, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Sweet-Sized Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate sunset/sunrise forecasts
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💡 Customizable notifications and widgets
- 🎨 Great for photography and capturing sunsets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent and inaccurate forecasts
- 🔒 Paywall for basic features
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🤔 Unclear metrics for sunset/sunrise quality

**Reported bugs**

- Apple Watch complication not working consistently
- Location services issues causing incorrect forecasts
- Subscription issues with app not recognizing purchases

**Requested features**

- Add moon rise and moon set times
- Implement dark mode option
- Improve accuracy of forecasts through better data sources
- Allow users to submit feedback and field reports to improve predictions


### Surf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surf-forecastcom/id6450721636)

**Currently charting:** #117 Top Grossing · Weather, #190 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

Get simple, accurate surf forecasts for over 7,000 breaks worldwide. Plan your sessions with detailed wave information, tide times, and mapping to find the best conditions and nearby spots. Access extended forecasts and custom alerts with premium features.

**Highlights:** Detailed surf forecasts, Wavefinder map, Live webcam links, Tide times, 12-day forecasts, Custom surf alerts

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Service: Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Service (Yearly) | $34.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌊 Accurate surf forecasts
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🗺️ Comprehensive coverage of locations
- 🔍 Detailed information (swell, wind, tides, etc.)
- 💰 Good value for subscription

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔄 Inconsistent data updates
- 🌊 Wave height/conditions not always accurate
- 🏞️ Missing data for some locations (e.g. Great Lakes)
- 🤔 Confusing or misleading surf ratings/forecasts

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes or freezes on some devices
- Geolocation issues with break markers

**Requested features**

- Ability to manually refresh data
- More detailed tidal/current information
- Expanded location coverage
- Improved accuracy for wave height/conditions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sunset Predictions free?

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

### Is Surf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Sunset Predictions or Surf?

Surf is rated higher. Sunset Predictions averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Surf averages 4.9 from 1K ratings.

### Do Sunset Predictions or Surf have ads?

Surf shows ads; Sunset Predictions does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sunset Predictions or Surf?

Sunset Predictions ships an update every 5 days, and Surf every 6 weeks. Most recently, Sunset Predictions was updated on November 1, 2026 and Surf on November 3, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Sunset Predictions or Surf?

Sunset Predictions currently peaks at #108 in the App Store charts, and Surf at #117. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*