How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- MyRadar is the best free radar app for most people, with a fast, clear radar map, alerts, and a hurricane tracker at no cost.
- RadarScope and RadarOmega are the professional picks, showing raw radar data, velocity, and storm analysis tools that casual weather apps smooth away.
- RainViewer is the best choice for precise rain timing, with high resolution radar, a 2 hour nowcast, and rainfall totals.
- Windy is the best free global option, with radar, wind, and forecast models on one map, while WeatherBug and The Weather Channel add full forecasts and local alerts.
- A radar app shows what is happening now, but it is not a substitute for official warnings. During severe weather, follow instructions from the National Weather Service and local authorities, and seek shelter when warned.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 MyRadar | Free, fast radar for everyone | Free | Yes |
 RadarScope | Professional radar analysis | $9.99 one time | No |
 RadarOmega | Advanced storm tracking on mobile and desktop | $4.99 | No |
 RainViewer | Precise rain timing and rainfall totals | Free | Yes |
 Windy | Global radar, wind, and forecast models | Free | Yes |
 WeatherBug | Full forecast with radar and lightning alerts | Free | Yes |
 The Weather Channel | Radar plus news and full forecasts | Free | Yes |
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The best radar app
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
MyRadar is the radar app most people should start with. It opens to a fast, clear nationwide radar map that shows precipitation heading your way at a glance, with layers for temperatures, weather alerts, and forecasts. A hurricane tracker follows tropical storms in real time, and you can share weather photos from the app. With more than 50 million downloads, it is also one of the most widely used weather apps in the world.
The free version covers daily radar checks, rain timing, and alerts well. MyRadar Weather Radar Pro, a one time purchase of $5.99 with in app purchases from $2.99 to $29.99, adds advanced features and removes ads for serious users. If you want a radar app that is free, fast, and easy to read, MyRadar is the best place to start, and it stays useful even if you never pay.
What we like- Free with a fast, high definition radar map
- NOAA weather alerts, temperatures, and hurricane tracking
- More than 50 million downloads and a 4.8 star rating
Watch out for- Advanced professional radar products need the paid Pro version
- Some features vary by platform
- Ads in the free version
Starting price$9.99 one time
Free planNo
RadarScope is the standard for serious weather watchers. Unlike consumer apps that smooth radar images for looks, RadarScope shows native radar data in its original form, updated every 2 to 10 minutes depending on the radar's scanning strategy. It covers NEXRAD Level 3 and super resolution data from more than 160 radar sites in the US, plus sites in Canada, Guam, Denmark, Finland, and Germany. Velocity data reveals rotation inside storms, which is what spotters and chasers use to judge tornado risk.
The mobile app costs $9.99 one time, and the desktop version costs $29.99. Pro Tier 1 at $9.99 per year adds real time lightning, 30 frame loops, and dual pane comparison, while Pro Tier 2 at $99.99 per year adds hail and shear contouring, a 30 day radar archive, satellite products, and soundings. The interface is professional rather than pretty, and it takes time to learn. For storm tracking and severe weather analysis, RadarScope has no equal at this price.
What we like- Native, unsmoothed NEXRAD radar data from 160 plus US radar sites
- Velocity, reflectivity, and dual polarization products
- Trusted by meteorologists, storm chasers, and emergency managers
- No ads or trackers
Watch out for- No free version
- Professional interface takes learning
- Pro tiers add cost for lightning, archives, and advanced analysis
Starting price$4.99
Free planNo
RadarOmega is the main rival to RadarScope for enthusiasts, and many users prefer its look and breadth. The base app costs $4.99 and includes high resolution single site radar, 30 frame animations, 7 day radar history, lightning detection, storm reports, Storm Prediction Center outlooks, National Hurricane Center tropical data, and real time National Weather Service warnings. Higher subscription tiers add 75 to 250 frame animations, dual and quad views, 3D radar, model data, and longer archives.
RadarOmega also covers buoy data, tidal charts, hail history, spotter locations, and power outage layers, which makes it useful beyond storm season. Desktop access is included for subscribers through the RadarOmega website. The app is large and uses more battery than a simple radar app, and its many layers take time to master. For enthusiasts who want the widest feature set in one radar app, RadarOmega is a strong alternative to RadarScope.
What we like- High resolution single site radar for the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South Korea
- 30 frame animations and 7 day radar history
- Storm reports, outlooks, and hurricane data in one app
- Free on desktop for subscribers
Watch out for- Base app is $4.99 with subscriptions for full features
- Large app size and battery use
- Interface is dense for casual users
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
RainViewer answers the question every radar user actually asks: when will rain reach me, and how much will fall? Its radar network covers more than 1,200 stations in over 90 countries, stitched into maps at up to 100 meter resolution, so you can see narrow rain bands and dry gaps that coarser apps miss. Radar updates every 2 to 5 minutes, and the 2 hour nowcast predicts rain start, peak, and stop times, updated every 10 minutes.
The free version includes live radar and satellite, a 6 hour archive, and a 7 day forecast with ads. Essential at $19.99 per year adds a 48 hour archive, the full 2 hour nowcast, rainfall totals, AI insights, a hurricane tracker, and no ads. Pro at $39.99 per year adds Doppler products such as reflectivity, velocity, and dual polarization with 48 hour playback. For commuters, cyclists, and anyone planning around rain, RainViewer is the most precise everyday radar app.
What we like- Radar from more than 1,200 stations in 90 plus countries at up to 100 meter resolution
- 2 hour nowcast updated every 10 minutes
- Rainfall totals for the past 1 to 48 hours
- Hurricane tracker and custom rain alerts
Watch out for- Full Doppler products need the Pro plan
- Free version has ads and fewer saved locations
- Forecast depth is thinner than full weather apps
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Windy is the best free global weather map. It layers radar, wind, gusts, clouds, temperature, and waves on one animated map, and it lets you compare forecast models such as ECMWF, GFS, and ICON side by side, which helps you judge how certain a forecast really is. Coverage is worldwide, which makes Windy ideal for travel, sailing, flying, and outdoor sports, where a US only radar app falls short.
Windy is free for core use, with a Premium subscription adding faster updates, more layers, and longer forecasts. Its radar is a composite view rather than raw single site data, so storm chasers will still prefer RadarScope or RadarOmega for US severe weather. But as a free, global, all in one weather map, Windy is unmatched, and it pairs well with a dedicated radar app for storm days.
What we like- Free global radar, wind, waves, and clouds on one animated map
- Multiple forecast models to compare
- Excellent for travel, sailing, and outdoor planning
- Works on web and mobile
Watch out for- Radar detail is thinner than RadarScope or RadarOmega in the US
- Premium features need a subscription
- The many layers can overwhelm new users
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
WeatherBug is the best full weather app with a strong radar built in. Its radar map shows live storms, tornadoes, hail, and high winds, with layers for precipitation, clouds, and temperature. Lightning alerts warn you of strikes within 10 miles, which is valuable for outdoor work, sports, and events. Beyond radar, you get hyperlocal hourly and 10 day forecasts, live cameras, air quality, and pollen levels.
The app is free with ads, and a premium subscription (about $1 per month in third party listings, so check the current price in the app) removes ads and adds enhanced radar options. WeatherBug has served users since 2000 and remains one of the most downloaded weather apps. If you want one app for radar, forecast, and alerts, rather than a radar only tool, WeatherBug is a dependable, free choice.
What we like- Free with live radar, severe storm alerts, and lightning detection
- Hyperlocal forecasts with hourly and 10 day outlooks
- Live camera network and pollen data
- US based weather station network
Watch out for- Free version has ads
- Premium version needed for an ad free experience and enhanced radar
- Battery use can be high with alerts on
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
The Weather Channel app, built around weather.com, pairs a solid radar map with the full forecast and weather news operation behind it. You get current conditions, hourly and 10 day forecasts, radar, hurricane tracking, and alerts, plus articles and videos explaining major storms. That context helps casual users understand why a storm matters, not just where it is.
Radar detail is basic next to RadarScope, RadarOmega, or RainViewer: you see precipitation and storm movement, but not raw velocity or dual polarization products. The free version carries ads, and an ad free premium tier is sold separately. For users who want radar inside a complete weather app with news and video, The Weather Channel is a familiar, free, and easy choice.
What we like- Free radar with national and local coverage
- Full forecasts, hurricane tracking, and severe weather news in one place
- Widely available on web, mobile, and TV
Watch out for- Free version has ads
- Radar detail is basic compared with RadarScope or RainViewer
- Premium features need a subscription
How we chose
We compared radar apps that are available today on iOS or Android (and, where offered, on desktop), with a working homepage and a real user base. We favored apps whose radar is central, not an afterthought, and we covered different needs: free everyday radar, professional analysis, precise rain timing, global coverage, and full forecast apps with radar. We checked prices from the vendors' own pages and app store listings where available, and marked prices as "See website" where they were not confirmed. We did not claim hands on testing; this comparison is based on published features, pricing, and user ratings.
How to choose a radar app
Start with how you will use radar. For daily rain checks, MyRadar or RainViewer is enough. For severe weather and storm chasing, RadarScope or RadarOmega is worth paying for. For travel or outdoor sports, Windy adds wind and forecast models that radar alone cannot give. For a single app that also handles forecasts and alerts, WeatherBug or The Weather Channel fits best.
Learn to read the map before storm season
A radar map shows precipitation, not a guarantee of rain at your exact spot. Learn the difference between reflectivity (how heavy precipitation looks) and velocity (how air is moving inside a storm), and check the timestamp and loop direction before deciding. Animated loops show recent movement, which helps for the next hour, but a forecast is still needed for later in the day.
Set alerts, but keep them selective
Turn on severe weather and lightning alerts for your home and any places you travel, but keep the list short. Too many notifications become easy to ignore, which defeats the purpose. During a warning, put the phone down, follow official instructions, and seek shelter. No app replaces a weather radio or an official warning.
Check data sources and coverage for your area
US radar coverage is dense thanks to the NEXRAD network, but coverage varies abroad and in rural areas. RainViewer and Windy cover many countries, while RadarScope and RadarOmega focus on the US and a handful of other regions. If you travel, check that your app covers your destination before you leave, and download offline maps or forecasts where offered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best radar app overall?
MyRadar is the best free radar app for most people, thanks to its fast map, alerts, and hurricane tracker. RadarScope is the best professional app for storm analysis, and RainViewer is the best for precise rain timing. The right pick depends on whether you want a quick check, storm detail, or rain timing.
Are radar apps free?
MyRadar, RainViewer, Windy, WeatherBug, and The Weather Channel all have free versions, with ads or limited features. RadarScope costs $9.99 one time for mobile, RadarOmega costs $4.99, and both sell Pro subscriptions for advanced features. MyRadar Pro costs $5.99 one time.
Do radar apps work outside the United States?
RainViewer covers more than 90 countries and Windy covers the whole world, so both work well abroad. RadarScope covers the US plus Canada, Guam, Denmark, Finland, and Germany. RadarOmega covers the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South Korea. Check coverage for your destination before traveling.
What is the difference between RadarScope and RadarOmega?
Both show professional radar data, but RadarScope is known for raw, unsmoothed NEXRAD data and a focused analysis interface, while RadarOmega offers a wider feature set, including storm reports, outlooks, hurricane data, and desktop access for subscribers. Many enthusiasts try both and keep the one whose interface they prefer.
Can a radar app warn me about tornadoes?
Radar apps show storm structure and official warnings, and velocity data can reveal rotation, but they do not replace official tornado warnings from the National Weather Service. Enable official alerts in your app, and when a warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately and follow local authority instructions.
Do radar apps need an internet connection?
Yes, in almost all cases. Radar data is live and updates every few minutes, so a connection is needed for current maps and alerts. Some apps cache recent maps briefly, but for current conditions and warnings, use a connection or a weather radio as backup.
Sources we checked (7)
- https://myradar.com
- https://www.radarscope.app
- https://www.radaromega.com
- https://rainviewer.com
- https://www.windy.com
- https://www.weatherbug.com
- https://weather.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.