RainViewer review
A radar-focused weather app with rain alerts, forecasts and paid Pro radar tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RainViewer is a radar-focused weather app for Android, with versions also available for iOS and web. Its map combines live precipitation radar and satellite layers with location-based rain alerts, local forecasts and tropical storm tracking. People checking whether rain may affect a commute or outdoor plans can inspect conditions on the map; users who want more radar detail can move to paid plans. Severe-weather alerts are available in supported regions.
Radar is the app’s central strength: users can review playback history, see a nowcast up to two hours ahead, and tap the map for precipitation intensity, radar scan age and alerts. Forecasts include hourly coverage up to 72 hours and daily coverage up to 14 days. Rainfall totals are based on radar estimates, and AI-generated summaries describe nearby radar conditions. The free tier updates radar every five minutes, while Essential and Pro update every two minutes. Essential also provides 48-hour playback, a 14-day forecast, 20 saved locations and no ads. Its published annual price is $9.99; Pro costs $19.99 per year and adds full access to Pro Radar data and 48-hour Pro Radar playback, including Doppler products and tilt angles.
Choose RainViewer if map-based rain monitoring, alerts and radar history matter more than a broad set of weather tools. The free plan covers core radar and forecast features, though it is ad-supported and refreshes less often than the paid tiers. Essential is a modest annual step up for faster updates and longer playback; Pro is aimed at people who want specialized radar data. Its listed annual prices may vary by region and current offers, so this tier structure is a better fit for radar-oriented users than for someone seeking only a basic forecast.
RainViewer pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Live radar and satellite layers with playback and two-hour nowcasts
- Forecasts extend hourly to 72 hours and daily to 14 days
- Essential adds two-minute updates; Pro adds Doppler radar products
- Where it doesn't
- Free access is ad-supported and updates radar every five minutes
- Severe-weather alerts are available only in supported regions
- Pro radar products require the $19.99-per-year Pro plan
RainViewer fact sheet, pricing and score →
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