CNET, a trusted digital media publication that provides expert information, reviews, and analysis on consumer technologies, recently released its picks on the best weather phone applications in 2025. Maybe you like the built-in weather apps that Apple and Android provide. But if not, there are plenty of alternatives to find out what the weather will be like throughout the day.
- The Weather Channel
- Pros: Provides standard weather information like hourly temperatures, rain chances, live weather radar, and severe weather alerts. It also includes new stories related to the weather, the environment and wildlife, and some health/lifestyle stories.
- Cons: The free version of the app includes a lot of ads. According to their privacy policy, the app may collect, use, and share your data.
- An ad-free version can be purchased for $2 a month.
- AccuWeather
- Pros: Provides standard weather information like daily temperatures, weather conditions, and future forecasts. It also offers a MinuteCast which breaks down forecasts by the minute for the next four hours, including when rain will start and stop. Also includes information about allergies and severe weather alerts.
- Cons: Hides arguably essential information behind the paid version of the app such as what you should do if you find yourself in a dangerous weather situation. The app may also collect personal, identifiable information, cookies, and information about other devices near you and might also share that information with other companies.
- An ad-free version can be purchased for $2 a month.
- Carrot Weather
- Pros: Provides weather forecasts with the typical information, but with a side of personality. However, you can pick the personality you want, from professional (which disables banter) to overkill (which includes heavy profanity).
- Cons: Although the app is funny, it is missing a key feature in the free version – a weather radar. It claims the app only collects information that is “absolutely necessary” for the service to work.
- Unique feature: it includes a chatbot that you can bond with.
- The pro version of the app starts at $5 a month.
- WeatherBug
- Pros: Provides standard weather information like daily temperatures, weather conditions, and humidity, as well as where the closest lightning strike was to your location. Include an Outdoor Sports Index for people who spend a lot of time outside hiking, biking, or just enjoying the outdoors to show you how favorable the weather is for outdoor activities throughout the day.
- Cons: A lot of ads in the free version that are easy to accidentally click on. It collects personal information like your name and address, and may ask for other information like your gender and interests.
- Can subscribe to the app for $2 a month.
- Weather Underground
- Pros: Provides standard weather information like current temperature, weather conditions, and live radar. It lets you know up front that it will use your data for targeted ads, but you can opt out of sharing your information and delete the data the app has on you.
- Cons: Some users feel the app has lost much of its luster from years ago, saying it is slower and has less features now.
- An ad-free version can be purchased for $4 a month.
- Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
- Pros: Includes one of the most comprehensive weather radars out of all the apps on this list, with basic radar precipitation features, cloud coverage, snow depth, and fire/hotspot activity. Also provides standard weather information like current temperatures, rain chances, and feels-like temperatures.
- Cons: Collects personal information and geolocation. If you stop using the app or request your information to be deleted, it may retain your personal data for up to 10 years.
- Subscriptions start at $3 a week.
Of course, weather providers’ forecast accuracy can be dependent on location. To find the most accurate weather forecast provider for your zip code, check out our ForecastAdvisor product at forecastadvisor.com!
