RadarScope

First there are clearly too many radar apps on the App Store that are really more about weather conditions and forecasts. And there are far too many similarities between them, with only one or two that are reasonable. And, THIS IS NOT ONE ON THEM! I you want an app that can delve into NexRad Level 2 and Level 3 radar feeds, including velocities and other important images needed for those who pay attention to storms and early indicators of severity and rotation, THIS IS YOUR RADAR APP!! Look no further! I hesitated for a while now because of the $10 price tag. But, fearing lately with some recent tornado watches and warnings near my home, I made the purchase. My only regret is not getting this sooner. It is that good. But, understand - this is a bit more advanced than your typical weather app. This app focuses on doing one thing - presenting you with comprehensive access to the latest NOAA radar images in hi-res. It’s not a simple weather forecasting app. Plenty of options exist if that’s all you want. The negative reviews are mostly because of people not understanding what they are getting. This is really good. Oh, and it has seamless integration with my Apple Watch, my Apple TV and my iPad. I’ve tested it out on all those, and it worked great. Just keep in mind that you need to set your favorite locations on your iPhone or iPad. Excellent app! Thank you! I may even pay for the service to get lightning and other extras, but the base app is quite good by itself.

This app puts professional-grade radar in the palm of your hand. It is high-resolution, updates rapidly, and has a user-friendly interface. All storm chasers (and I am one myself) use this app, which should tell you all you need to know about its quality. You do need some knowledge to know how to read some of the radar images outside of the common base-reflectivity. The critics are either people that seem to think apps should be free, or are not meteorologists, storm chasers, or weather enthusiasts. To the first group of critics I say, you get what you pay for. To the second group I say, maybe this app is overkill for what you need or want - but that’s not a reason to criticize the app itself. It is simply the best radar app I am aware of, and again as a storm chaser for 20+ years, I would know. Now it is true that there is no national/regional radar view - this is because the ability to access individual NEXRAD sites is what provides the detailed resolution, rapid updates/speed, and individual radar analysis products. You can always get another app, including free ones, to see the big picture, and that might be enough for some people, but those apps are simply not going to give you the detailed resolution, or the products needed for in-depth analysis at a local storm level, that RadarScope does. Similarly, displaying a more detailed road map in the background would compromise speed and resolution, and seeing the map detail would require a more translucent radar image that would degrade its usefulness. People that criticize this app are simply ignorant, because those who know weather choose this app hands-down.

The other reviewers are right-- this is the best radar and well worth the cost. I had purchased several others and put off this one because of the price. The other apps disappointed-- they have been inaccurate or slow to update. This one is precise and quick--so far is has never been more than a minute or two before it updates and most often it is up to the moment. And the accuracy has been brilliant. It has many features that I have not yet used, but i hope to learn them soon. I'm a weather novice, but I definitely want to know where the storms are, where they're going, and how much rain we'll get. This is the best radar by far! Update: the developer keeps refining an already brilliant application. This is THE radar application, far superior to any other out there. Absolutely one of the best purchases I've ever made for my iOS devices—beautiful on the iPad, crucial app on the phone, and a very informative glance at the radar on the watch. I bought the upgraded pro version and like the additional features: longer loops and lightening info. As with the basic version of this app, the cost is there but well worth it: this radar and all the features are the some of the best things on my phone. One of the top apps of any kind and one I will subscribe to without hesitation every year.