The weather is absolutely nuts out there, and it seems as though at any moment it can rain, snow, or be a clear day. The best way to check the weather is with a handy weather app on your Android device, and even better way is with free weather apps for Android. But if you look at the weather apps available on the Google Play store, you’ll notice an overwhelming amount of weather apps that are available, so it can be overwhelming. No worries, though — we’ll tell you which ones are the best. While we’re talking about the best iPhone apps check out our review of Awareness: iPhone app adds noise cancellation to any headphones. To check out other apps that you can find useful, here is our best software apps guide.
So without further ado, here are the 6 best free weather apps for Android:
1. AccuWeather
GR Rating: 4 out 5
If functionality, details and correct weather forecasting (at least, as correct as it can be) is your thing, then the free AccuWeather app for Android should be your weather app. It’s highly functional, and includes the ability to add weather widgets to your home screen. There’s also AccuWeather MinuteCast, which has a minute-by-minute precipitation forecast to tell you when exactly it will start raining or snowing (and, it’s not far off, either). Whenever there is a thunderstorm, winter storm, or any kind of severe weather, the AccuWeather app will send push notifications to your device to alert you of the oncoming doom. And to get instant Twitter alerts and notifications on your smartphone, take a look at some of the best Twitter apps for android this year.
Download AccuWeather for Android here
2. Weather Channel App
GR Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The Weather Channel App always felt like the app aimed at my dad or grandparents, but gone are the days of its ancient layout. In fact, the app’s layout is clean and functional now, with a glossy clear look. The Weather Channel app for Android also has a news section and radars that show you any incoming storms that are heading your way. The Weather Channel has one of the most trusted forecasts, as well as a “feels like” temperature (so even when it says that it is 20 degrees outside the app lets you know that the wind makes it feel like -3 degrees). Like the AccuWeather app, the Weather Channel app will also push notifications to your phone, and there are also widgets. For your music needs, have a look and choose from 10 of the best Android apps for music.
Download The Weather Channel app for Android here
3. Yahoo Weather
GR Rating: 4 out of 5
Yahoo Weather has the best visual presentation of any of the free weather apps for Android, but still has a lot of options and features. The app has hourly, 5-day, and 10-day forecasts with beautiful Flickr photos that match your location, time of day, and current conditions as a backdrop. The Yahoo Weather app also has some details that other apps disclude, such as wind and pressure. The app also includes interactive maps and radars, and allows users to track more than one location at a time. In fact, users are able to track up to 20 cities (which is helpful if you travel a lot). But Yahoo Weather’s biggest pro is easily its visual style, which is very important to an Android user like myself. Weather Underground is another great option for Android users that want local, accurate forecasts since it uses hyperlocal weather data and Doppler radar technology for interactive user experience when looking up weather information. But if you own a Mac, some other free and important apps are featured on our review of 10 of the best free Mac apps.
Download The Yahoo Weather app for Android here
4. Acrus Weather
GR Rating: 3 out of 5
If you’re looking for a super simplistic, no-frills-added weather app for Android, Acrus Weather is your choice. You can tell by the layout that it doesn’t set out to stun you visually, but just give you information in an easy-to-read format. If you ask me, it’s a bit too simple, but I can definitely see the appeal of the app which is why I’m including it in this list. The Acrus Weather app also gives you hourly forecasts in sentence form, such as “Partly cloudy until tomorrow afternoon and breezy starting tomorrow afternoon, continuing until tomorrow evening.” And yes, it also has severe weather alerts. Are you looking for a reliable computer antivirus? Here is a list of the best free antivirus software.
Download the Acrus Weather app here
5. 1Weather
GR Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The 1Weather weather app on Google Play has a design that is leading the way among weather apps. It has a simple and beautiful interface that provides a certain amount of elegance to the generally drab weather app styles we’re used to. It’s the most attractive app, and even has animations. There are also severe weather alerts, and a live radar. The app also had customizable backgrounds and widgets. Because of its impressive visual style, customization options and accuracy, 1Weather is the best Android weather app. Give Carrot Weather a try as well, which delivers your weather information to you with a bit of personality. With Carrot Weather being one of the more unique forecast apps today weather data and forecasts have never been more entertaining. The app is free, but also has a premium service available for $4.99 per year. For other free apps that can fill your time when you’re bored, have a look at the best free Android games that include word teasers, shooters, puzzle games, and trivia games.
Download the 1Weather app here
6. Weather Bug
GR Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Weather Bug has always been big on Windows PCs (if I remember correctly, it was bundled with the AIM software back in the day). Now, Weather Bug has an Android app, and it’s one of the best weather apps for Android available. It’s very colorful, and also very fast. It claims to have the world’s largest network of professional weather and lightning sensors which gives the most accurate forecasts, and also claims to provide the fastest severe weather alerts. We’re not too sure how you would test something like that, but we wouldn’t put it past the Weather Bug app. Dark Sky is another weather forecast app that allows Android users to know exactly when storms will start and finish due to the accuracy of its weather data. If you want to manage your finances at home using your Mac, then you need to read our 6 best personal finance software for Mac guide.
