CBS Austin WX vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against CBS Austin WX's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
DeveloperSinclair Broadcast Group, IncThe Weather Channel InteractiveWetterOnline - Meteorologische Dienstleistungen GmbHThe Weather Channel InteractiveAviation Data Systems, IncGrailr LLCWindyty, SENeave Interactive
CategoryWeatherWeatherWeatherWeatherWeatherWeatherWeatherWeather
PlatformiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.7 / 54.8 / 54.7 / 54.4 / 54.8 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 54.9 / 5
Ratings Count8925,821,457290,92797,7811,064,98184,44375,87135,990
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateApr 10, 2013Nov 9, 2008Aug 1, 2012Jun 15, 2017Jul 17, 2009Mar 19, 2015Oct 31, 2016Jun 27, 2023
Last UpdatedMar 5, 2026May 14, 2026Apr 15, 2026Apr 21, 2026Apr 14, 2026Mar 26, 2026Mar 24, 2026Mar 12, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentpositiveterriblemixednegativepositive-excellent-
Score75/10015/10060/10025/10075/100-85/100-
Praises
  • Auditory rain alerts provide timely and accurate heads-up notifications for local weather events
  • Live radar functionality provides essential visual tracking for storm monitoring during severe weather events
  • Forecasting Accuracy
  • Radar Visualization
  • High accuracy of weather forecasting provides reliable data during changing conditions for daily users
  • High-fidelity radar imagery provides critical situational awareness during severe weather events for outdoor users
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  • High-fidelity radar and multi-layer weather visualization tools provide professional-grade utility for outdoor enthusiasts
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Complaints
  • Radar view functionality fails to switch between past and future timeframes on older builds
  • Application fails to launch or remains stuck on the splash screen following the latest update
  • Intrusive advertisement frequency and placement disrupt the core weather viewing experience for long-term users
  • Intrusive and Deceptive Ads
  • Performance Issues
  • Post-update UI changes create visual clutter and reduce readability of critical weather information
  • Aggressive advertising frequency interrupts critical weather monitoring during time-sensitive severe storm tracking sessions
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  • Widget functionality regressions post-update cause data loading failures on specific Android device models
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Requests
  • Video forecast content is requested to provide more detailed context beyond tabular weather stats
  • Option to revert to a classic interface design that prioritizes simple weather data over news
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  • Reversion to the previous interface design to restore usability and quick data access
  • One-time purchase option to remove advertisements without requiring a recurring subscription model
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  • Expanded visual indicators for wind direction and storm alerts would improve situational awareness for users
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Local broadcast brand authority drives regional trust
  • 250-meter radar provides high-utility differentiation
  • ForecastWatch 2021-2024 data validates accuracy as a primary brand differentiator
  • Massive monthly unique visitor volume provides a foundational B2B distribution moat
  • Streamlined 'All-in-One' radar UI
  • High perceived accuracy for temperature and rain
  • Robust specialized data for ski and coastal niches
  • Trusted meteorological data infrastructure via The Weather Channel
  • High-resolution radar visualization for storm tracking
  • Patent-pending rain prediction drives daily retention
  • Professional radar pack creates high-value enthusiast barrier
  • Aviation data layers secure niche professional revenue
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  • Multi-model aggregation provides scientific depth for complex meteorological analysis
  • 67,000+ webcam network creates a visual-verification loop that competitors lack
  • Professional-grade aviation/marine toolset creates high switching costs for power users
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Weaknesses
  • Radar interface bugs hinder storm tracking
  • Forecast data discrepancies erode user trust
  • Infrequent release cadence
  • High ad-density and small hit-targets create significant usability friction
  • Persistent launch failures and widget regressions erode daily utility
  • Aggressive and inappropriate ad content
  • Performance lag (ads loading before data)
  • Lack of minute-by-minute precipitation granularity
  • High-friction UI layout post-update
  • Aggressive monetization of previously free features
  • Reported app instability and battery drain
  • Aggressive ad-insertion triggers severe weather churn
  • Post-update stability regressions erode trust
  • Premium tier lacks one-time purchase option
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  • Premium tier lacks the hyper-local simplicity of MinuteCast
  • Widget regressions on Android create a 0.16★ platform rating gap
  • High battery consumption from persistent location requests
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Pricingfreefreemiumfreemiumsubscriptionfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfree
Momentum-ActiveIntenseActiveIntenseIntenseActiveActive
Update Cadence-5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~11d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~9d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~4d avg5 versions5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~20d avg5 versions

Compare CBS Austin WX head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CBS Austin WX, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0