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HEAD TO HEAD
Surfline vs Surf-Forecastwhich is better?
Both are good at what they do. Here's a fair look at where each wins, and the question neither answers.
Surfline is better if you want live cams and a curated forecast: it has the biggest surf-cam network, its own LOTUS nearshore model, and forecaster reports in many regions, mostly behind Premium. Surf-Forecast is better if you want detailed free tables for a huge number of breaks: 7,000+ worldwide, ad-supported, with swell broken down by component. Surfline is strongest where its cams are; Surf-Forecast is the free option for almost anywhere.
Surfline vs Surf-Forecast compared
| Surfline | Surf-Forecast | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Live cams + curated forecasts | Free detailed tables for many breaks |
| Forecast approach | LOTUS nearshore model + forecaster reports | Global swell model rated per break |
| Live cams | Yes: the largest surf-cam network | Some (links to webcams) |
| Coverage | Global; densest in the US | Global: 7,000+ breaks |
| Price model | Limited free; Premium subscription for full forecasts and cams | Free, ad-supported |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, web | Web and app |
| Per-ability call | No | No |
Features and pricing change, so check each app for its current offering. This comparison reflects our reading as of October 2026.
Choose Surfline if…
- You want to see the waves before you drive, on a cam.
- You surf where Surfline has cams and forecaster coverage.
- You are happy to pay for a polished, curated forecast.
Choose Surf-Forecast if…
- You want a free forecast for almost any break, including remote ones.
- You like reading swell components and building your own call.
- You travel a lot and need coverage over polish.
WHERE 4SHOR FITS
The question neither answers
Both rate the surf; neither rates it for you. 4Shor models how each swell breaks on the seabed at 2,500+ European spots and scores surfing 0–100 for Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert, so a clean beginner day and a punchy expert day read differently. It also scores nine other water sports on the same scale, which neither surf app does.
Sport by sport: best surf forecast app. Or see the full app comparison and how 4Shor works.
FAQ
Surfline vs Surf-Forecast: common questions
Is Surfline better than Surf-Forecast?
For cams and curated forecasts, yes. For free coverage of thousands of breaks, Surf-Forecast wins. Many surfers use Surf-Forecast for the free outlook and Surfline’s cams on the day.
Is Surf-Forecast free?
Yes. Surf-Forecast is free and ad-supported. Surfline has a limited free tier, with full forecasts and cams on Premium. Check each app for current pricing.
Which surf forecast is best in Europe?
Surf-Forecast covers more European breaks for free; Surfline has fewer European cams than in the US. 4Shor is Europe-only: 2,500+ spots, each scored per ability from nearshore wave modelling on its own seabed map.
What is LOTUS on Surfline?
LOTUS is Surfline’s in-house forecast model, launched in 2021 to replace its earlier LOLA model. It models waves close to shore using seabed data.