Precip vs RainDrop app
Both act as virtual rain gauges. RainDrop republishes the free NOAA MRMS mosaic; Precip runs its own observation product that beats MRMS in low-radar-quality areas and in real time.
Last updated August 18, 2026
| Feature | RainDrop | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Android | iPhone, iPad, Android, web |
| Rainfall data source | NOAA MRMS radar mosaic (public data) | Proprietary observation product built on the same radar network |
| Accuracy | As accurate as the underlying MRMS mosaic | Benchmarked to beat MRMS in low-radar-quality areas and in real time (internal testing) |
| Precipitation types on the map | Rain and snow on separate map layers | Rain, snow, and mixed precipitation blended into one layer so you see what actually fell |
| Snow depth | Snowfall totals only (past 24 / 72 hours) | Real-time snowfall plus current snow depth |
| Other layers | Live radar and forecast | Live radar, forecast, nowcast, soil temperature and moisture, and ponding |
| Free tier | Current location only | Saved locations included |
| Professional & GIS tools | Multi-location tracking and a paid data API | Bulk import, polygon location boundaries, data export, shared team workspace, custom year start, and an enterprise API |
Precip pros
- Proprietary observation product that beats MRMS in low-radar-quality areas and in real time
- Rain, snow, and mixed precipitation blended into one map layer
- Current snow depth, not just recent snowfall totals
- Soil temperature and moisture, ponding, nowcast, and forecast layers
- iPhone, iPad, Android, and web
- Free saved locations; paid plans start at $24.99/year
- Professional GIS tools and an enterprise API
RainDrop pros
- NOAA MRMS rain and snow totals at a pin
- Live radar and 16-day forecast
- Rain alerts and multi-location tracking
- iPhone, iPad, and Android
- A paid historical-data API
Is Precip more accurate than RainDrop?
Yes, in Precip’s internal benchmarks. RainDrop is built on NOAA’s Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) mosaic, so RainDrop’s accuracy is MRMS accuracy. Precip runs its own observation product on top of the same radar network and benchmarks directly against MRMS. In our internal testing Precip is more accurate than MRMS in areas with low radar quality, and much more accurate in real time, when the raw mosaic is noisiest. Method: our precipitation data.
Precip also publishes a benchmark against NOAA’s High Resolution Rapid Refresh forecast (a forecast model, not an observation): 60% more accurate hourly totals and 275% better rainfall detection. More on why observations beat forecasts: observed rainfall vs forecast.
See every precipitation type on one map
RainDrop shows rain and snow on separate map layers. Precip blends rain, snow, and mixed precipitation into a single layer, so when a storm switches between rain and snow you see how much of each type actually fell instead of toggling between screens.
Snowfall and snow depth
RainDrop reports snowfall totals for the past 24 or 72 hours. Precip measures snowfall in real time while it is snowing and also shows current snow depth on the same map as rain and soil, so you know both what fell and what is on the ground.
Extra layers and platforms
Both apps have radar and a forecast. Precip adds soil temperature and moisture, ponding, and a nowcast, plus a web app so the same saved locations open on your browser. Precip is built around a map you can tap on a field or job site to see the whole picture.
Professional and GIS tools
RainDrop offers multi-location tracking and a paid data API. Precip adds a full professional tier: bulk location import, polygon boundaries, data export, a shared team workspace, custom year start, and an enterprise API at api.precip.ai/docs.
Who should pick which
RainDrop is a good fit if you want simple pin-based MRMS totals on a phone. Choose Precip if you want a rainfall product that beats the raw MRMS mosaic in low-radar-quality areas and in real time, integrated precipitation types with snow depth, soil and ponding layers, a web app, and professional GIS tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Precip app and the RainDrop app?
Both are virtual rain gauge apps. RainDrop republishes NOAA MRMS radar data. Precip runs its own observation product built on top of the same radar network and, in Precip’s internal benchmarks, is more accurate than MRMS in low-radar-quality areas and in real time. Precip also blends rain, snow, and mixed precipitation into one map layer, shows actual snow depth, and adds soil, ponding, and a web app.
Is Precip more accurate than RainDrop?
RainDrop uses NOAA MRMS, so its accuracy is MRMS accuracy. Precip benchmarks against MRMS and, in our internal testing, is more accurate in areas with low radar quality and more accurate in real time. Precip is a proprietary observation product, not a republish of the free MRMS mosaic. See how the data is made.
How does Precip handle snow compared with RainDrop?
RainDrop shows snowfall totals for the past 24 or 72 hours on a separate map layer from rain. Precip blends rain, snow, and mixed precipitation into the same map so you see how much of each type actually fell, and Precip also shows current snow depth, not just what fell recently.
Does Precip have more map layers than RainDrop?
Both apps have radar and forecast layers. Precip adds soil temperature and moisture, ponding, and a nowcast, and it integrates rain, snow, and mixed precipitation into one layer plus snow depth, instead of separating rain and snow onto different layers.
Is Precip a RainDrop alternative?
Yes, if you want a rainfall product that beats the free MRMS mosaic in low-radar-quality areas and in real time, integrated precipitation types with snow depth, soil and ponding layers, a web app, or professional features such as polygons, bulk import, and export.
Is Precip cheaper than RainDrop?
Precip’s free tier includes saved locations. Paid plans start at $24.99 per year for four locations. RainDrop is free for your current location only, and its paid tiers typically start around $29.99–$39.99 per year. Prices change; check the App Store for current pricing.
Which app should you choose?
Choose Precip when you want a rainfall product that beats MRMS in low-radar-quality areas and real time, integrated precipitation types with snow depth, soil and ponding layers, a web app, or professional GIS tools. RainDrop is a simpler pin-based app built on the MRMS mosaic.
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