Who publishes this comparison?

Lemar Systems Ltd makes Tantastic. This is a comparison of published features, not an independent hands-on test or a ranking of health outcomes. Product listings were checked on 22 October 2026; features and offers can change.

Apple Weather: start here for a quick UV check

For an occasional forecast lookup, first try the Weather app on your iPhone. Our step-by-step guide shows where to find UV.

Use it as a baseline. If a separate app does not improve the task you are trying to do, there may be no reason to add one.

SunSmart Global UV: investigate protection planning

The WHO describes SunSmart Global UV as a free app offering UV information and protection times. It is a useful option to investigate when your goal is understanding when protection is needed.

Its purpose differs from collecting session milestones or progress photos. Choose according to the task rather than treating a longer feature list as automatically better.

Tantastic: for a forecast within a session workflow

Tantastic puts hourly UV alongside a personal plan, guided session phases and private progress records. Consider it if checking the forecast is one part of a routine you also want to organise.

It is an iPhone app with in-app purchases. If you only need a UV reading, start with the simpler options above. If you need a tracker, see our tanning app shortlist.

Beam and Glowy: other routine-focused candidates

Beam and Glowy also publish UV and routine features. Investigate those if you want a tracker, but compare the actual workflow and subscription access before choosing.

Our Beam comparison considers device choice; our Glowy comparison considers photo workflows. Neither page claims to establish which forecast is most accurate.

What to check in any UV forecast

  • Place: confirm that the app is showing the location you intended.
  • Time: distinguish this hour from today’s maximum.
  • Context: read the number with protection guidance, not as a target.
  • Access: check what remains available without a subscription.

Our UV index guide explains the scale. A forecast is not a personalised safe-exposure calculation.

Sources and further reading

Feature descriptions use the linked product information and this site’s Tantastic overview. Check the current listing and purchase screen before subscribing. Health information is general guidance, not individual medical advice.

Your forecast, with a plan

Meet Tantastic Sunglow

Hourly UV, guided timers and optional private progress photos on your iPhone.

View Tantastic on the App Store