Yosurf vs Surfline: which one to pick in 2026?
Pierre N.Co-founder of Yosurf
We're four founders with 100+ years of surfing between us, from the Basque Country to Bali by way of Indonesia, California and Hawaii.
Facts verified on 19 July 2026
Surfline is the global reference for experienced surfers: ~1,000 webcams and expert forecasting, but English-only and $119.99/year for the full feature set. Yosurf flips the problem: a 0-100 score calibrated to YOUR level that answers “should I go?”, free, in 4 languages, across 480+ spots on the France-Spain-Portugal-Morocco arc. Cam-hungry expert → Surfline. Beginner-to-intermediate surfer who wants a clear answer → Yosurf.
How we tested
We use Surfline, Windguru, Windy and Windfinder daily to decide our own sessions, from the Basque Country to Bali. For tools we don't use ourselves, we stick to facts taken from the source (each vendor's official site and pricing page), on the verification date shown.
What Surfline does better
Let's be honest: Surfline has a twenty-year head start on some fronts.
- The webcam network (~1,000 cameras worldwide) — nothing else compares.
- A recognized forecasting team and expert editorial.
- Depth of analysis for surfers who can read a swell chart.
If you check La Gravière on video before every session, Surfline remains the tool.
What Yosurf does differently
Yosurf is built for the people swell tables intimidate.
- A 0-100 score per spot, calibrated to your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) — the same swell can be an 85 for an expert and a 20 for a beginner.
- A plain-language verdict (“go late afternoon”) and the day's best window.
- 4 languages (FR/EN/ES/PT), 480+ spots across France-Spain-Portugal-Morocco plus destinations (Indonesia, Costa Rica…).
- Free.
Pricing, plainly
Surfline Premium costs $15.99/month or $119.99/year (US prices checked July 2026, in effect since April 2025); a “Premium with Ads” tier exists at $69.99/year. Unlimited cams and long-range forecasts sit behind the paywall. Yosurf is free — 7-day forecasts, level-based score and alerts included.
| Yosurf | Surfline | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $15.99/mo or $119.99/yr (Premium) |
| Languages | French, English, Spanish, Portuguese | English only |
| Level-based score | Yes (0-100 per level) | No (single rating) |
| Webcams | No | ~1,000 cameras (the strong suit) |
| Coverage | 480+ spots FR-ES-PT-MA + destinations | Worldwide |
| Built for | Beginner → intermediate, surf traveler | Experienced surfer |
Frequently asked questions
Is Yosurf really free?
Yes. 7-day forecasts, the level-based score, best windows and alerts are free. The site runs on clearly-labeled partnerships and affiliate links.
Can you use both?
Many do: Yosurf to decide fast (“is it worth it at my level today?”), Surfline to check a cam before driving.
Is the Yosurf score reliable?
The score is computed from swell, period and wind forecasts, then calibrated spot by spot and level by level. It is checked daily against real observations (buoys, weather stations) to stay honest — a mediocre day shows a mediocre score.
Verdict
There is no absolute winner — there are two audiences. Surfline remains the tool for the English-speaking experienced surfer who wants cams and expert analysis, and its price says so. Yosurf is built for the silent majority: people who want to know in 10 seconds, in their language, whether it's WORTH IT at their level. Try both, keep the one that gets you in the water more often.
Try Yosurf for free →Check for yourself
Comparison published by the Yosurf team. Every fact cited (prices, features) is verifiable with the tools mentioned.