SiriusXM vs. ADS-B

SiriusXM Aviation vs. ADS-B

Compare SiriusXM with ADS-B weather and determine which solution is best for you.

Call 1-855-796-9847 to subscribe

SiriusXM Aviation plans starting at $29.99/month

See Offer Details below.

Call 1-855-796-9847 to subscribe

Air Safety Institute: SXM vs. ADS-B

In this review from AOPA’s Air Safety Institute, John Zimmerman, an aviation writer and ATP, compares the service that revolutionized cockpit weather - SiriusXM Aviation - to the more recent ADS-B (FIS-B).

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Dare to compare

Check out, in detail, the differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather – from delivery method, frequency of updates, to features offered.

Dare to compare

SXM vs. ADS-B: What does this mean for your flight?

‘Fly’ through this interactive infographic to see the differences between SiriusXM Aviation and ADS-B weather at each stage of flight.

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Compare SiriusXM Aviation Plans to ADS-B

Select a SiriusXM Aviation plan with the dropdown to compare its features to ADS-B weather (FIS-B).

Package Features

SiriusXM Pilot Express

ADS-B In (FIS-B)²

Fees, taxes and Offer Details apply.
Plan	SiriusXM Pilot Express	ADS-B In (FIS-B)
Network Coverage			Network Coverage	No altitude limitations / no line-of-sight restrictions	Altitude limitations / line-of-sight restrictions
Coast to Coast High-Res (2km) Composite NEXRAD Radar			Coast to Coast High-Res (2km) Composite NEXRAD Radar	CONUS (2.5 min updates)	Hi-res limited to 150-250 NM of position. Lower res beyond that. Update rates vary.
High-Resolution Base Reflectivity Radar			High-Resolution Base Reflectivity Radar	CONUS	Not included
NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes			NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes	CONUS	Not included
Lightning: Cloud-to-Cloud & Cloud-to-Ground			Lightning: Cloud-to-Cloud & Cloud-to-Ground	CONUS & non-CONUS (2.5 min updates)	Cloud-to-Ground only / Limited to 150 to 250 NM of position dependent on plane altitude in CONUS
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)			Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)	CONUS	Limited to 100NM of position
Winds Aloft			Winds Aloft	Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates / CONUS & non-CONUS	Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
Temps Aloft			Temps Aloft	Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates / CONUS & non-CONUS	Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
AIRMETs & SIGMETs			AIRMETs & SIGMETs	CONUS & non-Conus	Limited to 250-500NM of position
PIREPs			PIREPs	CONUS & non-Conus	Limited to 250-500NM of position
Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields			Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
Standard Forecast Winds			Standard Forecast Winds	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast			High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars			Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
Radar Coverage/Site Status			Radar Coverage/Site Status	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
Icing NOWcast			Icing NOWcast	Observed data / CONUS & non-CONUS	Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS			METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS	Not included	Limited to 250-500NM of position
Cloud Top Image			Cloud Top Image	Not included	Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Echo Top Raster			Echo Top Raster	Not included	Not included
Graphical Turbulence Guidance			Graphical Turbulence Guidance	Not included	150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Freezing Level			Freezing Level	CONUS & non-CONUS	Not included
Surface Visibility Forecast			Surface Visibility Forecast	Not included	Not included
150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio³			150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio³	Additional subscription required	Not included
Canadian Weather Warnings			Canadian Weather Warnings	Not included	Not included
NOTAMs			NOTAMs	N/A	Limited to 100NM of position
Special Use Airspace Status			Special Use Airspace Status	N/A	Limited to 100NM of position

2-Month SiriusXM Aviation Trial

Try 2 months of SiriusXM Aviation’s weather and entertainment to decide if it’s right for you. Click for Offer Details.

2-month trial

Help and support

Request a radio signal

Haven't flown in a while? We can send a "wake up" signal to your hardware.

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Service coverage area

SiriusXM Aviation service is available in the contiguous United States, southern Canada and coastal regions.

Canadian pilots, please visit us at siriusxm.ca/aviation.

Explore the coverage map

Need some extra assistance?Call 1-855-796-9847 or email aviation.support@siriusxm.com for personalized help with SiriusXM Aviation. You can also log in to your account if you have account specific issues.

You've got questions?

We've got answers.

How can I temporarily suspend service if I won’t be flying for a while (due to winter weather, maintenance, other)?

You can suspend your SiriusXM Aviation Weather service at no cost for up to 6 months when you are not using it by calling 1-800-985-9200 and asking to suspend.

Are there any long-term subscription requirements for SiriusXM Aviation Weather service?

You can subscribe monthly to SiriusXM Aviation service or annually. The SiriusXM Aviation subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see our Customer Agreement for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. You can suspend your Aviation service for up to 6 months at no charge when your plane is not in use. See rebate terms for any subscription term requirements.

How often is the SiriusXM Aviation Weather data updated?

SiriusXM Aviation data service elements are updated at multiple rates. Dynamic elements like radar and lightning are updated every 2.5 minutes, while other more stable data elements are updated every 60+ minutes. It's important to note that there are two variables at work with our broadcast weather service: data update rates and transmit intervals. While a product source may be updated every 30 minutes, the same data may be transmitted every 5 minutes to ensure your display is up to date. SiriusXM worked with its avionics partners to arrive at the optimal cadence of updated data and transmit intervals to ensure customers receive critical information in a timely manner.

I live/fly in Canada - where can I purchase SiriusXM Aviation weather service?

See all Aviation FAQs

OFFER DETAILS: The subscription plan you choose will AUTOMATICALLY RENEW and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates for the plan selected, until you cancel. An initial activation fee may also apply. Applicable tax and other fees may apply. See plan details for all rates. Please see our Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms including our refund policy and how to cancel, which includes online methods or calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content, and features are subject to change. Service not available in AK or HI.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The SiriusXM Service may include traffic, weather and other content and emergency alert information and data. Such information and data is not for "safety for life," but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety critical in connection with any aircraft, sea craft, automobile, or any other usage. Service not available in AK or HI.

¹ The availability and display of service features and SiriusXM Audio varies by hardware provider. View Garmin GDL69/ 69A SXM feature compatibility.

²FAA Advisory Circular: https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac_00-45h.pdf

³ SiriusXM Satellite Radio audio service sold separately. Satellite Radio may be purchased for a reduced fee with a SiriusXM Aviation package. Audio activation fee is $15 if activated separately from SiriusXM Aviation.