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SiriusXM Aviation vs. ADS-B

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

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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

Infographic - 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

ADS-B In (FIS-B)2

Fees, taxes and Offer Details apply.

Plan
SiriusXM Pilot Express
ADS-B In (FIS-B)
Network Coverage
No altitude limitations / no line-of-sight restrictionsAltitude limitations / line-of-sight restrictions
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
CONUS
Not included
NEXRAD Storm Cell Attributes
CONUS
Not included
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)
CONUSLimited to 100NM of position
Winds Aloft
Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates /
CONUS & non-CONUS
Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
Temps Aloft
Observed & forecasted 1 hour updates / CONUS & non-CONUS Forecasted 12 hour updates limited to 500-1000NM, dependent on plane altitude
AIRMETs & SIGMETs
CONUS & non-ConusLimited to 250-500NM of position
PIREPs
CONUS & non-ConusLimited to 250-500NM of position
Tropical Storm Tracks with Windfields
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
Standard Forecast Winds
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
High-Resolution Surface Winds Forecast
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
Weather Map w/Surface Features & Isobars
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
Radar Coverage/Site Status
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
Icing NOWcast
Observed data / CONUS & non-CONUSForecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
METARs/TAFs — Non-CONUS
Not included
Limited to 250-500NM of position
Cloud Top Image
Not included
Forecasted data 150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Echo Top Raster
Not included
Not included
Graphical Turbulence Guidance
Not included
150-250 NM dependent on plane altitude
Freezing Level
CONUS & non-CONUS
Not included
Surface Visibility Forecast
Not included
Not included
150+ Channels of SiriusXM Satellite Radio3
Additional subscription required
Not included
Canadian Weather Warnings
Not included
Not included
NOTAMs
N/ALimited to 100NM of position
Special Use Airspace Status
N/ALimited 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIRIUSXM AVIATION

Help and Support

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Send a Refresh 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 continental United States, southern Canada and coastal regions.

Explore the Coverage Map

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

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.

FAQs

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...

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 (twice as fast as ADS-B), while other more stable data...

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

SiriusXM Aviation coverage area includes southern Canada. Canadian residents can subscribe to SiriusXM Aviation at siriusxm.ca/aviation.

OFFER DETAILS:  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 programming are subject to change.

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.

FAA 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.