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Best Home Weather Stations
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
One of the primary features that set some models apart from others is the number of sensors that are integrated. See, a home weather station can only measure the data that its sensors can gather. For the most part, even basic models will sport common sensors. Some of these sensors can include a barometer for measuring the pressure of the atmosphere, an anemometer to measure the direction and speed of the wind, a humidity sensor, and a thermometer for temperature.
But, you will see most higher-end models integrate sensors beyond the ones just listed. For example, you may see some that can measure solar radiation and UV radiation. The latter could come in handy if you are worried about too much exposure to the sun as UV lighting comes directly from the sunlight. However, what about a heat index feature that will inform you of what the real feel is outdoors. Keep this in mind as not all stations will be equipped with the same amount of sensors.
Accuracy
While a weather station that has a plethora of sensors is nice and all, they also need to perform well. Each sensor is going to record different information so each one could perform a little bit differently. Quite honestly, it can be overwhelming to determine which sensors are accurate and precise and which ones are not. But, this is typically where you get your money’s worth. If you buy a cheap model, you can’t expect the accuracy to be as precise as it would be in a higher-end model. One tip is to glance through user feedback to see what others have to say. Some testers will compare the data they receive from one model to other models and this can helpful information to you.
However, you should also assess the refresh rate of the unit. All the previous metrics that were mentioned can change in a heartbeat and if your system updates once every minute, that may prove to be inefficient. Instead, look for models that update fairly quickly (with versions that do so every few seconds being the best).
Power Source
If you analyze most of the weather stations in the world you may be surprised to learn that there are both wireless and wired versions. The reason for that is that most modern devices are equipped with wireless technology and transmit all the data via Wi-Fi. While this can be unreliable at all times, given that you are not relying on a wired connection, the convenience it provides is more than worth it. With a wired model, you will need to worry about all the cables and maintaining them.
Yet, there is more to it than simply determining if a model is wired or wireless. If it is the latter, you need to assess the transmission distance. This is one of the most important specifications to consider as the farther the transmission distance, the better. In case you do not know, this is referring to the communication range of the main console and the receiver. Ideally, you would like the starting point to be no less than 250 feet. Just remember, though, the higher the distance the more leeway you are provided.
Apps
When you are dealing with any technological device of any kind that sports a screen, you will need to assess the user interface. This is simply your interaction with the device. What you are looking for in an ideal interface is both high quality and an intuitive experience. For home weather stations, this will be with the digital console that comes with the unit. It is convenient when the detailed information is both easy-to-view and logically placed. To be “easy-to-view”, look for full-color displays that are made from an LCD display.
But, the included software is also a key point of assessment. Some models sport outdated software that feels like it belongs in the 90’s era of computing. Then again, other models will simply require your smart device to provide the interface with the accompanying app. In this case, ensure that the app is well-designed and not crawling with bug after bug. Of course, the good thing about apps is they should be promptly updated when issues arise.
Top 10 Picks
1. Vantage Vue
There is a reason why the Vantage Vue tends to be the go-to pick for consumers. Designed by Davis Instruments, it has an astounding amount of accurate sensors to measure nearly every metric a homeowner could want.
Read moreWeather Measurements
All sorts of weather metrics are provided to you and this includes wind speed and direction, sunrise and sunset times, weather trends, humidity, and temperature.
Performance
Just a few of the integrations, to give you an idea of the performance, are worth it alone. One of which is the anemometer which will record wind speeds from two to 150 miles per hour.
Wireless Connectivity
Compared to the competition, this can deliver wireless transmission up to three times farther. All in all, it can connect up to 1000 feet away.
User Interface
The 4.375-inch LCD display is not the issue and instead, it lies within the outdated software and the non-intuitive interface. This is probably the only area of concern.
Wireless Features
With the USB interface, you can use a central weather service with this unit. For example, this could include WeatherLink or even Weather Underground.
Overall
Literally, the user interface is the only area of potential concern with this unit. Thankfully, once you get accustomed to it, the ride will be smooth sailing from there.
2. Kestrel 5000
While the second best model on this list is intended to be used as a handheld unit, it can work great as a home unit. With the addition of the vane mount, it becomes a full-featured weather station.
Read moreWeather Measurements
In total, there are 14 measurements that this bad boy can handle. Among those, this includes dew point temperature, humidity, direction, pressure, wind speed, and altitude.
Performance
Without the additional mount, this handheld device can perform anywhere you go with it. Yet, with the Kestrel Vane Mount, it can perform exactly like a home unit.
Wireless Connectivity
Using the power of the Kestrel Link application, you can view real-time readings on your iOS and Android devices. Overall, it can communicate within 100 feet of your device.
User Interface
One problem with this unit is the features are not well-documented and you will need to familiarize yourself with the sunlight-readable interface.
Wireless Features
With the aforementioned app, you can see detailed weather information to better detect potential problems and simplify any weather reporting.
Overall
Several consumers rave about this model and the primary reason why is due to its portability. However, with the ability to be used as a home unit, this truly is an all-in-one device.
3. Vantage Pro2
Davis Instruments is back on this list and this time, their Vantage Pro2 gets its time to shine. Of course, a more advanced and updated software could have propelled it to the top spot.
Read moreWeather Measurements
With the wide range of sensors integrated into this model, which will calculate wind, rainfall, humidity, and temperature, among others, it can provide the information you crave.
Performance
The versatile sensor suite is not only customizable but also very accurate. In fact, it even sports an advanced rain collector for enhanced accuracy during high winds.
Wireless Connectivity
With the WeatherLink cloud platform, you have the capability of connecting the Vantage Pro2 to your smartphone, tablet, and even computer.
User Interface
Included in this set is an easy-to-read LCD color display. That said, the integrated software definitely needs some tender, love, and care.
Wireless Features
No, in order to download the information to your computer you will need to invest in the software and the data logger. But, it is worth it to receive the added convenience.
Overall
In terms of its sensors and extreme durability, this is one of the best and toughest models on earth. Some unwanted inconveniences aside, the Vantage Pro2 is a beast.
4. Ambient Weather WS 2902A
This is one the best total packages on the market today. Outside of its provided detailed metrics, it is also compatible with your smart devices and even Amazon Alexa.
Read moreWeather Measurements
No matter what type of metric you are looking for, such as rainfall, the wind direction, humidity, barometric pressure, dew point, wind chill, or heat index, this system probably provides it to you.
Performance
One user noted how the accuracy tends to deviate when the temperature gets in the mid 30’s and another buyer claimed it struggled to measure accurate wind speeds.
Wireless Connectivity
The console itself will connect to your wireless router and the sensor array will connect to the console. In addition, it is compatible with Alexa and can connect to your smart devices.
User Interface
What is nice is the included console display is both colorful and detailed. Overall, you could not ask for much more when operating this unit.
Wireless Features
On your connected smart device, you can view historical data, conditions in real-time, and other alerts you set. Plus, you can use additional software such as WeatherCloud.
Overall
In spite of the fact that some buyers have had performance issues with this device, several consumers will adore its attention to detail and advanced wireless technology.
5. Netatmo
In spite of the performance issues from time to time, this is one of the more unique models on this entire list. Its sleek aluminum body works in conjunction with your smart device.
Read moreWeather Measurements
On top of various weather measurements, such as the indoor and outdoor temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity, this can also measure indoor pollution levels.
Performance
Though most buyers found this to be of great performance, there have been occasions of users claiming the contrary. In specific, in regard to the wind measurements.
Wireless Connectivity
Even though hotspots are not supported, this has an extended Wi-Fi range of 100 meters and can connect wirelessly to your smart devices and even your computer.
User Interface
The interface is the app itself and overall, users have seemed to enjoy using it. What is nice is you can view it on any device that it is compatible.
Wireless Features
In conjunction with your smartphone, you can receive outdoor alerts and notifications straight from the weather station. As an example, you can receive ventilation alerts to notify you when it is time to air out your home.
Overall
This has landed on several top 10 lists across the World Wide Web and that is not by coincidence. In this modern world, it is almost imperative to sport the wireless connectivity that this possesses.
6. Ambient Weather WS-1002
Much like the other Ambient Weather model on this list, this is loaded with wireless connectivity features. While you may have to worry about snow build-up in the winter, it performs well overall.
Read moreWeather Measurements
All the essential metrics you look for in a system like this are here. This includes, but is not limited to, rainfall, wind direction and speed, humidity, and barometric pressure.
Performance
To ensure the utmost accuracy at all times, this features a radiation shield with passive aspiration. Overall, for the price, the precision and accuracy are very impressive.
Wireless Connectivity
This unit is actually not predicated on the use of the internet. That said, with a Wi-Fi connection, the console can receive and send internet data.
User Interface
The full-color TFT LCD color display is easy to see overall. Plus, it outlines all the essential information you can see in a glance of the screen.
Wireless Features
With the power of Wi-Fi technology, a lot is possible here. For example, you can send email and text alerts, download the data straight to your computer, and also utilize the entire unit with Alexa.
Overall
Some of the sensors on this model, such as the humidity sensor, have been known to have issues from time to time. All in all, though, this is yet another strong showing from Ambient Weather.
7. AcuRite 01014M
With the use of AcuRite Access, you can actually connect this next model up to seven compatible devices. In addition to that, the backup batteries allow power during outages.
Read moreWeather Measurements
While other home stations will deliver more advanced metrics, this still covers the essentials such as wind speed and direction, rainfall, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.
Performance
One complaint from the consumer base has been the wind gauge could update with a higher frequency. Despite this, though, the performance seems above-average.
Wireless Connectivity
You can utilize your smart device to view the current information that this system is reading anywhere near your home. Also, this model is compatible with Alexa if you own that artificial intelligence device.
User Interface
Once again, the app you use with this model is your interface. Because of this, it is like having your own personal weather station with you at all times.
Wireless Features
With the use of the app, you can do so many extracurricular activities. For example, you can create custom alerts when certain conditions change and also share your data with friends and family.
Overall
What this model excels at is delivering you with vital information on a plethora of popular weather measurements in conjunction with your smartphone or tablet.
8. AcuRite 01036M
Back to back AcuRite models here and to be honest, they are a model of consistency when it comes to this technology. This model is one of their better standalone units, overall.
Read moreWeather Measurements
The 01036M model from AcuRite is dubbed as a 5-in-1 model and it provides you with essential information outdoors such as the humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rain, and temperature.
Performance
AcuRite designed their model with what is known as self-calibrating forecasting. Because of such, it gives you the most accurate forecast for your exact location.
Wireless Connectivity
The integrated wireless sensor of this unit needs to be powered by four AA alkaline batteries or lithium batteries. Either way, you need to account for them yourselves.
User Interface
Unfortunately, the user interface of this station has been. First off, the buttons can be prone to sticking and double selections. Secondly, the color display is actually just a color template plastered over a monochrome LCD display.
Wireless Features
Thanks to the integration of PC Connect, this allows you to remotely view your data through your smart devices or computer. In addition, you can set up programmable alarms.
Overall
If you can forgive the rather deflating design of the interface as a whole, you can enjoy this for what it is. Of course, that is a device that is loaded with wireless features.
9. Tycon Power Systems
While the software on this unit may bring you back to the Windows 95 days of computing, its performance is what makes it so reliable. As a user, you will just have to put up with the outdated software.
Read moreWeather Measurements
It almost seems cliché at this point but once again, this provides you vital weather information such as the barometric pressure, total rainfall, wind direction and speed, and humidity (among others).
Performance
Again, this lives and dies with its performance. Thankfully, nine times out of ten, it is going to live with it. Due to the high-performance wireless data logging and the radio controlled clock, the accuracy is up to par.
Wireless Connectivity
Between the transmitter and the base station, the wireless range is around 330 feet. If you go beyond this distance, expect distortion and a lack of communication.
User Interface
It almost feels like you are using a device from the 1990’s with the software of this unit. Because it only works with WeatherSmart, you have to deal with the clunky programming.
Wireless Features
While not exactly wireless, with the integrated USB port, you can transfer the data from this unit to your home computer or another device. Plus, you can also upload real-time data to WeatherUnderground.
Overall
Those who are anal about updates will probably have a panic attack while operating this weather station. That said, it is difficult to argue with any device that offers consistent performance.
10. La Crosse Forecast
Perhaps you are not interested in a unit that provides you with a high amount of features. What if you only are looking for the essentials such as temperature and the heat index? Well, keep reading then.
Read moreWeather Measurements
All the basics are covered here and that includes both the indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, humidity, heat index and dew point.
Performance
As this could be classified as a budget option, you will have to deal with the performance issues occasionally. As one buyer noted, the calculated rain can be vastly inaccurate.
Wireless Connectivity
With no obstructions in the way, La Crosse claims that their model sports a transmission range of 300 feet. Again, this is accounting for no obstacles whatsoever.
User Interface
Quite honestly, the dynamic full-color display is one of the better aspects of this design. In addition, the backlight can be adjusted to be either high, low, or off.
Wireless Features
A basic model is on display and past the transmission range of the base unit and the receiver, there is not much to talk about in regard to its wireless functionality.
Overall
It is understandable that not everyone can afford a multi-hundred dollar unit. For those on a budget, this is as ideal as it gets as it still an impressive design, overall.
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