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Looking for the best weather station? We purchased 10 of today's most compelling options and got to work setting each station up outdoors and indoors. We designed objective, comparative tests to truly gauge the performance of things like app integration, data quality, and aesthetics. To supplement these results, we passively looked at the readings throughout the day over a multi-month testing period.
Of the models we tested, the Ambient Weather WS-2902C Osprey is the most accurate and measures everything from rainfall to solar radiation to wind chill, so you can always stay up to date on what's happening outside. The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is a budget setup that we like for its easy-to-read display and quick setup process.
If you prefer to hear your weather report rather than read it, we have also tested some of weather radios. Otherwise, the realm of electronics is vast and bursting with wonderful technology, and our tech experts work to bring you straightforward information to help you make your next purchase.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 22, 2024, to provide additional info on award-winning products.
Wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, UV and solar radiation
If accurate measurements are high on your list of purchasing factors, the Ambient Weather WS-2902C Osprey will not disappoint. “When we compared the data produced by this model to the official weather stations in our area,” our lead tester observed, “there were little to no discrepancies.” The Osprey records indoor and outdoor temperatures, wind speed and direction, indoor and outdoor humidity, rainfall, UV, solar radiation, wind chill, and dew point. If you're looking to take your weather watching to the next level, Ambient offers several add-on sensors for all types of determinations ranging from hygrometer readings to particulate monitors. The tablet for the WS-2902C is wireless, which we found to be both innovative and fun. “You can walk around the house with it, pass it around the living room, or mount it on the wall if you'd like,” another tester remarked. One of our favorite things about the Osprey series is the Ambient Weather app — this application allows you to view your weather station's data with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In addition to allowing the user to check the weather station's temperatures, windspeeds, and humidity, the app automatically creates visually pleasing graphs and has a social network where other weather station operators actively share photos of their local readings.
We love that the Ambient Weather WS-2902C Osprey comes with a wireless tablet. “However, the aesthetics seem a bit archaic compared to some brand-new models that use LCD technology,” one team member noted. While the Ambient Weather app is fantastic for reviewing charts and points on a graph, there's no way of exporting raw data for this station. It also takes some time and a little plotting to set up. There's some assembly required; it needs to be on a pole or post, and it can't be too close to any structures or trees. Despite these flaws, the Ambient Weather WS-2902C is a very accurate high-performance weather station that we recommend for most people. If you are planning to make a substantial investment in a weather station and don't want to sacrifice a single upgrade or perk — like an intuitive LCD and the option to archive and export data — it may be worth looking at the more expensive but best-in-class WS-2000 model by Ambient Weather as well.
Wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, UV and solar radiation
Our team found that the data produced by the Ambient Weather WS-2000 mirrored the data provided by local weather stations nearly flawlessly. The LCD tablet display is easier to read than any other model in our review and offers customizable settings for brightness and light or dark themes. Our lead tester remarked that “the features offered by the WS-2000 are simply unmatched.” This device can archive and export data to an SD card in Excel format for those looking to crunch data or create graphs. For true weather enthusiasts, the WS-2000 supports seven additional upgrade sensors for all types of measurements, from outdoor air particulate levels to lightning. If you're a tech nerd like us, you'll love that you can use this model with IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Ambient also offers a proprietary smartphone app so you can monitor your weather station from practically anywhere.
The price you pay for performance will definitely put a dent in your pocketbook — the Ambient Weather WS-2000 is pricey. It requires more assembly than most stations, and mounting it necessitates a mounting pole with a compatible diameter, along with careful placement and alignment. If you plan on connecting this weather station to WiFi or using any of the network or techy features mentioned above, our testers say you should “be prepared to spend some time signing up for accounts and learning the ins & outs of the user interface.” We were somewhat shocked to find out the tablet needs to be connected to a power source when Ambient Weather has outfitted many other models with battery-powered tablets. Despite the difficulties and drawbacks, we still think the Ambient Weather WS-2000 is the best all-around home weather station. Another top-performing model by Ambient Weather that sells for substantially less is the WS-2902C Osprey. Although it is by no means a budget station, the additional cost savings make it a worthy alternative for those who care most about accuracy, range, and versatile monitoring tools.
The vibrant LCD tablet display for the WS-2000 offers an aesthetic value that is unmatched.
Indoor 32˚F to 122˚F (0˚C to 50˚C), Outdoor -40˚F to 140˚F (-14˚C to 60˚C)
Display Info
Temp high/low, humidity, time&date, heat index, dew point, battery
The La Crosse Technology C85845-1 offers numerous features at a steal of a price. The sleek and streamlined display features a fun forecast icon that is easy to decipher. Meanwhile, the sensor reports all the essential info along with the dew point and the heat index. “Both the sensor and the console are equally intuitive to set up,” one of our testers noted. The sensor temperature and wireless detection range are surprisingly precise, especially for a mid-range station.
The downside to this budget model is fewer features. This station won't report the wind speed and doesn't have a rain gauge. We also found sometimes the temperature reading was off by a degree or two. That said, all the models have varying temperature range accuracy. “The C85845-1 is a solid station for those who want to localize their forecast without spending top dollar,” said our lead tester. Another model from La Crosse, the 308-1414B sells for a bit less but offers a similar range of useful features and valuable measurements. However, you will find that it delivers readings via a slightly less colorful digital display when compared with the newer C85845-1 version.
This weather station delivers at a bargain of a price.
Indoor -4 °F-158°F (-20 °C-70°C), Outdoor -4°F-158°F (-20 °C -70°C)
Display Info
Time, humidity
If you're on a super tight budget, we highly recommend the ThermoPro TP62 Digital. This device has remarkable accuracy when it comes to temperature and humidity. “And given these two measurements are all this device is capable of, this is precisely what we would hope,” one tester quipped. The sensor is about the same size as the display, which is small, and both are simple to install. Merely pop in the batteries, and you're good to go.
Although some of our testers love orange, we can understand the pumpkin-colored glow of the backlight is not for everyone. But keep in mind that it is only a backlight. The screen is easy enough to read without illumination. If all you require is a temperature and humidity reading, we recommend skipping the pricer models and sticking with the ThermoPro. While no other top-scoring devices in our lineup compare in price, the C85845-1 from La Crosse sits on the lower end of the spectrum and captures a broader range of data using a more attractive user-friendly display. “This may make it worth the upgrade for some,” our lead tester commented.
We were impressed with how well this device reported accurate temperature.
Indoor 32 to 122°F (0-50°C), Outdoor -40 to 158° F
Display Info
Temp, humidity, wind, rain, dewpoint, pressure, date, time
The AcuRite Iris 01022M is a five-in-one option for those who want more data with location precision. The sensor has five built-in features that collect measurements of wind, rain, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. As a bonus, the Iris comes with a lightning detection sensor so you can monitor inclement weather and receive early warnings.
We did notice when mounting the sensor that the screws stripped the plastic. Like the Ambient WeatherOsprey, we also noticed the rain likely icon appeared when conditions were clear. However, the readings regarding wind, temperature, and humidity were more often than not spot-on. “We find these gripes are trivial compared to the efficacy and outstanding amount of features given the nominal price,” our lead tester said. If you want to scale up to something appropriate for field testing, the Vantage Vue by Davis Instruments is also worth a look. Although its hefty sticker price won't make it the best choice for most everyday home weather-tracking enthusiasts, it offers reliable professional-grade measurements in a rugged package with a superior transmission range — a valuable combination where extreme conditions may come into play.
We loved how the weather ticker displayed real-time data giving us an updated weather forecast.
The sensor features a rain gauge and wind direction
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Building the measurement instrument is more tedious than other models
Not everyone may like the display
SPECIFICATIONS
Wireless
Yes
Wifi
No
Transmission Range
1000 ft
Temperature Range
-40° to 150° F
Display Info
Temp, humidty, barometric, forecast icons
The Davis Instruments Vantage Vue is an all-around professional piece of equipment. However, which console you choose will influence your experience. We tested the Vantage Vue 6351 Controller. “Unlike many of the colorful consoles, the 6351 is a brick of a display meant to be used in the field,” one tester noted. This quality construction and durability are further matched by pro-status performance. Alternately, there is now a more modern touchscreen controller we have yet to test. The Vantage Vue produced accurate measurements consistently during testing, while the user-friendly buttons made it a breeze to navigate the console. Additionally, this option offers a large chunk of daily data and historical records to chew through.
While we love the performance of the console, “it rocks an 80s computer vibe geared toward a scientific crowd unless you opt for the more modern touchscreen controller,” quipped our lead tester. Looks aside, we highly recommend the Vantage Vue for those who want rugged durability with professional performance. You can also pick up the best-in-class, feature-heavy WS-2000 from Ambient Weather at an even lower price. So if field-ready construction and broad transmission range are not top considerations, other reliably impressive options exist.
The quality of this durable device matches the performance.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
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We loved how reliable this station was as much as we loved how easy it was to navigate.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
How We Tested Weather Stations
We designed our test plan to determine how accurately each product measured weather conditions based on nearby local weather stations. We spent hours installing, operating, and recording data, then analyzed our results. Each product was meticulously evaluated based on real-life experience.
Our testing of weather stations is divided into five different metrics:
Accuracy (25% of overall score weighting)
Durability (25% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Aesthetics (15% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
We compared weather stations in a multitude of environments.
Credit: Ross Patton
Why Trust GearLab
Lead tester Carissa Stanz is a science-minded scholar with a deep interest in meteorology. She has a keen eye for product detail and now boasts over four years of experience developing objective tests in a wide range of categories, including lifestyle, home, and outdoor products. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University and tackles every review from a scientific perspective based on critical hands-on use.
In addition to conducting reviews for dozens of outdoor and tech products, Ross Patton completed his formal education at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he majored in Environmental Science. During his studies, Ross focused on the weather and climate of the Sierra Nevada, where he created global climate models using the data measured by local weather stations and SNOTEL sites. Between the two of them, Ross and Carissa have the knowledge and experience required to provide you with an in-depth review of weather stations.
The Ambient Weather Osprey models come with a debris blocker that keeps pine needles, leaves, and insects out of the rain gauge.
We closely examined the components of each weather station to gauge their user-friendliness and usefulness.
Many of these weather stations are small, battery-operated, and surprisingly easy to use.
How to Pick the Best Weather Station
Let's agree on something — we love talking about the weather. As a science-minded individual, you surely want to be able to talk about it with a degree of authority that is sure to impress. Our Accuracy metric will help you decide what level of precision best fits your keen interest of reporting on current conditions. But there are a few other key questions to also ask yourself before purchasing a new weather station.
Where Will You Set Up Your Weather Station?
Even though they're able to report many of the same indispensable weather statistics, we should point out that these weather stations are designed for the backyard — they do not meet the same build standards as commercial weather stations. So it is important to think about where you want to set up your station to ensure that it captures high-quality information without getting destroyed in the process.
The Durability metric highlights the manufacturing quality of each station and how likely each one will be able to stand up to particularly foul weather. Our Ease of Use metric takes into account how easy it is to assemble and install each station — the level of effort you're willing to put into setup tends to vary directly with the amount of information you'll be able to collect. Finally, we're not blind to the fact that these weather stations look like, well, weather stations, and that not everyone wants one of these units as the centerpiece of their backyard. Our Aesthetics metric weighs in on the appearance of both the stations outside and their associated displays inside your home.
How Much Data Do You Want to Collect?
At a minimum, all of the stations we tested report temperature and humidity. Beyond that, the price tends to correlate with how much data a station can collect. Under the specs in our comparison chart, we list the type of information each station can transmit under Display Info. A weather station is only as useful as it is accurate, so it is important to pay attention to the scores in our Accuracy metric. However, the information that a station reports is only as useful as it is easy to interpret. So, for the more advanced models in our lineup, it is also important to pay attention to our Ease of Use metric, which takes into account the user experience and how accessible the data is via the console.
Do You Want to Contribute to Your Local Weather Network?
While some of us simply want a convenient way to monitor the weather around our homes, others want to contribute the data to improve forecasts of citizen-science-driven weather networks, like Weather Underground. While every station we tested reports worthwhile data, only a few stations are compatible with the Weather Underground network. Stations like the Ambient WS-2000 also integrate with their proprietary app to share real-time data with other Ambient users. Our Features metric ranks these weather stations based on their capabilities, but we want to offer a word of caution on this point — if you want a fully capable weather station at home, you can expect to pay top dollar.
We tested all of these stations side-by-side to dissect the nuanced differences that might make all of the difference in your purchase decision.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Analysis and Test Results
We put all the products through a side-by-side comparison to properly and accurately rank each one. We evaluate all weather stations via accuracy, ease of use, durability, aesthetics, and features.
What's the Best Value?
The various costs of home weather stations have a massive range. If all you're looking for is a basic and accurate digital temperature and humidity display with an inconspicuous sensor, there is no reason to spend more than the cost of the ThermoPro TP62 Digital. If you want a larger display that is easy to read and also records daily minimums and maximums but is still affordable, the La Crosse Technology C85845-1 is a great choice. The AcuRite Iris 01022M is a bit higher on the price scale but is a large leap toward high performance from the basic models. The Ambient Weather WS-2000 offers tons of features, add-ons, capabilities, and high performance, but it is one of the most expensive models in our review. Finally, if you are looking for a professional-grade model with a massive range and a durable display, the Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue is worth the investment.
The WS-2000 has a remote indoor sensor that is independent of the display tablet.
Credit: Ross Patton
Accuracy
A weather station is only as good as it is accurate. This is why we calibrated each device and then put them through a five-day weather test — with the help of a few local weather stations. We monitored measurement accuracy with particular attention to the humidity, temperature, and wind readings. Additionally, we consider other measurements the stations offer, including barometric pressure and forecast.
After tallying up the results, the Ambient Weather WS-2000 and Ambient Weather WS-2902C. These stations recorded the most accurate data across the board. The manufacturer claims a small variation in accuracy, which is common. However, more often than not, the variation was not a factor in achieving precision.
This array sensor reported an incredible amount of data including the wind speed and direction.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Not far behind the Ambient Weather models are the Iris and Vantage Vue. Their sensor arrays proved their worth in accuracy as their data was almost as spot-on as the Ambient Weather with minimal variation. We feel all three would be a reliable source for localized weather.
Be Weary of Winter Weather
Certain types of weather, such as heavy snow, will affect the performance of station sensors. To display accurate readings, sensors will need to be cleared of snow, ice, and debris. It's best to choose your station location accordingly.
The ThermoPro performed remarkably well in recording temperature despite its nominal price and less enhanced sensor. Testing revealed the Netatmo and Newentor gave a decent performance in this category. We especially liked the Netatmo for reporting on outdoor humidity.
Consumer stations are not capable of handling especially nasty weather events such as snow.
Credit: Ross Patton
Durability
To assess durability, we examine how well each sensor and display are manufactured. We consider whether or not the sensors would stand up to inclement weather and if the consoles are likely to break.
The majority of sensors were on par. With the exception of the two Ambient Weather models, the Vantage Vue, and Iris, weather station sensors should be placed out of direct sunlight. We were particularly concerned with the Netatmo, as this device appeared to be more susceptible to malfunction should it be exposed to harsh conditions.
The Iris, Vantage Vue, Ambient Weather WS-2902C Osprey , and the Ambient Weather WS-2000 all require direct exposure to the elements. They feature solar panels that require sunlight for operation and rain gauges designed to collect rainwater for measurements. Additionally, the wind speed and direction instruments are built to withstand some abuse, and we found all three of these stations to be equally durable.
High end weather stations feature solar power and are durable enough to withstand the elements.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Along with the measurement instruments, we considered how well each display was likely to operate properly. Virtually all the displays are comparable, with the exception of the Vantage Vue and the AcuRite 02081M, which rank at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Vantage Vue is, without question, a hefty and rugged display; this makes it a good option for fieldwork or weekend exploring. Meanwhile, we were concerned the 02081M screen could experience malfunction more easily than other models due to the ripples that form if the screen is accidentally touched. Given the screen's design, we could see how some might mistake this for a touchscreen device when it most certainly is not.
A good weather station remains intact and operational even during high winds.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Ease of Use
The next factor we considered was the user experience. From sensor installation to reading the forecast, we weighed in on how easy each station was to use. To start, the majority of weather stations simply require popping a few batteries into the compact sensor and clicking a few setup buttons on the display console, like the C85845-1, 308-141B-INT, and 02081M.
Other options like the Ambient Weather models and the Iris took some more dedication. There are a few parts that require assembly to build the sensor. However, the Ambient models came with exceptionally helpful directions that made this process a breeze. Once the unit is mounted, taking in the data is exceptionally straightforward.
Some of the measurement instruments required assembly, but helpful directions made this process hassle-free.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Both Ambient Weather displays come pre-programmed and automatically connect to the sensor array. Once the setup process is completed, the Ambient user interface is well organized and readily displays a large amount of data that doesn't require endless clicking for information retrieval.
The Iris's display is similar to Ambient Weather's in terms of helpful organization and accessible data. We especially appreciate the navigation button panel on the Vantage Vue. While we quickly discovered that building this sensor was more tasking than others, the user interface made it all worthwhile.
Most of the weather station sensors were incredibly easy to setup. Just add batteries and find an outdoor spot.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Aesthetics
Nobody wants to stare at an eyesore in their home. This is why we assess the appearance of the displays. To score this metric, we use our expert panel of tech product judges to subjectively award points to their favorite models.
It's hard to top the tablet display of the Ambient Weather WS-2000. With an LCD screen, easy-to-use controls, and custom display settings, this device is definitely easy on the eyes in more ways than one. In our opinion, the Ambient Weather WS-2902C is also an attractive console, featuring alluring colors that aren't distracting and a display that isn't too bulky.
The WS-2000 LCD display is far superior to older digital models.
Credit: Ross Patton
Meanwhile, captivating graphics of the Iris pop without being too cartoonish or childish. We really liked the sleek design of the two La Crosse models, which could integrate seamlessly into many types of home decor. While the Netatmo doesn't have an actual display, the module is attractive, featuring a sophisticated appearance that isn't too showy.
The 308-141B-INT has everything you need to begin your quest of obtaining localized weather.
An efficient display is well organized and clearly labeled.
The colorful and oversized screen is easy to read.
The Vantage Vue is more of an acquired taste. Given the outdated look, the scientific model has a very professional appearance that some may not be so keen on. However, those who are nostalgic for old technology will probably dig this feature. The 02081M also has a very distinct, colorful display that may appeal to some more than others.
We love how the Iris weather ticker gives us updates along with the lightning report.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Features
In our last metric, we examine what features each product had to offer. What all the weather stations had in common was they could be used as a wireless device that collected temperature and humidity measurements.
However, some options certainly outshined the competition in this category. For example, the Ambient Weather models are capable of taking UVI and light readings. We appreciate their IFTTT capabilities that give us the option of linking to smart home devices. These two models can also send data to Weather Underground and Weather Cloud to help monitor the weather.
The Ambient Weather models come equipped with a rain gauge with a debris catcher.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
One of our favorite features of the Ambient Weather models is their branded smartphone app. The Ambient app allows you to view real-time data from other home weather stations on an interactive map, automatically generates graphs, and even has a social media page where you can share your photos and conditions with fellow enthusiasts.
The Ambient Weather app is a great place to view your data, other stations' data, and interact with other weather enthusiasts.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Ambient Weather WS-2000 tablet has a Micro SD slot that allows you to save data to be uploaded to a computer that is in a format that is ready to import to Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. This version also comes with a temperature, pressure, and humidity sensor that is separate from the tablet that also transmits to the tablet and the Ambient Weather app. We found this element to be especially useful because you can place this sensor in your utility room to ensure that temperatures are staying above freezing and pipes are staying thawed in those cold winter months — even if you're looking at the data on your phone from the tropics.
The WS-2000 tablet has a Micro SD memory card slot for exporting archived data.
Credit: Ross Patton
At 1000 feet, the Vantage Vue possesses an exceptionally long range while the graphs readily display weather trends. Meanwhile, the Iris can detect and report lightning up to 25 miles away. Watch the real-time weather ticker, and the display will alert you with a message when lightning is in the area. Additionally, Iris, Vantage Vue, and Ambient Weather all report on wind and rain, which no other models we tested offered. At least not without an additional purchase like the Netatmo. The Netatmo was unique in that it was the only weather station that operated via an app. The app was filled with an array of data and was useful in monitoring weather trends.
We found the screen to be visually pleasing and well organized.
Credit: Carissa Stanz
Conclusion
Weather stations are effective in obtaining accurate measurements of the weather in your exact location. Some models offer more data than others which may or may not pertain to your needs. This is why we tested a range of the best products. We hope you find our results useful in your quest for the best weather station.
