It's possible to check weather information from any gadget, be it a smartphone, tablet, or PC. You can also get e-mail or text messages when the weather is about to change.
The connection can break if weather conditions are bad.
The name of the AcuRite company stands for quality, and this model from the world-renowned brand will meet the needs of the most demanding users.
Temperature, Humidity, Rain, Wind speed, Wind direction
12 - 24 hours
± 2 °F,
Hum. 3-5%
Data transmission: 433 MHz
Transmission distance: up to 330 ft (100 m)
LCD display shows all necessary weather information, time, and date
Amazon Alexa compatible, Phone notifications, Sharable weather information, Can track up to 7 AcuRite devices at a time
5V power adapter, 3 AA alkaline batteries
1-year limited
The Ambient station can analyze and display 10 weather measurements compared to its rival that can handle 5-7. Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility adds to the usability of the device.
It might be challenging to install and adjust Android settings.
This weather station will allow you to learn more about the weather and discover a lot of things besides the temperature and humidity. The fact that it can also be used for measuring dew point and heat index makes it an attractive choice even for professional users.
Outdoor temperature and humidity, Wind speed, Wind direction, Rainfall, Solar radiation and UV, Barometric pressure
12 - 24 hours
± 2 °F,
Hum. 5%
Data transmission: RF - 915 MHz, router - 2.4 GHz
Transmission distance: up to 330 ft (100 m)
LCD color display shows all necessary weather information, calendar, and forecast
Google Assistant and Alexa compatible, IFTTT connection, E-mail and text alerts
5V DC Adaptor, 3 x AAA back up batteries
1-year limited
Installation of the La Cross station is the easiest thing ever. Moreover, the manufacturer has included all batteries and cords in the box so you don't need to buy anything else.
Temperature error is somewhat high.
If you're looking for a functional device that would display all needed information regarding the weather and could be used in any region of the USA, the C85845 forecast station which can work under a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions is your best choice.
Indoor/outdoor temperature (°F/°C), Indoor/outdoor humidity, 12/24-hour atomic time, Heat index, Dew point
12 - 24 hours
± 5-7 °F
Transmission range: up to 300 ft (100 m)
LCD color display shows all necessary weather information, calendar, and forecast
Automatic daylight savings time resets (ON/OFF option), Seven USA time zones (Atlantic to Hawaiian), 12/24 hour time mode, Signal strength, Low battery indicator
Digital display - 5.0V AC adapter or 3 AAA alkaline batteries,
Sensor - 2 AA batteries
1-year limited
This forecast station allows monitoring weather conditions not only on LCD display but also PC, tablet and smartphone.
± 2-5 °F,
Hum. 10%
Data transmission: 433 MHz
Transmission distance: up to 330 ft (100 m)
The gadget has one of the slightest errors among the models represented on the market, so you'll have the maximum precise results. This station can predict the 7-day weather forecast.
No display included. The console works only with gadgets.
Precise and stylish, the Netatmo weather station is the best choice for people looking for the functionality and usability in one device.
Indoor/outdoor temperature, Humidity, Air quality, Indoor noise levels, Barometric pressure
7 days
± 0.54°F,
Hum. 3%
Transmission distance: 330 ft (100 m)
Innovative cylindrical console without a display that transmits all information to your smartphone
IFTTT compatible, Smartphone notifications, PC access, Saves history
Mains, 2 AAA batteries
1-year limited
AcuRite 01012M
For Those who Look for Quality
Being one of the world-renowned companies that produce high-quality weather stations, AcuRite knows what their customers all over the world need, and its 01012M model is a great example of that. This device consists of PRO+ 5-in-1 outdoor weather sensor, AcuRite Access module, and a display for convenient readouts. Having slight error of only 2°F for temperature and 3-5% for humidity, the AcuRite station is what you need to measure temperature, humidity, rain, wind speed, and wind direction with the maximum precision. Once you get the box, you’ll find all the necessary things for effortless setup and usage including three main units we’ve just mentioned, plus, a mounting bracket, mounting hardware, Ethernet cable, power adapters, tabletop stand, quick start guide, and instruction manual.
Read Weather Results Conveniently
It’s unlikely that you think of the operating principle of a weather station you’re going to buy. What’s more important for you is how convenient it is to read weather measurements, and with the AcuRite weather station, it is the easiest thing ever. The first thing that makes data reading a simpler process is that all the information you need is accessible from any gadget, be it your smartphone, tablet, or PC. Just install the AcuRite application or sign in on the manufacturer’s site, and you’ll be able to track the weather wherever and whenever you want. One more thing that provides remote monitoring of weather conditions in your backyard is e-mail and text alerts. For example, if the weather is going to change and rain, flood, strong wind, or rise/fall in temperature or humidity is expected, you’ll be informed in advance.
Additional Info
Ambient Weather WS-2902
Impressive Results
This Ambient weather station is a 10-in-1 model that can measure outdoor temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation and UV, rainfall, barometric pressure, dew point, wind chill, and heat index. Quite an impressive number of measurements, isn’t it? So, if you want to know the maximum information about the weather in your backyard for the nearest 12-24 hours, this device is just what you need. Just like the majority of weather stations, this one consists of an outdoor sensor and indoor display. The outdoor sensor is equipped with solar panels that provide flawless operation of the device under any weather conditions. However, if you’re afraid that the amount of solar light in your region might not be enough for proper work of the Ambient station, you can use 2 AA batteries (not included) for backup power. As for the indoor display, it is bright and colorful and ensures effortless data readouts.
Smarter Than You Think
In addition to a great range of weather measurements and the ability to trace them via different Internet services, the Ambient weather station is equipped with more smart options for more convenient usage. For example, it works with Google Assistant that gives you a chance to know about current weather conditions by asking your gadget about indoor/outdoor weather. One more application compatible with this device is Alexa that gives you the same opportunities as Google Assistant. Thus, you can choose the app you like best to learn about the weather in the most convenient way.
Additional Info
La Cross Technology C85845
Wallet-Friendly Weather Predictor
Are you looking for a good weather station to measure indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity that will not cost you a fortune? Then, this LaCross Technology is worth your consideration. Just like the majority of the devices of the type, this station is an outdoor sensor and indoor display that can work at the maximum distance of 300 feet so keep it in mind when you set the device. One more thing you want to know before installing this La Cross weather station is its power source. The display is powered by an included AC adapter but you can also use 3 AAA alkaline batteries for backup while the outdoor sensor needs 2 AA batteries for proper operation.
Once you install your weather station, you’ll be able to track temperature and humidity indoors/outdoors as well as watch the time/date, learn about dew point and heat index. All these measurements are shown on the display placed in your room. The display is also equipped with control buttons on the upper panel so that you could switch between alerts, alarms, and temperature information effortlessly. You can also adjust the brightness as well as other settings with these buttons.
As for the range of measurements the La Cross station can handle, the device operates properly within +32°F to +122°F/10% to 99% RH indoors and -40°F to +140°F/ 10% to 99% RH outdoors. Thus, this device can be used in any American state as well as other countries with suitable climate.
Effortless Installation
Installing your new La Cross weather station is a hassle-free and even intuitively simple process, yet we’d like to describe it in a couple of words. Here are several steps you should take to provide proper operation of your station:
- Insert batteries (included) into the outdoor sensor and the display. Don’t forget to check the polarity. Insert the AC cord into the display and the socket.
- Set preferable language, time, and date. To do it, use the "SET" button on the upper panel of the display.
- Place the outdoor sensor in a shaded place no further than 300 feet from the indoor display.
These are the main steps you want to take to ensure proper functioning of the La Cross device. If you want to use the maximum number of options this weather station can provide, check the user’s guide and adjust the station to your needs.
Additional Info
AcuRite 01036 Pro
Insight into the Future
You must admit that the main function of any weather forecast station is to predict weather conditions. AcuRite 01036 Pro Station will deal with this task successfully. This weather station can provide data on weather conditions in real-time and on a 12-24 time scale, so you can take full control over all your activities and make the right things at the right time. Isn’t handy? By the way, you can look up current and future weather conditions online via an app on your smartphone. To do so, download Acu-Link application for iOS or Android.
AcuRite Accuracy
Accuracy is the second name of the AcuRite brand and not without a reason. Throughout the years, the company’s main focus was quartz watches with atom copies come in the stead. These innovative watches are still in the market and in great demand, for their accuracy is hard to beat. They can tell you the time precise to the second. And it was just recently when AcuRite started to produce weather stations. AcuRite products don’t need advertising and have trust of the clients worldwide. If you seek for a unit to deliver accurate measurements, install AcuRite 01036 Pro in your yard and know exactly what the weather is like out there without looking out of window.
Need to Know
To get the most accurate weather forecast, you should follow some easy rules. Avoid installing the weather station near the items emitting heat (air conditioners, fans, smokestacks, asphalt and cement surfaces). Make sure that the station is placed far from a swimming pool or another water reservoir. Better if the station is set in the open air where it can take exact temperature, humidity, wind speed, etc. readings with no chance to fail.
Additional Info
Netatmo NWS01
Futuristic Helper
Once you take a look at this weather station from Netatmo, you’ll notice that its design differs from the majority of its rivals. This device consists of two cylindrical modules made of aluminum. This material not only adds elegance to their look allowing you to place them in any interior but also provides great durability for outdoor use.
As for the functions of this model, you won’t get disappointed. Place one of the modules in your room to know indoor temperature, humidity, and noise level. Moreover, with the indoor module, you’ll be able to control the quality of air in your room. The device is equipped with a CO2 sensor that checks how polluted the air indoors is and reminds you when it’s time to air your room. Speaking about the outdoor module, it can tell you the temperature and humidity in the street, air quality outside, and barometric pressure. One more advantage of this home weather station is its forecast option. Unlike the majority of other models that can predict the weather for the nearest 24 hours, the Netatmo device is programmed to show 7-day forecast so that you could plan your week in advance.
Installing the Netatmo station is easy. The indoor module is powered by a USB wall adaptor, while outdoor unit needs 2 AAA batteries to operate. With the user in mind, the manufacturer of this station has included all accessories in the box. All you need to make your weather station work in your environment is Wi-Fi connection and to download a Netatmo application on your gadget. Although some users might find it inconvenient that this weather station doesn’t have an LCD display, it is still easy to monitor necessary weather data from your smartphone. You can track weather changes via the Netatmo application or Amazon Alexa. Thanks to the latest option, you just need to ask your gadget to show you the information you’re interested in and it will appear on the display of your smartphone.
Unrivalled Accuracy
What we liked about this weather station is its accuracy. It features the slightest possibility of error. It’s only 0.54°F for indoor/outdoor temperature and 3% for humidity, thus, you can be sure that you always get the right measurements. Besides, all the weather information is updated every 5 minutes that adds to the accuracy of the Netatmo device.
Additional Info
Infographics
What Is a Weather Station?
A weather station is a lucky find for those who've grown distrustful in TV and Internet weather forecasts. Weather stations are made out of two parts - indoor and outdoor modules where the first one is mounted in the yard and the other with readouts inside your house. If you’d like to be aware of a slight change in the weather, you need a weather station. Besides, most modern facilities have a broad set of instruments to take measurements of humidity and other atmospheric conditions important for your well-being. Forecast stations are also often used in agriculture to monitor and create the best conditions for plant growth. In this review, we've picked the 5 best stations represented on the market. Have a look at these models and choose the one that meets your requirements.
In addition to a weather station, you may want to consider getting yourself a hygrometer, a handy device designed to measure the level of humidity in the atmosphere. Aside from home use, hygrometers are often used for measuring the level of humidity in humidors, saunas, and industrial places.
What Features to Compare
Measurements
There’s a wide range of weather stations available with different options to suit your specific requirements and activities. Most modern units give detailed insight on most weather aspects including information on rainfalls, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction and humidity level. Besides, most of recent models can sense the weather in real-time, providing accurate readings for different occasions. Now whenever you go outside, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Data Transmission
Data transfer from outside to inside modules equals to signal frequency which makes 433MHz - 868MHz. The highest rates enable good signal transfer within 1000 feet range while weaker 433 MHz frequency shows great performance in the areas no bigger than 330 feet. Consider the error in temperature and humidity measurements to be able to read them more accurately. The error in temperature usually equals 2-5 degree, humidity level may differ by 10%. For your comfort, weather stations have the screens for clear readouts. Some are rather plain and mono while others are backlit and stylized to decorate your interior. Here you need to decide whether design of the chosen module matters and worth some extra money or not. Though, high price doesn’t always stand for smart look only and more often than not refers to enhanced usability and additional functions.
Additional Functions
Weather station manufacturers develop additional features for your convenience so you can not only monitor the weather but also use and adjust your device easily.
- The majority of models can store historical information about weather conditions. This function lets you see what the weather was like yesterday, 2 days, a month or even a year ago.
- Recent stations have the function to transfer all readings to your PC so you can read them from there on a bigger screen. This way you will also save some space in your weather station’s memory.
- Some models can record the maximum and minimum measurements. Thus, you’ll be able to use this data for some research or for your personal interest.
- Automatic time setting is a useful option if you often travel and take forecast station with you. Devices which support this function set the time depending on a time zone.
Sources:
1. How do I Select my Preferred Weather Station? Rachio. August 11, 2016.
2. Choosing a Weather Station – The Insider's Guide, eBay. July 10, 2014.
3. Buying Guide to Weather Stations, Argos.
4. Personal Weather Station Network, Weather Underground.
5. Kate Murphy A Guide to Personal Weather Stations, The New York Times. July 10, 2013.
6. Weather Stations Review, TopTenReviews.
7. Ed Oswald Best Home Weather Station: Which One Should be Your Personal Weatherman? TechHive. June 1, 2016.
8. Weather Station, Wikipedia. August 14, 2016.
