Best Weather Stations for Precise Weather Forecasts

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 27, 2024
People lost credit on weather forecasts because they often say wrong when it's most important. In order not to be misled, it's much better to use your own weather station. The best weather stations will provide you with plenty of useful features including wind speed, humidity, temperature conditions so that you can always be aware of all weather patterns in your region. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
MEASUREMENTS
FORECAST
ERROR
DATA TRANSFER
INDOOR CONSOLE
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
POWER SOURCE
WARRANTY
 
PROS

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.

CONS

It might be challenging to install and adjust Android settings. 

OUR VERDICT

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. 

detailed parameters
MEASUREMENTS

Outdoor temperature (Range -40 to 149 °F), Indoor temperature (Range 14 to 140 °F) and humidity, Solar radiation and UV, Barometric pressure, Wind speed, Wind direction, Rainfall

FORECAST

12 - 24 hours

ERROR

Temperature: ± 2°F; Humidity: ± 5%; Barometric Pressure: ± 0.08 inHg

DATA TRANSFER

Data transmission: RF - 915 MHz, router - 2.4 GHz

Transmission distance: up to 330 ft. (100 m)

INDOOR CONSOLE

LCD color screen shows all necessary weather information, calendar, and forecast

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Google Assistant and Alexa compatible, IFTTT connection, E-mail and text alerts

POWER SOURCE

5V DC Adaptor, 3 x AAA back up batteries 

WARRANTY

1 year limited

PROS

The customizable alerts always keep you informed about the weather. The information is updated on the display every 18 seconds, which is several times higher than at airports that usually only report data on an hourly basis. This way, you will always have the most up-to-date weather information.

CONS

The device loses data when the power goes out.

OUR VERDICT

The AcuRite 01535M is the most informative and precise weather station with indoor and outdoor units. The device will provide you with complete information about the weather, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, and so on. The HD screen is easy to read from any angle.

detailed parameters
MEASUREMENTS

Outdoor temperature (Range -40 to 158 °F), Indoor temperature (Range 32 to 122 °F), Humidity 1% to 99% (Indoor and outdoor), Wind speed (0 to 99 mph), 16 points wind direction indicators, Rainfall (0 to 393 in)

FORECAST

12 - 24 hours

ERROR

Temperature: ± 2 °F; Humidity: ± 3%

DATA TRANSFER

Wireless range is 330 ft. depending on home construction materials; Operating frequency  is 433 MHz

INDOOR CONSOLE

LCD color screen shows all measured data plus calendar, time, weather forecast, feels like temperature, dew point, moon phase, high and low records in charted dashboards

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Custom alerts, Device mounting bracket, Mounting hardware included, Display supports add-on Lightning Detector (sold separately)

POWER SOURCE

Indoor display (5V, 1000mA, AC adapter included), Outdoor device (4 x AA alkaline or lithium batteries)

WARRANTY

1 year limited

PROS

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. 

CONS

Temperature error is somewhat high.

OUR VERDICT

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 that can work under a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions is your best choice.

detailed parameters
MEASUREMENTS

Outdoor temperature (Range -40 to 140 °F), Indoor Temperature (Range 32 to 122 °F), and Humidity, 12/24 Hour Atomic time, Heat index and dew point

FORECAST

12 - 24 hours

ERROR

Temperature: ± 5-7°F

DATA TRANSFER

Transmission range: up to 300 ft. (100 m)

INDOOR CONSOLE

LCD color screen shows all necessary weather information, calendar, and forecast

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

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

POWER SOURCE

Digital display - 5.0V AC adapter or 3 AAA alkaline batteries

Sensor - 2 AA batteries

WARRANTY

1 year limited

PROS
Animated weather icons improve data visualization. Moreover, you can save energy by changing display backlight settings.
CONS
To get an accurate weather forecast, you might need to calibrate the device during first 3-4 weeks.
OUR VERDICT

The La Crosse weather station is a smart device that will look part of any modern appartment or house. The full color screen has generous viewing angles, making it easy to read, and the whole set-up takes no more than a couple minutes. 

detailed parameters
MEASUREMENTS

Indoor temperature (Range 32 to 122 °F), Outdoor temperature (Range -40 to 140 °F) and humidity, Heat index/Dew point

FORECAST
Real-time
ERROR

2 ºF-5 ºF (1.1 °C - 2.7 °C), Humidity: 10%

DATA TRANSFER

Data transmission: 433 MHz

Transmission distance: up to 300 ft. (91 m)

INDOOR CONSOLE

Indoor unit has an LCD screen which shows calendar, temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, alarm buttons, alerts and forecast (sunny, partly sunny, cloudy, rainy, stormy, and snowy)

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Max and min temperature record, Automatic time settings in accordance with your time zone
POWER SOURCE

Outdoor sensor - 2 x AA batteries,

LCD screen - 3 x AAA batteries (or AC adapter)

WARRANTY
1 year
PROS

The outdoor sensor collects data every 16 seconds, and you receive a report on the indoor unit every 30 seconds, which indicates the high relevance of the displayed measurements.

CONS

Batteries run out pretty quickly.

OUR VERDICT

The AcuRite 00829 is an affordable weather station that includes all the necessary functions and features. It will delight you with the patented Self-Calibrating Forecasting function, which automatically analyzes the weather data in your backyard and gives the most accurate forecasts.

detailed parameters
MEASUREMENTS

Indoor temperature (Range 32 - 122 °F), outdoor temperature (Range -40 to 140 °F), humidity (range 1% to 99%), moon phases, Barometric pressure with trend indicator

FORECAST

12 - 24 hours

ERROR

Temperature: ± 2°F, Humidity: ± 5%

DATA TRANSFER

Wireless transmission range 330 ft. (Signal: 433 MHz)

INDOOR CONSOLE

LCD screen displays all measured data plus 6-level weather forecast, heat index, date, time, Indicator for wireless sensor signal strength

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Daily high/low records, Intelli-Time clock & date (month/day), Automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time (DST), Manual calibration feature, Tabletop or wall-mountable design

POWER SOURCE

Indoor unit: 3 x AA (not included)

Outdoor sensor: 2 x AAA (not included)

WARRANTY

1 year limited

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Ambient Weather WS-2902A

Impressive Results

This Ambient Weather WS-2902A 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 get the exhaustive information about the weather and know what to expect during the next 12-24 hours, the WS-2902A is just what you need.

Just like the majority of weather stations, the Ambient Weather WS-2902A 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 area might not be enough for proper work of the device, 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.

Being a smart device, this professional weather station from Ambient can share data with different online weather services. For example, if you connect to the Wunderground service, you’ll be able to compare weather conditions from different corners of the world in a convenient format of graphs and charts. What is more, the Ambient station is IFTTT compatible and it means that you can connect to other weather websites to obtain the information you’re interested in.
Review of Ambient Weather WS-2902A WiFi Smart Weather Station

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 smart features for more convenient use. For example, it works with Google Assistant and supports Alexa, allowing you to receive the needed information about the weather conditions simply by asking your device.

Another way of finding out what the weather will be is by means of e-mails and text alerts. This option is handy, especially when you are not at home, making it possible for you to get informed/or inform others about the slightest changes in the weather so that they and you can be prepared for rain or snow. So, if you're looking for a smart appliance featuring a rich bundle of weather instruments and with some great smart features, the WS-2902 should be right up your alley.

Ambient Weather WS-2902A WiFi Smart Weather Station in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $179.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N5TEHLI

 

AcuRite 01535M

Accurate Readings From Your Home

You don’t need national forecasts when you have the AcuRite weather station at your home. It’s super accurate (as the name would suggest) and makes correct forecasts that are easy to read.

This station will provide you with real-time weather data in such aspects as: indoor/outdoor temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, pressure, rainfall totals, and more. You can easily check it against the official readings – and find out that it is really accurate. No need to suffer through countless ads or browse the web in search of a reliable weather site anymore.

Need a precise forecast for a BBQ party or a local weekend trip? Couldn’t be easier with the AcuRite. It offers a 12-hour personalized forecast, which will inform you of the weather conditions in your area. Rainfall or lightning, winter snow or summer heat, you’ll know it all and be able to actually plan in advance.

What’s more, you can always customize the various alerts from this system. Get notified about the adverse conditions or temp changes as they come – and never miss a thing. Note, however, that some of the alerts, like the lightning one, will stay on even after the weather event.

Review of AcuRite 01535M Iris (5-in-1) Weather Station with HD Display

Easy-to-Read Display

What really sets this weather station apart is the HD color display with big, clear numbers. You can read it from any angle – and not overstrain your eyes. The information will be updated every 18 seconds, which is really impressive compared to the hourly reports of local stations or airports. Amaze your family and neighbors with the most up-to-date weather readings they could get locally.

With that in mind, the display doesn’t have a battery backup. This means that the YTD info will be lost in case of a power outage. On the plus side, if your Internet/Wi-Fi goes down, you’ll still be able to monitor the weather conditions.

If you’d like to analyze the stats, this handy station lets you review the daily and monthly records on a convenient dashboard. Any weather nerd will find it absolutely amazing.

The AcuRite is extremely easy to set up. You’ve got all the equipment plus instructions and don’t need to be tech savvy. And if you do need to check out the local weather on the go, simply install an app and use it anywhere you want.

Overall, the AcuRite weather station is a quality solution to all of your weather reading needs.

AcuRite 01535M Iris (5-in-1) Weather Station with HD Display in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0721JT8SJ

 

La Crosse Technology C85845

Best Home Weather Station

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 can 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 weather 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.

Review of La Crosse Technology C85845 Weather Station

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.

La Crosse Technology C85845 Weather Station in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $40.91
Stock In stock
ASIN B071VKV4HJ

 

La Crosse 308-1414B Wireless

Eager Beaver

Among other things, the durability of the battery is the first thing that attracts attention about the La Crosse 308-1414B Wireless Forecast Station. It lasts about 24 months of non-stop use, which is quite impressive. Of course, it is not the main thing we usually check out when selecting a device like this, especially given that most weather stations can work off an outlet, but it's still nice to know that the battery here lasts longer than average and you can extend its life by decreasing the display brightness even more. And in case of a power outage or when the battery dies, the unit automatically sets the correct time and adjusts it to your time zone, ridding you of the need to do all that manually, which is handy if you value simplicity and practicality.

Review of La Crosse 308-1414B Wireless Weather Forecast Station with Alerts

In the Right Direction

What sets La Crosse from many rivals is that it focuses only on weather station production. As a result, all of their weather stations are high quality and provide highly accurate results. The La Crosse 308-1414B is not an exception. This model has a good-looking design, showing all readings on a big display that is easy to read in any light, and is very easy to use, so that even if you've never used a weather station before you will be able to figure it out in a short while. Furthermore, you have two options for installation - it can be either hung on a wall or rested on the base stand.

La Crosse 308-1414B Wireless Weather Forecast Station with Alerts in the use

Recommendation

To get the most accurate weather forecast, it's recommended to calibrate the weather station several times during the first 3-4 weeks of use. Also, for the outdoor module to be effective and to provide accurate results, the distance between the outdoor display and the indoor one should not be more than 300 feet.

Detailed review of La Crosse 308-1414B Wireless Weather Forecast Station with Alerts

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $45.88
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MUOIQ8W

VIDEO
La Crosse Technology Color Forecast Station Review
 

AcuRite 00829

Table-Top Weather Reports

Mornings can prove to be quite cramped as far as time goes. Waking up, getting ready for work, and eating breakfast often don’t leave much time for finding out any necessary information, including the local weather. But what if you had a display on your table that showed you all of the necessary weather information while you are eating breakfast? No doubt, most people would find that to be very convenient, and that’s exactly what you get with the AcuRite 00829 Digital Weather Station. This home weather station gives you a base that is made to easily sit on top of a table or another raised surface, letting you see your local weather conditions at a glance without having to dig to find the information.

Like most home weather stations, this system works by giving you a sensor to place in your backyard that measures the current weather conditions at your home, so you’re not relying on third party weather information from far away. The station gives you the weather forecast for the day, as well as readings for both the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, letting you be prepared for whatever weather the day may bring.
Review of AcuRite 00829 Digital Weather Station

Self-Calibrating Forecast

One of the neat things about this weather station is the self-calibrating forecast that is pulled from the weather data measured in your backyard. The unit will take the current readings and base its forecast on that, giving you a much more accurate reading than what you’ll get from other sources. The sensor transmits all weather data through an enhanced 433 Mhz signal, allowing the base to communicate with the sensor at any time even with thick walls between them.

There are plenty of other small features on this weather station that make its useability up there with the best of them. The base includes a large LCD display that shows you all of the weather data in large characters and clearly marked, so reading the measurements won’t be a problem. The unit even automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings Time, so you won’t have to worry about the unit giving you the wrong time. Best of all, though, is that this unit is very reasonably priced, especially for one of its capabilities, so you won’t have to spend a fortune just to get your own customized weather report.
AcuRite 00829 Digital Weather Station in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00GLDQH5W

 

Infographics

Comparison of Weather Stations for Precise Weather Forecasts

What Is a Weather Station?

If you've grown distrustful in TV and Internet weather forecasts, a weather station is a must-have for you. This appliance measures the atmospheric conditions to provide information regarding atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and precipitation amounts.

Weather stations consist of two parts: an indoor and outdoor modules. The former is mounted in the yard, whereas the latter, which shows the readings, is placed inside the house. Having a weather station will help you to save on water bills by alerting you to rainy days, and keep you prepared for it as well so that you can take your umbrella with you.

Forecast stations are often used in agriculture to monitor and create favorable conditions for the plant growth. They are a bit more sophisticated than standard models and often include additional weather instruments to measure soil temperature, water temperature, leaf wetness, ultraviolet index and other data.

In this review, we've gathered 5 best stations available on the market right now. Take a look at this selection and choose the one that caters to 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 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 433 MHz - 868 MHz. The highest rates enable good signal transfer within 1000-foot 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 the design of the chosen module matters and or is worth some extra money or not. Though, a high price doesn’t always stand for smart looks 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. Choosing a Weather Station – The Insider's Guide, eBay. July 10, 2014.

2. Buying Guide to Weather Stations, Argos.

3. Personal Weather Station Network, Weather Underground.

4. Kate Murphy A Guide to Personal Weather Stations, The New York Times. July 10, 2013.

5. Ed Oswald Best Home Weather Station: Which One Should be Your Personal Weatherman? TechHive. June 1, 2016.

6. Weather Station, Wikipedia. August 14, 2016.

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