By Jenn Ryan, Glenda Taylor
Updated on Jan 5, 2024 8:55 PM EST Sound Level Tester
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Home weather stations are highly convenient, tipping you off to temperature, rainfall, and other aspects of the elements before you venture outside. Typically, they are two-part devices, with an array of sensors that sit outside and a display that’s placed indoors.
Beyond those similarities, there are various types of home weather stations on the market, with many features to consider, so it can be challenging to choose the right one. To help consumers find the right product, we tested a variety of home weather stations—those that connect to popular online weather servers, such as Weather Underground, as well as those that work without a Wi-Fi connection.
We also interviewed broadcast meteorologist Cheryl Nelson, owner of Prepare With Cher, who gave her professional advice for these home devices. Some shoppers may be surprised to learn that there are gaps between official weather reporting stations. “There are numerous microclimates [across the US], meaning that the weather can vary—sometimes significantly—within a few miles of separate locations.” To solve this, an at-home weather station is able to fill those gaps to provide users with the best data for their immediate area.
Ahead, learn which features to look for when choosing a weather station and discover why the following products are well suited for a variety of weather-reporting tasks. Find out what our hands-on testing revealed, then weigh the pros and cons to choose the best home weather station for you.
Before testing, Nelson also gave us some expert advice on how to install a home weather station. To avoid inaccurate readings due to warmer air temperatures close to pavements/traffic, “don’t place them too low to the ground near the blacktop/pavement.” We kept this in mind during our hands-on testing.
To recommend the best home weather stations, we tested a host to find those that provided accurate data and lived up to manufacturers’ claims. We tried every function each weather station offered and awarded points based on performance, durability, and accuracy. To qualify the data, we compared it to a nearby official weather station and our own Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 weather station.
For models that record wind direction, we mounted the units outdoors and oriented them to true north using a survey compass. You could try doing this using a compass app on a smartphone, but we didn’t have much success with that method.
We went a step further with weather stations that feature Wi-Fi connectivity by syncing them to our wireless home network and then uploading the data to online weather services. For each unit, this required establishing an individual account with the service.
We noted the overall quality of the materials and tested the transmission distance. Most weather stations did not meet the manufacturer’s advertised distance, but one exceeded it. Still, we found the range of all models in this lineup adequate.
Manufacturer reputation was also considered. Davis Instruments weather stations are well known for their accuracy, and many are used by serious weather enthusiasts who upload data to the internet. But we also looked at smaller, less-known manufacturers who make high-quality units with a variety of weather-monitoring options.
To qualify for inclusion in this lineup of the best home weather stations, the following models had to be installed with relative ease. (Hooking up the Wi-Fi versions is more complex and requires a working knowledge of home networks and routers.) Each model had to be accurate and present data in an easy-to-access fashion. The following home weather stations run the gamut in price and features, but they all excelled in our hands-on tests, and each one is a standout in its own category.
For a home weather station that goes above and beyond, consider this Alexa-compatible model from Ambient Weather. In addition to the basics like temperature, date, time, and precipitation, the WS-2902C shows wind speed and direction, humidity, ultraviolet (UV) and solar radiation, heat index, windchill, and dew point on its easy-to-read LCD. Because it’s solar-powered with backup battery power (AAA batteries not included), you needn’t worry about losing power.
In terms of remote access, the WS-2902C can transmit data over the internet with Wi-Fi connectivity. The sensor has seven different points to measure the elements accurately (mounting pole not included).
The Ambient Weather’s user manual details every connection step. After assembling the sensor array outdoors, we powered up the indoor console and followed the directions to sync it to the array. We mounted the weather station on a pole, then manually set the date and time. This is a WiFi-compatible model, and it easily synced with our home wireless network.
To record accurate wind direction, we used a downloadable compass app to orient the weather station to true north. But when incorrect wind direction readings came in, we reoriented the array using a highly accurate surveying compass. After installing and configuring all the weather station’s features, we collected the data (wind speed, direction, and windchill) and compared it with the data from a nearby official weather station. The Ambient Weather array proved very close to the official station’s recordings.
We set up a temporary online account at Weather Underground and encountered no difficulties uploading the data to the web. In sum, we found that this weather station is straightforward to install (for someone with network knowledge), produces accurate weather data, and allows you to publish local weather data online.
Get the Ambient Weather home weather station atAmazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Those wanting a variety of accurate information from a compact home weather station will want to look into the 6250 Vantage Vue from Davis Instruments. This self-contained home weather station features a mountable integrated sensor similar to a
with a smaller LCD. It purports to wirelessly transmit data up to 1,000 feet and updates every 2.5 seconds for the most accurate readings.
In addition to measuring the temperature, this unit also displays humidity, barometric pressure, dew point, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall.It also shows the moon phases, sunset and sunrise times, forecast, and a graph of weather trends. Solar-powered with the ability to store energy for use when natural light is minimal, this home weather station is durable, easy to install, and has remote-access capabilities. Mounting hardware is included, but the mounting pole is sold separately.
In tests, the Vantage Vue was easy to set up, but it didn’t come with data logger software or the data collection hub necessary to publish data on an internet weather service. We already had the hub and software for the Vantage Pro2 Davis Instruments weather station (see below), so we used that to connect the Vantage Vue.
We tested the Vantage Vue on the road and at home. First, we mounted it to a magnetic automobile roof stand (not included) and attached it to the top of our vehicle. We kept the display console inside the car. In addition to Wi-Fi, the Vantage Vue communicates with its console via Bluetooth, so we drove around and monitored weather conditions in different locations. This is the type of setup used by
, and if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s tough to beat this weather array.
Back home, we synced the Vantage Vue to our Wi-Fi router via our Davis Instruments hub and aligned the station to true north using a surveying compass. We calibrated the rainfall collection cup following the step-by-step directions in the manual. After that, creating an account on Weather Underground and uploading the data to the internet was simple. When compared to the local weather data, the Vantage Vue weather data was nearly identical (a slight discrepancy is natural). This high-end personal weather station offers everything needed for the budding meteorologist.
Get the Davis Instruments Vantage Vue home weather station at Walmartor WeatherShack.
Those with large yards or multiple outdoor spaces to monitor should consider this home weather station from Newentor. With the ability to connect to three different outdoor sensors (only one is included), it can monitor temperature and weather conditions in multiple areas at once. Sensors should not be placed in direct sunlight or exposed to precipitation—under a protected eave is a good location.
This home weather station’s large, colorful, easy-to-read display shows both the outdoor and indoor temperature as well as
, time and date, moon phase, barometric pressure, and forecast. It offers a USB port for charging devices and the ability to customize alerts. The frost-alert function calculates temperature and humidity levels to predict when frost will occur.
Setting up the Newentor is quick and straightforward. We inserted two AA batteries into the outdoor sensor unit and plugged in the display console. Within seconds, the sensor was transmitting data. The Newentor transmission range is advertised as “up to 200 feet,” but in our tests, it exceeded that, and we could transmit data up to 220 feet. Its temperature and humidity readings were both accurate.
The unit also offers a weather forecast, but unlike some models that depend on GPS location to generate a prediction, the Newentor uses barometric pressure to forecast the coming 12 to 24 hours. Though not as accurate as a professional weather service, it’s pretty handy when prepping to be out for the day. This is an atomic model, yet the display recognized the time and date in just a few seconds, and once it did so, the moon phase popped up too. This is a simple but fun weather monitor for those who want accurate readings without the extra fuss of a wireless model.
Get the Newentor home weather station at Amazon or Newentor.
Measuring temperature, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and humidity, this solar-powered model uses a fan on the sensor to report on weather conditions throughout the day. Indoors, a colorful display shows the forecast, moon phase, and “feels like” temperature in addition to the actual outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and humidity. While this is not a complex Wi-Fi model and only monitors the basics, it lets you see historical data, including the highest and lowest temperatures for the previous week as well as a week of rainfall data. Unlike some stations, its sensor can be placed in direct sunlight, and it also features self-emptying cups to measure rainfall.
After inserting batteries in both the sensor array and the display console (eight AA batteries total, although an optional AC plug is included), we tested the Bluetooth range of the AcuRite Iris by having one person hold the array and walk away while the other person monitored the display. At just over 120 feet, the console stopped receiving a signal—hardly the 330 feet advertised but still a decent range.
We then mounted the AcuRite Iris and leveled it using the handy bubble level on the top. After orienting the array to true north using a surveying compass, we compared temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction data to that of the nearby official weather station, and the results were good.
One pesky downside to the AcuRite Iris is the undersized holes in the mounting base that accommodate very narrow screws, and since no screws came with the unit, a special trip to the hardware store was in order. All in all, however, this is a nice little Bluetooth weather station with an impressive enhanced display console.
Get the AcuRite Iris home weather station at Amazon, AcuRite, or Walmart.
This rugged system can withstand virtually any environment and report with great accuracy. The solar-powered wireless home weather station updates every 2.5 seconds to provide precise, up-to-date weather information. It measures both indoor and outdoor temperature as well as humidity, barometric pressure, wind, rain, dew point, heat index, and windchill. Additional sensors, including those for soil moisture and UV intensity, are sold separately. Like other arrays that monitor wind direction, the Vantage Pro2 must be set with a reliable compass.
We purchased and installed this weather station a few months prior to testing the others in this lineup and found that the Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 lives up to its reputation for accuracy. We mounted it on a permanent tower that we leveled and set in a concrete base to ensure the best results. We also purchased the corresponding hub and data-logging software to create an online weather account.
In the months since we installed the Vantage Pro2, it’s given us accurate readings, and we’re publishing data to several online weather services, including Weather Underground and Personal Weather Stations (PWS). Several months after installing this unit, however, we noticed a discrepancy in the rainfall data—and a quick inspection revealed that birds had been perching on the unit and leaving droppings in the rainfall collector! Our mistake, as we didn’t initially attach the included bird spikes. We removed and cleaned the unit, attached the bird-deterrent spikes, and have had no issues since.
The Vantage Pro2 has a truly impressive transmission range, advertised as being up to 1,000 feet. Ours is located just over 550 feet away (about 1/10 mile), and we receive a strong signal. This weather station is among the top choices for serious enthusiasts: It allows you to publish data online for friends and neighbors to see and stores historical weather data.
Get the Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 home weather station at Walmartor WeatherShack.
The Sainlogic wireless weather station accurately monitors weather conditions and transmits data using Bluetooth technology. While this weather station resembles models that feature Wi-Fi capability, the Sainlogic will not connect to a home network, so data cannot be uploaded to an online weather service. However, for a Bluetooth-only array, the Sainlogic is accurate and comes with multiple sensors that monitor outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, wind speed and direction, rainfall accumulation, and barometric pressure.
We checked the transmission range of the array and found it could accurately transmit data just over a 250-foot distance. We mounted the station and used a surveying compass to orient it to true north. The Sainlogic uses a traditional anemometer and
to measure wind, and its data was comparable to the data of our larger weather station.
The display console is atomic; we just plugged it in, and it quickly lit up and displayed the correct time, indoor temperature, humidity, and moon phase. After a few minutes, it registered wind speed and direction. The console offers multiple functions, including programming alerts for wind gusts, dew point, temperature, and humidity. The alarm is loud, but at just 5 inches long by 4 inches wide, the display is difficult to see from across the room.
Get the Sainlogic home weather station at Amazon or Sainlogic.
Right out of the box, the WeatherFlow Tempest was impressive. While the other WiFi-capable weather stations we tested use a weather vane or an anemometer, the Tempest’s advanced design incorporates those features right into its cutting-edge cylindrical array. It has no moving parts whatsoever, so at first, we thought it wouldn’t be capable of accurately measuring rainfall. We were wrong.
The Tempest uses a haptic rain sensor that measures rainfall by vibration rather than volume. The instruction manual suggests comparing rainfall totals with another nearby gauge, so we used our Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 (see above) as the comparison model. We compared the Tempest rain data to our Vantage Pro2. The Pro2 reported 0.24 inches, and the Tempest reported 0.22 inches, which is very close. However, the manufacturer warns that high wind speeds can skew rainfall readings.
Like other Wi-Fi arrays that measure wind direction, the Tempest must be oriented to true north. WeatherFlow simplifies the process by putting an arrow on the side of the unit, and we set it with a survey compass. It uses an ultrasonic anemometer to detect and measure wind speed.
The Tempest differs from other weather stations in that it comes with additional sensors that detect nearby lightning strikes, UV ray intensity, and ambient light intensity. This unit does not come with an indoor display console, however, and we had to download the manufacturer’s app to set up the array and sync it with our smartphone and wireless router. The app quickly walked us through the steps, and we experienced no glitches.
We followed the app’s instructions to connect the Tempest to Alexa, after which we were able to use voice commands, such as “Alexa, ask WeatherFlow: What is the wind speed?” You can also upload and publish the Tempest’s data to online weather services, and we connected it to Weather Underground with ease. The Tempest is just the ticket for those who enjoy devices with advanced innovative technology.
Get the WeatherFlow home weather station at Amazon or WeatherFlow.
We tested the Lily’s Home analog model and found that while it lacks digital precision, it has a unique charm and practicality. This completely manual weather station comes with an analog barometer, hygrometer, and Galileo thermometer, named after the famed Italian physicist Galileo Galilei.
To test the accuracy of the analog dials, we calibrated the barometer to match our Davis Vantage Pro2 and checked the reading three times a day. The barometer was consistently accurate. We also tested the hygrometer by comparing it to our Davis Vantage Pro2. We found it slightly less precise, running about 0.5 to 1 point lower, which we thought was still acceptable for an analog dial.
To test the Galileo thermometer, we first had to learn how to read it. The thermometer features a glass cylinder with clear liquid and several small glass bulbs with brass tags and temperature readings. Each bulb has a different density, and the bulbs rise and fall as the temperature changes. The lowest floating bulb(s) in the cylinder indicates the temperature in the room; the tags represent 64, 68, 72, 76, and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
We moved the Lily weather station to a cool basement where a digital thermometer we used for comparison registered 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Within minutes, the bulbs floated to the top of the cylinder, indicating the temperature in the room was less than the lowest floating bulb—less than 64 degrees Fahrenheit. We then directed warm air from a hair dryer on the glass cylinder, and all the bulbs sank to the bottom of the dial, indicating the temperature was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using the air conditioning, we set the temperature in the room to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and then read the Galileo thermometer. The 68 and 72 bulbs floated near one another, indicating the temperature in the room was between the two—70 degrees Fahrenheit. That reading was spot-on, but as we continued testing, we found the Galileo thermometer readings were typically between 1 and 3 degrees Fahrenheit off, with most of the discrepancy occurring at the higher end of the temperature scale. We were still impressed with the accuracy of the Galileo thermometer, given that it is a technology that’s been around for centuries.
Overall, we think the Lily weather station would make an excellent educational tool for kids or anyone interested in learning about fluid dynamics and thermodynamic principles. In addition to its practicality, it is visually attractive and adds character to any room.
Get the Lily’s Home weather station at Amazon or Bits and Pieces.
Trying to decipher the numbers and symbols on standard weather station displays can be challenging for small children—but images of a friend standing in the sunshine,
, or bundled up with snowflakes flying make the What-to-Wear station pretty easy to understand. The display features the image of a boy in attire that changes to accompany the weather symbols, making it easy for little ones to figure out how to dress before going outdoors.
We inserted two AA batteries in the display unit and two more in the remote sensor, then checked the temperature and humidity levels against our Davis Vantage Pro2. When located in the same vicinity as the Davis model, the outdoor temperature registered the same temperature. However, the humidity was way off, and we set out to find out why. As it turned out, the unit only reads indoor moisture, and we’d been running the air conditioning, which lowered the humidity indoors. When we took the display unit outside, the humidity level read just one degree Fahrenheit off the Davis’ humidity reading.
Setting up this whimsical weather station was simple; it features a Set button on the back, along with two scroll buttons so we could select the date and time. We allowed the unit to sit for two days to calibrate, which is recommended by the manufacturer. Then, we performed multiple temperature tests by putting the sensor unit on the south side of a sunny building where it would get reflected heat and in the deep freeze to cool down. The image of the boy and the weather around him changed accordingly—when the sensor was cold, the little boy donned long pants, a coat and hat, and a scarf around his face. When the temp was hot, he wore shorts and a T-shirt.
The display doesn’t list a barometric pressure reading, though the changing image of the boy indicates the display unit is reading barometric pressure. During our tests, the weather was pretty dry and warm, but on one stormy day, the display showed a dark thundercloud that flashed—a sign of severe thunderstorms. This is a cute little weather station designed for kids, but even as adults, we thought it was fun to see our weather friend’s clothing change.
Get the AcuRite What-to-Wear home weather station at Amazonor Jack’s Country Store.
If you’re looking for a high-quality weather station that is both reliable and easy to use, the AcuRite Notos 3-in-1 weather station with a color digital display is worth considering. This is not a Wi-Fi-connected model, but it offers many of the same readings, including outdoor temperature and humidity, indoor temperature and humidity, wind speed, and even the outdoor heat index or windchill temp.
Invest in a large pack of AA batteries because the weather station takes four, and the display unit uses two, which are not included. We found the color display easy to read, providing a clear overview of the current weather conditions and a forecast based on internal barometric pressure readings.
This is a self-calibrating unit, but for the sensor to communicate with the base display, we had to set interior switches in the sensor and the display to the same setting. We could choose from A, B, or C—as long as we chose the same on both. We tried all three, and the strength of the signal didn’t seem to depend on which we chose.
After powering on both the sensor and the display, it took about an hour for some of the readings to appear on the screen. Full calibration took 14 days, so we waited until then to test the wind speed and temperature accuracy against the Davis Vantage Pro2. The wind speed reading on the Notos was slightly low, but that could be partially due to the Notos being mounted on a pole about 5 feet high while the Vantage Pro is mounted on a tower more than 25 feet tall. The temperature readings were very close every time we checked them.
One of our favorite features was the what-it-feels-like reading, which is often a better gauge of what it’s like outdoors than the firm temp number. Other fun features include a wind speed history showing the day’s lowest wind speed, plus the highest peak gust, and a moon cycle display. The display also offers a forecast based on barometric pressure and whether it’s falling or rising.
We could get readings between the display and the sensor up to 250 feet apart. Any farther than that, and the numbers disappeared from the display. All in all, this is a nice little weather station—a midrange model for someone who wants accurate readings but isn’t interested in a Wi-Fi model. The only downside for us was the lack of rainfall readings. Those who live in a dry climate might not even miss that feature.
Get the AcuRite Notos home weather station at Amazon, The Home Depot,Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Tractor Supply Co., or AcuRite.
If you want to know the recent rainfall total in your garden or whether you should grab a warmer jacket before heading out for the day, a home weather station can quickly and accurately give you information to help you plan your day’s activities. When shopping for one, keep in mind the power source, functions, accuracy, display, and other considerations, all detailed below.
A home weather station’s power source is essential for its function. Many are wireless, running on solar or battery power, which lets you place the station virtually anywhere without the need for a nearby electrical outlet. Solar-powered units (which typically have a backup battery as well) absorb and transform sunlight into power to run the weather station while charging the backup batteries. Most solar-powered weather stations don’t require high levels of direct sunlight, but they do need some, so select a spot in the yard where the unit will receive an average of 2 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.
While nearly all home weather stations report temperature, precipitation, and humidity, some have extra features that detail the heat index, windchill, moon phase, solar radiation, and sunrise/sunset times. Consider your priorities to determine if these readings would be worth knowing—and paying for.
Several factors can influence the accuracy of a home weather station, including the placement of the device and how often it takes measurements throughout the day. A home weather station’s materials and construction can also affect its accuracy. For instance, some models with plastic-covered sensors tend to overheat and give false readings, while those with a protective shield or fan help mitigate inaccuracy. Once you choose a home weather station, make sure to follow setup instructions specific to the product to ensure the readings will be as accurate as possible.
The display on a home weather station should provide at-a-glance information that’s easy to read and manage. Consider the size of the display console: Will household members require a larger display for easy readability, or would you prefer something more compact or discreet?
Home weather stations employ a variety of sensors—small devices that detect and measure weather conditions—such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and UV intensity. These sensors, which vary from unit to unit, are located on the part of the weather station that’s kept outdoors, which is generally known as the “array.” The array’s sensor range indicates how far the sensors can transmit data to a receiving unit, such as a display console, hub, or wireless router.The average sensor range is about 100 feet, but some models can deliver accurate readings from 300 or even 1,000 feet away.
Weather station manufacturers typically denote their product’s sensor range from the array to the receiving unit without making allowances for objects between the two points, such as walls or trees. The actual sensor range can vary depending on the number of objects that lie between the two points. For example, a weather station with a sensor range of 300 feet may only be able to transmit data up to 100 feet if multiple walls, trees, and hedges lie between the array and the receiving unit.
Remote access enables you to view weather station readings from anywhere via smartphone, tablet, or computer. Depending on the unit, it may also allow you to view current and previous weather data, along with any alerts. Typically, this is done through a brand-specific app. Remote access doesn’t come standard on all home weather stations, so check the product information if this feature is important to you.
In addition to remote access, consider compatibility with smart-home technology such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and other programs and apps to access weather information remotely or by using voice commands. Syncing with an app and a home wireless network lets you access weather station data via a smartphone—very convenient when at work, on vacation, or otherwise away from home. This technology can also be useful if you have additional smart-home appliances, such as a furnace that can be turned on remotely if the outdoor temperature is dropping.
Some home weather stations sync with online weather services, such as PWS and Weather Underground. Some enjoy being part of an online community of weather enthusiasts and enjoy the ability to collect weather data and upload it to the internet for others to see.
For others, the benefit is more practical. Farmers can pull up these online weather services to check nearby weather stations and find out how much rain fell overnight or how hard the wind is blowing. For still others, such as family members who live out of state, being able to check on the weather conditions where their loved ones live can be reassuring.
To connect to an online weather service, you must have a wireless home network; once connected, data from your weather station can be uploaded and viewed online.
Keep the following info in mind when choosing and setting up a home weather station for consistent, long-lasting results:
Want more info about the best home weather station for you? Some of the most frequently asked questions about these helpful and convenient devices are answered here.
Weather stations connect to an outside sensor that comes with the model to measure temperature, rainfall, wind speed, humidity, and in some cases much more. They give you the ability to know the weather at your particular location before heading outside.
When set up properly and placed in an appropriate location, weather stations are fairly accurate. Always follow the instructions for placing the sensors with the particular product you buy.
Set up the sensor (also known as the array, with multiple sensors) and then set up the indoor display. Each model requires a slightly different setup, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
This depends on the model; some have only a 2-year warranty, while others can last for up to 20 years.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Jenn Ryan.
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