La Crosse TechnologyFounded in 1985, La Crosse Technology is one of the world's leading producers of high-tech consumer electronics products including radio-controlled clocks, wireless weather stations and other measurement devices. A multinational company with a small-town philosophy of servicing customers to the highest level, La Crosse introduced radio-controlled clocks to the United States market in 1991 and continue to be on the cutting edge of this technology in America. Many of their weather instruments and clocks are calibrated daily to the atomic time standard of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Radio-controlled clocks never need resetting, they are calibrated daily by a radio signal sent from Fort Collins, Colorado, updating the device to within one second of official government time. La Crosse wireless weather stations feature state-of-the-art technology, providing accurate and reliable data on wind velocity and direction, indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, rainfall amounts and atmospheric pressure. La Crosse Technology also offers a line of specialty products including rain gauges, hand-held wind meters and much more.
The weather plays a significant role in our lives every day. With the rise of smartphones and weather apps, it’s become easier than ever to check an app for a report on the conditions outside.
There’s one big problem with these apps—they're not always right.Often the weather reports you see in a weather app are from stations miles away from your location. Consequently, there can be significant discrepancies in these reports compared to the actual conditions around you. This is why you should consider a home weather station.The best home weather stations will do what smartphone apps cannot. They'll tell you exactly what the weather’s doing at your own home, farm, school or business in real-time by measuring atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction. They can also connect to the Internet, so you can monitor your weather conditions from anywhere and share your findings with other weather enthusiasts.Here, we’ll talk about what makes a good personal weather station, and what you need to know before purchasing one. We’ll also make recommendations based on different types of uses and budgets.
The best weather stations will withstand the elements to provide many years of service. However, you will need to make sure that you only purchase a reliable unit from one of the leading manufacturers and avoid the cheaper imitations that simply won't last. There’s a lot of options out there, so if you’re searching for the best home weather station reviews, you’ve come to the right place.Stop depending on that limited weather app and discover what the weather's really doing outside with a fully-fledged home weather system.Below we have listed the top rated weather stations on the market in our comparison chart, but if you’re in a rush, here’s our standout pick as the best weather station overall.
About La Crosse View The all new La Crosse View app from La Crosse Technology, provides a world class, weather app experience. The app works by connecting to one of our new La Crosse View Ready Personal Weather Stations, connecting you to your home anytime, anywhere. Shop our selection of La Crosse Technology, Weather Stations in the Outdoors Department at The Home Depot. La Crosse Technology - Weather Stations - Outdoor Decor - The Home Depot Store Finder.
Chosen for its affordability and performance advantage—we recommend the. The best home weather stations (also called personal weather stations or PWS for short) generally offer the same features, namely a core set of weather observation instruments and typically a console or application of some kind to view, store and share data. Let’s take a look at the factors you need to consider and the features you need to look for when buying a station. PurposeThe biggest consideration is what you need your personal weather station for. Are you looking for something basic just to get an idea of the weather in your backyard? An outdoorsman (or woman) wanting to know the weather while on the trail?
Are you a farmer or gardener looking to monitor weather conditions to make sure your crops are growing in an optimal environment? Or are you a weather enthusiast that wants to track the weather closer and compare your observations to others nearby? This all matters in deciding which station you need.At a minimum, you'll want a weather station that provides the following. Ambient Weather's WS-1002-WIFI OBSERVER includes all of the essential instruments and more.Home weather stations will sometimes come with other features, but for most they’re unnecessary. If you’re outdoors often, stations that measure UV index, solar radiation or can sense nearby lightning are useful. Gardeners and farmers might find an integrated soil moisture and temperature sensor worthwhile, while pool owners may want a water temperature sensor to monitor when it’s best to go for a swim.If you just need to monitor the temperature and humidity inside your home, then you might want to consider using a with remote monitoring capabilities or a.If you’re looking at a handheld unit, you’ll want temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure at a minimum.
These will also give you an altimeter reading (your height above sea level) too, which is ideal for hiking and climbing. AccuracyAnother important feature is accuracy, as a personal weather station is no good if it incorrectly measures weather conditions. Now is also a good time to mention that you will get what you pay for. The weather stations and you see at local department stores are usually far less accurate compared to professional grade weather stations such as the. This is because the cheaper stations are built for affordability at the expense of accuracy and durability.Sensor quality in some of these products is well below that of mid-range and professional grade stations. We’ve found that these stations have issues with sun exposure (temperature and humidity accuracy) and over or undercounting rainfall.
Some of this also has to do with sensor placement too, but higher-end stations are built for a little more flexibility in placement and account for these potential issues.Before we move on though, a quick word on wind readings. The call for anemometers (the meteorological term for the wind gauge) to be placed at the height of 10 meters (33 feet) above ground, and as far away and above any obstructions (roofs, trees, houses, etc.) as possible. Your wind gauge might be accurate, but since most of us cannot match the recommended installation height, its readings may be lower than you expect or see from official weather stations. Connection and DistanceYears ago, weather stations came in two forms, either wired or wireless.
These days, most weather stations are wireless, either operating through Bluetooth or WiFi. Wireless weather stations are better because you have greater flexibility in where you place the sensors, which will help you get more accurate readings.If you have issues that prevent you from getting a good wireless signal between the data console and the station itself, you’ll be forced to look at wired options. However, there are not many models here, so finding a wired home weather station may be difficult, and you’ll likely pay a premium over wireless models. This will be an issue for very few people though, so we recommend a wireless weather station.Our pick as the best wireless weather station is the.
Internet Connectivity. You can share your data on Weather Underground alongside more than 250,000 other personal weather stations.It’s not a deal breaker, but we do recommend you consider an internet connected WiFi weather station. These models offer a bunch of neat features which make ownership more useful. The best WiFi weather stations allow you to connect to them via an app or website. Most of them also enable you to upload your data to places like where your data will be displayed alongside other personal weather stations around the world.
Believe it or not, meteorologists find this data very useful, especially in places where official weather stations don’t exist!Some stations have smart home capabilities that let you do all kinds of cool things, like connect to. For example, when it rains, your weather station could trigger your Philips Hue lights to change color, or turn off your smart sprinkler system to conserve water.Not everybody needs this kind of functionality. If you don’t have any use for internet connectivity, you’ll be able to save yourself a bit of money looking for non-connected models. That said, we still recommend it anyway even if you don’t need the capability right away. With all the rage, chances are you’ll eventually have something that could use your home weather center's data to operate a lot ‘smarter.’ Solar PowerA will give you years of use with minimal maintenance as you won’t need to worry about changing the batteries very often. The solar panels in these stations power the sensors during the daytime, and the top models also have a supercapacitor which is charged at the same time for use as a power source during the night.
Batteries are also used for backup power when required.A quick word on battery selection for your home weather station—we recommend installing lithium batteries, especially if you live in a colder climate. Lithium batteries are much more resilient in extreme temperatures, and they generally last longer than alkaline batteries. UsabilityLike any other gadget, a home weather station’s usability is very important. Look for models that are easy to set up and have apps or desktop consoles that are user-friendly.
If you’re not technologically inclined, the more advanced personal weather stations might be a bit too confusing, so look for a more basic model. Some high-end weather stations still have great user interfaces though, so capability doesn’t always equal complexity.The best weather stations will update observations more frequently, some as quickly as every five seconds versus 30 seconds or more for lower-end models. UpgradabilityDon’t just think about the present when you invest in a home weather station.
Our needs change, and the last thing you want to do is be stuck with a model that has no expandability. If you can afford it, opt for a station that allows you to add additional sensors as your needs grow. While you will spend more now, that upgradability will extend the useable life of your unit and cost you less over time. DurabilityLower-priced weather stations cut corners to reduce the overall cost. One of these areas is construction, by using cheaper and subsequently less durable materials, the manufacturers can offer inexpensive models. Remember that your weather station is going to be out in the elements year round, and potentially in hot and cold weather, and rain and snow. These cheaper products use plastic that becomes brittle over time, which is accelerated by temperature changes.
If you can afford to purchase a mid to high-end home weather station, do it, you’ll have something that lasts a whole lot longer as a result. Your BudgetWe understand that you’re not made of money, and in the end, the price is still going to play a role in your purchasing decision. That said, you’ll need to at least expect to spend somewhere in the order of $150-$200 USD for a decent home weather station.
Consider that your floor—it’s also where you start to see differences in durability, performance, and upgradability from the budget weather stations.However, as money becomes less of a barrier, you’ll be able to afford a much better station. Mid-range models generally can be found for around $150-300 USD, and the best home weather stations can easily approach $1,000 USD with all the bells and whistles. Figure out what you can spend before you start your search and work from there. The Davis Vantage Pro2 is as close to a professional-grade station as you’ll get without paying thousands of dollars for it. It’s also one of the only remaining stations with a cabled option in case wireless doesn’t work for you. While its accuracy is unparalleled and its construction top-notch, its internet connectivity lags behind more modern stations and is expensive to add. You’ll also spend a little more time in setting it up over more basic models.
Regardless of its quirks, we highly recommend the Davis Vantage Pro2 for its superior accuracy and durability.For those who require precise readings, a Vantage Pro2 is the station for you. Unlike any other weather station on our list, the anemometer is separate from the temp, humidity and rain sensors so it can be mounted on a roof or a tower, and the other sensors can be placed at 5-6 feet in accordance with the official guidelines to obtain the most accurate readings.
Upgradability:The Vantage Pro2 can be upgraded to include a 24-hour fan and UV and Solar Radiation sensors. For gardeners and farmers, leaf and soil moisture/soil temperature sensors are also available. There is also a Pro2 Plus package which includes UV and Solar sensors. In total, the Vantage Pro2 can support up to 8 sensors. Summary:The Davis Vantage Pro2 is the most accurate weather station on the market, and the ability to upgrade and add additional sensors to the unit makes the Pro2 a versatile option for hobbyists and business owners. The only issue we have with it is that the console and software are outdated; however, if accuracy and durability is your top priority, then the Vantage Pro2 is the station to buy.
If the high-end Vantage Pro2 is a bit too rich for your blood, stepping down to the Vantage Vue model is a smart move. You’ll still get the accuracy Davis is known for, but in an integrated package that is much, much easier to set up due to its all-in-one sensor suite.
That said, the desktop console still feels dated, the Vantage Vue loses sensor expandability, and the all in one sensor suite means that you won’t be able to place some sensors in an optimal position for the most accurate readings. This is why we have the Vantage Pro2 listed ahead of it.
Although, as it retails at a more affordable price point and still maintains a high level of performance we highly recommend the Davis Vantage Vue for serious weather enthusiasts on a budget. Upgradability:The Vantage Vue does not allow for additional sensors, but its desktop console can be used to transmit data to multiple consoles which you can purchase separately. Summary:The Davis Vantage Vue is a reliable and robust personal weather station that produces very accurate readings considering it is an all-in-one model. The lack of expandability and the fact it uses the same outdated software as the Vantage Pro2 is disappointing, but we're happy to look past that as the near-professional grade performance of the Vantage Vue far outweighs the drawback of a clunky user interface.
The Ambient Weather WS-2902A Osprey provides the best value for money compared to any other personal weather station on the market right now, and as a result, it is our number one recommendation. If you’re looking for an affordable, accurate and reliable weather station, then the best-selling model from Ambient Weather is your answer.
The solar-powered WiFi connectable station can measure wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, UV, solar radiation, barometric pressure, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, dew point, heat index, wind chill and more.The wireless outdoor sensor transmits updated readings every 16 seconds to the LCD color display console, and it has a 330ft wireless range. The primary power source is the solar panel which charges a supercapacitor and batteries provide a backup power source if the solar energy is depleted.The best feature of the WS-2902A is the built-in WiFi connectivity which enables a straightforward setup with Weather Underground and the Ambient Weather Network. Through either of these networks, you will be able to remotely view real-time and historical conditions from your phone, tablet or computer.The weather station can also integrate with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which means you can ask a compatible device (e.g. Amazon Echo or Google Home) for the current indoor or outdoor conditions and you'll receive your very own local weather report. There is also IFTTT compatibility to control other smart devices throughout your home with automatic triggers.. Upgradability:The WS-2902A Osprey cannot accommodate any additional sensors to work with the display console.
However, you can add an unlimited amount of to their cloud platform (AmbientWeather.net), and they are then seamlessly connected online with your station's data.Alternatively, consider upgrading to the which utilizes the same sensor suite as the WS-2902A, but it comes with a high definition TFT display tablet that supports up to 8 additional thermo-hygrometer sensors. Summary:The Ambient Weather WS-2902A Osprey WiFi 10-in-1 is the perfect model for weather enthusiasts who need a reliable, user-friendly and accurate weather station without breaking the bank. The accuracy of the Osprey station isn’t up to the same standard as the more expensive Davis Vantage Vue or Pro2, but at this price point, the WS-2902A cannot be beaten for value. Ambient Weather has made quite the name for itself for just the sheer breadth of weather station options it offers. One of the standouts is the WS-1002-WIFI OBSERVER, their answer to Davis’ Vantage Vue. Internet connectivity is better with this model than the Vantage Vue, with much easier connectivity to Weather Underground and the Ambient Weather Network.
Although, owners report issues with accuracy (especially the rain gauge), and reliability and longevity issues among a small group. We still consider it one of the best home weather stations for the money even with its minor drawbacks. AcuRite has long been a department store staple, and it arguably has the biggest market share of any weather station manufacturer as a result. Its new MyAcuRite app is best in its class, and a relatively easy setup will have you up and running quickly.
Expandability options make this super attractive. However, it does suffer from some accuracy issues, as the radiation shielding on the outdoor sensors is all but non-existent, and barometric pressure readings seem to be difficult to calibrate correctly. Although, in a market full of outdated display consoles the new high-definition console from AcuRite is a welcome addition to the Pro model.
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Netatmo isn’t primarily a weather station company—they are actually a smart device manufacturer. But if you’re all about connectivity and style, the Netatmo smart weather station is a solid choice. You don’t have to do anything to upload your data to Weather Underground, and IFTTT compatibility allows you to link it with other smart devices.
You can use your own weather data to control things from your sprinklers to alerting you to heavy rainfall, and even turn on space heaters in cold rooms when indoor temperatures fall too much. That’s a potentially very useful perk.We also love the Indoor CO2 sensor—it's great for keeping the air inside your house as fresh as possible. The modular nature of this station will also give you a lot of flexibility, so you only need to buy the sensors you need, although we’ve had issues with finding spots for the sensors to get good quality readings. This is our recommendation as the best indoor/outdoor weather station if internet connectivity and future-proofing is a big selling point to you. Upgradability:The base station allows a connection with up to three additional indoor monitors, as well as one rain gauge and one wind gauge. Sensors are pricey though, and you can easily spend as much as you would for one of the top-tier Davis stations with a fully decked-out Netatmo. Summary:Netatmo’s connectivity wowed us, and it’s the only weather station manufacturer that has fully committed to “smart home technologies.” Still, while not too much of an issue, its accuracy just isn’t as good as some of the other stations we’ve included, and the rain and wind gauges which come standard with other stations will be an additional cost.
La Crosse Technology is another brand that has made a name for itself by selling home weather stations in department stores, and at a cost that is by far the cheapest for what you get. The V40-PRO is one of the more high-end models among the La Crosse line-up. It's an excellent starter model for weather enthusiasts of all ages as it includes most of the features you will see in the value range weather stations, including WiFi connectivity.The V40-PRO package includes an outdoor suite with an anemometer and rainfall sensor, and separate temperature and humidity sensor.
Unfortunately, there is no radiation shield included with the temperature sensor. However, you can purchase one separately.The V40-PRO also comes with a color display console that can connect to the La Crosse View app for remote monitoring from anywhere. The WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring is an excellent addition for a weather station in the budget price range. What we also like about the console is the adjustable rear stand which improves the screen's visibility for the perfect viewing angle. Another key feature of the V40-PRO is its ability to connect with the NWS for accurate forecast information. Nobody does portable weather meters better than Kestrel. The brand is the choice of not only outdoor enthusiasts, but weather enthusiasts too—it’s wind meter is regularly used by Weather Channel meteorologists during hurricanes.
However, with the name comes a price—but you’re paying for a quality piece of equipment nevertheless. It also has a relatively steep learning curve, and many functions aren’t user intuitive.The Kestrel 5500 uses Bluetooth to connect to the LiNK app via a mobile or a computer. Data from the unit can be streamed and analyzed in this app in real-time from up to 100' away. A USB dongle is sold separately so you can use the 5500 with your computer if it is not Bluetooth compatible.
Be kept away from sources of radiative heat (inside: away from appliances, computers, radiators, heating ducts; outside: macadam, pavement, brick walls, windows). Be in full shade if your station does not have radiation shielding. We strongly recommend purchasing a station with a radiation shield so your temperature sensor can be placed in direct sunlight. If wireless, be well within the range of your base station.Failure to follow these tips here will cause even the most high-end station to be inaccurate. From here you’ll now want to adjust the positioning of these sensors to give you the best readings possible. Temperature/Humidity Sensor PlacementWith the temperature sensors, for your indoor measurements, these sensors are typically either housed in the desktop console or some type of base station.
For the most accurate reading of indoor temperature, place the sensor in a central location within the room, and away from your heating units (space heaters, ducts, radiators). Don’t place the sensor near the floor or high up near the ceiling—a desk is perfect.Outdoors, find a grassy area a good distance away from pavement. Standard placement calls for the temperature sensor to be placed at eye level (between five and six feet) in full shade. If you are lucky enough to have a weather station with an included radiation shield, you may be able to get away with placing the sensor in an area that gets direct sunlight and still get good readings. Rain Gauge PlacementYour rain gauge can be placed with the temperature and humidity sensor at 5-6 feet. Make sure it is high enough that it isn’t affected by splashback from the ground and make sure it is level to the ground.
It should also be placed away from any tall obstructions—these can cause your readings to err low because they can block some of the rain from entering the gauge when the wind blows from that direction. Wind Vane/Gauge (Anemometer) PlacementAs we mentioned early on in this guide, official wind speed and direction is measured at the height of 10 meters (33 feet), and well above any obstructions. We understand that this may be unachievable for most people and as such mounting your anemometer on your roof above the roof line will deliver the best results.Aim to place the anemometer as far away from any obstructions as possible, and as high as you can get it. Also, remember a compass of some kind—you’ll need this to calibrate the wind vane to true North, so it reads the correct direction.
Installation SummaryWe’ve just covered a lot of information here, so summarizing the main points. Your temperature and humidity sensors need to be in full shade or partial shade if you don't have a station with radiation shielding, with optimal placement at “eye level” (5-6 feet).
Your rain gauge needs to be level and high enough so that it doesn’t get splashback from the ground, and away from obstructions. Your anemometer needs to be placed as far away from and as high above any obstructions. Remember, official wind observations are taken at a level of 10 meters (33 feet). If you have a station with an all-in-one sensor suite, you will have to make a compromise between the ideal height of the anemometer and temp/humidity/rain sensors. The best option is to go somewhere in between, 10 feet or higher is ideal. If you are mounting the weather station to a house or structure, be sure to run a ground wire. Remember that wherever you place your station, it should be in a place that’s easy to access.
Weather stations (especially the rain gauges) need to be.For more help, we have created a separate guide on. The guide has photos of installations that make the guidelines very easy to understand. It's worth viewing to make sure you obtain the most accurate measurements from your new home weather station. For a complete weather monitoring setup, many weather enthusiasts include an IP camera which provides a real-time visual snapshot of their weather conditions at home.
With a weather station camera, you can view and share the video/images over the internet alongside your weather station's data by connecting the camera to Weather Underground's webcam network.IP cameras offer wireless connectivity through WiFi, and they don't require a computer to be running 24/7 to transmit the video online. Just make sure that you purchase a model with a weatherproof housing and with HD quality resolution preferably 1080p for clear images of your environment. We recommend the. The Foscam brand is among the top choices for a lot of experienced weather watchers. A: Most weather stations are, as long as you purchase a high-quality model.
However, even the best weather stations can produce inaccurate readings if they’re not installed correctly. Each instrument must be installed at the optimal height for taking measurements. At the same time, they should be well clear of obstructions such as trees and buildings that can potentially hinder readings.
Take a look at our article on to learn more about the quality of the sensors in home weather stations.For the most accurate readings, place your thermometer and humidity sensors at eye level and away from any sources of radiating heat. These sources of heat include driveways, roads, sidewalks, and even your home. Install your rain gauge at the same height. Just make sure it is level, away from obstructions and cannot receive any splashback from the ground or other surfaces. Install your anemometer at 33 feet (this is the height at which winds are officially measured). Your wind sensor also needs to be at least 10 feet above any close-by obstructions.
For more siting instructions and mounting ideas,. A: Your wireless weather station uses radio frequencies to communicate with the console and other sensors. Usually, a low frequency is used to allow the console and your sensors to communicate with one another.
Manufacturers generally do not use WiFi for the sensor to console communication because WiFi signals don’t pass through obstructions very well.A WiFi weather station works by connecting your station’s display console with your wireless internet network. This functionality allows you to easily share your weather data over the internet with minimal setup. The sensor readings that are sent to the display console can then be transmitted to the internet via WiFi. A: Just like many other things, the more you spend, the better quality you’ll get. The best value weather stations range from $150-$300, in this category you will find our Editor’s top recommendation—the. The models in this price range offer the best mix of functionality and accuracy. Nearly every station at this price point has built-in Internet connectivity.
The precision—as long as it’s sited well—is also quite close to professional-grade weather stations. Both reporting intervals and build quality among the value stations are more than adequate for most weather enthusiasts.There are a few professional-grade weather stations that can retail for as much as $1,000 if not more.
The accuracy of these stations is top-notch, and they offer better reporting intervals. Stations in this price range often include specialized measurements like soil moisture, leaf wetness, and so forth.There are also stations which retail for much less, somewhere around $30-$80. However, we recommend that you avoid these budget models since they are not built to last and the accuracy can be very unreliable at times. The budget models only provide a small snapshot of the weather conditions as they have a limited number of sensors.
You will typically find that the models in this category will only offer, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure readings. Most of the budget models also do not have Internet connectivity. What Is the Best Home Weather Station to Buy?We’ve given you a lot of information to digest and listed quite a few weather stations for you to consider. It’s likely you’ll be tossing up between a couple of models. So how do you pick? Use this short guide to help choose the best weather station for your particular needs.First, consider your budget.
While we’re not telling you to break the bank on a personal weather station, don’t automatically look for the cheapest model. You get what you pay for, and you might need more out of your residential weather station later.That brings us to the next thing to consider, and that’s how you’ll use it. If you need accurate readings, a professional grade station is best. If internet connectivity is an essential feature, or you think you might need it later, make sure it has that. If you want something that can monitor a variety of variables, then a station with a lot of expandability is your best bet.Finally, you want something that lasts.
We’re not made of money, and weather stations, for the most part, are not cheap, so you don't want to be buying a replacement every year. Read carefully through not only our digital weather station reviews here but others on Amazon and elsewhere. If a station has issues with reliability, stay away. Our Top Recommendations.
The Ambient Weather WS-2902A is our Editor's top recommendation and best value for money option.Photo ©KJ DavisOur list is only a small subset of the dozens of home weather stations that are available. But we’ve covered the models that stand out in the crowded marketplace. So which ones do we like best?If you are looking for the perfect mix of value and functionality, your best option is the. This station has internet connectivity included as standard, so it can easily connect to Weather Underground and Ambient Weather’s cloud network.
While it isn’t as reliable as the Davis stations in terms of accuracy, it’s an excellent unit for aspiring weather enthusiasts and first-time weather station owners. The WS-2902A has received our Editor’s Choice award and top spot in the best value for money category. We’re very impressed with the functionality and accuracy that it provides considering how affordable it is.If you are a serious weather enthusiast and money is not an issue, we recommend the.
It is by far the most accurate weather station available. This home weather station is in a class of its own.If you still want professional grade accuracy and durability from a station but the Pro2 is too expensive, then the will be an excellent home weather station if you're happy to work with the outdated console and software.We hope this helps you out in your search, and happy weather watching! If you need any more advice on which station to purchase, please leave a comment below, and our expert team can assist you.