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. 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? Sensor Range The display on a home weather station should provide at-a-glance information that’s easy to read and manage. 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. For instance, some models with plastic-covered sensors have a tendency to overheat and give false readings, while those with a protective shield or fan may mitigate inaccuracy. A home weather station’s materials and construction can also affect its accuracy. Several factors can influence the accuracy of a home weather station, including placement of the device and how often it takes measurements throughout the day. Consider your priorities to determine if these readings would be worth knowing-and paying for. While nearly all home weather stations report temperature, precipitation, and humidity, some have extra features that detail such info as the heat index, wind chill, moon phase, solar radiation, and sunrise/sunset times. 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. 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. Many are wireless, running on solar or battery power, which lets the user place the station virtually anywhere without the need for a nearby electrical outlet. Power SourceĪ home weather station’s power source is essential for its function. When shopping for one, keep in mind the power source, functions, accuracy, display, and other considerations, all detailed below. 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. Photo: Glenda Taylor What to Consider When Choosing the Best Home Weather Station ALSO CONSIDER: sainlogic Wireless Weather Station with Outdoor.MOST ADVANCED: WeatherFlow Tempest Weather System with Built-In.BEST DISPLAY: Newentor Weather Station Wireless Indoor Outdoor.MOST ACCURATE: Davis Instruments 6152 Vantage Pro2 Weather Station.
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: La Crosse Technology C85845-1 Color Forecast Station.RUNNER-UP: Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue Weather Station.BEST OVERALL: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station.Find out what our hands-on testing revealed, and then weigh the pros and cons to choose the best home weather station for you. 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.Īhead, learn what 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. Beyond those similarities, there are various types of home weather stations on the market, with a lot of features to consider, so it can be challenging to choose the right one. Typically, they are two-part devices, with an array of sensors that sit outside and a display placed indoors. Home weather stations are highly convenient, tipping you off to temperature, rainfall, and other aspects of the elements before you venture outside.