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We love how the Tempest packs many advanced sensors into a compact package thats so easy to install.
The Spruce
This weather station doesnt have a dedicated display, which is the one real weak point.
Thats the major selling point of this weather stationaccurate, hyper-local forecasts.
It’s also a fraction of the price of more complicated weather stations.
PHOTO: The Spruce
This is a basic weather station, but it provided us with accurate readings.
The display is well-organized, with indoor readings on one side and outdoor readings on the other.
During testing, we liked how easy this weather station was to set up.
We also thought it was interesting to see how many times lightning struck after the storm passed.
AcuRitehas a versionwith a better display and Wi-Fi connectivity for about $60 more.
Each of these sensors has its own ideal mounting location, which isnt an option with all-in-one weather stations.
It also includes Wi-Fi connectivity, which we used to send data to the Ambient Weather phone app.
During testing, we were especially impressed with the accuracy of the temperature and rain readings.
This weather station doesnt have a dedicated display, butEcowitt sells one that you might buy separately.
We didn’t miss having a monitor since we could view our weather data on our phone.
If you dont need those features, then this gear is a solid alternative.
Connecting to Weather Underground was a different matter.
Its very easy to use with an intuitive app and accurate local forecasts.
For weather stations with apps, we connected it and noted any difficulties we ran into.
For systems with apps, we considered the ease of navigation and data presentation.
Connectivity: The weather stations we tested were all wireless, with transmission ranges between 300 and 1,000 feet.
For systems with Wi-Fi connectivity, we also noted any issues with dropped Wi-Fi connections.
We recommend also getting anemergency radio with alerts.
According to Makens, temperature and humidity are the two most important sensors.
What are transmission intervals?
For more timely data, look for one with low transmission intervals.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Typical wireless ranges are between 300 and 1,000 feet.
With no tipping bucket, wind cups, or vane spinning around, theres less to break over time.
What Will Power Your Weather Station?
The app provides easy access to all of the sensor data, including lightning strikes.PHOTO: The Spruce
Home weather stations are powered by batteries, solar panels, or both.
We recommend this configuration because you dont need to worry about replacing batteries.
Wi-Fi connectivity also enables smart home integration in some cases.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jeremy Laukkonenis an updates writer for The Spruce.
He has over a decade of experience writing about electronics, smart home technology, and other home goods.
Our Experts:
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We mounted the Ecowitt Wittboy on a pole up above the crown of our roof for accurate wind readings.PHOTO: The Spruce
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The Logia LOWSC510WB uses a single sensor body that’s similar in design to more expensive models.PHOTO: The Spruce
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We installed each sensor according the manufacturer instructions.The Spruce
We had to use a bird deterrent on some of the weather stations.The Spruce
Weather stations often use basic digital displays with colorful backlighting.The Spruce
