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5 Best Portable Weather Stations


Most recommended
Ambient Weather WM-2 Handheld
  • Ambient Weather
  • 2 x 0.8 x 5.5 inches
  • 2 Ounces
A good choice too
Kestrel 2000 Pocket Wind And Temperature
  • Brand Kestrel
  • Material Plastic
  • 6 x 1 x 3 inches
A good choice too
Kestrel 2500NV Pocket Weather Meter
  • Brand Kestrel
  • 2.01 x 5.98 x 2.99 inches
  • 0.05 Pounds
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
  • Brand Kestrel
  • 1.9 x 1.1 x 4.8 inches
  • LCD
Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter
  • Brand Kestrel
  • 2 x 5 x 3 inches
  • Battery Powered

Choose the Best Portable Weather Station

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Portable Weather Stations

28 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

57.14% of users selected Ambient Weather WM-2 Handheld, 3.57% selected Kestrel 2000 Pocket Wind And Temperature, 14.29% selected Kestrel 2500NV Pocket Weather Meter, 3.57% selected Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter and 21.43% selected Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

A weather station is an essential tool for any business owner who wants to know the current conditions outside. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you need to go out and buy more supplies, or if your employees should be sent home early because of the snowstorm coming in. The best portable weather stations are able to help you with all these decisions. Here are five types of portable weather stations that will suit your needs!

Ambient Weather WM-2 Handheld Weather Mete

The Ambient Weather WM-2 is a portable weather station that gives you all the information you need about the weather right at your fingertips.

With its wind speed, temperature, wind chill, wind gust, and Beaufort Scale readings, you can track the conditions no matter where you are.

Pros
  • Easy to read screen
  • Compact for easy portability
  • Sturdy construction

Cons
  • No additional accessories
  • Looks a bit outdated


Kestrel 2000

The Kestrel 2000 is the perfect tool for anyone looking for an accurate and reliable handheld wind meter. With its large, replaceable impeller and responsive temperature sensor, it can measure and display maximum, current, and average wind speed, wind chill, and air/snow/water temperature.

Plus, it’s waterproof (IP-67), floats and comes with a 5-year warranty. So whether you’re using it in research, education, snow sports, kiteboarding, or agricultural spraying – the Kestrel 2000 has you covered.

Pros
  • Replaceable impeller
  • Waterproof
  • Drop-tested
  • Floats
  • Accurate

Cons
  • Offers not so many measurements


Kestrel 2500NV

The Kestrel 2500NV is the perfect tool for predicting weather patterns and understanding animal behavior. It has a big impeller, responsive temperature sensor, and digital pressure altimeter.

The optional night-vision-preserving backlight makes it easy to use in low light conditions. The Kestrel 2500NV also measures barometric pressure and 3-hour pressure trend, altitude, wind chill, air/water/snow temperature.

Pros
  • Rugged
  • Offers many measurements
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Accurate
  • Drop-tested to military standards

Cons
  • More expensive than other options


Kestrel 3000

The Kestrel 3000 is an advanced handheld weather and heat index meter that is highly accurate, rugged, and easy to use. It features a large impeller that can be replaced, a responsive temperature sensor, and a humidity chamber that is temperature-corrected.

The Kestrel 3000 is waterproof (IP-67) and drop-tested to military standards (MIL-STD-810G). It includes a slip-on protective cover, neck lanyard, CR2032 coin cell battery, and a 5-year warranty. The Kestrel 3000 is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a highly accurate and durable handheld weather meter.

Pros
  • Accurate
  • Rugged
  • Easy to Use
  • Durable
  • Many accessories included
  • Waterproof

Cons
  • Expensive


Kestrel 3500

The Kestrel 3500 weather meter is perfect for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to stay safe and comfortable in any kind of weather.

It measures barometric pressure and trend, altitude, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, heat stress index, dew point temperature, wind chill, water/air/snow temperature, maximum/current/average wind speeds on the large LCD screen that is easy to read. It also features a night-vision-preserving backlight.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Accurate
  • Measures up to 15 different environmental factors
  • Waterproof and tested

Cons
  • Pricey for a weather meter


Buyer’s Guide

Benefits of Portable Weather Stations

There are many benefits to using a portable weather station. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Accuracy – A portable weather station is much more accurate than relying on data from your local news or weather station. They provide real-time readings, so you can make better decisions about when to go outside or how to dress for the day.
  • Versatility – This is a great feature when you want to monitor the conditions in your home or garden, but it also means that you have access to accurate information even if bad weather starts rolling in unexpectedly.
  • Convenience – A portable weather station is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes it perfect for camping trips, outdoor activities, or even just keeping track of the weather in your own backyard.
  • Easy to Read – Some weather stations are difficult to read, especially when you’re looking at the data on a small screen or computer. This is not an issue with portable weather stations because they always provide accurate information in easy-to-read displays that can be viewed from far away.
  • Receive Alerts – The more data a portable weather station collects, the better equipped they are at sending alerts when things change quickly with temperature or other factors. Many models will send alerts over email so that you won’t have to constantly check readings from your device just to see what’s going on outside of your comfort zone.
  • Expandable – Most portable weather stations can be upgraded when you’re ready to add more sensors or data-collecting capabilities. This allows for a customizable experience, so you only pay for what you need and don’t have to worry about wasting money on features that go unused over time.
  • Affordable – Portable weather stations are often much more affordable than traditional weather stations, with many models starting at around $20. If you’re on a budget but still want accurate information about the conditions in your home or outside of it, this is one of the best options available to meet that goal.
  • Easy Setup – Most portable weather stations are quick and easy to set up and come with everything you need to get started. Some even include a quick-start guide that walks you through the process in just a few minutes, so there is no complicated installation or setup that takes hours and hours of time away from your busy schedule.
  • Energy Efficient – Portable weather stations use less electricity than traditional models because they run on batteries or solar power. This is a great feature if you’re environmentally conscious and want to save money on your energy bill at the same time.

There are many reasons to invest in a portable weather station, but the benefits listed above are some of the most important for everyday use. If you’re looking for an accurate, versatile, convenient, and affordable way to keep track of the weather conditions both indoors and outdoors, then a portable weather station is definitely the right choice for you.

What to look for in The Best Portable Weather Station?

What to look for in The Best Portable Weather Station?
The best portable weather stations come with a variety of features that are important to have when tracking the weather. So, what should you be looking for when purchasing one of these stations?

Accuracy

The most important feature to consider is accuracy.
You want to make sure that the station can give you an accurate reading of the current weather conditions. This means that it needs to have a good sensor system.

Accuracy is important because you can use the data to make informed decisions. As an example, if it is raining heavily outside and your station says that there are no rain clouds present then this might be a problem with its accuracy. Without knowing what weather conditions are like outside, you cannot know how much water needs to go into the soil of your plants.

Accuracy can vary by type of weather station. A basic model might have a range between -15°C and 40°C, while more advanced models can go as low as -40°C or up to 85°C. Usually, the more expensive a weather station is, the higher its accuracy will be.

However, there are some downsides to accuracy. For instance, an expensive weather station might not be accurate in all kinds of conditions and may only give you the most accurate readings in one area that is known for its stable climate.

It is always better to err on the side of caution and go for a cheaper station that is still certified as accurate. This way, you can make sure to get an overall good deal instead of having to buy another weather station again after only half a year because it was faulty or not up to standard.

Measurements

Measurements
The second important aspect to consider is the range of measurements that a weather station can take. Different stations measure different environmental conditions, so it’s important to select one that will meet your specific needs.

Some stations only measure temperature and humidity, while others also measure barometric pressure, wind speed, and direction, rainfall, and UV radiation. The more measurements a weather station can take, the better.

Some of the more advanced weather stations even come with forecast capabilities, so you can plan your day or week based on the predicted weather conditions.

Usually, the more expensive weather stations offer a wider range of measurements. However, there are some affordable options available that still provide good quality data.

Anyway, firstly you should consider what measurements you need the weather station to take and then find one that meets those requirements. If you are looking for a weather station that provides detailed measurements, you should probably look at more advanced models.

On the other hand, if all you need is to find out whether it’s going to rain or storm then any basic model will work just fine.

So when choosing your best portable weather stations, consider what kind of data you are interested in measuring!

Power Source and Battery Life

Power Source and Battery Life
The next consideration is a power source and battery life. Most weather stations either use batteries or solar power. If you opt for a model that uses batteries, be sure to get ones with a long life. Some weather stations come with rechargeable batteries, which is nice if you don’t want to have to worry about replacing them often.

Battery life depends on the type of battery and the weather conditions you plan to monitor. If you only plan to use your weather station in fair weather, a regular battery should work fine. However, if you plan to use it in harsh conditions or cold weather, you’ll need a lithium-ion battery. These batteries have a much longer life and can withstand colder temperatures.

Another consideration is how long the battery lasts. Some stations have a battery life of only hours, while others can last for days or weeks on a single charge. If you want to be ready for bad weather, check the battery life before you buy.

Solar power is a great option for portable weather stations because it doesn’t require any cables or cords. It also works in all weather conditions, making it a good choice for people who live in areas with unpredictable weather. However, solar power can take longer to charge than regular batteries.

If your chosen weather station runs on solar power, make sure it has a good battery backup in case of bad weather. Moreover, check to see how long the solar panel will take to charge the battery. Some weather stations have a USB port so you can charge it with a power bank if needed.

One important thing to note: if you are using your weather station outdoors, make sure it is water-resistant. There are some stations that are specifically designed for outdoor use, and these are usually built with water-resistant materials.

The best portable weather stations have a long battery life so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing them. They also use a power source that is compatible with your climate and surroundings.

Durability

Durability
One more important factor to consider when purchasing a portable weather station is how durable it is. You want something that will last and withstand the elements, whether you’re using it for outdoor activities or just checking the forecast on your way out the door.

Some stations are made with tough materials like plastic or aluminum, while others have screens that can be easily damaged. Make sure to read the reviews before making your purchase to see how well-loved (or not) the weather station is, and whether it’s likely to withstand a little wear and tear.

Durability also depends on where you plan to use your portable weather station. If it’s going to be used in a harsh environment like the desert, an all-metal design is probably best. But if this will be carried around with you on camping trips and nature walks, there are plenty of durable options that can hold up against impact without weighing too much.

In addition to the materials, you should consider how portable it is. The last thing you want to do is lug around a huge weather station if what you really need are basic measurements like temperature and humidity. Make sure that your model can be easily folded up so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag or backpack.

You should also maintain the weather station properly to ensure its durability. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storage, and keep it in a dry place when not in use.

Remember, a weather station is an investment, and you want to make sure that it will last for years to come.

Data Logging

The next feature is nice to have for me, but it depends on the situation I’m in. For example, if you are using this as your main weather station at home and want an easy way to record all of the data from the device then being able to log that information would be beneficial. You can also use this feature if you need to track specific types of weather patterns that are more difficult to detect.

Data logging is important because it allows you to record the weather data over any amount of time. This is great if you need long-term or short-term trends in your area’s climate, especially for areas that are only affected by certain types of weather on a yearly basis.

For example, someone who works at an airport would benefit from being able to track specific weather patterns during their work hours. This allows the worker to see when it is best for planes to take off and land, which can prevent delays in air travel.

If you need this data, then the best option is one with a USB port so it can connect directly to your computer. This way there isn’t any extra hardware needed and all of the hard work will be done by the station itself without much effort on your part. However, this is not a necessary feature so it depends on what you need.

If the station doesn’t have a USB port or wireless connectivity, then there are still smartphone apps that allow for data logging to be done wirelessly from your device. Some of these also support other types of weather stations and work with more than just one brand.

Since each weather station is different, these features may not always be included. The best option would be to look at the customer reviews for any comments that state if this feature works well or isn’t functional on their device.

Size and Weight

Another important factor to consider is the size and weight. You don’t want a weather station that takes up too much space or weighs so much it’s difficult to move around.

Of course, your needs will determine which of these considerations are most important for you personally, but if portability is an issue then you’ll need to find something lightweight and easy-to-move.

Some weather stations are small enough to fit in your pocket, while others can be transported in a backpack. Be sure to choose the one that’s best for your needs.

You should also check to see if the station is easy to set up and how long it will take you. Sometimes weather stations are heavy, which means they might be difficult for some people to install on their own. Others can be bulky or cumbersome in certain spots of your home so it’s important that you choose something that won’t take too much effort to move around.

If you’re looking for a portable weather station, be sure to check out our top picks! We’ve compiled a list of the best stations based on size, weight, features, and more so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.


FAQ

Who makes the best weather station?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best weather station for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. That said, some of the most popular brands include Davis Instruments, AcuRite, La Crosse Technology, and Oregon Scientific.

What are the different types of weather stations?

There are three main types of weather stations: personal, desktop, and professional. Personal weather stations are small and portable, making them a great option for people who want to keep track of local weather conditions on the go. Desktop weather stations are larger than personal models and typically include more features, while professional weather stations are the most advanced and typically used by meteorologists or other professionals.

What are the features of a good weather station?

A good weather station should include a variety of features, such as a barometer, thermometer, wind gauge, and rain gauge. It’s also important that the station is easy to use and has a clear display so you can easily track conditions.

Is AcuRite going out of business?

No. There have been several rumors of AcuRite going out of business, but they are false and unfounded.

Which weather app is most accurate?

There is no one definitive answer to this question, as different apps may be more accurate for different locations and weather conditions. However, some popular and highly-rated options include The Weather Channel app, Dark Sky, and Weather Underground.

Useful Video: Davis Vantage Pro 2 Wireless Home Weather Station Complete Review

Final Thoughts

There are many options to choose from when it comes to a high-quality weather station. A portable weather station can be very useful for those who want accurate and up-to-date information about the current conditions of their surroundings. Also, if you’re someone that wants a lot of data recorded on your readings then a more advanced model might be the best choice for you.

The key to deciding which weather station is right for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, such as price range and how often you’ll use it. If accuracy is important then you should consider investing in a more advanced model with quality sensors that can provide long-term data collected over years. However, if you just need something for occasional use then a less expensive and simpler model should do the trick.

At the end of the day, it’s important to find the right weather station that meets your specific needs and allows you to stay informed about current conditions. With all of the different options on the market, there’s no reason why you can’t find one that suits your needs.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best portable weather stations! Be sure to check back soon for more informative content.