The 5 Best Digital Weather Stations under $350AU
If you have always wanted a digital weather station, or it's time to upgrade your old, feature-limited unit (without breaking the bank), then this article is for you!
Instrument Choice Scientists have carefully curated a list of the five best weather stations for under $350AU. Each device chosen has outstanding features and specifications for its price.
Investigate the weather stations we have profiled below, and you're sure to find one that balances your needs and budget – we guarantee it!
The #1 Reason to Buy a Home Weather Station
Your team of scientists sometimes get asked this question:
"I can check my local weather totals and forecast on my phone, why would I need a digital home weather station?"
While it's true, you can access publicly-provided weather data, how often have you found your local weather prediction inaccurate?
Inconsistencies between forecasted and actual weather events occur because the instruments recording environmental data that contribute to your local forecast may be a significant distance from you.
A home digital weather station solves this frustration. A quality home-based device (like the weather stations that our team has selected below) collects hyperlocal data to generate forecasts. All the magic happens from your backyard – it's like having a personal meteorologist on call!
The 5 Best Digital Weather Stations Under $350
The team at Instrument Choice has curated the following list focusing on mid-market stations. If you need more help deciding the best device after reading the summary information, check out the full summary comparison table (below) or contact us! If your interest is semi-professional or commercial units and you want guidance for your application, please contact us.
1. 7 Inch Colour WiFi Wireless Weather Station - Product Code: IC0370The IC0370 "ticks all the boxes" – both customers and scientists rate it the best mid-range digital weather station. This 7 Inch Colour WiFi Wireless instrument is bursting at the seams with advanced features you'd usually find in professional and much higher-priced stations. WIFI enabled, the IC0370 connects to Weatherunderground (www.wunderground.com), so that you can view your weather data from anywhere in the world. Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, heat index, dew point, light levels and displays the forecast.
Scientists' Favorite (Unique) Feature: The sensor array includes a light meter – perfect for anyone with solar panels! |
2. Digital Weather Station with Colour Display – Product Code: IC-XC0434
Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, dew point, heat index, rain rate, barometric pressure and 12-hour forecast.
Other Features: The multicoloured display of the IC-XC0434 receives temperature information from its 5-in-1 sensor over an impressive distance of up to 150 metres (line of sight). Together with real-time weather measurements, users can view minimum and maximum records, set alarms, set up storm warnings, view comfort indication and see current moon phases – cool!
Scientists' Favorite Features:
|
3. WS1081 Ver3 TESA Professional Weather Station - Product Code: IC-WS1081V3
The IC-WS1081V3 is the perfect station for users wanting to do more with their weather data – without WIFI. This station offers excellent value-for-money if you want to log your weather data. The indoor console connects to a PC via a USB port, so you can upload and import all your historical weather data using the IC-WS1081V3's included software.
Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, rainfall, dew point, wind chill, and weather forecasting.
Other Features: On the console and via software you can view all weather information, set alarms, view rainfall records (1-hour, 24 hours, one week, one month, since the last reset) and time-stamped records: min/max temperature, humidity, wind chill, and dew point.
Scientists' Favorite Feature: The ability to plug this console into a PC and view your collected weather data. |
4. Digital Weather Station with Monochrome Display - Product Code: IC-XC0432
At first glance, IC-XC0432 appears basic – but don't be fooled. This budget-friendly station offers exceptional value. Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, dew point, heat index, rain rate, barometric pressure, and a 12-hour forecast.
Other Features: User-adjustable high/low alarms for several parameters, day/date stamps for corresponding maximum/minimum records, daily/weekly/monthly rainfall records.
The Scientists Favorite Feature: The IC-XC0432's 5-in-1 outdoor console comes completely assembled and calibrated for lightning-fast installation. |
5. Wireless Digital Weather Station with Colourful LCD Display and WiFi - IC-XC0436
The IC-XC0436 consists of an indoor console and two outdoor sensors and is WIFI-enabled, so you can upload your weather data to www.wunderground.com and weathercloud.net, where you can access and upload your weather data.
Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, dew point, heat index, rain rate, barometric pressure, and a 12-hour forecast.
The Scientists Favorite Feature: Having an additional temperature and humidity sensor is fantastic for anyone wanting precise measurements from two locations in their home. |
The 5 Best Digital Weather Stations Under $350AU Comparison
|
|
IC0370 |
IC-XC0434 |
IC-WS1081V3 |
IC-XC0432 |
IC-XC0436 |
|
Wireless Range (up to) |
100m |
150m |
100m |
150m |
150m |
|
Temperature |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Humidity |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Rainfall |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Wind Speed |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Wind Direction |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Barometric Pressure |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Weather Forecast |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Heat Index |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Dew Point |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Wind Chill |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Light Level |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
Connectivity |
WiFi Enabled |
Station to console |
Free PC/Mac software for transfer weather data |
Station to console |
WiFi Enabled |
|
Solar Assisted Outdoor Sensor |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
Conclusion
There's nothing more frustrating than your having plans ruined by unforeseen weather events. Treating yourself to a digital weather station for your home will ensure more predictability so that you can make better daily plans.
The stations selected by the Instrument Choice Scientists in this article offer amazing value and produce up-to-the-minute, accurate and hyperlocal weather data and forecasts.
Don't see a station that fits your needs here? Browse all weather stations here.
Need a hand selecting the best digital weather station for your application? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're weather station experts! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].
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