Which Ambient Weather Station is Right for You?

November 22, 2022 Jackie Fitzpatrick Comments

If you're interested in tracking the weather, you might wonder which weather station is right for you. Ambient Weather offers various home weather stations to fit your needs and budget.  Our stations and sensors are feature-rich, with bright displays and built-in connectivity to a powerful web-based dashboard - The Ambient Weather Network (AWN).  When a weather enthusiast purchases a personal weather station from Ambient Weather, they receive more than just a weather station; they're becoming part of the vibrant and trusted community Ambient Weather has created around its products and brand.

Before diving into our weather station options, you will want to ask yourself a few questions:

What data do I want to track?

Do you just care about the outdoor temperature and humidity, or are you looking for a station that can monitor the UV index or wind chill? You will first want to consider what information you want to track. Our home weather stations can range from beginner-level models that track basic measurements to more sophisticated devices that measure a wide range of data points. Whether you are just looking for a simple station to track the weather in your backyard or want something that can provide detailed data, we have various options to choose from.

How do I want to monitor my data?

This is a trick question because, with Ambient Weather, you don't have to worry about accessing the data you need or being forced to pay additional costs to view it. All our weather stations offer free access to one of the most advanced and comprehensive systems for remotely monitoring your data - Ambient Weather Network (AWN). AWN provides real-time access to your data, allowing you to track and analyze changes in weather patterns over time. It also allows you to set alerts, share forecasts and connect with a larger weather community. Your weather station will either have built-in Wi-Fi to access AWN or will require an Ambient Weather Network Weather Hub to connect to the internet. Access AWN via desktop at ambientweather.net or download the free AWN app on iOS or Android.

The second way to view your data is through one of our bright, engaging displays. Most of our stations come with a display that shows current conditions, including temperature and humidity, and the forecast for the day. You can even add additional displays to view your data from multiple rooms.

Do I want to add any indoor or outdoor sensors?

Adding on sensors allows you to expand your network and gain even greater insights into the conditions in and around your home. Deciding what sensors you want to add now or in the future will help you narrow down your weather station options. Some of our advanced sensors, such as the WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor, WH31L Lightning Detector, and WH31LA Leak Detector, are only compatible with specific weather station models. View the weather station list below to see what sensors are compatible with which stations and start planning now to get the most out of your home monitoring system.

AQIN Air Quality Monitor - Monitors indoor PM2.5, PM10, and CO2 concentration levels.
WH31E Temperature and Humidity Sensor - Monitors temperature and humidity in up to 8 remote locations with dip switch selectable remote channels.
WH31L Leak Detector – Detects the presence of water to prevent damage quickly.
WH31L Lightning Detector – Detects lightning strikes up to 25 miles away using electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
PM25 Wireless Outdoor Particulate Monitor – Monitors PM2.5 concentration levels outdoors.
WH31P Waterproof Probe Temperature Sensor – 10ft waterproof probe for measuring any wet medium, including water, soil, refrigerators, and freezers.
WH31PF Wireless Waterproof Floating Pool Thermometer – Floats on the surface of the water and wirelessly monitors water temperature.
WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor- Monitors soil moisture of indoor or outdoor plants.

View our buying guide below for our top weather station models, their measurements, and sensor compatibility:

WS-1965: Basic Measurements + Maximum Sensors

Full-color display, Wi-Fi remote monitoring, and maximum sensor upgrades make this a robust station at a beginner weather station price. The WS-1965 is the perfect station for someone just starting to get interested in weather monitoring. It's easy to set up and use but doesn't skimp on sensors - you can track lightning strikes, air quality, and pool temperature from the comfort of your couch or office. All the data you collect can be viewed and managed on your AWN personal weather dashboard.

Array measurements: Our wireless sensor array measures outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, dew point, rainfall, heat index, wind direction, and wind speed.

Additional display measurements: pressure-based forecast, relative pressure, indoor temperature, and indoor humidity

Compatible sensors: WH31E Temperature and Humidity Sensor, WH31P Waterproof Probe Temperature Sensor, PM25 Air Particulate Monitor, PM25IN Indoor Air Particulate Monitor, AQIN Air Quality Monitor, WH31LA Leak Detector, WH31L Lightning Detector, WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor and WH31P Pool Float Sensor

WS-1550-IP: Maximum Measurements + Maximum Sensors + Weather Hub / No Display

The WS-1550-IP is a feature-rich station that utilizes our Weather Hub for remote monitoring and provides advanced weather measurements from a wireless array. With maximum sensor compatibility, the WS-1550-IP allows you to build a home monitoring system that can be managed on your AWN personal dashboard. This station does not include a display; you must use the Weather Hub to view and access your station data.

Array measurements: Our wireless sensor array measures outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, dew point, rainfall, UV index, heat index, solar radiation, wind direction, wind speed, and wind chill.

Compatible sensors: WH31E Temperature and Humidity Sensor, WH32B Thermo-Baro-Hygrometer, WH31P Waterproof Probe Temperature Sensor, PM25 Air Particulate Monitor, PM25IN Indoor Air Particulate Monitor, AQIN Air Quality Monitor, WH31LA Leak Detector, WH31L Lightning Detector, WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor and WH31P Pool Float Sensor

WS-2902: Maximum Measurements + Limited Sensors

If you are all about backyard weather and less about indoor monitoring, then the WS-2902 is the best station for you. The Ambient Weather WS-2902 Home Weather Station is an all-in-one weather station that takes the guesswork out of tracking your backyard weather. With this system, you'll be able to monitor temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and more. View your conditions at any time on the LCD Display, as well as indoor temperature and humidity, moon phases, and a pressure-based forecast. Remotely access your weather data and home conditions on the Ambient Weather Network.

Additional display measurements: pressure-based forecast, relative pressure, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and moon phase

Compatible sensors: WH31E Temperature and Humidity Sensor, WH31P Waterproof Probe Temperature Sensor, PM25 Air Particulate Monitor, PM25IN Indoor Air Particulate Monitor, WH31P Pool Float Sensor

WS-2000: Maximum Measurements + Maximum Sensors

The perfect station for the weather enthusiast, the WS-2000 is a comprehensive weather station that tracks advanced measurements, including UV index, solar radiation, and wind chill. In addition to these measurements, it offers our most detailed display measurements and the maximum amount of sensor upgrades. Add up to seventeen expansion sensors, including leak detection, lightning detection, and air quality monitoring. Powered by the Ambient Weather Network, so you can access your personalized dashboard, remotely monitor conditions, and set alerts. 

Additional display measurements: pressure-based forecast, relative pressure, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, moon phase, sunrise, sunset

WS-5000: Maximum Measurements + Maximum Sensors + Ultrasonic Wind

If you're looking for increased accuracy and maximizing sensor upgrades, then the Ambient Weather WS-5000 is for you. It includes all the technology of a professional weather station with the sleek design and functionality of a personal weather station. With an integrated sensor suite, ultrasonic wind sensor, and LCD display, the WS-5000 lets you monitor everything from indoor and outdoor temperature to UV index. The large display is easy to read, even from a distance, while the Wi-Fi connection allows you to access and manage your data remotely on the Ambient Weather Network.

Additional display measurements: pressure-based forecast, relative pressure, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, moon phase, sunrise, sunset

Ambient Weather offers different types of weather stations, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. By considering the kind of information you want to track, how you want to monitor data and what sensors you want to add, you can narrow down your choices and find a weather station that fits your needs!

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Jackie Fitzpatrick