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It’s pretty much a guarantee that everyone in Canada is using a weather app almost daily. Heck, sometimes we use it multiple times a day. With the up-and-down weather we get, it’s essential to stay informed. But maybe you’re tired of your weather app being slow to update or entirely inaccurate. If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the perfect solution to your troubles.
A home weather station is a pretty major improvement over unreliable weather apps. With a sensor on your very own roof or in your very own backyard, you can be sure that you’re getting incredibly accurate info when it comes to temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and so much more. They’re super easy to set up too, and most of them have really pleasing displays that are easy to read at a glance.
If you’d love to test out a home weather station for yourself or you need a replacement for an older model, we’re here to help. Home weather stations will vary in all kinds of features including price, display size, power source, included data types, mounting options, and more. And you should think about all of them if you want to find your perfect match. And we bet you do.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best home weather stations in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Top Pick: AcuRite 01512 Pro Color Weather Station
Upgrade Pick: AcuRite 01536 Wireless Weather Station
Budget Pick: Newentor Q3 Weather Station
Solar Alternative: Ecowitt WS2320 Wi-Fi Weather Station
User-Friendly Alternative: La Crosse Technology 308-1414MB-INT Wireless Color Weather Station
The AcuRite 01512 Pro Color Weather Station is as close to flawless as these things can get. It offers an extensive selection of weather tracking including rainfall, indoor and outdoor temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, and so much more. It has everything you need! Plus, it will track your local rainfall over days, weeks, months, and even an entire year. It’s a great way to track changes over the years.
Thanks to the Weather Ticker, all of your data will be updated constantly, too. You’ll always know exactly what the outdoor weather conditions are like so you can dress yourself, your kids, and your dog(s) the right way. You’ll also really like the display. It can be mounted on the wall or a tabletop and lays out your information in an easy-to-read way. There’s no guessing or searching involved with this one.
There are a few reasons this option might not be a good fit for you. First, it has a very bright display, so if you’d like to mount it in your bedroom for accurate info while dressing, this one will likely keep you up at night. The angle can also be awkward if you mount it on a tabletop and hard to read at a distance. Otherwise, the higher price tag might be the only motivation to continue shopping around.
Overall, the AcuRite 01512 Pro Color Weather Station is one of the best all-around home weather stations money can buy. No matter what type of weather data you’re interested in or how often you’ll need an update, this one is a perfect match.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a high opinion of the AcuRite 01512 Pro Color Weather Station. It tracks all of the information they could wish to see daily, and the setup was really easy for both the outdoor sensor and indoor console. They would prefer that the tabletop mount was angled better for easier viewing, but it’s perfect as a wall-mounted console.
Buy If…
You’d appreciate real-time info
An easy-to-read display is a must-have
Long-term rainfall tracking would be valuable to you
You’d like a full picture of your local forecast
Don’t Buy If…
You’re looking for something budget-friendly
You want to set up your console on a tabletop
You’d like to mount your weather station in a bedroom
Console Dimensions: 8.2” x 6.7” x 2.6”
Console Weight: 5 lbs
Sensor Power Source: Batteries
Data Types: Temperature (indoor and outdoor), humidity (indoor and outdoor), wind speed, wind direction, rain, dew point, barometric pressure, and moon phase
Mount Options: Wall or tabletop for console mounting, yard for sensor mounting
Warranty: 1 year
There are a lot of things to like about the AcuRite 01536 Wireless Weather Station. First of all, it’s got a super-comprehensive list of tracked data — you won’t miss any of the essentials for daily info or larger-scale professional tasks. Plus, it updates every 18 seconds to make sure you always have accurate details. Thank goodness. You can even set alarms and text/email alerts to know when important changes are happening.
There are a couple of really unique things about this system too. One of them is the PC Connect feature — this allows you to sync your weather station to your computer so you can export, analyze, and archive the data. How cool is that? And if you keep your display connected, you can access your weather data over Wi-Fi on a smartphone, tablet, or other device. You’ll never be caught out of the loop.
We are very happy to report that there is nothing wrong with this option when it comes to weather-tracking performance or usability. Or any of the other important things, for that matter. The only reason you might want to keep looking is because of the price. This is a pretty expensive weather station and it won’t be the right fit for everybody’s budget.
Overall, we’re very impressed with the quality and reliability of the AcuRite 01536 Wireless Weather Station. With inclusive weather data tracking, a well-designed console display, and tons of connectivity options, there’s really nothing missing from this one.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the AcuRite 01536 Wireless Weather Station. The 18-second update frequency means they always have ultra-accurate data coming in, and they really appreciate having the ability to export and analyze it. The remote access is a big hit as well. The weather alert system is probably their favourite thing about it, though.
Buy If…
Staying up to date with weather changes is really important to you
You’d like to export and archive weather data occasionally
You want to access your weather data remotely
Comprehensive weather tracking is a priority
Don’t Buy If…
Affordability is a concern
Console Dimensions: 7” x 8.1” x 1.2”
Console Weight: 3.6 lbs
Screen Size: 4” x 5”
Sensor Power Source: Batteries
Data Types: Temperature (indoor and outdoor), humidity (indoor and outdoor), wind speed, wind direction, rain, moon phase, and barometric pressure
Mount Options: Yard for sensor mounting
Warranty: 1 year
The Newentor Q3 Weather Station is our favourite budget-friendly weather station for a number of reasons. Its console display is one of the best ones out there — it can be mounted on the wall or sit on a tabletop, it has four different backlight brightness levels, and it’s easy to read no matter where you are in the room. Talk about quality! And of course, you really can’t beat the price of this one.
One of the other distinguishing features of this one is the outdoor sensor — it has a very small and simple design that allows it to secure directly to your house instead of sitting out in the yard. It's unobtrusive and easy to look past, and even has a temperature/humidity display right on it! The interior console also doubles as an alarm clock, just in case you’re looking for another reason to love it.
There are two main limitations you’ll need to be aware of before you can commit to this one with a full picture. First, it’s simpler outdoor sensor means it can’t measure rainfall or wind speed/direction, so you’ll have to do without those readings if you choose this one. Also, it isn’t the highest-quality option when it comes to longevity, so you might need to get a replacement sooner than if you chose a more expensive weather station.
Overall, the Newentor Q3 Weather Station is one of the best options out there if you’re shopping on a budget. It offers reliable (but limited) weather tracking, a flawless console display, and an unobtrusive outdoor sensor that won’t ruin the Zen of your backyard.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers are quite happy with the Newentor Q3 Weather Station. It was super easy to install both the indoor console and outdoor sensor, and the temperature/humidity readings are very accurate. Many of them are using the alarm feature on the console, and they’re all really happy with the quality of the display. Some would prefer it could measure wind and rain, though, and it doesn’t have the best longevity.
Buy If…
An ultra-clear display is what you’re after
You don’t want to spend much on a weather station
You’d love a console that doubles as an alarm clock
An unobtrusive outdoor sensor appeals to you
Don’t Buy If…
You want accurate wind and rain info reporting to the console
You’re looking for something that’ll last a long time
Console Dimensions: 8” x 5.1” x 1”
Console Weight: 0.6 lbs
Screen Size: 7.5”
Sensor Power Source: Batteries
Data Types: Temperature (indoor and outdoor), humidity (indoor and outdoor), moon phase, and barometric pressure
Mount Options: Tabletop or wall for console mounting, outdoor wall for sensor mounting
Warranty: 1 year
The Ecowitt WS2320 Wi-Fi Weather Station has a lot going for it. One of the things you’ll like best is how detailed the weather reporting is. This thing covers literally every possible piece of weather data you could possibly wish to know — even things like wind chill, UV index, and dew point are covered! And it’s all updated every 16 seconds, too. You’ll never be out of the loop!
We really like that this weather station is Wi-Fi enabled, too. Not only can you access your data remotely with the companion app on your smartphone, but you’re also able to send data to your computer for use on websites like Weather Underground. Throw in solar power generation and you’ve got a pretty high-tech home weather station on your hands.
There are two reasons you might not love this weather station. The first one is the display. Unlike other options that have a simple colour display, this one comes with a pretty busy monochrome display. It isn’t the easiest thing to read and it also doesn’t look great. Otherwise, the slightly high price tag might be the only thing that pushes you in another direction.
Overall, the Ecowitt WS2320 Wi-Fi Weather Station is a pretty special option. It has a unique power source, an amazingly comprehensive list of reported weather data, and an easy setup process. What could possibly be missing?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have great things to say about the Ecowitt WS2320 Wi-Fi Weather Station. This is a super easy device to set up both indoors and out, and all of the reported data seems to be very accurate. The solar panel is something else that they love. Some people don’t like the monochrome display, but that’s really the only concern that comes up with this one.
Buy If…
You’d love an eco-friendly power source for your outdoor unit
A remote way to monitor your weather data would be nice
You’d like real-time updates for a wide range of weather data
Wi-Fi connectivity would be useful
Don’t Buy If…
Display quality is important to you
You’d prefer to spend as little as possible on a weather station
Console Dimensions: 6.9” x 5.7” x 2.1”
Console Weight: 5.2 lbs
Sensor Power Source: Solar and batteries
Data Types: Temperature (indoor and outdoor), humidity (indoor and outdoor), barometric pressure (absolute and relative), rain, wind speed, wind direction, UV index, solar radiation (light), moon phase, wind chill, heat index, and dew point
Mount Options: Yard or roof for sensor mounting, tabletop or wall for console mounting
Warranty: 1 year
The La Crosse Technology 308-1414MB-INT Wireless Color Weather Station has one of the simpler designs in this arena, but honestly, we love it a little bit more because of that. Its simple design provides two main advantages — not only is the outdoor unit a lot smaller and easier to hide, but the indoor unit has an amazing display. It’s clear, vibrant, and easy to read from a distance. Everything it should be!
You’ll also be really happy with the price of this one. It isn’t the most affordable option, but it comes pretty close and sure beats out a lot of the competition in terms of budget-friendliness. And it has a pretty unique feature if you install the sensor inside instead of outside — it can monitor your mould risk. Talk about peace of mind.
There’s one pretty significant limitation you’ll have to come to terms with if you want this weather station, and that’s how comprehensive the weather tracking is. Or, well, isn’t. The only data reported by this one is indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. That’s it! If you’re looking for more data types, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Overall, the La Crosse Technology 308-1414MB-INT Wireless Color Weather Station is an easy favourite for us right now, and we bet you’ll love it too. As long as you don’t have your heart set on super-detailed weather reporting, you won’t have any problems with this one.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Reviewers are very happy with the La Crosse Technology 308-1414MB-INT Wireless Color Weather Station. They’re completely I love with the vibrant colours and large numbers on the display — they can read it easily from six feet away. The temperature and humidity readings are also reliably accurate. The setup was a very simple process as well.
Buy If…
A simple display is your ideal
You’re concerned about mould growth inside your home
An affordable price tag is a priority
You don’t want an eyesore in your backyard
Don’t Buy If…
You’d like a comprehensive list of weather data reported
Console Dimensions: 8.3” x 5.5” x 1”
Console Weight: 0.75 lbs
Sensor Power Source: Batteries
Data Types: Temperature (indoors and outdoors), humidity (indoors and outdoor), and mould risk
Mount Options: Outdoor wall for sensor mounting, tabletop or wall for console mounting
Warranty: 1 year
Some home weather stations are as affordable as $60 or less while others can easily exceed $300. In general, more expensive home weather stations will be more durable, have a higher-quality console screen, offer remote access and PC connectivity, and have more detailed weather reporting.
Of course, the types of data reported by a home weather station are some of the most important things to look at while browsing. Some are incredibly simple devices that can only measure temperature and humidity, others are very sophisticated and can also report on rainfall, wind speed and direction, moon phase, dew point, and much more. Keep in mind that more data types mean a higher price tag.
Many home weather stations will offer multiple mount options for both the outdoor sensor and indoor console. The outdoor sensors can be mounted in three ways — the smallest ones that have no rain/wind monitoring will be mounted to an outdoor wall, and the more complex sensors can often be secured to a roof or mounted in a yard. Consoles almost always have tabletop and wall-mounting options.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.