Last updated: January 8, 2023
For many people, knowing the weather is an important part of being able to plan in advance. However, it can be tricky to find an indoor outdoor thermometer that is reliable. These thermometers often leave people feeling disappointed, or worse still, find that they break or give inaccurate readings.
There are many devices available that will suit your needs, so we decided to put together a list of the best thermometers available. We have taken care to choose the devices that have the perfect combination of functions, features and price.
Our top choice is not a conventional indoor outdoor thermometer. This device is a complete weather station and has some brilliant plus points including fully customizable elements and more features than you could ever dream of needing. Our number one choice indoor outdoor thermometer does a lot more than just measure the lowest and highest temperatures and humidity.
How we rank the best indoor outdoor thermometers
Image | Model | Price | Rank | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Wireless Indoor Outdoor Thermometers | |||||
| (Editors Choice) | $$$$ | 5.0 | ||
Best Budget Thermometer | |||||
| (#2 Runner up) | $$$ | 4.2 | ||
Best For Monitoring Multiple Locations | |||||
| (#3 Third Place) | $$$ | 3.9 | ||
| $$$ | 3.6 | |||
| La Crosse Technology V10-TH-INT (#5 Fifth Place) | $$$$ | 3.2 | ||
Top-quality weather stations will prevent you from buying a plain indoor outdoor thermometer again. Below are some reasons why you should think about buying a complete weather station instead of a standard indoor outdoor thermometer.
Here is an article about whether you need an indoor outdoor thermometer at all.
Best 5 Wireless Indoor Outdoor Thermometers Individual Reviews Below recommended by Temperature Sensei
By looking at customer opinions and completing extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the top 5 wireless indoor outdoor thermometers. Our favorite was the Ambient Weather WS-2902 due to its value for money. If this is out of your price range, or has more functions than you need, don’t despair, there are plenty of other thermometers to suit your needs. Take a look at the top 5 indoor outdoor thermometers below:
- Ambient Weather
- AcuRite
- Ambient Weather WS-10-X4
- La Crosse C85845
- La Crosse V10-Wth-Int
Ambient Weather WS-2902 Osprey Wi-Fi 10-in-1 (Best Overall)
The Ambient Weather WS-2907 came out as the favorite for many reasons including its price and capabilities. The wireless outdoor sensor is powered by a solar panel (there is also a battery compartment that is used as a backup just in case the solar panel stops working). This brilliant system works 24/7 to give you the most accurate measurements.
Every 16 seconds the wireless outdoor sensor sends information to your indoor display. Your indoor display can be placed anywhere indoors as long as it is within a maximum of 330ft of your wireless outdoor device, or 100ft if there are lots of walls in the way. The indoor display is powered by a wall adapter.
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 has a lot of basic features that you would expect, including:
- Measures barometric pressure
- Measures the indoor and outdoor humidity and temperature
- Forecast
- High and low temperature readings
- Date and time on the main display
In addition to the features above, it also has some more advanced features which makes it even more versatile. These include:
- Rainfall measurement
- Wind direction and speed
- UV and solar radiation
- Heat Index
- Dew Point
- Alerts for all parameters
- High and low readings
- Smart Home integration
- Remote reporting and monitoring
This weather system provides the full experience. It offers an amazing level of functionality which compared to its relatively low price, makes it value for money. This is why this is our number one indoor outdoor thermometer for 2018.
Some of the interesting features of this device have been explained in more detail below:
Accuracy – The Ambient Weather products are well-known for the accuracy they provide their customers. This latest weather system (the WS-2902) is no exception to the rule. This is currently the most accurate device on the market. It has an outdoor temperature range of between -40ﹾF and 149ﹾF. The indoor temperature range is between 14ﹾF and 140ﹾF. The temperature accuracy is + or – 2ﹾF which is very small compared to lots of other devices. It offers an indoor and outdoor humidity range of between 10 and 99% and has a humidity accuracy of + or – 5%. This weather station will always give you an accurate report which is always available right at your fingertips.
Smart-Home Integration – This weather system can connect to your smart home software such as Amazon Alexa. This will then enable you to ask your home system for an accurate, up to date report on the weather. This product gets even better; once you have discovered the weather report you can then control other external smart-home devices such as blinds, sprinklers, switches and lights.
Wi-Fi connected for reporting and monitoring remotely – The Wi-Fi enables your device to connect to the Ambient Weather Network or to Weather Underground. These sites use details from lots of thermometers to build up a full-picture of the conditions in your local area. It enables you to look at the historical data and create alerts, all of which can be done from your phone, tablet or computer.
Pros:
- Accurate sensors
- Smart Home integration
- Includes wind and rainfall measurements
- Internet connectivity
- Top value for money product
- User friendly console
Cons
- Not as cheap as an indoor outdoor thermometer
- Setup time required
AcuRite 02027A1 (Best Low-Cost Model)
This indoor outdoor thermometer is a brilliant option if you are not looking for an all singing all dancing weather station. Its design is attractive and offers a color display which is very easy to read.
This product is very popular due to the simplicity of the setup process; however it may need some tweaking to get accurate readings.
The main downside of this device is that the outdoor thermometer is operated only by batteries. This device provides indoor and outdoor humidity and temperature readings, moon phase, forecast and barometric pressure. The console displays high and low readings and the time and date, but it cannot set alerts or connect to the internet.
This unit is brilliant and offers a lot of good features which make it the perfect choice if you have a low budget.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple color display
- Easy setup
- Accurate measurements
- Patented self-calibrating forecast
Cons:
- No wind/rain measurement
- No alerts
- No remote reporting
- No smart home integration
Ambient Weather WS-10-X4 (Best at Monitoring Several Locations)
If you want to measure the indoor and outdoor temperature in several locations, then this may be the best thermometer for you. With support for up to eight sensors, including a sensor that can be placed in a pool, this thermometer has it all and is perfect for big homes. The WS-10-X4 comes with four sensors but another four sensors can be purchased as required. There is also an integrated sensor located inside the display console.
Unlike the other Ambient Weather in the top 5 list, both the sensors and the base unit all run on batteries only. However, many customers have reported that their batteries can last months at a time.
The main console has the ability to enable you to set alerts when the humidity or temperature reaches a certain level. It also displays minimum and maximum readings for each of the sensors you have connected. The main features of this thermometer are temperature and humidity readings. This thermometer does not collect enough information to give forecasts.
This is a brilliant value for money choice, but it doesn’t offer the full-range of readings that some of their other models offer.
Pros:
- Connect up to eight sensors
- Alerts that notify you of temperature changes
- Sensor available for the pool (additional cost)
- Humidity and temperature displayed on base unit and remote sensors
Cons:
- Obstructions reduce the sensor range
- Only features humidity and temperature readings
- Display can only show information from four sensors at a time
La Crosse Technology C85845
This thermometer will provide you with an accurate temperature and humidity reading which makes it a decent choice. It also provides you with a forecast, however the barometric pressure is not shown on the console.
The main unit is both attractive and stylish in design and provides you with all the information you require on a straightforward color screen. It also has customizable alarms which are based on the weather readings. This unit does not offer internet access.
Pros:
- Customizable alarms
- Simple color display
- Display can be wall mounted
- Backlight is adjustable
Cons:
- No barometric reading
- Display is dull when powered by batteries
La Crosse Technology V10-Wth-Int
This is another brilliant indoor outdoor thermometer from La Crosse technology. This indoor outdoor thermometer performs perfectly for the amount of money it costs.
This thermometer will not be able to provide you with a local weather forecast because it doesn’t take enough readings to be able to do this, but don’t worry as it can use the internet to access the local forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) by using its Wi-Fi connection.
The main feature of the V10-Wth-Int is that it uses the La Crosse app which offers remote reporting. This app enables you to track and view weather conditions, receive push notifications and set alerts conveniently using your smart phone, tablet or computer.
This is an excellent choice for an indoor outdoor thermometer if you are looking for a simple and affordable option. This thermometer may not be able to give you the highest accuracy or the widest range of readings, but it is perfect for people who want to know what the weather is like before they step outside.
Pros
- Can access data from the National Weather Station using the Wi-Fi connection
- 400ft remote sensor span
- Free smartphone app offers remote reporting
- Brilliant price for thermometer
Cons
- Measures humidity and temperature only
- Forecast is from the National Weather Service not from the instruments inside it
Videos – the best indoor outdoor thermometers
We went out and found the most relevant videos we could – give us some feedback if you can about the quality.
Video – Ambient Weather WS-2902
Video – AcuRite 02027A1
Video – Ambient Weather WS-10-X4
Video – La Crosse C85845
Video – La Crosse Technology V10-Wth-Int
FAQ’s in relation to Indoor Outdoor Thermometers
The Differences Between a Home Weather Station and an Indoor Outdoor Thermometer
The Differences Between a Home Weather Station and an Indoor Outdoor Thermometer
Although many people believe that home weather stations and indoor outdoor thermometers are the same things, there is a huge difference between them. So that you cannot be mistaken, we will talk you through some of the main differences.
Indoor outdoor thermometers are brilliant devices that measure the humidity and temperature both inside and outside. Most of these devices have a display screen that will also tell you the correct time and date. Some of the more expensive indoor outdoor thermometers may also show barometric pressure and forecast the weather but this is their limit.
Home weather systems have even more functions than this. They offer a more thorough report of the conditions in the local area and can also show you things such as wind direction and speed, UV, rainfall, solar radiation, heat index, dew point and wind chill.
To make home weather systems even more exciting, they are able to connect to the internet and to your smart home devices. This enables you to view historical and real-time conditions at any time, wherever you are by connecting to your phone, tablet or computer. These weather systems also pair with Amazon Alexa and Google Assist, which means you can ask them to let you know the current conditions both indoors and outdoors. They will then give you your very own weather report of exactly what it is like. They also have IFTTT compatibility which enables you to control your other smart devices with automatic triggers.
As you may have guessed, weather stations tend to cost more money than a standard indoor outdoor thermometer due to their functionality. However, if having a device that shows you reliable local weather conditions is important to you, then buying a home weather station is a necessity. We think that having a device that provides you with rainfall and wind speed readings as well as humidity and temperature is the best solution for a full view of the weather in the local vicinity.
Things to Think About When Shopping for a thermometer
Things to Think About
Choosing the correct thermometer for you may seem impossible. Let’s think about the factors to consider before buying your thermometer:
Readings included – you need to think about what is important. The basics include temperature and humidity, forecast, barometric pressure, date and time, high and low pressures. Other features you may find useful are rainfall data and wind direction and speed.
Accuracy – This is the most important thing to think about when buying your thermometer. An accuracy range for temperature of + or – 2ﹾF and for humidity of + or – 5% is usually acceptable.
Sensor placement – Outdoor sensors need to be shaded and not on a surface that radiates heat. If you are struggling to find a place, think about purchasing a radiating shield.
Smart home integration – For people who own a smart device, adding a weather station that connects to these is a great idea. You will be able to control your other smart devices depending on the weather.
Remote reporting and monitoring – you will need a Wi-Fi enabled device if you want to view your weather data on your phone or other devices.
Display – This is the main screen, so you need to pick something that is simple to use and high-quality. Think about how the screen is powered. The best are the ones that are connected to mains power. You also need to think about how many sensors you require.
Price – you could buy a cheaper thermometer that offers a few accurate readings or a more expensive weather system that has many features. It all depends on your budget and what you are looking for.
It is quick and easy to get accurate readings with a good-quality thermometer. Purchasing an indoor outdoor thermometer that has an internet connection can give you accurate readings when you’re away from home.
Choosing the correct thermometer for you may seem like a hard task, which is why we’ve helped you out by giving you our top 5 thermometers for 2018. Our number one model may not be the cheapest, but it certainly offers value for money. If you’re intersted, check out our top guide of The Top 5 Wi-Fi Thermometers and Wireless Remote Temperature Monitors.
What is an Outside Thermometer Called?
Outside thermometers are just that, a thermometer for outside. Often referred to as an ‘Outdoor Thermometer’, they usually form part of a weather station. They can sometimes be confused with a ‘Barometer’ that measures atmospheric pressure. A barometer will often be paired with an Outdoor Thermometer to form a part of a weather station. Many Outdoor Thermometers will differ from an Indoor Thermometer by offering minimum and maximum temperature readings. This extra data will be of particular interest to those monitoring a weather station, as they can assess temperature variance over time, such as how low temperatures fall overnight.
How Does an Indoor Thermometer Work?
The main body of an Indoor Thermometer is often a glass tube. Glass is an inert material, meaning it does not react with or change anything contained within it. It is also a very efficient thermal conductor, which means heat and cold are transferred through it easily with little or no insulation or resistance. This is very important. Most Indoor Thermometers contain Mercury, a base metal element that contracts and expands in reaction to temperature and stays in liquid form, even at freezing temperatures. When temperatures rise the mercury expands and rises up the thermometer; the opposite happens when cold.
Where is the Best Place to Put a Thermometer Outside?
The location of an Outdoor Thermometer is very important. It should be out of direct sunlight at all hours and not overexposed to wind. Airflow around an Outdoor Thermometer is also important if you are going to measure accurate readings for the general area around the thermometer. For this reason, it is best to place the Outdoor Thermometer between four and six feet (roughly between one meter and two meters) above the ground. To have an Outdoor Thermometer face the north is also beneficial, as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so the thermometer will not be in direct sunlight.
Why is Water No Longer Used in Thermometers?
Centuries ago, water was commonly used in thermometers but was never the perfect solution to monitoring temperature, especially in hot and cold climates. Water freezes when it gets cold, meaning it cannot display very low temperatures and evaporates when it gets hot to the point of boiling in extreme temperatures. Mercury is one of the few elements that maintains a liquid form at a range of temperatures. This temperature range of mercury is ideal for us to use when monitoring temperature, as the mercury’s liquid state will not change unless it reaches temperature highs or lows that humans cannot survive.
What is the Tip of a Thermometer Called?
The tip of a thermometer is called a ‘bulb’ or a ‘spherical bulb’. This part of the thermometer contains the temperature reactive medium, most often mercury, and as the medium expands it is pushed through the capillary tube above to register an increase in temperature. If the ambient temperature around the spherical bulb changes or it is placed somewhere that we want to take a temperature reading from, the mercury will expand or contract accordingly and travel up or down the capillary tube. Markers on or aligned with this tube are called scale lines and these display the current temperature.