Instrument Choice’s 2021 Best Weather Station Gift Guide

Instrument Choice’s 2021 Best Weather Station Gift Guide

As more decorations appear in shops, it’s starting to feel like the “silly season” is here. If you’re stuck for gift ideas – this article is for you.

Weather stations make excellent and highly-practical gifts. So, whether you are looking for a gift for a parent, partner, friend (or yourself), we guarantee that you will find the perfect gift idea in our weather station guide.

See the best-performing instruments beginning from models under $A150, all the way up to professional models for weather enthusiasts.

What is a Home Weather Station?

A home weather station typically includes at least one outdoor sensor and an indoor console or receiver. Home weather stations collect a range of backyard environmental and weather data - providing the lucky owners with insights and forecasts for their microclimate. 

What Makes a Weather Station the Perfect Gift?

Weather stations make excellent and highly practical gifts. Have you noticed how often official local forecasts don’t match the local weather? How often have family and friends shared similar stories?  Such events are common due to local city weather station sensors being located significant distances from someone’s home.

What’s different is that a home weather station generates forecasts and provides real-time data based on the owner's microclimate.

In other words, it is guaranteed to be as accurate as possible! What’s more, many highly effective weather stations are surprisingly affordable.

The 2021 Weather Station Gift Guide

Instrument Choice has made choosing this year’s best home weather station easy. For your gift-giving convenience, your weather station guide is sorted into three main price categories:

  1. Best Home Stations Under $150AU
  2. Best Home Weather Stations From $150AU to $500AU; and
  3. Best Home Stations Above $500AU. 

Best Home Weather Stations Under $150AU

These budget-friendly weather stations are affordable, feature-packed, and guaranteed to delight!

Thermo RH Station With 8 Temperature Channels
Product Code: IC-WS710

 At a glance: The affordable and powerful WS710 includes an indoor thermometer (i.e., thermo-hygrometer) in the console and one external temperature and humidity sensor. This device can be expanded, with the potential to read and update up to eight remotely located thermo-hygrometer sensors (sold separately) simultaneously.  Readings are displayed on the large digital display.

 Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity

 Weather Forecast: Rate of change in temperature and humidity conditions are detected and displayed on the console as stable, rising or falling arrow icons. 

Wireless Range: 100 metres (line of sight). 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: 7 additional sensors can be added for comprehensive monitoring.

View it here: Additional sensor for the IC-WS710 Product code: IC-WH8. 

 

Wireless Weather Station
Product Code: WS1151

At a glance: The WS1151 Wireless Weather Station is an attractive and easy to use weather station that provides a large amount of information at a glance. Captures more obscure (but super handy) metrics like hyperlocal daily sunrise and sunset times, moon phases and historical daily highs and lows.

 Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Moon phase 

Weather Forecast: Yes! On-screen Weather forecast tendency arrows & forecast icons based on changing barometric pressure. 

Wireless Range: 100m (maximum transmission) 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A

 

Temperature/Humidity Weather Station
Product Code: IC-XC0412

At a glance: The IC-XC0412 unit features a high-contrast monochromatic display with an attractive amber backlight. It also has alarm functions (with snooze option) and can accommodate three additional sensors transmitting additional data to the display unit for monitoring.

Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity; and
  • Moon phase.

Weather Forecast: Yes – on-screen forecast icons. 

Wireless Range: 30-50 metres. 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: 2 additional sensors can be added for comprehensive monitoring. View here: Temperature/Humidity Sensor for IC-XC0412 Product code: IC-XC0413. 

 

Weather Station With Rain Gauge, Wind Speed And Direction
Product code: IC0400WS

At a glance: The IC0400WS measures an assortment of vital indoor and outdoor weather parameters and displays information on the mini backlit LCD screen for a quick overview – all at a price that won't break the budget. 

Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Rainfall
  • Wind Speed
  • Wind Direction
  • Wind Chill; and
  • Dew Point.

 Weather Forecast: N/A 

Wireless Range: 100m. 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A 

 

Temperature/Humidity Weather Station with 7 Inch Colour Display
Product code: IC-XC0416

At a glance: The IC-XC0416 features an aesthetically pleasing colour indoor display and the ability to connect up to a total of 8 (one included) sensors allowing you to monitor multiple environments, such as your children's rooms, garage and pantry.

Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Moon phase; and
  • Comfort level.

Weather Forecast: Yes – on-screen forecast icons and weather trends. 

Wireless Range: 30m 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: Supports a total of 8 remote sensors (1 included with IC-XC0416). View the additional sensors here. 

  

Best Home Weather Stations From $150AU to $500AU

This price bracket includes stations with more advanced features like WIFI connectivity, PC connectivity, coloured indoor displays and outdoor multi-sensors capable of collecting and retrieving weather data. We recommend these stations to keen weather watchers or those weather station owners ready for an upgrade.

V10-TH Remote Monitoring WiFi Color Weather Station
Product code: IC-V10-TH

At a glance: The WIFI connected IC-V10-TH provides a cost-effective way to get the temperature and humidity readings from a full-colour, aesthetically pleasing indoor console. For anyone “on the go”, you access the same information from your mobile device using the La Crosse View app.

Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Heat Index; and
  • Dew Point. 

Weather Forecast: Yes - Dynamic colour weather forecast on the console and the app. 

Wireless Range: Up to 121 metres. 

Connectivity: WIFI: Interfaces with the LaCrosse View app for Apple and Android. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: The app can add additional sensors (they cannot be seen on the console). Check out additional temperature and humidity sensors here: LTV-TH1, LTV-TH2 and LTV-TH3. 

  

WS1081 Ver3 TESA Professional Weather Station
Product code: IC-WS1081V3

At a glance: The IC-WS1081V3 makes a delightful gift for someone who prefers their weather data on a computer - without WIFI connectivity. 

The readings from the solar-assisted outdoor multi-sensor can be recorded and uploaded to your computer via USB using free PC/Mac software.

Measurements & Calculations:

  • Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Rainfall
  • Wind speed
  • Wind direction
  • Wind chill
  • Dew point; and
  • Barometric pressure.

Weather Forecast: Forecast icons based on changing barometric pressure and weather forecast tendency arrows. 

Wireless Range: Up to 100m. 

Connectivity: USB PC connectivity. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A 

  

Digital Weather Station with Colour Display
Product code: IC-XC0434

At a glance: The IC-XC0434 is a straightforward station-to-console setup. The station comes with a fully assembled, 5-in-1 outdoor multi-sensor station and a large coloured indoor console that will blend in seamlessly with any home decor.

Measurements & Calculations:

  • ·Indoor and Outdoor Temperature
  • Indoor and Outdoor Humidity
  • Rainfall
  • Rain rate
  • Wind speed
  • Wind direction
  • Wind chill
  • Dew point
  • Heat index
  • Barometric pressure; and
  • Moon phase.

Weather Forecast: 12-hour weather forecast and storm warning. 

Wireless Range: Up to 150m. 

Connectivity: N/A 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A 

  

7 Inch Colour WiFi Wireless Weather Station
Product code: IC0370

At a glance: The IC0370 is the most popular weather station under $350AU at Instrument Choice. For many years it’s been the “weather station of choice” as a Xmas gift. 

What makes the IC0370 so sought after?

The extensive range of features and functions speak for themselves.

Popular features that IC0370 users enjoy:

  • Calculation and measurement of nine critical indoor and outdoor weather parameters + more
  • A remarkable 100m wireless station to console range
  • Light level measurements (Unique to the IC0370)
  • A bright, coloured and extra-large indoor colour display; and
  • WIFI enabled and compatible with a host of third-party weather applications.

Measurements & Calculations:

1. Indoor temperature
2. Outdoor temperature
3. Indoor humidity
4. Outdoor humidity
5. Barometric pressure
6. Rainfall

7.   Wind speed
8.   Wind direction
9.   Heat index
10. Dew point; and
11. Light levels.

 

Weather Forecast: On-screen forecast display predicting sunny, partly sunny, cloudy, rainy, stormy and snowy weather. 

Wireless Range: 100m. 

Connectivity: WIFI: connects to Connect to third party services via the WS View Plus app (Android and Apple). 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A 

  

V40A-PRO Wireless WiFi Professional Weather Station
Product code: IC-V40A-PRO

At a glance: The IC-V40A-PRO weather station can function as a stand-alone station, or using the highly-rated La Crosse View App, weather data can be remotely accessed from a smartphone or tablet. 

This station’s most outstanding feature is the La Crosse View App’s ability to send alerts and push notifications when the weather readings go above or fall below users’ desired limits.

Measurements & Calculations:

1. Indoor temperature
2.  Outdoor temperature
3. Indoor humidity
4. Outdoor humidity
5. Rainfall

6.   Wind speed
7.   Wind direction
8.   Windchill
9.   Heat index; and
10. Dew point.

 

Weather Forecast: On-console dynamic forecast icons: sunny, partly sunny, clouds, rain, thunderstorm, and snow and NWS forecast when connected to the app. 

Wireless Range: Up to 121 meters. 

Connectivity: WIFI. Interfaces with the LaCrosse View app for Apple and Android. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: Five add-on sensors are compatible with the V40A-PRO (sold separately). The sensors will use your weather station as a gateway to the La Crosse View app, where their data can be viewed and tracked 24/7. Available sensors:

  1. LTV-TH1 Thermo-Hygro Sensor (Temperature and Humidity)
  2. LTV-TH2 Thermo-Hygro Sensor (Temperature and Humidity with LCD screen)
  3. LTV-TH3 Thermo-Hygro Sensor (High accuracy temperature and Humidity with LCD screen)
  4. LTV-R3 Rain Sensor (Rainfall)
  5. LTV-WR1 Multi-Sensor (Wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall). 

  

Wireless Digital Weather Station with Colourful LCD Display and WiFi
Product code: IC-XC0436

At a glance: The IC-XC0436 has the same 5-in-1 sensor as the IC-XC0434 (above). What’s different is the addition of a second high-precision hygro-thermo sensor that measures humidity and temperature. The two sensors can be positioned independently to capture data in different locations. 

The IC-XC0436 has WIFI connectivity and can be connected to third-party services like WeatherUnderground and WeatherCloud. Fortunate gift recipients can get personalised weather information and forecasts anywhere, any time.

 

 

Measurements & Calculations:

1. Indoor temperature
2. Outdoor temperature
3. Indoor humidity
4. Outdoor humidity
5. Wind speed
6. Wind direction

7.   Windchill
8.   Dew point
9.   Heat index
10. Rainfall
11. Rain rate; and
12. Barometric pressure.

 

Weather Forecast: 12-hour forecast. 

Wireless Range: 150m (line of sight). 

Connectivity: WIFI: Interfaces with WeatherUnderground and WeatherCloud. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: N/A 

 

Best Home Stations Above $500AU

Are you looking to spoil someone rotten (or seriously treat yourself) this Christmas? Look no further. The two station examples listed below are practical gifts suitable for home weather enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station
Product code: IC6250AU

 At a glance: The IC6250AU is the base model of the Davis range. Davis weather stations are for serious weather enthusiasts.

Customers love the Davis Vantage Vue Weather Station because of the following features and benefits:

  • Higher level of accuracy and reliability
  • 22 configurable weather alarms!
  • Huge wireless range; and
  • Upgradable – an extensive array of add-ons and packages so users can upgrade anytime.

Measurements & Calculations:

1. Indoor temperature
2. Outdoor temperature
3. Indoor humidity
4. Outdoor humidity
5. Barometric Pressure
6. Dew Point

7.   Heat Index
8.   Rainfall
9.   Rain Rate
10. Wind Chill
11. Wind Direction; and
12. Wind Speed.

 

Weather Forecast: Weather forecast displayed in icons that let you know when to expect sun, rain, partly cloudy, cloudy, rain or snow. 

Wireless Range: 300m! 

Connectivity: Not available for the IC6250AU. See add-ons and upgrades here. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: Tripods, internet connectivity, data loggers and more – there is a massive assortment of add-ons and accessories available - Browse Vantage Vue Accessories here. 

Popular Bundle #1:

Weatherlink Live and Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station Package

 

Get the best of both worlds! View live weather conditions on your indoor console and stream your weather data over WiFi to the Weatherlink Cloud to access the versatile Weatherlink Live app.

Popular Bundle #2:

6110AU WeatherLink Live Vantage Vue Bundle

Go 100% mobile - this kit doesn’t have an indoor console. Instead, the outdoor console relays information to the WeatherLink live app directly via WeatherLink Live.

 

Vantage Pro 2 With Standard Radiation Shield
Product code: IC6152AU

 At a glance: The Vantage Pro 2 weather station is designed for professional users or serious home users wanting professional performance.

Tracks 12 weather variables and stores historical data. The outdoor sensor suite uses solar power to reduce battery consumption, and electronic components are housed inside a weather-resistant casing.

 Measurements & Calculations:

1. Indoor temperature
2. Outdoor temperature
3. Indoor humidity
4. Outdoor humidity
5. Barometric Pressure
6. Dew Point

7.   Heat Index
8.   Rainfall
9.   Rain Rate
10. Wind Chill
11. Wind Direction; and
12. Wind Speed.

 

Weather Forecast: Weather forecast displayed using icons to let you know when to expect sun, rain, partly cloudy, cloudy or snow. 

Wireless Range: 300m. 

Connectivity: Not with the IC6152AU. See add-ons and upgrades here. 

Add-ons and Upgrades: The Davis Vantage Pro 2 packages and add-ons take weather stations to the next level, making this weather station one of the best home weather stations you can give as a gift! View the complete list of Davis Vantage Pro 2 Weather Station Add-ons and Accessories here. 

Popular Bundle #1:

Weatherlink Live and Vantage Pro 2 With Standard Radiation Shield Package 


Get the best of both worlds – this kit offers you the ability to view live conditions on your indoor console and stream your weather data live over WiFi to the Weatherlink Cloud utilising the versatile Weatherlink Live.

Popular Bundle #2:

6112AU WeatherLink Live Vantage Pro 2 Bundle  

Go 100% mobile - this kit doesn’t have an indoor console. Instead, the outdoor console relays information to the WeatherLink live app directly via WeatherLink Live.

 

The Final Word

Weather Stations make excellent gifts and practical gifts. With over 350 models available at Instrument Choice - each with varying features and functions - we guarantee there will be a model that will satisfy even the most discerning weather enthusiast.

You can learn more about the best home weather stations mentioned above and browse other models here. Or, if you have some questions or need a bit more help choosing the best home weather station for your application, we recommend you call one of our friendly scientists on 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

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