Posted under Reviews | Weather Stations

Ambient Weather WS-1965 Review

Weather for Those on a Budget

By Ed Oswald

Published on:

Weather station mounted on house wall.
The Ambient Weather WS-1965 home weather station.
  • Small but bright console
  • Decent accuracy for the price
  • Somewhat complicated setup
  • Not as well constructed as other models

Date of our Original Review: June 2024

Ambient Weather has long been recognized for producing accurate weather stations that integrate well with smart home technology at competitive prices. The Ambient Weather WS-1965 is the companyโ€™s latest base model, designed to replace the WS-1900, which lacked internet connectivity. That was a real problem for the WS-1900, which cheaper AcuRite models have had for several years.

The WS-1965 aims to compete with budget models from brands like Sainlogic and AcuRite, which offer internet connectivity at around the $100 mark. Despite some compromises in the sensor suite and console features, this model could be a viable option for entry-level weather enthusiasts.

We were excited to test this station out as the sensor suite appears in several Ecowitt models which are available internationally. But this review focuses on Ambient Weather and the WS-1965, so weโ€™ll stay there.

Whatโ€™s Included

In the box, you will find the sensor suite, mounting hardware, and a small screwdriver for attaching the wind gauge and anemometer. The console display is compact (approximately 4โ€ x 4โ€ and an inch thick) but remains bright and readable from a distance. Additional items include a manual, power cable, and plug for the console, along with four โ€˜AAโ€™ batteries (two for the console as backup power and two for the sensor suite).

Digital weather station display showing temperature and forecast.
The Ambient Weather WS-1965โ€™s small but readable console.

Installation Experience

Setting up the WS-1965 is similar to other Ambient Weather stations. The sensor suite requires minimal assembly, and the included wire coil for the rain gauge is a thoughtful touch to prevent debris buildup. However, I encountered a loose screw within the sensor suite, a first for me with Ambient Weather products. Despite this, the sensor suite functioned correctly once assembled.

The Wi-Fi setup process is less straightforward than other models, requiring a direct connection to the console to alter settings. This could pose challenges for those less technically inclined. Updating the console firmware is crucial to avoid issues with forecast accuracy. Ambient Weatherโ€™s manual provides detailed instructions to guide users through the process.

Weather station in suburban neighborhood street view
The Ambient Weather WS-1965 next to the KestrelMet 6000, our โ€œcontrolโ€ station.

Performance and Accuracy

The WS-1965 offers standard weather data, excluding UV and light sensors present in higher-end models like the WS-2902 and WS-5000. While these exclusions limit some smart home integrations, core functions such as indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and barometric pressure are well-supported.

Comparing the WS-1965 to the KestrelMet 6000, I found temperature readings to be slightly cooler, with discrepancies of up to a degree during peak sunlight hours. This was unexpected, as non-aspirated sensors typically read warmer in direct sunlight. Humidity readings were accurate, though slightly higher in drier conditions. The rain gauge performed reliably, measuring 1.01โ€ of rain compared to the KestrelMetโ€™s 1.00โ€.

The barometer, though not calibrated for this review, operated within an acceptable range, albeit with a slightly larger margin of error than preferred. For precise weather tracking, the WS-2902 remains a superior choice due to its enhanced sensor suite.

Outdoor weather station equipment against blue sky
The Ambient Weather WS-1965 sensor suite.

Ambient Weather Network (AWN) Enhancements

Ambient Weather has introduced a new fee-based tier to its AWN platform. The free level offers map layers, notifications, forecasts, and a one-year data history. The $50 annual subscription adds additional map layers, text alerts, a three-year data history, and extended forecasts up to 10 days, thanks to a partnership with Vaisala Weather. Despite this, AccuWeather map data is notably absent.

The AWN platformโ€™s data retention policy remains unclear. Unlike Davis, which retains user data beyond subscription periods, it is uncertain if AWN maintains weather data past a year without an active subscription. Sharing data with Weather Underground is a viable alternative for long-term data storage.

Conclusion

The Ambient Weather WS-1965 is a commendable entry-level weather station, albeit with some compromises in build and sensor quality. While it is preferable over similarly priced models from other brands, the WS-2902 remains the better choice for serious weather enthusiasts due to its superior accuracy and feature set. If budget permits, opting for the WS-2902 is advisable. In a pinch, the WS-1965 still outperforms other budget options.

Logo of The Weather Station Experts

Ed Oswald

Ed Oswald has nearly two decades of experience in technology and science journalism, and specializes in weather stations and smart home technology. He's written for Digital Trends, PC World, and TechHive. His work has also appeared in the New York Times. When he isn't writing about gadgets, he enjoys chasing severe weather and winter storms.

Why you can trust our reviews

We have experience with all the products and companies we recommend here on TWSE. Our review staff includes degreed meteorologists and scientists, some of whom have owned the products they review for several years. Our staff has reviewed home weather gadgets for over a decade both on TWSE and elsewhere.

How we test

A weather station or gadget must score highly in our scoring metrics in several key areas, including accuracy, value, durability, ease of use, and feature set. We accept products for review, but we do not accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.

Affiliate Disclosure

The Weather Station Experts participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates. We may receive a commission from clicking links on our site.

Leave a Comment