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Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meter with Link
There’s no doubt about it: the Kestrel 5000 is a beast of a handheld weather station. While the Kestrel 5500 is the company’s top-of-the-line model, the additional functionality you get is primarily targeted toward wind-sensitive uses (crosswind, tailwind, etc.) You won’t need that in most cases. As a result, the Kestrel 5000 is $80 cheaper (MSRP). We’d strongly recommend purchasing the model with LiNK. Using a mobile phone and Kestrel’s app, you can view data up to 100 feet away from the device, making it useful for taking fixed readings without having to stand in the elements to do it.What we like
- Data logging capabilities
- A full weather station in your pocket
- Highly accurate
Keep in mind
- As expensive as a home weather station
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Weatherflow WEATHERmeter
The Weatherflow WEATHERmeter is a highly accurate handheld device used with your smartphone to measure wind, temperature, humidity and pressure. The device connects wirelessly up to 100 feet away. Record weather data in a variety of compatible apps including the free Wind & Weather Meter app and share reports instantly via email, SMS, Twitter, Instagram, and more. - 3
BTMETER BT-100 Handheld Anemometer
If your budget is super tight, the BTMETER BT-100 wind speed meter is a popular seller on Amazon (as well as a popular alternative among TWSE readers, too). For casual use, the BT-100 is perfect as it retails for under $40, and measures all of the commonly included variables like temperature, wind, and wind chill. But the BT-100 isn’t necessarily built for this use: instead, it (and other copycat models on Amazon) are for technicians to test the performance of HVAC units. But buyers are using it for weather, and with a good degree of success too. Keep in mind that wind readings max out at 67mph, and the margin of error is a rather large 5% — far bigger than any of our previous recommendations.What we like
- Inexpensive
Keep in mind
- You get what you pay for
- Large margin of error
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Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Most readers come to our site looking for information on home weather stations, so we’ve spent much time reviewing stations from various manufacturers. But what if you need to know the weather conditions no matter where you are? A handheld weather station or anemometer is a gadget you might want to consider.
As the name suggests, these devices are pocket weather stations you can operate with one hand. Handheld anemometers (or wind meters) are the most common; more advanced handheld weather stations (or weather meters) measure not only wind but also temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and other features like dew point, wind chill, heat index, wet bulb temperature, and altitude. Most devices offer a backlit display for low-light conditions and are drop-tested by the manufacturer for durability.
It’s like a high-end weather station in the palm of your hand, and some cost as much money as those high-end weather stations. Many models are also waterproof, making them perfect for use in the elements. For more details on some of the best models, keep reading.
Best Handheld Weather Stations
We may earn a commission when you purchase through links in this article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meter with Link
There’s no doubt about it: the Kestrel 5000 is a beast of a handheld weather station. While the Kestrel 5500 is the company’s top-of-the-line model, the additional functionality you get is primarily targeted toward wind-sensitive uses (crosswind, tailwind, etc.) You won’t need that in most cases. As a result, the Kestrel 5000 is $80 cheaper (MSRP). We’d strongly recommend purchasing the model with LiNK. Using a mobile phone and Kestrel’s app, you can view data up to 100 feet away from the device, making it useful for taking fixed readings without having to stand in the elements to do it.What we like
- Data logging capabilities
- A full weather station in your pocket
- Highly accurate
Keep in mind
- As expensive as a home weather station
- 2
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
A step up from the Kestrel 2000, which adds temperature to the wind meter, is the Kestrel 3000. The device can also measure humidity, such as dewpoint and heat index. That’s why the company dubbed it a “heat stress monitor,” we think this would be useful for those who spend a lot of time outdoors for work. However, if you don’t have a real use for this data, we’d recommend stepping down to the much more reasonably priced Kestrel 2000. The nice thing about Kestrel meters is that the instrumentation is generally the same across the entire line, so you’re not losing accuracy, just features.What we like
- Adds humidity readings to gauge heat stress
- Perfect for outdoor jobs
Keep in mind
- Feels like the 3500 is a better value
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Kestrel Ballistics 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter
When shooting long-range, changes in distance, air density, and wind greatly impact where your bullet will hit. The Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Meter is a relatively inexpensive option to help you improve your accuracy. This model supports LiNK, allowing you to connect your meter to your smartphone. We’d recommend this particular meter over the Kestrel 2000, especially if you’re a hunter or marksman. The meter’s functionality is geared towards this use, versus the 2000, which is more intended for everyday meteorological use.What we like
- It’s a better option for marksmen
- One of the few lower end Kestrel meters with LiNK
Keep in mind
- Slightly more expensive than the comparable Kestrel 2000
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Weatherflow WEATHERmeter
The Weatherflow WEATHERmeter is a highly accurate handheld device used with your smartphone to measure wind, temperature, humidity and pressure. The device connects wirelessly up to 100 feet away. Record weather data in a variety of compatible apps including the free Wind & Weather Meter app and share reports instantly via email, SMS, Twitter, Instagram, and more. - 5
Weatherflow WINDmeter
The WeatherFlow WINDmeter is a highly accurate handheld device that can be used with your smartphone to measure wind. It connects wirelessly up to 100 feet away. Record weather data in a variety of compatible apps, including the free Wind & Weather Meter app, and share reports instantly via email, SMS, Twitter, Instagram, and more. - 6
BTMETER BT-100 Handheld Anemometer
If your budget is super tight, the BTMETER BT-100 wind speed meter is a popular seller on Amazon (as well as a popular alternative among TWSE readers, too). For casual use, the BT-100 is perfect as it retails for under $40, and measures all of the commonly included variables like temperature, wind, and wind chill. But the BT-100 isn’t necessarily built for this use: instead, it (and other copycat models on Amazon) are for technicians to test the performance of HVAC units. But buyers are using it for weather, and with a good degree of success too. Keep in mind that wind readings max out at 67mph, and the margin of error is a rather large 5% — far bigger than any of our previous recommendations.What we like
- Inexpensive
Keep in mind
- You get what you pay for
- Large margin of error
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Choosing a handheld weather station
Believe it or not, there are many options for wind and weather meters. We were overwhelmed by the sheer number we found on Amazon from various manufacturers. Two names rise to the top, namely Kestrel and Ambient Weather. But there are a few other names to consider.
So what should you look for in a handheld weather station? Read on for a few tips.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a key variable to consider. Generally, as the price increases, accuracy will improve. Some models may have accuracy down to +/-2%, but these devices are among the most expensive. Remember that these devices require you to stand facing the wind head-on, which might not be easy when wind speeds are high.
A less accurate wind meter will only compound that error. We always recommend considering accuracy before price, even if you’re looking for a budget model.
Durability
Wind and weather meters are meant for outdoor use, so device construction is essential. If you use the device in harsh environments, ensure it is built well, as with most higher-end devices. Durability is far less of a concern for those using their devices casually. Many of them are waterproof.
Functionality
While most weather meters are all built the same, some may offer different functionality. One common feature added to these devices is temperature. Some, like those used in firefighting, might include a humidity sensor.
Wrapping Up
For the price, the Ambient Weather meters are a good deal. However, we recommend considering the Kestrel Weather Meter, as it has more functionality and is more durable (and waterproof). We’ve created a post summarizing those recommendations, which you can find here.