A complete weather station doesn’t make much sense if you’re just concerned with the temperature and being comfortable. In this case, an indoor-outdoor thermometer is your best choice. Unlike weather stations, there are far more choices. So what are the best indoor outdoor thermometers?
We’ve put together this guide to the best indoor outdoor thermometers to help you pick the best one for your needs. They come at various price points, from $20 to as much as $400. Our favorites are from La Crosse Technology, but a few other options are worth considering.
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Top Rated Indoor Outdoor Thermometers
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Description:
- Measures indoor and outdoor humidity with comfort level indicators, dew point, heat index
- Atomic clock
- Forecast
| Description:
- Includes an indoor thermo-hygrometer and three remote thermometer/hygrometer sensors
- Display console shows indoor temperature and up to three outdoor sensors at the same time
- Audible and visual alerts when preset levels are reached
| Description:
Save $10 over Amazon by buying directly from Ideal Sciences! |
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Dimensions:
8.98 x 1.00 x 5.43 inches | Dimensions:
4.50 x 5.0 x 1.00 inches | Dimensions:
3.5 x 1.25 x 1.375 inches |
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Power Supply:
AC (2 'AA' for sensor) | Power Supply:
Console (4 'AAA'), Sensors (2 'AAA') | Power Supply:
2 'AA' (Lithium Recommended) |
Battery Life:
6-12 months | Battery Life:
6-12 months | |
Editor's Choice
Description:
- Measures indoor and outdoor humidity with comfort level indicators, dew point, heat index
- Atomic clock
- Forecast
Dimensions:
8.98 x 1.00 x 5.43 inches
Power Supply:
AC (2 'AA' for sensor)
Battery Life:
6-12 months
For Multiple Locations
Description:
- Includes an indoor thermo-hygrometer and three remote thermometer/hygrometer sensors
- Display console shows indoor temperature and up to three outdoor sensors at the same time
- Audible and visual alerts when preset levels are reached
Dimensions:
4.50 x 5.0 x 1.00 inches
Power Supply:
Console (4 'AAA'), Sensors (2 'AAA')
Battery Life:
6-12 months
Best Indoor Thermometer
Description:
Save $10 over Amazon by buying directly from Ideal Sciences!
Dimensions:
3.5 x 1.25 x 1.375 inches
Power Supply:
2 'AA' (Lithium Recommended)
Our team looked through the best indoor outdoor thermometers on Amazon and determined that the La Crosse C85845-INT is the best-reviewed overall. However, you can’t go wrong with the Temp Stick and the Ambient Weather WS-10’s capability to monitor up to four locations simultaneously — and at a great price — also are good choices.
Image Credit: La Crosse TechnologyBest Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Reviews
Below, you’ll find more information on the best indoor outdoor thermometers that made our rankings.
Top Pick - Indoor Outdoor Thermometers
La Crosse Technology C85845-INT Weather Station, Black - Measures indoor and outdoor humidity with comfort level indicators, dew point, heat index
- Atomic clock
- Forecast
Dimensions:
8.98 x 1.00 x 5.43 inches
Weight:
12.8 ounces
Power Supply:
AC (2 'AA' for sensor)
Battery Life:
6-12 months
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09/24/2023 11:19 pm GMT
While we generally don’t recommend La Crosse weather stations as there are better options, one thing La Crosse Technology does well is indoor outdoor thermometers. One of the best indoor outdoor thermometers is the C85845, which features an adjustable brightness color display and an attractive console that doesn’t take up much space.
In addition to indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, this large display indoor outdoor thermometer also measures the dewpoint and heat index, and “comfort levels” are shown below the humidity readings. While the C85845 does measure barometric pressure to provide a forecast, that information isn’t shown.
The console runs off AC power, with 3 AA batteries used as backup (the outdoor sensor also requires batteries). La Crosse also sells a radiation shield for the sensor to improve the accuracy of outdoor measurements, which we recommend.
Ambient Weather WS-10 - Includes an indoor thermo-hygrometer and three remote thermometer/hygrometer sensors
- Display console shows indoor temperature and up to three outdoor sensors at the same time
- Audible and visual alerts when preset levels are reached
Dimensions:
4.50 x 5.0 x 1.00 inches
Weight:
11.2 ounces
Power Supply:
Console (4 'AAA'), Sensors (2 'AAA')
Battery Life:
6-12 months
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/24/2023 09:05 pm GMT
While the La Crosse C85845 is nice, it can only measure the temperature inside and outside at one location of your choice. That’s not the case with the Ambient Weather WS-10. The large display allows you to monitor the current temperature and relative humidity in up to eight locations, four at any given time (one sensor is inside the console, and you can add up to seven more wireless sensors). You can also use the Ambient Weather F007TP probe sensor to monitor your pool’s temperature.
While there is no built-in wireless connectivity to store data, we think the WS-10 is a steal, especially considering the price of some of our other suggestions on this list. And the battery life of the sensors should provide up to a year of continuous operation. This is one of the best indoor outdoor thermometers for multiple locations, especially for the price.
Editor's Choice
Temp Stick Save $10 over Amazon by buying directly from Ideal Sciences!
Pros:- The best remote temperature sensor on the market
- American made
- Highly accurate
- No subscription fees
Cons:- Higher price than other options
Dimensions:
3.5 x 1.25 x 1.375 inches
Weight:
3.3 ounces
Power Supply:
2 'AA' (Lithium Recommended)
Battery Life:
1 year
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
While it’s not necessarily an indoor outdoor thermometer (it’s intended for indoor use), the Temp Stick is by far the most accurate indoor thermometer on the market right now. Our tests of this American-made thermometer were impressive, with excellent battery life, as long as you use the recommended lithium batteries.
You also get free lifetime cloud data storage with your purchase, a great mobile app, and outstanding customer support. We can’t say enough good things about the Temp Stick, and it’s one of the highest-rated products we’ve tested.
ThermoPro TP60S - Monitor up to three locations
- Console can display all three sensors at the same time
- Temperature/Humdity trend arrows
- 200 foot transmission range
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09/24/2023 07:06 pm GMT
The ThermoPro TP60S is one of the best indoor outdoor thermometers for those on a budget. It is the cheapest recommendation on our list and has over 10,000 reviews, two-thirds five stars. While this package includes just a single sensor, you can add up to two more for three total sensors and place them indoors or out. The small and compact console makes the TP60S the best indoor outdoor thermometer for RV or mobile home use. Despite its small size, the temperature reading is large enough to view from a distance without much issue.
Accuracy suffers a bit, and it’s nowhere near as accurate as our other recommendations (accuracy issues were the most common poor review for the ThermoPro TP60S). But if you are looking for a low-cost alternative, this is the most popular and best-reviewed budget WiFi temperature sensor. However, like anything cheap, you do get what you pay for.
La Crosse gets a second mention in our list for the best indoor outdoor thermometers for the 308-1414MB-INT (that’s a mouthful), thanks to its ability to detect mold. Like the C85845, it doesn’t have barometric pressure readings (just a forecast display), but if you are mold sensitive, this well-reviewed indoor outdoor thermometer is a solid option.
If you’d like a readout of the barometric pressure, our following few recommendations might be worthy of consideration.
AcuRite Color Weather Station Forecaster - Measures indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, and barometric pressure
- Atomic clock
- Forecast
- Moon phase
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09/24/2023 03:49 pm GMT
Like La Crosse, AcuRite also excels in making reliable indoor outdoor thermometers. We like the AcuRite Color Weather Station Forecaster because it has two things that either La Crosse model does not: actual barometric pressure readings and the current moon phase. It also has a self-setting atomic clock that automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings Time.
While the display is truthfully not near as nice as most La Crosse models, the Forecaster is generally well-reviewed and often much cheaper — which is certainly an added benefit for those on a budget.
Also Consider
Best Smart Weather Station
WeatherFlow Tempest Weather System The WeatherFlow Tempest is the weather station to buy if you own a smart home. The lightning detection capabilities are also the best we've seen. And you can use promo code TWSE23 for 10% off if you buy direct from WeatherFlow.
Pros:- Super quick setup
- Outstanding lightning detection
- Fairly accurate instrumentation
- Ready for the smart home
Cons:- Haptic rain sensor doesn’t measure rainfall accurately enough
- No expandability
- Price
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If you think you want a complete weather station at some point, we recommend considering the WeatherFlow Tempest. This station is the best home weather station in our rankings because it’s competitively priced, has reasonably accurate instrumentation (including the thermometer), and has the best lightning detection we’ve seen yet in a weather station.
While the haptic rain gauge isn’t perfect, the station is flawless, including its smart home support. This is the weather station to buy if you are building a smart home.
Maximum Criterion Thermometer - Adjustable temperature minder that allows users to mark the current temperature
- Add up to three optional sensors, including water temperature
- AC adapter and sensor with 60' cable included
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09/24/2023 04:49 pm GMT
While the Criterion is the most expensive option on our list, it deserves its place among the best indoor outdoor thermometers thanks to its high-quality construction and outstanding accuracy. Maximum Weather Instruments, a Massachusetts company, assembles these instruments by hand and tests every instrument before they go out the door.
You can monitor the temperature in up to three locations, with an adjustable marker to mark the current temperature to watch for trends. The Criterion is a great first Maximum instrument, and once you see how good it looks (and works), we think it won’t be your last.
What are some features to look for in an indoor outdoor thermometer?
What’s the weather like outside? You can find out with an indoor outdoor thermometer. These days, there are many options, both in analog and digital thermometers. Here’s what we think are the essential features of the best indoor outdoor thermometers.
Analog or Digital?
You’ll first want to consider whether you prefer an analog or digital model. There aren’t many options in analog thermometers, although we’d recommend either of the following thermometers from Taylor.
Modern digital thermometers are as accurate and often more convenient than analog indoor outdoor thermometers. You don’t have to worry about an attached cable; the sensor and console can be placed anywhere you have space.
Either way, you’ll want to keep the temperature sensor out of direct sunlight to ensure accurate readings. Some indoor outdoor thermometers offer additional functionality, such as an atomic clock, barometer and humidity readings, and a short-term forecast.
Image Credit: The Weather Station ExpertsDisplay
Most digital indoor outdoor thermometers have large displays, which make them easier to view from a distance than an analog thermometer. Generally, we prefer LCDs with a black background, which gives the numbers more contrast and, thus, more readability.
Transmission Range
Generally, you’ll be able to place your remote temperature sensor up to 200-300 feet from your console without an issue. This is different with analog models, which typically only provide a short cord for the attached outside sensor (Maximum is different here, they provide 60′ of cable — most don’t).
Battery Life
As a general rule, the indoor outdoor thermometer’s console will require a power outlet. The sensors generally require 2 ‘AA’ or ‘AAA’ batteries to operate. Most sensors will last about a year on the same battery, but in colder climates, you may need to replace the batteries as often as every six months.
Image Credit: ThermoProWrapping Up
We hope you’ve found our guide to the best indoor outdoor thermometers helpful. As a reminder, our current recommendation is the La Crosse Technology C85845, but for multiple locations, you can’t beat the Ambient Weather WS-10.
If you’d like to read more of our weather gadget reviews, we recommend checking out the Best Hygrometers of 2022 if you’re concerned about humidity levels in your home and our weather station reviews. Have any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments, and we’ll gladly help.
