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Deal.ai › Compare

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station vs Ambient Weather WS-2902

The Ambient Weather WS-2902 is the better pick for most people. It updates every 16 seconds, has built-in Wi-Fi for online weather networks and app alerts, and adds UV index. The AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 is simpler and cheaper-feeling, with a bright color display and a 12 to 24 hour self-calibrating forecast, but it has no Wi-Fi despite some listings suggesting otherwise. Owners of both rate them about the same, though the WS-2902 has far more ratings and fewer complaints about rain accuracy.

  • Choose the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 if you want a standalone color display on a table or wall and do not need Wi-Fi, app access or UV data.
  • Choose the Ambient Weather WS-2902 if you want fast updates, Wi-Fi uploads to Weather Underground and phone alerts, and you plan to mount the sensor on a pole.

Prices

  • AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station: $122.99 at Family Hardware (checked today)
  • Ambient Weather WS-2902: $199.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station is $77.00 cheaper than the Ambient Weather WS-2902 today
AcuRite
AcuRite Iris 5-in-1

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1

4.4(179 ratings)
$122.99at Family HardwareChecked 12 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Family Hardware
Pros
  • Bright auto-dimming color display is easy to read
  • Shows rain history, moon phase, heat index and dew point
  • Self-calibrating forecast uses local sensor data
  • Simple battery setup with no network required
Cons
  • No Wi-Fi, despite some listings implying it
  • Rain gauge accuracy is a common complaint
  • No UV index
  • Sensor mount hardware and pipe instructions are lacking
Ambient Weather
Ambient Weather WS-2902

Ambient Weather WS-2902

4.4(1,000 ratings)
$199.99at WalmartChecked 37 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 16-second updates keep wind and rain data current
  • Wi-Fi uploads to Weather Underground and other networks
  • Email and text alerts for conditions you set
  • Adds UV index and runs on included AC adapter
Cons
  • Console display is less impressive than the AcuRite's
  • May need recalibration over time
  • Pole mount hardware is not always included
  • Setup through the app takes more steps

What separates them

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather StationAmbient Weather WS-2902
Update intervalWind direction updates about every 36 secondsAbout every 16 seconds
Connectivity433 MHz radio to the display only; no Wi-FiWi-Fi for online networks and app alerts
UV indexNot measuredMeasured and reported
Rain gaugeSelf-emptying cups; several owners report inaccurate readingsTipping bucket; fewer accuracy complaints
AlertsAudio signal and on-screen ticker alertsEmail and text message alerts
Power4 AA batteries in the outdoor sensor5V DC adapter with battery backup
DisplayLarge auto-dimming color LCD with three brightness settingsColor console, smaller and less bright
ForecastSelf-calibrating 12 to 24 hour forecast from backyard dataPressure-based forecast

Price history

$199.99$109.99
Oct 31Nov 10
  • AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station: lowest $109.99 on Nov 2 at eBay; $122.99 on Nov 10.
  • Ambient Weather WS-2902: lowest $179.99 on Nov 10 at Micro Center.

Prices at every store

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

  • Family HardwareNew

    Availability unknown

    $122.99Checked 12 min ago
    Visit Family Hardware
  • SIM SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $128.59Checked 12 min ago
    Visit SIM Supply
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $129.99Free shippingChecked 37 min ago
    Visit Amazon
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknownSold by AcuRite

    $134.99Checked 12 min ago
    Visit Walmart
All 15 stores and price history →

Ambient Weather WS-2902

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Ambient WeatherReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $199.99Checked 37 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • WayfairNew

    In stock

    $199.99Checked 37 min ago
    Visit Wayfair
  • Ambient WeatherNew

    In stock

    $199.99Checked 37 min ago
    Visit Ambient Weather
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $199.99Free shippingChecked 14 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 11 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather StationAmbient Weather WS-2902
TypeWeather StationWeather Station
Scalemph (wind speed), km/h (wind speed), knots (win…Metric, Imperial
TemperatureYesYes
Temperature ScaleFahrenheit, CelsiusFahrenheit, Celsius
Barometric PressureYesYes
HumidityYesYes
Wind DirectionYesYes
Wind SpeedYesYes
ForecastYes, 12-24 hour forecast, Self-Calibrating Fore…Yes (Pressure Based)
RainfallYesYes
Sensing MethodSelf-emptying cups (for rain gauge), Aspirating…Tipping bucket mechanism (for rain gauge)
Update Interval36 second updates (Wind Direction)16 Seconds
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather StationAmbient Weather WS-2902
Wireless TypeRadio Frequency (433 MHz)Wi-Fi
Weather ResistanceWithstand up to 99 mph windsYes
Power Source4 AA alkaline or lithium batteries (for outdoor…5V DC Adaptor (included)
ColorColorColor
MountingMount the sensor outsidePole Mount
MaterialPlasticPlastic
AlarmsAudio SignalAlerts (via email or text message)
LoggingYesYes
Function HighlightsHigh and Low recordsClock

What reviewers say

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

  • 4.4 / 5179 ratings

Owners describe the Iris 5-in-1 as easy to set up and reliable, with one reporting a first unit that lasted 10 years. They value seeing exact temperature and wind speed at their own house and find the display numbers easy to read.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedBuyers say it goes together and mounts quickly.
  • DurabilityPraisedOne owner's first unit lasted 10 years.
  • AccuracyPraisedOwners report temperature and wind speed matching conditions at their own house.
  • DisplayPraisedLarge numbers are easy to read from across a room.

Ambient Weather WS-2902

  • 4.4 / 51,000 ratings

Owners of the WS-2902 line generally treat it as a solid entry-level station that is easy to set up and reliable for everyday backyard readings. Common complaints center on the plastic build, the rain gauge needing adjustment, and the forecast feature being crude.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say pairing to Wi-Fi and the app takes minutes.
  • Rain gaugeMixedReadings are useful but the tipping bucket often needs calibration against a manual gauge.
  • BuildCriticisedThe plastic housing and mast feel light for long-term outdoor exposure.

Questions and answers

Which is better for tracking storms in real time?
The WS-2902. Its 16-second updates and phone alerts show wind and rain changes faster than the Iris, which updates wind direction about every 36 seconds and only alerts on the display.
Does the AcuRite Iris connect to Wi-Fi?
No. It talks to its display over 433 MHz radio only. If you want online sharing or app access, the WS-2902 is the one with Wi-Fi.
Which rain gauge is more accurate?
Owners report fewer rain accuracy problems with the WS-2902's tipping bucket. The Iris self-emptying cups draw repeated complaints about readings that drift.
Which lasts longer outdoors?
Both are plastic and rated for weather, and both hold up for years with battery changes. The WS-2902 runs on an AC adapter with battery backup, which reduces battery swaps.
Is the WS-2902 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want Wi-Fi, UV index, faster updates and remote alerts. The Iris makes more sense if you only want a bright in-home display and no network setup.
Do either need extra mounting hardware?
The WS-2902 is designed for pole mounting, and the pole is often not included. The Iris needs a mount for its sensor, and owners say hardware and pipe instructions are missing.

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Accuracy
+/- 0.05" per inch of rainfall
May require recalibration over time to maintain…
Backup Power3 AAA batteries (not included)Battery
SensorsOutdoor sensor—
FunctionsMeasure wind speed—
Display TypeLCD—
BrandAcuRite—
Weather station typeWeather Station—
FeaturesColor Display, Remote Sensor, Wind Speed/Direct…—
Wireless433 MHz—
DisplayLED—
Power typeBattery—
Rec locationIndoor, Outdoor—
ManufacturerAcuRite—
Accessoriespower adapter, digital display, mounting hardwa…—
Rec. useResidential—
Number of functions5—
Height6.75 in—
Weight5 lb—
Model01529M—
Forecast
Criticised
The pressure-based forecast is described as basic and slow to change.