AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station vs Ambient Weather WS-5000

The Ambient Weather WS-5000 is the better station for accuracy and long-term reliability. Its ultrasonic anemometer has no moving parts to wear out, and the larger rain cup and radiation shield give cleaner readings. The AcuRite Iris costs far less and is easier to set up, but its spinning cups and tipping bucket are the parts that fail first, and owners report the display and sensor pairing can be fussy. Buy the AcuRite if you want a simple backyard station; step up to the WS-5000 if you log data or care about wind accuracy.

• Choose the AcuRite Iris if you want a straightforward all-in-one station with a color display, a 12-hour local forecast and a 330-foot wireless range without a big outlay.
• Choose the Ambient Weather WS-5000 if you want no-moving-parts wind sensing, Wi-Fi data logging and a display that is easy to read day or night.