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Deal.ai › Compare

Ambient Weather WS-2000 vs AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

The Ambient Weather WS-2000 is the stronger station for anyone who wants a full-featured personal weather station with solar sensors, UV and solar radiation, a color tablet console and internet publishing. The AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 is simpler and cheaper-feeling in build, with a plastic sensor and battery power, but it covers the core measurements and has a large, satisfied owner base. Reviewers of both rate them 4.4 out of 5; the WS-2000 draws praise for setup and display, while some owners report sensor failures, and the Iris is widely owned and generally reliable but less capable.

  • Choose the Ambient Weather WS-2000 if you want UV and solar radiation readings, a bright color tablet console, solar-powered sensors and online dashboards with alerts.
  • Choose the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 if you want the core temperature, humidity, wind and rain readings with a simple color display and no need for internet features.

Prices

  • Ambient Weather WS-2000: $289.99 at Ambient Weather (checked today)
  • AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station: $128.59 at SIM Supply (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station is $161.40 cheaper than the Ambient Weather WS-2000 at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 10)
Ambient Weather
Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station

Ambient Weather WS-2000

Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station

4.4(41 ratings)
$289.99at Ambient WeatherChecked 35 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Ambient Weather
Pros
  • Solar-powered sensor array with UV and solar radiation
  • Bright color tablet console that is easy to read day or night
  • Wi-Fi publishing, remote monitoring and alerts
  • Supports add-on sensors such as an indoor or water temperature probe
  • NIST internet time sync and full calibration options
Cons
  • Console can hang in a flashing STARTING loop if the AC adapter output drops
  • Some owners report the sensor array failing and needing replacement
  • Rain gauge under-reports if not level or if debris clogs the funnel
  • Display layout cannot be customized
AcuRite
AcuRite Iris 5-in-1

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1

4.4(179 ratings)
$128.59at SIM SupplyChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit SIM Supply
Pros
  • Covers the core measurements most people want
  • Color display with auto-dimming and three brightness settings
  • Self-calibrating 12 to 24 hour forecast
  • Long 330 ft wireless range and 99 mph wind rating
  • Large owner base with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from 179 ratings
Cons
  • Battery-only outdoor sensor needs periodic replacement
  • No UV, solar radiation or internet publishing
  • Plastic housing feels less durable than metal
  • 36-second wind direction updates are slower

What separates them

Ambient Weather WS-2000AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station
Sensor powerSolar-powered array with 2 AA battery backup4 AA alkaline or lithium batteries only
MeasurementsTemperature, humidity, wind, rain, UV index and solar radiationTemperature, humidity, wind, rain and pressure
DisplayTFT color tablet console with light and dark backgroundsLCD color display with auto-dimming brightness
ConnectivityWi-Fi with AmbientWeather.net publishing and alerts433 MHz radio to the indoor display only
Update interval16 seconds on the console36 seconds for wind direction
Build materialMetal mounting pole, stainless rain funnel filterPlastic sensor housing
Wind ratingNot stated by the makerRated to withstand winds up to 99 mph
Wireless rangeNot stated by the makerUp to 330 ft

Price history

$299.99$109.99
Oct 31Nov 10
  • Ambient Weather WS-2000: lowest $239.99 on Nov 10 at Ambient Weather.
  • AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station: lowest $109.99 on Nov 2 at eBay; $122.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Ambient Weather WS-2000

  • Ambient WeatherNew

    In stock

    $289.99Free shippingChecked 35 min ago
    Visit Ambient Weather
  • WalmartNew

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

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 37 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Micro CenterNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.99Checked 36 min ago
    Visit Micro Center
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $299.99Free shippingChecked 37 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 9 stores and price history →

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by AcuRite

    $134.99Free shippingChecked 35 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Family HardwareNew

    In stock

    $122.99+ $20.00 shippingChecked 35 min ago
    Visit Family Hardware
  • SIM SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $128.59Checked Nov 7
    Visit SIM Supply
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $129.00Free shippingChecked 37 min ago
    Visit Amazon
All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAmbient Weather WS-2000AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station
TypeWeather StationWeather Station
ScaleMetric, Imperialmph (wind speed), km/h (wind speed), knots (win…
TemperatureYesYes
Temperature ScaleMetric, ImperialFahrenheit, Celsius
Barometric PressureYesYes
HumidityYesYes
Wind DirectionYesYes
Wind SpeedYesYes
Accuracy+/- 1 °C (temperature reading)+/- 0.05" per inch of rainfall
ForecastYesYes, 12-24 hour forecast, Self-Calibrating Fore…
RainfallYesYes
Sensing MethodSpoon (for rain gauge)Self-emptying cups (for rain gauge), Aspirating…
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAmbient Weather WS-2000AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station
Update Interval16 second real-time updates (on the display tab…36 second updates (Wind Direction)
Wireless TypeWi-FiRadio Frequency (433 MHz)
Power SourceSolar Powered4 AA alkaline or lithium batteries (for outdoor…
Backup PowerBatteries (2 AA, not included)3 AAA batteries (not included)
ColorBlack, WhiteColor
MountingOutdoor, Pole mountMount the sensor outside
MaterialMetal (pole)Plastic
AlarmsAlertsAudio Signal
LoggingYesYes

What reviewers say

Ambient Weather WS-2000

  • 4.4 / 541 ratings

Owners rate the WS-2000 well, calling it easy to set up with accurate readings and a bright, colorful display. The app and AmbientWeather.net integration get consistent praise.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say the station pairs with Wi-Fi quickly and is running within minutes.
  • DisplayMixedThe color TFT screen is bright and readable, but its layout cannot be customized.
  • AccuracyPraisedReviewers report temperature, wind and rain readings that track well against local data.
  • App and webPraisedThe AmbientWeather.net dashboard and alerts are described as user-friendly.

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.

Questions and answers

Which is better for tracking sun exposure and solar data?
The WS-2000. It measures UV index and solar radiation, which the Iris 5-in-1 does not.
Which lasts longer outdoors?
The WS-2000 has a metal pole and stainless rain funnel, but some owners report sensor array failures. The Iris is plastic but rated to 99 mph winds. Neither is clearly more durable.
Do I need Wi-Fi for the AcuRite Iris?
No. It sends data by 433 MHz radio to the indoor display and works without internet.
Is the WS-2000 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want UV and solar readings, a color tablet console, solar power and online dashboards with alerts. If you only need basic readings, the Iris covers them.
Which is easier to set up?
Reviewers call the WS-2000 easy to set up and quick to connect to Wi-Fi, though mounting the array with u-bolts takes some fiddling. The Iris is a straightforward battery-and-mount job.
Can either station share data online?
Only the WS-2000 publishes to AmbientWeather.net, where you can share a dashboard or embed it on a website. The Iris keeps data on its own display.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best home personal weather stations
  • Best home weather stations
Function HighlightsAlerts, NIST time synchronization from InternetHigh and Low records
Display TypeTFT color displayLCD
UV IndexYes—
Sensors—Outdoor sensor
Weather Resistance—Withstand up to 99 mph winds
Functions—Measure wind speed
Brand—AcuRite
Weather station type—Weather Station
Features—Color Display, Remote Sensor, Wind Speed/Direct…
Wireless—433 MHz
Display—LED
Power type—Battery
Rec location—Indoor, Outdoor
Manufacturer—AcuRite
Accessories—power adapter, digital display, mounting hardwa…
Rec. use—Residential
Number of functions—5
Height—6.75 in
Weight—5 lb