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

Buy the AcuRite Iris if you want a solid backyard weather station at about half the price: $134.99 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026, versus $299.99 at Walmart for the Ambient Weather WS-2000. Buy the WS-2000 if you want UV and solar radiation readings, 16-second updates, Wi-Fi publishing to AmbientWeather.net and a color TFT tablet. The WS-2000's price has ranged from $284.99 to $299.99 since October 31, 2026, so the gap to the Iris is real money.

Today the AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station costs $165.00 less at its best price.

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Ambient Weather
Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station

Ambient Weather WS-2000

Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station

4.4(41 ratings)
$299.99
at Walmart
Observed at 9:44 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart

Choose the Ambient Weather WS-2000 if you want UV and solar radiation data, fast 16-second updates, and a Wi-Fi console that publishes to AmbientWeather.net for remote monitoring and alerts.

Pros
  • UV index and solar radiation readings the Iris does not have
  • 16-second updates, faster than the Iris
  • Wi-Fi publishing to AmbientWeather.net with remote alerts
  • Color TFT tablet with NIST internet time sync
  • Expandable with an optional indoor sensor and accessories
Cons
  • Costs about $165 more than the Iris
  • Reviewers report wind speed sensor failures and poor customer service
  • Display cannot be customized
  • Array mounting with U-bolts takes some fiddling
  • 2 AA backup batteries not included
AcuRite
AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) Weather Station with Color Display

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) Weather Station with Color Display

4.6(183 ratings)
$134.99at WalmartObserved at 8:41 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart

Choose the AcuRite Iris if you want accurate core readings — temperature, humidity, wind, rain and pressure — on a large color display for about $135, with a 330-foot wireless range and no Wi-Fi setup.

Pros
  • About half the price of the WS-2000
  • +/- 1 °F temperature accuracy, tighter than the WS-2000's +/- 1 °C
  • 330-foot wireless range
  • Large color LCD with adjustable dimmer and auto-dim
  • Self-calibrating 12-hour forecast and 2-year battery life
Cons
  • No UV or solar radiation sensors
  • No Wi-Fi or internet publishing
  • Slower 18 to 36 second updates
  • Plastic housing rated to 99 mph winds
  • No solar radiation or internet time sync

What separates them

Ambient Weather WS-2000AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station
Price$299.99 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026$134.99 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026
Measured conditionsTemperature, humidity, wind, rain, UV, solar radiation, pressureTemperature, humidity, wind, rain, pressure
Update interval16 seconds on the display tablet18 to 36 seconds
ConnectivityWi-Fi with AmbientWeather.net publishing and alerts433 MHz radio only, no internet
DisplayColor TFT tablet, light and dark backgrounds, not customizableLarge color LCD with adjustable dimmer and auto-dim
Temperature accuracy+/- 1 °C+/- 1 °F
Wireless rangeNot statedUp to 330 feet (100 meters)
PowerSolar array with 2 AA backup (not included); console AC adapterTwo solar panels; 4 AA batteries for sensor; AC adapter for display

Price history

$299.99$122.99
Oct 31Nov 7
  • Ambient Weather WS-2000: lowest $284.99 on Oct 31 at eBay; $299.99 on Nov 7.
  • AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station: lowest $122.99 on Nov 7 at Family Hardware.

Prices at every store

Ambient Weather WS-2000

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Ambient Weather

    $299.99Free shippingObserved at 9:44 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $299.99Free shippingObserved at 8:41 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by frostvaler

    $301.20Observed at 9:44 AM
    Visit eBay
  • WeatherShackNew

    Availability unknown

    $319.99Observed at 9:44 AM
    Visit WeatherShack

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Ambient WeatherCheck price at Ambient Weather

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All 6 stores and price history →

AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by AcuRite

    $134.99Free shippingObserved at 8:41 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • Family HardwareNew

    In stock

    $122.99+ $20.00 shippingObserved at 8:41 AM
    Visit Family Hardware
  • AcuRiteNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $148.49Verified
    Visit AcuRite
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $149.99Free shippingObserved at 8:41 AM
    Visit The Home Depot

Also available at

  • AcuRiteCheck price at AcuRite
All 6 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
ForecastYesYes, 12-24 hour forecast, Self-Calibrating Fore…
RainfallYesYes
Sensing MethodSpoon (for rain gauge)Self-emptying cups (for rain gauge), Aspirating…
Update Interval16 second real-time updates (on the display tab…36 second updates (Wind Direction)
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAmbient Weather WS-2000AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 Weather Station
Wireless TypeWi-FiRadio Frequency (433 MHz)
Power SourceSolar Powered4 AA alkaline or lithium batteries (for outdoor…
ColorBlack, WhiteColor
MountingOutdoor, Pole mountMount the sensor outside
MaterialMetal (pole)Plastic
AlarmsAlertsAudio Signal
LoggingYesYes
Function HighlightsAlerts, NIST time synchronization from InternetHigh and Low records
Display TypeTFT color displayLarge Color LCD Display with Adjustable Dimmer

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

  • 4.6 / 5183 ratings

Owners rate the Iris highly, with 4.6 out of 5 from 183 ratings. Most praise how easy it is to set up and read, and like having rain and wind data for their own yard. Complaints center on sensor durability over time and occasional wireless dropouts.

What people mention
  • SetupPraisedOwners say pairing the sensor and display is quick and the instructions are clear.
  • DisplayPraisedThe large color screen is easy to read from across a room and the dimmer helps at night.
  • AccuracyMixedTemperature and rain readings are generally trusted, but wind speed and direction lag real gusts because of the update interval.
  • BuildCriticised

Questions and answers

Is the WS-2000 worth the extra money over the Iris?
Only if you need UV and solar radiation data, 16-second updates, or Wi-Fi publishing with remote alerts. For basic backyard temperature, wind and rain, the Iris covers the same core readings for about $165 less.
Which is more accurate?
The Iris specifies +/- 1 °F on temperature; the WS-2000 specifies +/- 1 °C, which is about 1.8 °F. Both use solar-powered sensor arrays, and the Iris uses an aspirating fan for temperature.
Which one works without internet?
The Iris. It runs entirely on a 433 MHz radio link between sensor and display. The WS-2000 works locally too, but its remote monitoring and alerts depend on Wi-Fi and AmbientWeather.net.
Which has the better display?
The WS-2000's color TFT tablet is sharper and shows more calculated data, but it cannot be customized. The Iris LCD has an adjustable dimmer and auto-dim, which suits a bedroom or rec room.
Which lasts longer outdoors?
The Iris sensor runs on 4 AA batteries with a claimed 2-year life and is rated to 99 mph winds. The WS-2000 array is solar powered with 2 AA backup, but reviewers report wind speed sensor failures within a year.
Can I add sensors to either one?
The WS-2000 accepts an optional indoor temperature and humidity sensor and accessories like a water temperature probe. The Iris is a fixed 5-in-1 system with no add-on sensors.

More comparisons

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  • Tempest Home Weather Station vs AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) Weather Station with Color Display
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  • Tempest Weather System vs Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best home personal weather stations
  • Best home weather stations
Accuracy+/- 1 °C (temperature reading)—
UV IndexYes—
Backup PowerBatteries (2 AA, not included)—
Wireless range—330 feet (100 meters)
Transmit interval—every 18 to 36 seconds
Battery life—2-year battery life
Temperature accuracy—+/- 1° F
Solar panels—Two solar panels
Measured conditions—temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind directi…
Rain collection—Automatic self-emptying rain collection cup
Forecast range—12 hours
Barometer readings—4,000 readings at 12-minute increments
Sensors—Outdoor sensor
Weather Resistance—Withstand up to 99 mph winds
Functions—Measure wind speed
Size—Weather Station
The plastic outdoor sensor is reported to degrade or stop transmitting after a few seasons in the sun.