10 Best Rain Gauges 2025 in the United States

The Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi Smart Weather Station is an intelligent option for anyone looking to monitor rainfall along with a variety of other weather conditions. Its key strength lies in its comprehensive data collection, which includes rainfall, temperature, humidity, and even wind speed. The Osprey Sensor Array provides authentic hyper-local data, making it particularly beneficial for gardening enthusiasts or homeowners who need precise weather information. The ability to access your weather data remotely through Wi-Fi and integrate it with smart home systems like Google Home or Alexa adds a modern convenience that tech-savvy users may appreciate.

Ease of use is another highlight; the LCD color display is designed to be clear and readable, allowing for quick data checks. Additionally, users can set up customizable alerts to stay updated on changing conditions. However, the unit requires 3 AAA batteries, which are not included, and this could be a minor inconvenience for some users. The pole mount is also sold separately, meaning additional costs may be incurred for complete setup.

In terms of durability, while it's labeled as weather-resistant, it’s always wise to consider environmental factors that could affect longevity. Some users might find the setup process a bit complex, especially if they are not familiar with smart technology. But for those who enjoy engaging with their weather station and taking advantage of its features, this device can be a great addition. If you're primarily interested in a simple rain gauge, this product’s additional features might be more than what you need. However, for those who want a holistic approach to weather monitoring, the WS-2902 is a solid choice.

The Tempest Weather System is a comprehensive weather station that includes a rain gauge along with many other sensors for temperature, wind, humidity, and more. It uses a solar-powered outdoor sensor with no moving parts, which means it’s very durable and requires little maintenance—great if you want something reliable over time. The rain gauge benefits from this design by avoiding common mechanical wear issues. It updates data every 3 seconds and transmits wirelessly up to 1,000 feet, making it easy to place outside and monitor from indoors.

The system continuously measures rainfall with fast updates that support accurate and timely tracking of rain events. Accuracy is enhanced by the system’s machine learning technology, giving you precise, local weather forecasts and alerts based on the collected data. Setup is beginner-friendly, with a mobile app guiding you through installation and providing clean, real-time displays of rainfall along with other weather info. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with smart home devices like Alexa, so you can automate related tasks such as irrigation based on actual rain data.

The device’s price and reliance on WiFi and a smartphone app might be a barrier for those wanting a simple, standalone rain gauge without extra features. Also, since it’s made of plastic, extreme weather or impacts might affect its long-term physical durability. This product fits well for users looking for an all-in-one weather station with high-tech forecasting and smart home connectivity, rather than just a basic rain gauge.

The AcuRite Iris Wireless Weather Station is a versatile device that includes a rain gauge along with sensors for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and more. Its wireless design makes it easy to set up—just insert batteries and mount the outdoor sensor—and the large color display indoors shows real-time weather data, including rainfall, clearly and conveniently.

The rain gauge collects rainfall data accurately enough for typical home use, supported by the station's ability to provide over 55 weather data points and a personalized 12-hour forecast combining pressure and elevation data. It’s built with weather-resistant plastic, offering decent durability for outdoor conditions, though it’s not designed for harsh or extreme environments. The capacity of the rain gauge is suitable for everyday rainfall measurements but might not satisfy professional or heavy-duty needs.

Users appreciate the straightforward installation and the large, adjustable brightness display, which helps in reading data anytime. A limitation is that it runs on four AA batteries, which need regular replacement. While it gives reliable readings for casual weather tracking, it’s not a precision instrument for advanced weather monitoring. This product fits well for homeowners and garden enthusiasts who want detailed local weather information with a focus on ease of use and a comprehensive weather overview.