Weather Stationary

6 Best Anemometers For 2023: Affordable Handheld Picks

6 Best Anemometers For 2023: Affordable Handheld Picks

As we roll into 2023, here at WeatherStationary we’re back again with another expert weather instrument comparison. Find the best anemometers for you whether for kids, shooting, HVAC, or to link to your smartphone.

You’ll know that we regularly take a look at the best weather tools on the market. Indeed, we compare their accuracy, price and durability to ensure you find the best products for you!

As we write this, it’s the height of winter, so what better time to take a look at anemometers. Whether you’re looking for a wind tracking accessory, a handy tool for outdoor recreation or are requiring the best anemometers for commercial use. Let’s look at some of the top models on the market!


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What To Look For In The Best Anemometers

Before you jump into our review below, it’s worth having a think about what you may need from your next Anemometer. Here’s some key areas to consider:

  • Accuracy – Consider how precise your Anemometer needs to be. If your livelihood or reputation depends on super accurate readings make sure it’s very precise. If you’re just a hobbyist or weather enthusiast, super accurate readings may not be a priority.

  • Functionality – Whilst most Anemometer’s are fairly standard, think about any additional features you may need. These will compliment your weather station setup or make carrying out your inspections easier. Whether that be specific measurement scales or connectivity to your other weather instruments. Ensure that you get the best Anemometers with the specs you need.

  • Durability – Any weather-related instrument is an investment, so you want to ensure you make the most of it! Anemometer’s are no different, so getting a product that can provide long-term reliability is a must! As an example, if you’re measuring somewhere that’s exposed to harsh conditions make sure you invest in a robust instrument. This will ensure you keep your tracking up and running for years to come.

  • Technology – Modern Anemometers now vary in their use of technology, with many offering the ability to track the elements remotely. If you want something with remote monitoring built in, then look to a wireless-enabled device. Potential connectivity to a smartphone is a must have when making your buying decision.

Best Overall Anemometers: BTMETER BT-100APP Digital Wind Speed Anemometer

If you’re looking for the best all round anemometer on the market for general use, look no further than the BT-100APP model from BTMETER.

It combines all the features most people will need. With wind speed tracking across 0.3~30m/s, temperature tracking across -10~45℃ and a backlit LCD screen for ease of reading. Add the app connectivity via bluetooth all within a small and sturdy package and you can see how it tops our list of best anemometers.

Reviewers especially love the versatility of this device, with tracking in m/s, km/h, ft/min, knots, mph for speed and ℃/℉ for tempartaure. Add this to the ability to export the data results in a variety of different formats, including CSV. You’ll find this is the perfect Anemometer for both work and play.

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros:

  • Great all round features for most people
  • Mobile app connectivity via Bluetooth
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • More accurate Anenometers are available

Best Affordable Pocket Anemometer: Proster Handheld Wind Speed Meter Anemometer

Whilst all of the anemometers we’ll cover in this roundup are handheld, this device is truly pocket-sized. For absolute “take anywhere”, we’d recommend the Proster Handheld Wind Speed Meter Anemometer.

At just 105mm x 40mm, this anemometer by Proster doesn’t add to your load in any way. In fact, it will fit easily into a pocket without you knowing it’s there.

But don’t be fooled, despite the size, this is still a great bit of kit. With the ability to measure speeds between 0-30m/s and temparatures between -10 – 45 Centigrade. Alongside a handy LCD screen and mode control buttons, it’s the perfect best compact anemometer!

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros:

  • Compact size for day-to-day carry
  • LCD display
  • Price (The cheapest in our roundup)

Cons:

  • Limited measurement range
  • Small wind capture area
  • No bluetooth/smartphone connectivity

Best Anemometers for Smartphones (Andriod & iOS) – INFURIDER YF-866APP Digital Wireless Anemometer

If connecting your anemometer readings into your smartphone is a must-have, then look to the YF-866APP from INFURIDER. It is, in our opinion, the best digital anemometer on the market today!

It combines super-accurate tracking of 0.67~67 mph speed range and 14℉-113℉ temperature range. Furthermore, this is packed into a lightweight, compact and multifunctional design that’s sure to match any need.

But the real selling point here is the Bluetooth connectivity! This allows you to pair any iOS or Android smartphone for even greater tracking through their mobile app. Meaning, you can store all your readings on the go!

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros: 

  • Super-accurate tracking
  • Compact design
  • iOS/Android app connectivity via Bluetooth

Cons: 

  • Reviewers report poor performance at high wind speeds

Best Portable Vane Anemometer: Testo 410-2 Digital Pocket Vane Anemometer

If you’re working professionally and are looking for highly accurate wind readings, look no further. In fact, the 410-2 Vane Anemometer from Testo is highly regarded as one of the most reliable instruments on the market.

Whilst the range only covers 0.4 – 20 m/s, it’s 0.1m/s resolution means that accuracy is assured with every reading. Throw in further features for measuring air temperature, humidity, windchill, dewpoint, and wet bulb temperature and you have a device with functionality at it’s core.

Naturally, something this precise comes at a greater cost. However, reviewers commonly remark on the high build quality and fantastic customer service from Testo’s support team. This, of course, is in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong.

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros: 

  • Highly accurate measurements
  • High quality build design
  • Fantastic support from Testo

Cons: 

  • Price (The most expensive in our roundup)

Best Anemometers for HVAC: BTMETER BT-866A Pro Handheld HVAC Anemometer

If you’re working in the HVAC industry, you’ll know how important it is to get accurate readings. It is essential to ensure equipment is functioning correctly. Because of this, we’ve picked out another model from BTMETER, this time the HVAC specific BT-866A model.

Indeed, with the importance of the specific tasks at hand, this device focuses on the key measurements that matter to you. Wind speed, wind temperature, wind flow, relative humidity (%RH) and dew point are all accurately measured.

For those ‘slow draw’ systems, the device also uses 8 hyper-sensitive vanes to pick up slow winds down to 0.01m/s resolution.

Reviewers commonly use this device for duct measurements or dust intake assessments. In fact, this device is tried and tested for the tasks you need to complete in the HVAC industry.

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros: 

  • Specialized for the HVAC industry
  • Range of different measurements
  • Highly accurate

Cons: 

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Limited connectivity features such as a smartphone app

Best Anemometers for Kids – ANNMETER AN-816B

If you’ve got a young wind enthusiast on your hands, the ANNMETER AN-816B could be the perfect gift for hours of fun!

As an anemometer, this is fairly standard in it’s functionality and measurements. However, some of it’s supplementary features make it absolutely great for kids.

Combine the small size (perfect for small hands) and the landyard (wear this device to stop it getting lost) and you can see why it’s perfect for kids. Add to this a bright screen (for easy reading) and you have a device that’s designed for young users.

Oh, and it’s fairly cheap too!

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros:

  • Great size for kids
  • Lanyard for carrying, bright screen for easy reading
  • Easy-read, bright display

Cons: 

  • Not as accurate or powerful as other Anemometers

Best Anemometers for Shooting – HOLDPEAK HP-866B Digital Anemometer

When shooting over a long distance, knowing the direction and strength of the wind is vital to get the perfect shot! And, there’s no better Anemometer on the market than the HOLDPEAK HP-866B for doing just that!

Specs-wise, it tracks speed across 0.3-30m/s and temperature across 10℃-45℃. Real-time measurement updates provide up-to-date analysis of environmental conditions. This ensures you always have the best intel for your next shot.

However, what is most significant is this device comes pre-packed with a sturdy tripod ensuring the perfect positioning. Having the device set where you need it means no interference when stalking your next long-range target.

Last update on 2024-03-28

Pros:

  • Real time measurement updates
  • Tripod for hands-free mounting
  • Super-accurate wind readings

Cons:

  • Reports of faulty models (returns actioned immediately)

For more options, read: wind meters for shooting

That’s it for our roundup of the best anemometers on the market. Whether you’re looking to simply track the weather or monitor the conditions for outdoor sports. Maybe you need a device to aid your commercial work in HVAC? There are plenty of great devices out there perfect for each and every need! We hope our round-up of best anemometers helps you find the one that is right for you!

Looking for a weather station with an anemometer? Try our popular article on the best weather stations available to buy right now.