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Whether you want to keep track of wind conditions for your favorite outdoor pastime or check the airflow in your HVAC unit, our list of the best handheld anemometers has the perfect wind speed meter for you. Like water, snow, or outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is very important to stay abreast of changing wind and temperature conditions.
A digital anemometer is easy to bring along on your adventures and it will take the guesswork out of measuring wind speed. Here, we feature high-quality wind meters you can rely on to give you accurate information as to what awaits you on the trails or waves. Below is our list of the ten best anemometers.
OUR TOP PICK
HOLDPEAK Handheld Wind
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Highly accurate thanks to larger blades and upgraded sensors
- Measures wind speed, wind chill, and temperature
- Compact and lightweight hand-held size
- Bright and clear LCD backlight display
Best Use: Windsurfing, Flying Kite, UAV, Aerodynamics, Sailing, Shooting, Drone Flying
Wind Speed Range: 0.3-30m/s
Accuracy of Wind Speed: 0.1dgts
Selectable Units: m/s/km/h/ft/min/knots/mph/°C/°F.
Modes: MAX/MIN/Average/Current
EDITORS CHOICE
BTMETER BT-100 Digital Handheld
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Shows wind speed, chill, and ambient temperature
- Highly accurate with eight vanes and temperature sensors
- Clear digital display with backlight
- Lightweight and pocket size, yet solid build quality
Best Use: HVAC, CFM, Shooting, Hunting, Boating, Kite Flying, Climbing, Skiing, Wind Surfing
Wind Velocity Range: 0.67~67.1 mph
Wind Temp Range: 14℉-113℉
Selectable Units: m/s/km/h/ft/min/knots/mph, ℃/℉
Modes: Max/Min/Average/ Current
BEST VALUE
Proster Wind Speed Gauge
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Accurate wind speed and temperature
- Lightweight and compact pocket size
- Data hold function and high-precision pressure sensor
- Affordable and fantastic value for money
Best Use: Aeromodelling, UAV, Shooting, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Drone Flying
Wind Speed Range: 0-30m/s
Wind Temperature Range: 14-113F
Selectable Units: m/s/Km/h/ft/min/Knots/mph, ℃/℉
Modes: Current/max/average
Proster CFM Meter Handheld
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Portable professional wind gauge and CFM meter
- Hand-held or fixed measurements
- Air flow measurements and flow area setting
- Solid impact resistant plastic with rubber grip
Best Use: CFM, CMM, CMS, Sailing, Surfing, Fishing
CFM: 0 to 99990 0 to 9.999ft2
Wind Speed Range (m/s): 0.80-30.00
Selectable Units: m/s/ft/m/ km/h/mile/h/Knots
Modes: MAX/ MIN/ AVG/ Current/Hold
Amgaze Handheld Digital
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Shows wind speed, temperature, and wind chill
- Great as an educational instrument
- Lightweight pocket size wind speed gauge
- Quick response external thermistor
Best Use: Drone, Sailing, Hang-gliding, Shooting, HVAC Duct, Education
Wind Speed Range: 0-30m/s
Temperature Range: 14-113°F
Selectable Units: m/s/km/h/ft/min/knots/mph, °C/°F
Modes: Maximum/Average/ Current
Warranty: One Year
HOLDPEAK 866B-WM Handheld Multifunctional
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Compact portable 6 in 1 weather station
- Anemometer, thermometer, barometer, altitude, and humidity tester
- 8-leaf wind wheel and sensitive sensors
- Solid and durable build quality
Best Use: Climbing, Hunting, Windsurfing, Aeromodelling, UAV, Water, and Outdoor Activities
Temperature Range: 14℉~113℉
Wind Speed Range: 0.3-30m/s (MAX up to 69mph)
Accuracy of Wind Speed: 0.1dgts
Selectable Units: m/s/km/h/ft/min/knots/mph, ℃/℉
Modes: Max/Min/Average/Current
Warranty: One Year
Kestrel 2000 Pocket
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Measures wind speed, chill, and air, water, and snow temperatures
- Waterproof and floats, great for snow and water sports
- High-contrast LCD with backlight
- NIST calibration certification
- Quick-response external thermometer
Best Use: Snow Sports, Water Sports, Skiing, Snowboarding, Agriculture, Education, Mountaineering
Selectable Units: Beaufort/Knots/ MPH/KPH/Ft/Min, °F/°C
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Modes: Min/Max/Average
Warranty: 5 Years
HOLDPEAK HP-866B-APP Wireless Bluetooth Digital
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Wireless Bluetooth APP Anemometer
- Measures wind speed, chill, and temperature
- Ability to analyze data on your device
- Lightweight and compact handheld size
Best Use: Outdoors, Mountaineers, Education, Indoor Environment Monitoring, Boating
Wind Speed Range: 0.3-30m/s (MAX 69mph)
Accuracy of Wind Speed: 5% of rdg
Selectable Units: m/s/Ft/min/Knots/Km/hr/Mph, ℃/℉
Modes: MAX/MIN/Average/Current
Warranty: One Year
Ambient Weather Handheld Weather
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Wind speed, temperature, wind chill, wind gust, and Beaufort Scale
- Wind hold and average mode, comfort level
- Compact and portable yet rugged build quality
- Backlight for low light and nighttime viewing
Best Use: Model Plane Pilots, Shooters, Hikers, Outdoor
Wind Speed: 0.4 mph Up to 67 mph
Wind Speed Accuracy: +/- 3%
Temperature Range: -28 to 138.2 °F (-29.9°C to +59°C)
Temperature Accuracy: +/- 2 °F (1 °C)
Selectable Units: mph, Km/h, m/s, ft/min/Knots, °F/°C
Modes: Instant/Average/Maximum
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Measure wind speed and temperature
- High precision pressure sensor
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Large, easy to read LCD with backlight
Best Use: HVAC, Drone Flying, Education, Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Outdoor
Wind Speed Range: 0-30m/s
Wind Speed Accuracy: ± 5%
Temperature Range: 14 – 113°F
Temperature Accuracy: ± 2℃, ± 3.6°F
Selectable Units: m/s, km/h, m/min, knots, mph, ℃ / °F
Modes: Current / Max / Average
How To Choose An Anemometer – Buying Guide
Measurement Accuracy
Anemometers for home and outdoor use need to be accurate because you will be dependent on the measurements you receive to make important decisions. You’ll want a wind gauge that is reliable and one of the best ways to find one is to read anemometer reviews and choose a top-rated handheld anemometer.
Response and Wind Speed
Portable anemometers are small-sized devices capable of measuring a max wind speed of about 100 miles per hour. The response time it takes for the anemometer to take the measurement is also important. The best handheld anemometer will have a fast response time.
Size and Construction
Digital anemometers are usually small in size. They are meant to be handheld, after all. A pocket anemometer is great because you can take it anywhere. But this compact size shouldn’t be at the expense of solid build quality. Portable anemometers need to be well-constructed so that they don’t break in the wind.
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Build and Design
Some anemometer designs are stationary pieces with small fan-like pieces to read the wind. Others will have a folding piece that you will move to properly position the small weather station. There are plenty of options on the market so it’ll be easy to find the build and design that best suits your needs and preference.
Measurement Scale
If you are from the United States, you’re likely going to be the most comfortable using the Imperial system. However, other outdoor enthusiasts would prefer to use the Metric system. Sailors, the world over, would prefer speeds be displayed in knots. Check that the digital anemometer will give the readings in units you feel comfortable with. All the options on our list allow you to select the units you prefer.
Battery Life
Most modern anemometers are digital anemometers, which means they need a source of power to function. A battery is the most common form of power for portable anemometers. Most batteries will be long-lasting and the best anemometer will have a low battery indicator.
FAQs
Q: How Does An Anemometer Work?
A wind speed gauge handheld device or anemometer works by building a mathematical relationship between the speed of the wind and an electric current. A digital anemometer has a small fan, which acts as a wind turbine, for the wind to move and maneuver. The wind turns the rotors of the fan. The faster the rotation the more electricity they produce.
Q: Why Would I Use An Anemometer?
If you’re water, snow, or outdoor sports enthusiast who enjoys sailing, kite flying, windsurfing, drone flying, shooting, or any other activities, a pocket anemometer will give you a way to monitor the air velocity so you can make the best decisions on when, where and how to enjoy your pastime. Many professionals such as architects, scientists, engineers, and firefighters also rely on a wind gauge. You can also use one at home to measure the airflow in your AC unit.
Q: Does This Anemometer Measure More Than Just Wind Speed?
Yes. Many anemometers for home use will also measure the wind chill and temperature. Some digital thermometers are mini weather stations that will also give atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, elevation, and dew point measurements.
Q: Will I Be Using This Mobile Anemometer Near Water Or Rain?
If you are a sailor, water sports, snow sports, or outdoor adventurer, yes. The best anemometers should be durable enough to resist a light sea spray or light rain. Some pocket anemometers are even waterproof and can withstand submersion. For sailing, you will want to choose the most robust unit you can find because when the wind speed increases, so does the wave height.
Q: Do I Need A Detached Instrument Or Is An All-Integrated Wind Speed Meter Okay?
The best handheld anemometer will be everything you need in one device, and the all-integrated design should be perfect for your needs. If you need other readings or higher readings, you should look at other specialized devices.
Q: What Type Of Weather Conditions Will I Be Using This Handheld Anemometer In?
Any weather conditions you find yourself in. A top-rated handheld anemometer should be able to be used in any weather. The sturdiest devices can withstand gusts of up to 100 miles per hour. However, be cautious of exposing your wind gauge to harsh weather or lots of water, as it could damage the device.
Q: What Is The Unit Of Anemometer?
Wind speed is generally measured in meters per second, feet per minute, or nautical miles per hour (knots). These are also the units of an anemometer. Most digital anemometers offer five user-selectable units: m/s, km/h, m/min, knots, and mph.
Globo Surf Overview
If you’re a sailor, a drone pilot, or any other water, snow, or outdoor sports enthusiast, a pocket anemometer is crucial for safety. With the best anemometer, you can confidently venture out to enjoy your favorite outdoor pastimes. Plus, a top-rated handheld anemometer would make an excellent gift for outdoor, water, and snow sports enthusiasts such as sailors and boaters.