The Best Indoor Thermometers From Our Hands-on Tests

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We tested the top-selling indoor thermometers for accuracy and ease of use. Here’s what we found out.

Between trying to maintain the proper humidity in your great room, monitoring the temperature in your greenhouse, or just tracking climate conditions in your home, an indoor thermometer is a valuable tool. Modern indoor thermometers feature digital displays, can track and store data, and can be used as smart devices that send alerts when air quality moves beyond preset parameters.

With so many indoor thermometers on the market, we wanted to know which ones offered the greatest benefits, so we decided to test them ourselves. We also talked to an HVAC professional to get their expert advice on what specifically to look for. Then we purchased the top-rated models in a variety of categories and checked out all their features, evaluating for accuracy, simplicity, and durability.

Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best indoor thermometer for a home, and find out how the following products earned a spot on our lineup.

1. BEST OVERALL: AcuRite Digital Mini Hygrometer with Thermometer
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ThermoPro TP49 Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer
3. UPGRADE PICK: SensorPush HT1 Wireless Thermometer / Hygrometer
4. BEST FOR GREENHOUSES: ThermoPro TP55 Indoor Humidity Temperature Monitor
5. BEST CLOCK-STYLE: Sharp Atomic Clock – Weather Station
6. BEST FOR PET ENCLOSURES: Govee H5051 Wi-Fi Thermometer Hygrometer
7. BEST MULTILOCATION: Govee H5100 Mini Hygrometer Thermometer Sensors
8. BEST PLUG-IN MODEL: LaCrosse Technology Wireless Temperature Station
9. BEST COMFORT DISPLAY: Taylor Digital Indoor Comfort Level Station
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Vivosun Digital Indoor Thermometer Hygrometer

How We Tested the Best Indoor Thermometers 

Before getting our hands on our indoor thermometers, we interviewed Brad Roberson, the president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company that provides HVAC services nationwide. He says that “indoor thermometers are not the same as HVAC thermostats. Some things to look for when choosing an indoor thermometer are thermometers with clear and easy-to-read displays, built-in humidity sensors, temperature alarms, and compatibility with smart home systems.” He added that “monitoring indoor temperature helps with energy efficiency and proper temperature control helps maintain optimal humidity levels.”

In addition to this expert advice, we considered several other criteria when selecting the best indoor thermometers for our hands-on tests. Our list included indoor thermometers that sync with a smartphone for remote monitoring, making them ideal for greenhouses, wine cellars, humidors, and animal enclosures. We also tested simple units that weren’t wireless but allowed us to see the temperature and humidity at a glance.

Accuracy is crucial when selecting an indoor thermometer, and the picks that earned a spot in this lineup all had a margin of error of 1.5 degrees or less compared with other models we tested. To determine the most accurate readings, we placed all the indoor thermometer units side by side in the same room and compared the readings. We determined accuracy when several units displayed identical temperature and humidity readings. For units with outdoor reading modules, we compared the temperature with that of our professional home weather station.

In addition, we tested every function available on each unit. We downloaded apps for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth models and noted how easy (or complex) it was to configure them. We scored each indoor thermometer using a rubric and awarded points during the testing phase. At the end of the testing, we added the points and used them to help determine the specific awards for each of the models that excelled.

Our Top Picks

In testing this lineup of the best indoor thermometers, we primarily sought units that gave accurate readings for indoor temperature and humidity. We also looked for easy-to-read displays, as well as apps that synced seamlessly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (when applicable). Some models reviewed here are manual, while others send alerts to smartphones to report humidity and temperature changes. The following products offer various functions, but each excelled in our hands-on tests and we’re confident that they’ll perform well for the buyer, too.

Best Overall

AcuRite Digital Mini Hygrometer with Indoor Thermomet

Precision is critical when it comes to an indoor thermometer, and AcuRite’s manufacturer claims this thermometer has a narrow 0.5-degree range of error, with data updated every 10 seconds. This model requires calibration, which involves pushing a series of buttons, but this only took us a few seconds and then the thermometer was good to go for testing.

Though we couldn’t determine the exact degree of accuracy for all the thermometers tested, we arranged them all side by side in the same location and then compared the readings. The AcuRite gave a near-identical reading to most of the other thermometers, so we concluded it was highly accurate.

We used the same standard for testing accuracy with humidity readings. In addition to being consistent, the AcuRite also stores high and low readings for 24 hours, showing us how much the temperature and humidity fluctuated.

This model also provides a humidity percentage and a gauge that lets users know if the air comfort level is Low, OK, or High. The large numbers are easy to see—even from across the room. We especially liked the magnets on the back of the AcuRite, which allowed us to put the thermometer on the refrigerator, where we could monitor the temperature changes in the kitchen that resulted from cooking and baking. Overall, we deem this thermometer from AcuRite worthy of a kitchen or living room with its accurate humidity and temperature readings.

Product Specs 

• Dimensions: 3 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.9 inches
• Functions: Temperature, humidity
• Power source: 2 AAA batteries (not included)

Pros

• Large display screen
• High degree of temperature accuracy
• Records and displays highs and lows

Cons

• Batteries not included

Get the AcuRite indoor thermometer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Cabela’s.

Best Bang For The Buck

ThermoPro TP49 Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer

The ThermoPro provides all the information needed to monitor indoor temperature and humidity at an affordable price. While this small model lacks bells and whistles, it displays accurate temperature and humidity readings. We liked that we could choose between its easel-type stand or put it on the fridge via its magnet backing. It can also be hung on a nail on the wall.

Its 2-inch screen shows the temperature and humidity and features numbers large enough to read from across the room, though it lacks a backlight for nighttime visibility. An emoji indicates dry, wet, or optimal comfort with a smile or frown, but that display is so tiny we had to get right up close to the unit to see it.

The ThermoPro can also take readings within a tenth of a degree, and it refreshes every 10 seconds. The TP49 uses one AAA battery (included). All in all, we found this to be an accurate and unobtrusive indoor thermometer at an attractive price.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 2.2 inches by 2.6 inches by 0.7 inches
• Functions: Temperature and humidity
• Power source: 1 AAA battery (included)

Pros

• Large numbers are easily visible
• 3 mounting options
• Budget priced

Cons

• No backlight for nighttime visibility
• Smiley icon is too small to see easily

Get the ThermoPro TP49 indoor thermometer on Amazon or at The Home Depot. 

Upgrade Pick

SensorPush HT1 Wireless Thermometer / Hygrometer

At first, it was hard to believe that the SensorPush is a thermometer hygrometer—the mini module looks more like a keychain fob, which can be hung from a chain or cord if desired. The SensorPush has no visual display, but it transmitted ample in-depth data to our smartphones via Bluetooth.

We downloaded the SensorPush app and followed the steps to sync the module to the Bluetooth on our phones, and it connected seamlessly. The SensorPush will also connect via Wi-Fi, but that requires a separate gateway (not included) that we didn’t have.

We could see the indoor temperature and humidity data on our smart devices. The SensorPush recorded temperatures and humidity levels that were consistent with the other indoor thermometers we tested simultaneously, so we judged it to be accurate. One of the nicest things was the ability to look at the temperature and humidity records in a chart format. That allowed us to see how the levels changed over hours and days.

This is a tiny module, measuring just over 1.5 inches square and only 0.65 inches thick, so it can easily fit in a humidor, wine cabinet, or anywhere you want to monitor the immediate environment.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 1.57 inches by 1.57 inches by 0.65 inches
• Functions: Humidity and temperature
• Power source: 1 CR 2477 battery (installed)

Pros

• Delivers alerts to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
• Accurate temperature readings
• Stores historical data
• Syncs with IOS and Android

Cons

• No display on the module itself

Get the SensorPush indoor thermometer at Amazon, NorthWoods Humidors, or SensorPush.

Best For Greenhouses

ThermoPro TP55 Indoor Humidity Temperature Monitor

In situations where changes in air temperature and humidity can affect indoor plants, such as those in a greenhouse, it’s wise to check the current data and reference it over the past 24 hours. We found the ThermoPro TP55 does that quite well.

The thermometer/hygrometer comes pre-calibrated, so it worked right out of the box. We put it alongside the other modules we tested, and it was within 0.1 degrees of the most consistent temperature and humidity levels. We rated it as highly accurate.

In addition to registering the current temperature and moisture levels, the ThermoPro TP55 also tracks historical data. This makes it well suited for growers who want to know how low the temperature dipped overnight or how high the humidity level rose before the greenhouse fan kicked on.

Yet this ThermoPro TP55 isn’t limited to greenhouse use—we attached it to a file cabinet in our home office to monitor the comfort levels. We were able to select from Fahrenheit or Celsius temperatures, and the display screen indicates the humidity range with Dry, Comfort, or Wet settings. An especially nice feature is the backlight that illuminates the display for viewing in dim situations.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 4.3 inches by 3.3 inches by 1 inch
• Functions: Temperature and humidity
• Power source: 2 AAA batteries (included)

Pros

• Easy-to-read numbers
• Records high and low numbers for 24 hours
• Backlight display option

Cons

• Cover on battery compartment kept coming loose

Get the ThermoPro TP55 digital thermometer at Amazon, Target, or ThermoPro.

Best Clock-Style

Sharp Atomic Clock – Weather Station

Why have separate modules when you can see the temperature at a glance just by looking at the clock? In our opinion, that convenience is the primary benefit of the Sharp Atomic Clock. This thermometer offers only temperature, but it detects indoor and outdoor temperatures via an outdoor temperature module that we hung on a tree near the house. We liked the concept, though it took us a good 20 minutes to figure out how to sync the outdoor thermometer with the clock.

The Sharp Atomic Clock recorded the indoor temperature about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit lower than most of the other thermometers we tested, but we felt that was still pretty accurate. When we compared the reading with our home weather station, set up outdoors, the Sharp was merely 0.2 degrees below that reading.

This clock/thermometer is fairly large, measuring 8.75 inches by 7.9 inches, and it’s 0.75 inches thick. The display is easy to see from across the room, and the unit shows the date and temperature. However, a backlit display for seeing the module at night is lacking.

Product Specs 

• Dimensions: 8.75 inches by 7.9 inches by 0.75 inches
• Functions: Temperature, time, date
• Power source: Clock (3 AA batteries) Outdoor module (2 AAA batteries) (not included)

Pros

• Large, easy-to-read display
• Shows time, temperature, and date
• Hangs on wall or stands

Cons

• No backlight
• Slightly lower indoor temperature readings

Get the Sharp indoor thermometer clock on Amazon. 

Best for Pet Enclosures

Govee H5051 Wi-Fi Thermometer Hygrometer

The Govee wireless thermometer hygrometer alerts you to the climate conditions your fur baby is experiencing in real time and by collecting indoor temperature and humidity data for monitoring fluctuations.

First, we installed the Govee Home app, which walked us through the rest of the setup (a Wi-Fi network is required). The app allowed us to see temperature changes over hours, days, and months so we could analyze the temperature and humidity cycles and tendencies.

The module can be affixed to a wall via a peel-off sticker on the back, but unfortunately its small plastic stand proved to be virtually worthless: Even a tiny bump will send the Govee rolling. We recommend affixing the module to a wall in an out-of-the-way spot where it can safely record the data rather than just placing it on a table in the same room where the pet stays. Also, this is not a weatherproof module so it’s not suitable for use in an outdoor doghouse where it might be exposed to rain or snow.

The app worked fairly well; though it didn’t allow us to select between Celsius and Fahrenheit, a small button on the front of the module let us do that. The temperature and humidity readings were in line with most of the other thermometers we tested, so we judged the Govee as highly accurate on both accounts.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 3.01 inches by 2.06 inches, by 0.9 inches
• Functions: Temperature and humidity
• Power source: 3 AAA batteries (included)

Pros

• App offers detailed graphs of temperature and humidity data
• Connects to smartphone
• Can be configured to send alerts
• Pet enclosure climate can be remotely monitored

Cons

• Not compatible with 5 GHz Wi-Fi

Get the Govee indoor thermometer on Amazon.

Best Multilocation

Govee H5100 Mini Hygrometer Thermometer Sensors

Those wanting to monitor temperature and humidity levels in more than one area of the home need look no further than Govee’s mini thermometers. Govee’s mini-modules do that job efficiently, and they’re small enough to be placed virtually anywhere without being obtrusive. Each of the three sensors comes with its own lanyard for hanging on a nail, screw, or hook.

We’d already downloaded the Govee Home app, and it quickly synced with the mini-monitors. We were able to name each of the three modules so we could differentiate them from one another in the app. We were able to configure the modules to send alerts at predetermined temperature and moisture levels.

Interestingly, when we placed them side by side and tested for accuracy, each Govee module recorded the exact same temperature and humidity. No inconsistencies whatsoever, which we considered pretty impressive. In addition, the system is expandable, allowing users to connect up to 10 sensors.

The only downside was that we couldn’t monitor the data remotely; since these Govee modules are only Bluetooth capable. They were accurate when located within about 75 feet of our smartphones. This is par for the course for Bluetooth devices, but be aware that you won’t be able to read them when you’re away from home, as you could with WiFi-capable devices. Still, we felt they were among the most accurate, and the ability to monitor several rooms was a winner in our book.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 2.25 inches by 0.75 inches by 0.95 inches
• Functions: Temperature and humidity
• Power source: 1 AAA battery for each module (included)

Pros

• Unobtrusive size
• Sends alerts for temperature and humidity
• Stores up to 2 years of data in the cloud for free

Cons

• Limited range

Get the Govee indoor thermometer 3 pack at Amazon, Govee, or Newegg.

Best Plug-in Model

LaCrosse Technology Wireless Temperature Station