7 of the Best Rain Gauges of 2024, According to Testing
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A rain gauge is a useful tool for gardening, farming, and staying informed about weather conditions.
Initially used by weather stations and now by gardeners, farmers, and weather enthusiasts alike, rain gauges collect rain into a funnel to measure precipitation, saving users time, energy, and money. By knowing how much rain the area receives over an average week, month, or year, you can plan when to water your plants or to prepare for storms.
With so many different models available on the market, finding the best rain gauge for your needs can feel overwhelming. To give you a head start, read on to learn about shopping considerations and why the following rain gauges are top performers. Our favorite model is the Headwind Classic EZRead Rain Gauge, which is easy to read, weather-resistant, and included a built-in screen to keep out debris. We’ve tested each of the products below to assess their accuracy, features, and durability when measuring precipitation, to provide you with our top recommendations for the best rain gauges on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Headwind Classic EZRead Rain Gauge
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: La Crosse 704-1531B Magnifying Rain Gauge
Jump to Review - BEST WIRELESS: AcuRite Digital Rain Gauge with Rain Collector
Jump to Review - BEST WEATHER STATION: Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station
Jump to Review - BEST FOR RAIN AND SNOW: Stratus RG200 Precision Rain and Snow Gauge
Jump to Review - BEST DECORATIVE: Evergreen Garden Metal Frog Statue with Rain Gauge
Jump to Review - BEST RAIN APP: Netatmo Smart Weather Station Rain Gauge
Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Rain Gauges
Each rain gauge was scored using a rubric, which helped us compare different rain gauges based on accuracy, ease of installation, size, durability, readability, additional features, and value for the price.
In addition to noting how easy the product was to set up and install, we also evaluated the included instructions, whether or not batteries were included (if needed), and if the product came with mounting hardware or multiple installation options.
The rain gauges were tested in both light and heavy rain conditions to determine their accuracy and the effectiveness of any additional features, such as measuring humidity, wind speed, air pressure, and more.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 3 days |
| Tests performed | 4 to 6 |
| Price range | $10 to $300 |
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best rain gauges that stand out for their quality, ease of use, accuracy, and versatility. We tested each of these products to compare them against each other and to find out which is best for different situations.
Best Overall
Headwind Classic EZRead Rain Gauge
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Analog
- Size: 26 inches long, 4 inches in diameter
- Ease of installation: Moderate
What We Like
- Measures up to 5 inches of rainfall
- Built-in screen to keep out debris
- Easy to read from far away
- Weather-resistant
What We Don’t Like
- Requires wall or post mounting
- Does not come with mounting hardware
- Not freezeproof
The EZRead Rain Gauge by Headwind is an analog model featuring an oversize design. Standing tall at 26 inches and with a diameter of 4 inches, it can measure up to 5 inches of rainfall. Its funnel top prevents debris such as leaves from clogging the rainwater collector.
The markings on this garden rain gauge are large and visible at ¼-inch intervals. With the additional float and water-level magnification feature, users can read the markings from up to 50 feet away. Its bright yellow-and-green design is fun and highly visible in most weather.
The EZRead is designed to withstand excessive heat, high winds, and heavy rain alike. However, it is not freeze-resistant, so be sure not to leave it outside in the cold. Thanks to its plastic hanger, the device is easy to install on a range of surfaces.
When we tested this model, it was simple to mount to a post. The bottom contains a peg feature to keep the gauge securely in place when in the bracket, yet removing the gauge from the bracket to empty it is also simple. The built-in funnel, which has a screen to keep out debris, is an excellent feature for homes that have a lot of trees.
Its sizable construction means users don’t have to empty the rain gauge frequently, and its large numbers also make it easy to read from a porch, balcony, or window. We loved the simplicity, effectiveness, and durability of this design. However, a staking option would have made it even more versatile.
Get the Headwind rain gauge at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
La Crosse 704-1531B Magnifying Rain Gauge
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Analog
- Size: 12 inches tall, 2¾ inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Easy to read
- Keyhole brackets and a built-in stake for ground- or wall-mounting
- Weather-resistant
- Comes in multiple colorways
What We Don’t Like
- No mounting screws included
- Not freeze-resistant
With this magnifying analog model by La Crosse, there’s no need to break the bank to get a functional rain gauge for the backyard or garden. The compact device is 12 inches tall and 2¾ inches wide, capable of measuring up to 5 inches of rain.
The magnifying acrylic funnel features large numbers that are easy to read, even from a distance. The funnel is removable for cleaning and emptying. Keyhole brackets make the device easy to mount on a post or a fence, while a pointy bottom allows for planting it into the ground.
The La Crosse rain gauge is designed to withstand heavy rain and wind but not freezing temperatures. It’s available in three color choices: black-blue, navy blue, and burgundy red.
When testing the La Crosse rain gauge, we appreciated the design flexibility, which allows for pole, wall, or even fence mounting as well as a stake to stick into the ground. We ended up staking the gauge in the garden, and it was very simple to install and use.
However, if planning to wall- or pole-mount the gauge, keep in mind that while the product has mounting holes, it does not come with mounting hardware. The large numbers make it easy to read, and it comes in half measurements up to 4 inches.
Get the LaCrosse rain gauge at Amazon.
Best Wireless
AcuRite Digital Rain Gauge with Rain Collector
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Digital
- Size: Unlimited
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Rainfall and flood-watch alarm
- Reports every 60 seconds
- LED display
- Self-emptying
- Does not require an app or website to use
What We Don’t Like
- Not UV- or heat-resistant
- LED display controls can be confusing
- Does not come with the 5 AA batteries required
- Gauge can tip over
This digital and wireless model by AcuRite is easy to set up and does nearly all the work. A rainfall alarm lets users know when it starts to rain, and rain totals get transmitted every 60 seconds to the easy-to-read LCD display.
The indoor unit provides all data and measurements in both inches and millimeters for the current rain event, current day, last 7 days, plus two other customizable totals. A flood-watch alarm also lets users know if conditions may lead to flooding. It is also self-emptying.
Its signal is strong enough to transmit up to 100 feet away, which provides reasonable freedom with positioning the outdoor component. Once mounted, it is designed to stay securely in place through the elements. However, this model may not withstand excessive heat or too much direct sun exposure, so choose its location carefully.
When testing the AcuRite Digital Rain Gauge, we were impressed with how simple it was to set up and start. The only downside was that it needed five AA batteries, which were not included. After installing the batteries, the gauge was ready to go. However, figuring out all the controls on the display took a bit of time and was more confusing than we felt was necessary.
In addition, the rain gauge is freestanding, which means it’s prone to tipping in very windy conditions. However, we tested the gauge on a windy, rainy day, and it did not tip over. It comes with screws for mounting for security, but we did not install it this way. Its self-emptying feature makes it easy to use and measure rainfall accurately.
Get the AcuRite rain gauge at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Weather Station
Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 3/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Digital
- Size: Unlimited
- Ease of installation: Moderate
What We Like
- Provides ample weather data
- Smart-home compatible
- Solar-powered
- Display is large and easy to read
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Required mounting pole is not included
- Backup batteries not included
- Instructions were confusing
The high-tech Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station offers full-color TFT LCD display, 300-foot wireless transmission, and encrypted Wi-Fi connectivity.
With this weather station, get real-time updates in both imperial and metric units of measure. This model is not limited to rainfall measurements; it provides an array of other important weather-related data as well.
An all-in-one integrated sensor measures wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and rainfall as well as UV and solar radiation. Users can add optional detectors for lightning, air quality, and humidity. Users of this weather station can even place sensors indoors for data on the temperature and humidity in the house or office.
Connect to the Ambient Weather Network via the website or through the app to access dials, gauges, graphs, and text reports. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice-activated weather reports. The sensor is solar-powered, although two AA batteries (not included) are recommended for backup power.
When testing the Ambient Weather Network, we had to take more time to set it up than we felt was necessary, and the instructions were not very helpful. However, once it was set up, it was relatively easy to use. The station did not come with a mounting pole, which is required for the station to work, so we had to find one. The station does have an adjustable bracket for the pole, so varying sizes of poles could be used, which makes the installation a bit easier.
The display was large, easy to read, and included information about both indoor and outdoor conditions. It also contained information about moon phases, wind speed, air pressure, UV index, and “Feels Like” temperature. The only downside to the display is that it does have to be plugged in to work, which gives it less flexibility when placing it in the house. However, we did connect via the app to check in on weather conditions, which made this weather station helpful to use when away from the display or the house.
Get the Ambient weather station at Amazon.
Best for Rain and Snow
Stratus RG200 Precision Rain and Snow Gauge
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Ease of Use 3.5/5; Accuracy 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Analog
- Size: 14.5 inches tall, 5 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Moderate
What We Like
- Measures up to 11 inches
- Overflow container design is convenient
- Optional wall or pole mounting with hardware included
- Weather-resistant
What We Don’t Like
- No measurement on the outer tube
- Mounting pole not included
- Bracket was tricky to get on the tube
The Stratus RG200 Professional Rain and Snow Gauge provides some of the most precise measurements among analog models. It is 14.5 inches tall and 5 inches wide, allowing it to measure up to 11 inches of rain or snow.
It comes with an inner measuring tube with a 1-inch capacity, graduated to 1/100 of an inch for extra precision. When rainfall exceeds 1 inch, the extra water simply flows into the larger outer cylinder. The funnel and inner cylinder are removable for ease of reading and cleaning. With its “Quick Connect” bracket, the device is easy to install on most mounts or structures.
This rain and snow gauge was manufactured in accordance with United States Weather Bureau specifications. It contains heavy-duty, UV-resistant polycarbonate, allowing the gauge to withstand rough weather and direct sun exposure without fading or corroding.
When testing the Stratus rain gauge, we loved that hardware was included, so it was relatively easy to install (however, a mounting post was not included with the product and a drill was required to install the screws). There’s also the option to leave the container freestanding, but it could tip over in windy conditions as a result of its plastic construction.
The overflow design and sizable container are convenient so emptying the gauge frequently is not necessary. Easy to assemble and use, this rain gauge has some unique features for the price. Its clear color also makes it inconspicuous for both home and yard use.
Get the Stratus snow and rain gauge at Amazon.
Best Decorative
Evergreen Garden Metal Frog Statue with Rain Gauge
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 3.5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Analog
- Size: 18 inches tall, 4