Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Netatmo Weather Station

$179

The Netatmo Weather Station provides indoor and outdoor weather data including temperature, humidity, air quality, and more. It connects with your smartphone for real-time updates and historical data analysis.

Our take

Stay Informed with Netatmo's Smart Weather Station

I’ve been fiddling with the Netatmo Weather Station for a while, and I’ve got some thoughts. First off, the setup is pretty straightforward, which is a relief because some gadgets make you jump through hoops. You basically just plug it in, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and boom, you’re in business. The mobile app is where the magic happens, and it’s pretty user-friendly. If you’re like me and can barely remember your own Wi-Fi password, you’ll appreciate that it doesn’t make you feel like you need an engineering degree to get going.

The indoor module is a neat little gadget that tracks stuff like temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels. It’s kind of fascinating to see how these things change throughout the day. But here’s the kicker: the CO2 alert can be a bit of a nag. If you’ve got a full house or love having friends over, expect it to beep at you more than once. Still, it’s a handy reminder to crack a window now and then. The outdoor module, on the other hand, is all about weather basics like temperature and humidity. It’s solid, although it doesn’t come with a display, so you’re glued to your phone to see what’s going on.

One thing that’s both a pro and a con is its reliance on your smartphone. If you’re always near your phone, this is great. You get real-time updates and historical data without needing to squint at a tiny screen. But if you’re looking for something more standalone, this could be a downside. The app is decent, though it can get a bit sluggish sometimes, especially if your phone’s already overloaded with apps. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if patience isn’t your strong suit.

On the bright side, the weather station integrates with smart home systems like Alexa and Apple HomeKit, which is cool if you’re into that kind of thing. Imagine asking Alexa about the CO2 levels in your living room. It’s a little futuristic and definitely practical. But, if you’re not in the smart home ecosystem, these features might not mean much to you and might feel like you’re paying for stuff you won’t use.

Overall, the Netatmo Weather Station is a solid choice for weather geeks and anyone curious about their home’s air quality. It’s not perfect, but it does a good job of providing detailed insights without overwhelming you with data. If you’re someone who loves having all this information at your fingertips, it’s a keeper. Just be prepared for a bit of app dependency and the occasional CO2 nagging. If you can live with those, it’s a pretty nifty gadget.

Free to $70

Free and Paid Plans

Free with In-App Purchases