Which Davis weather station should I buy? Our 2025 guide

With the addition of Davis Instruments, we can understand if all options seem overwhelming.

Davis offers weather stations tailored to various needs, from hobbyists to professional meteorologists. Let’s simplify your decision-making process by breaking down the most popular Davis weather station models: Vantage Vue, Vantage Pro2, and Vantage Pro2 Plus.

So, which Davis weather station should you buy? It all depends on what you are looking to measure. We’ve owned Davis weather stations for many years, so we have quite a bit of experience with the brand.

Davis Vantage Vue

The Davis Vantage Vue is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable, compact, and user-friendly weather station. Ideal for home use, schools, or entry-level enthusiasts, it packs comprehensive weather data—including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and barometric pressure—into a sleek integrated sensor suite (ISS).

Pros:

• Compact, easy-to-install design
• Solar-powered with battery backup
• Wireless range up to 1,000 feet

Best for:

• Beginners and hobbyists
• Home users and educational settings

Our Vantage Vue was in continuous operation from September 2016 to September 2023 without a single problem. And it’s durable too: while other home weather stations discolor and deteriorate with time, our Vantage Vue didn’t do that.

(You can read more of our review here.)

There is only one Vantage Vue model, although you can purchase the integrated sensor suite separately.

Davis Vantage Pro2

The Davis Vantage Pro2 is a step up from the Vantage Vue and offers advanced features, enhanced accuracy, and customizable options.

Available in wireless and cabled models, the Vantage Pro2 allows you to position sensors optimally for precise data collection. When paired with optional sensors, this station provides additional measurements such as evapotranspiration, leaf wetness, and solar radiation.

Pros:

• Greater accuracy and sensor placement flexibility
• Rugged construction designed to withstand extreme weather
• Expandable sensor options

Best for:

• Serious weather enthusiasts
• Agricultural, industrial, and scientific applications

The Davis Vantage Pro2’s base model does not include fan aspiration; however, Davis does offer an upgraded model with fan aspiration.

Do I need fan aspiration?

It depends on your setup. If you plan to place your sensor suite in an open area that receives direct sunlight the entire day (the most optimal setup), you’ll get more accurate readings during the summer.

However, most of us won’t have that space, so your station will likely spend some time in the shade. With the significant jump in price, you might find it more advantageous to spend that money elsewhere or opt for the daytime kit instead.

Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus

The Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus is Davis Instruments’ top-of-the-line home weather station. It includes all the advanced features of the Vantage Pro2 and adds integrated solar radiation and UV sensors. This makes it perfect for professional users such as farmers, researchers, and commercial operators who need detailed environmental data.

Pros:

• Comprehensive weather data collection, including solar radiation and UV
• Professional-grade durability and precision
• Available in wireless or cabled configurations

Best for:

• Professional meteorological needs
• Agricultural monitoring and environmental research

Like the Pro2, there is a cabled, non-aspirated, and fan-aspirated version.

Is the Plus necessary?

While we may have talked you out of the fan aspiration, we won’t do the same with the Pro2 vs. Pro2 Plus. The UV and solar sensors alone are expensive ($600-700 for the pair), and are likely to only get more expensive due to the tariff situation.

Understanding WeatherLink Options

No Davis weather station would be complete without exploring WeatherLink options—Davis’s proprietary software platform for data logging and remote monitoring. Available versions include:

• WeatherLink Live: Enables real-time monitoring from mobile devices and desktop, compatible with smart home integration.
• WeatherLink Console: A robust, standalone monitoring option with on-device viewing and data logging capabilities.

Tip: Buy the console with the ISS

If you’re looking at the console but are experiencing sticker shock, buy it with an ISS. Adding the console adds about $100-200 to the price, a far cry from its $395 MSRP.

Wireless vs. Cabled

If you’re debating whether a wireless or cabled ISS is best for you, here are some tips

• Wireless Models: Easy setup, flexibility in sensor placement, ideal for residential and most agricultural setups.
• Cabled Models: Perfect for locations prone to RF interference or where a continuous, stable data connection is critical.

Add to your Davis weather station

• AirLink Air Quality Monitor: Complement your weather data with indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
• Leaf & Soil Moisture/Temperature Stations: Essential for agricultural applications, monitoring conditions for crops precisely.

Whether you’re a hobbyist fascinated by weather patterns or a professional requiring precise meteorological data, a Davis Instruments weather station is tailored to your needs. Explore our extensive Davis Instruments lineup at Cirrusly Weather and confidently choose the right model to suit your goals.