Best Rain Gauges
Top rain gauges ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
AcuRite 00850A2 5-Inch Easy-Read Rain Gauge
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Magnifying tube for easy reading
- Magnifying tube for easy reading
- 5-inch capacity for heavy storms
Cons
- Plastic can yellow in UV light
- Plastic can yellow in UV light
- Must be manually emptied
Don't buy this if…
- Empty the gauge after each rainfall event as stale water breeds mosquitoes and algae that obscure readings.
- Empty the gauge after each rainfall event as stale water breeds mosquitoes and algae that obscure readings.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 0.01-inch professional accuracy
- 0.01-inch professional accuracy
- Used by official CoCoRaHS observers
Cons
- Must be checked and emptied manually
- Must be checked and emptied manually
- Requires proper level mounting
Don't buy this if…
- Must be mounted perfectly level in an open area away from buildings and trees for accurate scientific readings.
- Must be mounted perfectly level in an open area away from buildings and trees for accurate scientific readings.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Self-emptying tipping bucket
- Self-emptying tipping bucket
- Wireless indoor display
Cons
- Tipping bucket can jam with debris
- Tipping bucket can jam with debris
- Limited 100-foot wireless range
Don't buy this if…
- The tipping bucket mechanism must be kept free of leaves, dirt, and insects or it will jam and miscount rainfall.
- The tipping bucket mechanism must be kept free of leaves, dirt, and insects or it will jam and miscount rainfall.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Integrates with WS-2902 station
- Integrates with WS-2902 station
- 0.01-inch measurement precision
Cons
- Requires WS-2902 base station
- Requires WS-2902 base station
- Small collection funnel
Don't buy this if…
- This is an add-on sensor only and requires the Ambient Weather WS-2902 base station sold separately.
- This is an add-on sensor only and requires the Ambient Weather WS-2902 base station sold separately.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Freeze-proof polycarbonate
- Freeze-proof polycarbonate
- Set of 2 for multiple locations
Cons
- Limited accuracy on fine readings
- Limited accuracy on fine readings
- Lightweight and can blow over
Don't buy this if…
- The lightweight design requires securing with the ground stake in exposed locations or strong winds will blow it over.
- The lightweight design requires securing with the ground stake in exposed locations or strong winds will blow it over.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Classic reliable design
- Classic reliable design
- Galvanized steel bracket
Cons
- Basic no-frills design
- Basic no-frills design
- Plastic tube can stain over time
Don't buy this if…
- Clean the collection tube monthly with a bottle brush as mineral deposits and algae will obscure the measurement markings.
- Clean the collection tube monthly with a bottle brush as mineral deposits and algae will obscure the measurement markings.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Color LCD indoor display
- Color LCD indoor display
- Rain rate and history tracking
Cons
- Sensor placement is critical for accuracy
- Sensor placement is critical for accuracy
- Display can be complex to navigate
Don't buy this if…
- Place the outdoor sensor in a completely open area as overhangs, trees, and fences will deflect rain and skew readings.
- Place the outdoor sensor in a completely open area as overhangs, trees, and fences will deflect rain and skew readings.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Decorative wrought-iron design
- Decorative wrought-iron design
- Doubles as garden accent
Cons
- Glass tube can break
- Glass tube can break
- Wrought iron will rust over time
Don't buy this if…
- The glass measuring tube is fragile and will shatter if hit by lawn equipment or hail.
- The glass measuring tube is fragile and will shatter if hit by lawn equipment or hail.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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