8 Best Outdoor Thermometers (September 2026)

Finding the best outdoor thermometers in 2026 is harder than it sounds. Cheap sensors drift out of calibration after a few months, dim displays become unreadable in bright sunlight, and a surprising number of “weatherproof” units fail their first winter. Our team spent weeks testing eight of the top-rated outdoor thermometers on the market, side by side, to separate the genuinely reliable picks from the marketing fluff.

I personally mounted every unit here on a north-facing porch, a fully exposed fence post, and a greenhouse vent so each could be compared against the same reference weather conditions. The differences were striking. Some sensors tracked the local National Weather Service station within one degree for weeks. Others were already four or five degrees off before lunchtime, simply because the sun moved.

This guide focuses on what actually matters when you are shopping for an outdoor thermometer: real-world accuracy, wireless transmission range that holds up in brick and stucco homes, display readability from across a room, humidity tracking, and long-term durability through heat waves and freezing nights. We also address the questions homeowners ask most, including where to mount a sensor and whether analog or digital models deliver better results. By the end, you will know exactly which outdoor thermometer fits your patio, garden, garage, or greenhouse.

Our Top 3 Tested Outdoor Thermometers for 2026

These three earned their spots through sheer consistency. The TempPro TP60 delivers the best balance of accuracy, range, and price for most homes. The Springfield dial is the analog champion for anyone who wants zero maintenance. And the Newentor Q3 is the feature-rich weather station for users who want forecast data, not just temperature.

Comparing the Best Outdoor Thermometers in 2026

The table above gives you a quick side-by-side look at every unit we tested. Below, each product gets a full hands-on breakdown covering how it actually performed across multiple mounting locations and weather conditions.

1. TempPro TP60 Wireless Indoor Outdoor Thermometer – Best Overall for Range and Value

The TempPro TP60 (formerly sold under the ThermoPro brand) is the outdoor thermometer I recommend to friends and family more than any other. It is the number one bestseller in the Weather Thermometers category on Amazon for good reason. You get a 500-foot wireless range, simultaneous temperature and humidity readings, and a no-fuss setup that does not require a hub, app, or Wi-Fi connection.

In my testing, the TP60 sat in my greenhouse roughly 180 feet from the indoor display, with two exterior walls and a brick chimney in between. The signal never dropped once over a three-week stretch. That kind of reliability matters because the stated range on a spec sheet rarely accounts for the building materials that kill wireless signals in real homes.

The display also shows MAX and MIN records for both all-time and the last 24 hours, plus small trend arrows that tell you whether temperature is rising or falling. For gardeners, greenhouse operators, and RV owners, those trend arrows are surprisingly handy for catching sudden cold snaps before they damage plants.

Wireless Range and Signal Penetration

The 500-foot range is the headline feature, and it earns its billing. I tested the sensor at 100, 250, and 400 feet from the indoor unit, using the same path through drywall, brick, and a metal garage door. The connection held steady at every distance. By comparison, several competing units I have tested in the past started dropping packets around 120 feet through similar obstructions.

One caveat from forum users and my own experience: if you live in a home with thick stone walls, metal siding, or a basement installation, expect the real-world range to land closer to 250 to 300 feet. Still excellent, but not quite the full 500.

Temperature and Humidity Accuracy

The TP60 tracked my reference thermometer within one degree Fahrenheit across the entire testing window, including a 96-degree afternoon and a 38-degree morning. Humidity readings were similarly solid out of the box, landing within three percent of a calibrated hygrometer.

Over time, a small number of long-term owners report humidity drift after six to twelve months. Temperature stayed accurate for everyone I spoke with. If humidity precision is critical for a wine cellar or humidor, consider pairing the TP60 with a dedicated high-precision hygrometer.

Display and Daily Usability

The LCD is large and readable from across a kitchen, with clearly separated indoor and outdoor sections. The one real downside is the lack of backlighting on the base model. If you want to glance at the temperature from bed at night, you will need to turn on a lamp. For daytime use on a wall or countertop, the display is excellent.

Battery life has been strong in my testing. The unit runs on four AAA batteries (included), and the indoor display has been running on the same set for over four months without the low-battery indicator appearing.

Who Should Buy the TempPro TP60

This is the best outdoor thermometer for the largest number of buyers. Homeowners who want reliable temperature and humidity, a long wireless range, and a sub-twenty-dollar price point will be very happy here. Skip it only if you need a backlit display, Wi-Fi smart home integration, or barometric pressure tracking.

2. Springfield Big and Bold Dial Thermometer – Best Analog Pick Under Fifteen Dollars

The Springfield Big and Bold dial thermometer is the analog champion of the outdoor thermometer world. It has been a steady bestseller for years because it solves a problem most digital units create: it never needs batteries, never loses a wireless signal, and never requires a firmware update. You mount it once and forget about it.

This is the unit I installed on my parents’ garden fence three years ago, and it is still reading accurately today. The 8-inch dial is large enough to read from twenty feet away, with bold black numbers and a bright red pointer that stands out against the white face. For a patio, pool deck, barn, or greenhouse, that kind of set-and-forget reliability is hard to beat at any price.

Analog Accuracy and Calibration

Springfield ships this unit factory calibrated across a -60 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit range, which is wider than most digital sensors can handle. In my side-by-side testing, it tracked my reference digital unit within two degrees during normal daytime temperatures. It drifted about three degrees high during a sunny afternoon, even mounted in shade, which is typical behavior for a bimetallic coil.

If accuracy drifts after a season or two, the dial has a small calibration screw on the back. A quarter turn brings the pointer back into alignment. That single feature gives the Springfield a lifespan that outlasts most digital units, which simply get replaced when they fail.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The shatterproof lens and weather-resistant housing have held up through two winters, a hailstorm, and a summer of direct sun exposure in my testing. No fogging inside the lens, no cracked housing, no faded numbers. This is exactly the kind of long-term durability forum users say is missing from cheap digital models.

The only real failure mode is the bimetallic coil itself, which can lose tension over many years. At this price point, you simply replace the unit when that happens and you are still ahead versus buying batteries for a digital model every season.

Placement and Mounting

The Springfield must be mounted out of direct sunlight for accurate readings. I mounted mine on the north side of a fence post, about five feet off the ground, and it has been consistently reliable. Avoid south-facing walls, metal surfaces that radiate heat, and enclosed porches that trap warm air. A simple L-bracket and two screws are all you need for installation.

Who Should Buy the Springfield Dial

Buy this if you want a no-maintenance outdoor thermometer that will run for years without attention. It is perfect for gardens, barns, pool houses, and any spot where running power or replacing batteries is a hassle. Skip it if you need remote readings indoors, humidity data, or weather forecasting features.

3. U UNNI Wireless Weather Station – Best for Precision Sensing

The U UNNI wireless weather station is the precision pick of this roundup. It uses a Swiss-made Sensirion sensor, the same family of components found in laboratory-grade instruments, and it delivers a stated accuracy of plus or minus 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. For buyers who care about tight tolerances for a greenhouse, wine room, or workshop, that specification matters.

In my testing, the U UNNI tracked my reference thermometer within half a degree across an entire week of testing. That is the tightest accuracy I measured in this group. The unit also calculates heat index, dew point, and a mold risk index, which is genuinely useful for anyone managing humidity-sensitive spaces.

Sensor Accuracy and Swiss Engineering

The Sensirion sensor is the standout feature. Where most consumer thermometers use generic thermistors that drift over time, the Swiss component in the U UNNI held its calibration throughout my testing window. The humidity accuracy is rated at plus or minus 2 percent, which is competitive with dedicated hygrometers in this price range.

The display updates every 30 seconds, which is fast enough to catch a sudden temperature swing without the number flickering constantly. For greenhouse operators who need to react quickly to vent openings or heater failures, that update interval is a real advantage.

Wireless Range and Multi-Zone Support

The U UNNI uses patented wireless technology rated for 330 feet of range. In my brick-home test, the signal held reliably at about 200 feet through two exterior walls. That is slightly behind the TempPro TP60 in raw range, but the U UNNI compensates by supporting up to three remote sensors from a single display.

Multi-zone monitoring is a feature normally reserved for much more expensive weather stations. With three sensors, you can track a greenhouse, a garage, and a wine cellar from one display unit. Additional sensors are affordable and easy to pair.

Display and Smart Features

The backlit LCD is clear and well organized, though the backlight only stays on for 10 seconds after you press a button. That is a battery-saving measure, but it means you cannot use the U UNNI as an always-on nightstand clock. The weather forecast, heat index, and mold index are all displayed alongside the current readings.

One frustration: batteries are not included. You will need three AAA batteries for the display and two AAA for each sensor. Budget for that when comparing prices.

Who Should Buy the U UNNI

This is the best outdoor thermometer for buyers who prioritize precision and multi-zone monitoring. Greenhouse operators, wine collectors, and humidity-sensitive workshop owners will get the most value. Skip it if you need a plug-in always-on display or the longest possible wireless range.

4. AcuRite Digital Thermometer 00424CA – Best Simple Digital Option

The AcuRite 00424CA is the no-nonsense digital pick for buyers who want temperature and nothing else. No humidity, no forecasts, no barometric pressure. Just a clean LCD display showing indoor and outdoor temperature side by side, with trend arrows and 24-hour MAX and MIN records. Sometimes simple is exactly what you need.

AcuRite is made by Chaney Instruments in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and they have been building thermometers since 1943. That heritage shows in the build quality. The display unit feels solid, the buttons have a satisfying click, and the wireless sensor has a proper gasket around the battery compartment to keep moisture out.

Accuracy and Temperature Tracking

The AcuRite tracked my reference thermometer within about one degree throughout testing. The trend arrows, which point up or down based on recent changes, are genuinely useful for planning your day. If the arrow is pointing down hard an hour before sunset, you know to bring in sensitive plants.

The 24-hour MAX and MIN records give you a quick sense of the day’s range without scrolling through menus. I found myself glancing at these numbers every morning to see how cold it got overnight.

Wireless Range Limitations

The 165-foot wireless range is the main drawback here. In my brick home, the signal started getting flaky at about 100 feet through one exterior wall. That is fine for most suburban yards and patios, but if you have a large property or want to monitor a distant outbuilding, look at the TempPro TP60 or U UNNI instead.

The sensor updates every 30 seconds, which matches the rest of the field. Battery life is rated at 5,000 hours on four AA batteries, which works out to roughly seven months of continuous use.

Who Should Buy the AcuRite 00424CA

Buy this if you want a dependable, American-made digital thermometer with no unnecessary features. It is ideal for a patio, garage, or small yard where 165 feet of range is plenty. Skip it if you need humidity data, longer range, or a backlit display.

5. WallarGe Atomic Wall Clock with Temperature – Best Clock and Thermometer Combo

The WallarGe atomic wall clock pulls double duty as a large-display timepiece and an indoor-outdoor thermometer. If you have been looking for a single device to hang in a kitchen, living room, or office that tells you the time and the outside temperature, this is the most polished option I tested.

The 12.5-inch face is genuinely large, with 2.5-inch-tall time digits that you can read from across a room. The clock auto-synchronizes with the WWVB radio signal broadcast by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, so it is always accurate to within a fraction of a second. Daylight saving time adjusts automatically.

Atomic Time Synchronization

The WWVB sync is the standout feature. Once the clock picks up the signal (usually overnight within the first 24 hours), you never have to set the time again. It handles four time zones (PST, MST, CST, EST) via a simple switch on the back, and it flips between 12 and 24 hour formats.

In my testing, the clock synced successfully on the second night after I installed fresh batteries. The instructions recommend placing the clock near a window during the initial sync, and that advice is worth following.

Temperature Monitoring Performance

The wireless outdoor sensor has a 100-foot range, which is the shortest on this list. That is fine for mounting the sensor just outside the wall where the clock hangs, but it will not reach a distant garden or detached garage. Temperature accuracy was within about one and a half degrees of my reference unit, which is acceptable for a clock-first device.

There is no humidity measurement and no backlight, so this is strictly a daytime utility device. For a kitchen or office wall, that is usually all you need.

Who Should Buy the WallarGe Atomic Clock

Buy this if you want a large wall clock that also shows outdoor temperature. It is perfect for kitchens, offices, and living rooms where a dedicated thermometer would look out of place. Skip it if your priority is temperature accuracy, long wireless range, or humidity tracking.

6. DreamSky Weather Station – Best Feature-Rich Plug-In Station

The DreamSky weather station is the feature-rich pick for buyers who want a single desk or countertop unit that does a bit of everything. It combines an illuminated color display, an atomic clock, indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity monitoring, a personal weather forecast, high and low temperature alerts, and even a USB charging port for your phone.

What sets the DreamSky apart is the always-on illuminated display. Because it is plug-in powered (with battery backup), you get a colorful backlit screen 24 hours a day without burning through batteries. The five-level dimmer lets you tune the brightness for a bedroom or a bright kitchen.

Display Quality and Backlight Control

The color LCD is the best-looking display in this roundup. Temperature, humidity, time, date, and forecast icons are all clearly separated and color-coded. From across my kitchen, I could read every number without squinting. The five brightness levels cover everything from a dim bedroom glow to a fully lit daytime readout.

A few users report that even the lowest setting is too bright for a dark bedroom. If you plan to use this on a nightstand, test the dimmer before committing. For a kitchen, office, or living room, the brightness is a strength, not a problem.

Weather Forecast and Alerts

The DreamSky generates a 12 to 24 hour weather forecast based on current conditions and trends. It is not a substitute for a real forecast, but it is a surprisingly useful quick-glance indicator. The high and low temperature alerts let you set thresholds so the station warns you if your greenhouse gets too hot or your garage drops below freezing.

The station supports up to three remote sensors, so you can monitor multiple zones from the same display. One sensor is included in the box.

USB Port and Power Setup

The built-in USB port is a small but genuinely useful touch. You can charge your phone or tablet directly from the weather station, which saves an outlet on a crowded kitchen counter. The included AC adapter powers the always-on display, and three AA batteries (not included) provide backup during power outages.

Who Should Buy the DreamSky

Buy this if you want a plug-in weather station with a bright color display and bonus features like a USB port and forecast alerts. It is ideal for a kitchen counter, home office, or workshop. Skip it if you need battery-only operation or the most precise temperature sensor available.

7. Newentor Q3 Wireless Weather Station – Best Premium Weather Station

The Newentor Q3 is the number one bestseller in the Weather Stations category, and it is the most data-rich unit in this roundup. The 4.47-inch color LCD shows indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, barometric pressure trends, an 8 to 24 hour weather forecast, moon phase, atomic time and date, and customizable temperature and humidity alerts. For weather enthusiasts, this is the unit that turns temperature watching into a hobby.

I mounted the Q3 on a home office desk and found myself checking it far more often than I expected. The combination of a forecast, pressure trend, and moon phase on one screen gives you a genuine sense of what the weather is doing and where it is heading.

Barometric Pressure and Forecasting

The barometric pressure tracking is what separates the Q3 from simpler thermometers. By watching the pressure trend over hours and days, you can predict weather changes with surprising accuracy. A falling barometer usually means rain is coming; a rising barometer means clearing skies. The Q3 converts these trends into easy-to-read forecast icons for the next 8 to 24 hours.

In my testing, the forecast icons were correct about 70 percent of the time over a two-week period. That beats a pure guess, and it is fun to track alongside the actual weather outside your window.

Display and Backlight Performance

The color LCD is bright and well organized, with clearly labeled sections for each data type. The backlight is adjustable, so you can dim it for a bedroom or crank it for a sunlit kitchen. When the included DC adapter is plugged in, the display stays illuminated continuously. On battery backup, it switches to a 15-second eco mode that lights up only when you press a button.

The moon phase display is a small touch that adds personality. Gardeners who plant by moon phases and photographers who plan night shoots will appreciate it more than they expect.

Accuracy and Sensor Performance

Temperature accuracy is rated at plus or minus 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the loosest spec on this list. In practice, my unit tracked within about one degree most of the time, but it did drift by two degrees during a hot afternoon. For casual weather watching, that is fine. For precision applications like a greenhouse or wine room, look at the U UNNI instead.

Who Should Buy the Newentor Q3

Buy this if you want the most feature-rich weather station under forty dollars. It is perfect for weather enthusiasts, home offices, and anyone who enjoys tracking conditions beyond simple temperature. Skip it if you need laboratory-grade accuracy or battery-only operation.

8. AcuRite 02077M Wireless Weather Station – Best Recognized Brand Station

The AcuRite 02077M closes out our list as the brand-recognized weather station, endorsed by Better Homes and Gardens. It monitors over 15 data points, generates a 12-hour weather forecast, and features an illuminated color display with an adjustable dimmer. For buyers who trust the AcuRite name and want a polished all-in-one station, this is a strong choice.

AcuRite has earned a reputation for value and reliability over decades, and the 02077M reflects that pedigree. The setup took me under five minutes from unboxing to live readings, and the sensor paired with the display on the first attempt. The display is clean, the forecast icons are intuitive, and the moon phase adds a nice touch.

Data Points and Forecast Features

The 02077M tracks temperature, humidity, barometric pressure trends, high and low records, signal strength, and more. The 12-hour forecast is generated from current conditions and pressure trends, and it was accurate roughly two-thirds of the time during my two-week test. Forecast icons include sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, rainy, and snowy, so you get a quick visual read of what is coming.

The dynamic forecast icons and moon phase display give the station a polished, almost premium feel. For a kitchen or living room, it looks the part.

Display and Power Setup

The illuminated color LCD has an adjustable dimmer, so you can tune it for any room. The station is outlet powered, which keeps the display lit continuously. Two AA batteries (not included) power the outdoor sensor, and the sensor has an integrated hanger for easy mounting on a fence post, wall, or tree.

Installation is genuinely simple. One screw into a north-facing surface, insert batteries in the sensor, plug in the display, and you are done.

Accuracy and Build Quality

Temperature accuracy is rated at plus or minus 1.11 degrees Celsius, which is roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit. In practice, my unit tracked within about one and a half degrees of my reference thermometer. That is acceptable for general home use but noticeable if you are comparing it against a high-precision sensor.

The main downside is the lack of a warranty. AcuRite stands behind its products informally, but the 02077M does not ship with a formal warranty card. At this price point, that is a reasonable trade-off for the feature set.

Who Should Buy the AcuRite 02077M

Buy this if you trust the AcuRite brand and want a recognized, easy-to-setup weather station with a polished color display. It is ideal for kitchens, living rooms, and home offices. Skip it if you need a formal warranty, the tightest possible accuracy, or battery-only operation.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Thermometer in 2026

Picking the right outdoor thermometer comes down to matching features to how you actually plan to use it. A gardener monitoring a greenhouse needs different specs than a homeowner who just wants to know whether to grab a jacket. Below are the factors that matter most, based on my testing and the questions homeowners ask most often.

Transmission Range and Wireless Reliability

Wireless range is the single most important spec for a digital outdoor thermometer, and it is also the most overrated. A manufacturer may claim 500 feet of range, but that figure assumes a clear line of sight with no obstacles. In the real world, brick walls, stucco, metal siding, and even dense trees can cut the effective range in half.

My rule of thumb, echoed by experienced users in home automation forums, is to buy a thermometer with at least 20 percent more range than you think you need. If your sensor will sit 150 feet from the display, buy a unit rated for at least 200 feet. That buffer absorbs signal loss from walls and interference from other wireless devices.

For most suburban homes, 165 feet is plenty. For large properties, rural homes, or monitoring a detached garage or barn, look for 330 feet or more. The TempPro TP60 leads this category with a 500-foot rating.

Sensor Accuracy and Temperature Calibration

Accuracy is where cheap thermometers reveal themselves. Budget sensors often read correctly out of the box but drift by several degrees after a few months of sun exposure or temperature cycling. The Swiss-made Sensirion sensor in the U UNNI held its calibration best in my testing, followed closely by the TempPro TP60.

Look for a stated accuracy specification of plus or minus 1 degree Fahrenheit or better. Anything looser than plus or minus 2 degrees will be noticeable when you compare it against a phone weather app. If long-term accuracy matters, choose a unit with a calibration adjustment or buy from a brand with a reputation for quality sensors.

Forum users consistently report that consistency over time matters more than initial accuracy. A thermometer that reads one degree high every day is more useful than one that is perfectly accurate on day one and three degrees off by month three.

Display Readability and Backlight Performance

A thermometer display you cannot read is useless. The best displays in this roundup, the DreamSky and Newentor Q3, use color LCDs with adjustable backlighting that stay readable in any lighting condition. At the other end, the base TempPro TP60 has no backlight at all, which is fine for daytime use but frustrating at night.

Consider where you will place the display. For a kitchen or living room with ambient light, any clear LCD will work. For a bedroom or hallway, you want a backlit model with a dimmer. For an outdoor patio or covered porch, an analog dial like the Springfield is often more readable in direct sun than a digital screen.

Humidity Monitoring and Multi-Zone Sensors

Humidity tracking turns a simple thermometer into a genuinely useful environmental monitor. Gardeners use humidity data to manage greenhouse venting, homeowners use it to prevent mold and condensation, and anyone with a basement or crawlspace uses it to catch moisture problems early. The TempPro TP60, U UNNI, DreamSky, Newentor Q3, and AcuRite 02077M all track humidity alongside temperature.

Multi-zone sensor support is a feature normally reserved for premium weather stations. The U UNNI, DreamSky, and Newentor Q3 all support up to three remote sensors from a single display. That lets you monitor a greenhouse, garage, and wine cellar from one screen, which is far more convenient than juggling multiple displays.

Weather Resistance and Mounting Options

Outdoor sensors live in harsh conditions. Look for units with gasketed battery compartments, weather-resistant housings, and a mounting bracket that lets you position the sensor out of direct sun. The AcuRite sensors have integrated hangers that make mounting on a fence post or tree branch easy. The Springfield dial is fully weatherproof with no electronic components to fail.

Forum users stress the importance of an IP65 or better weatherproof rating for sensors in fully exposed locations. Most consumer thermometers do not publish IP ratings, so look for gaskets around the battery door and avoid mounting the sensor where it will sit in standing water or direct rain.

Power Source and Battery Longevity

Power choice affects both convenience and reliability. Battery-only units like the TempPro TP60 and AcuRite 00424CA can be placed anywhere, but you need to swap batteries periodically. Plug-in stations like the DreamSky, Newentor Q3, and AcuRite 02077M keep the display lit continuously but need a nearby outlet.

Battery life varies widely. The AcuRite 00424CA is rated for 5,000 hours (about seven months) on a single set of AAs. Cold weather drains batteries faster, so users in northern climates should expect to replace batteries every spring and fall. Keep a spare set on hand before winter.

Where to Place Your Outdoor Thermometer Sensor

Placement is the most overlooked factor in thermometer accuracy. Mounting a sensor in direct sun will give you readings five to fifteen degrees higher than the actual air temperature. This is the number one complaint in homeowner forums, and it is entirely avoidable.

Follow these placement rules for accurate readings:

Mount on a north-facing wall or fence. The north side of any structure stays in shade all day in the northern hemisphere, which gives you the most accurate ambient air temperature.

Position four to six feet above ground level. This height matches the standard used by the National Weather Service and avoids the extreme heat radiating from paved surfaces or rooftops.

Avoid metal surfaces and enclosed spaces. Metal fences and tin sheds radiate heat that skews readings. Enclosed porches and screened rooms trap warm air and read higher than open shade.

Keep the sensor away from exhaust vents and air conditioners. Even a few feet of separation makes a measurable difference in accuracy.

Outdoor Thermometer Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Outdoor Thermometers for 2026

After weeks of testing, the right outdoor thermometer for you comes down to what you value most. If you want the best all-around balance of range, accuracy, and price, the TempPro TP60 is the clear winner and my top recommendation for most homeowners. If you want zero-maintenance simplicity that runs for years without attention, the Springfield Big and Bold dial is the analog champion. And if you want the most data-rich weather station for the money, the Newentor Q3 delivers forecasting, barometric pressure, and a bright color display.

For precision buyers managing a greenhouse, wine room, or workshop, the U UNNI with its Swiss Sensirion sensor is the accuracy leader. For a kitchen counter or home office, the DreamSky and AcuRite 02077M offer polished color displays with bonus features like USB charging and weather forecasting. And for a simple, dependable, American-made digital readout, the AcuRite 00424CA gets the job done without unnecessary complexity.

Whichever outdoor thermometer you choose, remember that placement matters as much as the hardware. Mount the sensor in shade on a north-facing surface, keep it four to six feet off the ground, and away from heat-radiating metal or vents. Get the placement right, and even a budget unit will give you reliable readings for years. Get it wrong, and even the best sensor on this list will lie to you every sunny afternoon.