TOP 8 anemometers for determining air flow speed: 2022 rating

Updated: 02/19/2021 18:45:20

Expert: Konstantin Borisovich Polyakov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Anemometers are used to determine the speed of air flow. This is important to calculate the heating draft force, the performance of the ventilation or air conditioning system, and the efficiency of exhausting harmful gases. They are also used on sailing yachts or when riding a surfboard to determine the strength and direction of the wind. We have figured out the features of this equipment and studied customer reviews, so we are ready to offer you the TOP 12 best anemometers that you should pay attention to if there is a need for such a device.

Key criteria for choosing an anemometer

When choosing, you need to pay attention to a number of features and characteristics inherent in this class of devices:

Type of equipment. Vane anemometers are the most common and affordable. They are equipped with a sensitive element - an impeller and are capable of measuring air flow speed, as well as temperature and some other parameters, depending on the model. Thermal models have no rotating parts, are durable and accurate, but are more expensive. Cup anemometers operate by rotating special cups when the wind moves and are convenient for stationary work.
Device configuration. On sale you can find devices in a single case and models with separate versions of the main and additional units. The first option is suitable for working in places with easy access to the air intake point. The second is ideal for taking measurements on hard-to-reach objects.
Measurement range. Certain models provide wind speed measurements up to 10 m/s. This is enough to check air conditioning systems. If you need to test ventilation or exhaust, it is recommended to purchase an anemometer with a measurement range of 0-30...50 m/s.
Temperature measurement. Most anemometers can record not only the speed, but also the temperature of the air flow. Inexpensive models support only positive temperatures, advanced devices are capable of testing the state of the environment in the range from -10 to 50...60 degrees.
Accuracy of readings. Anemometers are capable of measuring air flow speed with an error of 1-5 percent (0.1-0.5 m/s). This indicator is not decisive when working with fireplaces or ventilation of corridors; to take measurements in residential premises, a device with minimal error is required.
Powering the device. The battery life of the anemometer depends on the number and type of batteries used in it. The average is 8-60 hours. For frequent and extensive checks, a battery-powered anemometer may be a good solution.

How measurements are taken

Air velocity measurements can be made in ducts, at duct outlets, at ventilation grilles or diffusers.

When the speed measurement is carried out directly in the air duct, the measurement location should be located after the flow passes through the filters. You should find a special hole on the air duct, which is intended for control and measuring operations (such holes are often closed with a pitometer plug). You can also use a cleaning hatch.

When taking measurements with a pitot tube, it is inserted into the air duct, directed against the air flow.

Rating-review of the best anemometers

The rating considers the most functional, affordable anemometers that received the best user ratings.

RGK AM-30

Anemometer RGK AM-30 is a high-precision measuring equipment of compact size and light weight, which fits conveniently in a pocket, backpack or bag.

The device is easy to use; its body has a relief design that prevents the device from slipping and ensures reliable retention.

The model is equipped with an external impeller on a flexible wire for taking measurements in hard-to-reach places, temperature and magnetic induction sensors with a low degree of error.

The operating range is selected automatically.

The product is supplied with three AAA batteries and an instruction manual.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.5-20 m/s (±0.5%);
range of recorded temperature - -10...50°C (±1%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, knots, km/h, mph, °F, °C;
food - AAA elements;
data display - display;
features - display backlight;
overall dimensions - 52x120x28 mm;
device weight - 211 g.

Advantages

ease of use;
high sensitivity;
there is a battery charge indicator;
good accuracy of readings.

Flaws

no case included;
not the widest measurement range;
democratic price tag.

ADA instruments AeroTemp 30

The high-precision ADA instruments AeroTemp 30 will provide professional measurement of air flow speed and temperature when monitoring the environment, checking ventilation systems, air conditioners and other equipment.

The model is characterized by compact dimensions, light weight, and ease of operation.

The anemometer allows you to measure temperature and air flow speed, including with specified parameters of instantaneous, minimum (temperature) or maximum values.

The device is equipped with a built-in impeller and a backlit display.

The auto-shutdown option ensures economical energy consumption of power supplies.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.4-30 m/s (±3%);
recorded temperature range - -20...70°C (±1.5%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, knots, km/h, mph, °F, °C;
food - AAA elements;
data display - display;
features - display backlight;
overall dimensions - 56x178.5x30.5 mm;
device weight - 84 g.

Advantages

excellent build quality;
wide temperature measurement range;
small size and weight;
affordable price.

Flaws

no cover included;
low sensitivity;
high error.

MEGEON 11002

The MEGEON 11002 model with a built-in measuring element in real time will provide accurate measurements of air flow parameters such as its speed and temperature.

The anemometer is equipped with a display with automatic backlighting, an automatic shutdown option, and an indication of the power source charge.

The product is powered by a CR2032 battery.

The device body is ergonomically designed to prevent the device from slipping in your hands.

The device is equipped with an instruction manual and a CR2032 battery. The product comes in a convenient and practical blister.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.8-30 m/s (±5%);
range of recorded temperature - -10...45°C (±2%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, knots, km/h, mph, °F, °C;
power supply - CR2032 elements;
data display - display;
features - display backlight;
overall dimensions - 45×118×21 mm;
device weight - 68 g.

Advantages

Ease of use;
light weight;
compactness;
measurement of speed and temperature.

Flaws

high error;
not bright backlight;
fast discharge of the power supply.

Testo 405i

The Testo 405i smart anemometer, controlled via the user’s mobile device, will allow you to measure air exchange, flow speed and temperature as simply and quickly as possible.

The model uses a thermistor temperature sensor.

To work with the device, you need to install a special application on your phone or tablet.

The software will allow you to view measurement data, read readings in hard-to-reach places, calculate air flow automatically, and use other practical functions.

The device is equipped with a telescopic tube (400 mm), power supplies, and a calibration protocol.

The anemometer supports mobile gadgets with iOS 8.3, Android 4.3 and higher, communication via Bluetooth 4.0.

Specifications:

device type - thermal;
measurements - air exchange, air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.5-30 m/s (±5%);
range of recorded temperature - -20...60°C (±0.5%);
Units: m/s, ft/min, °F, °C, cu.m. m/h;
food - AAA elements;
data display - mobile device;
Features: iOS/Android support, Bluetooth connection;
overall dimensions - 30×200×41 mm;
device weight - 119.6 g.

Advantages

compact device;
work through the application;
good sensitivity;
excellent autonomy.

Flaws

high price;
no support for older versions of Android;
speed measurement error.

Testo 410-2

The professional anemometer Testo 410-2 will provide quick and accurate measurement of air flow speed, humidity and temperature in offline mode.

The model is equipped with an integrated impeller with a diameter of 30 mm, a thermistor temperature sensor, and a built-in display with real-time information output.

The device is powered by two AAA batteries. The set of power supplies is enough for 2.5 days of battery life.

The device allows you to calculate the average value of the measurements taken.

The product is equipped with a protective cap, wrist strap, calibration protocol, and batteries.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - humidity/speed/temperature of air flow;
range of recorded speed - 0.4-20 m/s (±2%);
range of recorded temperature - -10...50°C (±0.5%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, km/h, °F, °C;
food - AAA elements;
data display - display;
features - display backlight;
overall dimensions - 46×133×25 mm;
device weight - 110 g.

Advantages

convenient pocket format;
excellent functionality;
reliability of design;
quality materials.

Flaws

not bright display backlight;
not the best autonomy;
high price.

Testo 410-1

Anemometer Testo 410-1 with high metrological characteristics and advanced technical parameters guarantees the measurement of air flow speed and temperature with minimal error.

The device is equipped with a built-in impeller with a diameter of 30 mm.

The model allows you to quickly carry out point measurements at the outlets of air ducts with further calculation of the average measurement value.

The device is equipped with a thermistor temperature sensor, a protective cap, a wrist strap, a factory calibration protocol, and a set of power supplies.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.4-20 m/s (±2%);
range of recorded temperature - -10...50°C (±0.1%);
units of measurement - m/s, km/h, °F, °C;
food - AAA elements;
data display - display;
features - display backlight;
overall dimensions - 46×133×25 mm;
device weight - 110 g.

Advantages

quality of workmanship and materials;
ease of use;
high accuracy;
good sensitivity.

Flaws

no moisture test;
few units of measurement;
high price tag.

Testo 410i

The Testo 410i pocket smart anemometer allows you to simply and effectively measure air exchange, air flow speed and temperature in ventilation, heating, air conditioning and other equipment.

The presented device uses a thermistor temperature sensor.

Measurement registration and management is provided by a convenient mobile application installed on the user’s smartphone or tablet.

The device works with devices running iOS 8.3, Android 4.3 and higher, to which it connects via Bluetooth version 4.

The delivery set includes a protective cover, power supplies, and a calibration protocol.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air exchange, air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.4-20 m/s (±2%);
range of recorded temperature - -20...60°C (±0.5%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, °F, cubic meters. ft/min (CFM), °C, cu.m. m/h;
food - AAA elements;
data display - mobile device;
Features: iOS/Android support, Bluetooth connection;
overall dimensions - 21x154x43 mm;
device weight - 117.8 g.

Advantages

compact device;
convenient protective cap;
ease of setting up a connection with a smartphone;
convenient application functions.

Flaws

high price;
no support for Android 4.2 and below;
not the best ergonomics.

MEGEON 11006

The professional level device MEGEON 11006 is designed to measure air flow speed and temperature in real time without the use of additional equipment.

The model, consisting of two separate blocks, is equipped with a remote-type sensor, a large display with bright backlighting, and a durable ergonomic body, convenient for everyday use.

The device is powered by a Krona battery.

The product is equipped with a case for storage and transportation, a main unit with a protective casing, a module with an impeller, an instruction manual, and a power supply.

Specifications:

type of device - vane;
measurements - air flow speed/temperature;
range of recorded speed - 0.5-45 m/s (±3%);
range of recorded temperature - -10...45°C (±2%);
units of measurement - m/s, ft/min, knots, km/h, mph, °F, °C;
food - element "Crown";
data display - display;
features - display backlight, Beaufort scale, squally wind indication;
overall dimensions - main block 152x78x38 mm, block with impeller 177x66x30 mm;
device weight - 276 g.

Advantages

high accuracy;
bright display;
ease of operation;
Ease of use.

Flaws

inflated price tag;
heavy weight;
no humidity measurement.

Manufacturers

There are a huge number of manufacturers of anemometers of various operating principles.

There are cheap sensors on the market that have a low service life and are designed for careful use. Typically, such devices are used to measure wind in home applications or by enthusiasts by connecting them to an Arduino or Raspberry.

For critical tasks of controlling force, speed and direction, devices from well-known manufacturers that have proven their reliability are used. Among mechanical devices, domestically produced devices (Ekolog-Yug, Tekhnomera, Gidrometpribor, etc.) are quite reliable. Ultrasonic wind sensors adequately represent foreign brands (Vaisala, Lufft) or domestic brands (Typhoon, Tekhnomera).