The 5 Best Temperature Sensors for Arduino: Reviews and Guide

Sensors for measuring temperature and humidity are among the most common types of monitoring equipment. They are the most critical parameters to nail when designing secure and efficient spaces. Because of this, they have found widespread application in numerous fields, including farming, medicine, meteorology, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

This article summarizes the best temperature sensor for Arduino currently available. These sensors can be used in a wide range of situations, making them suitable for novice and experienced Internet of Things (IoT) project developers. For the sake of this write-up, we will not rate the sensors from best to worst because different types of sensors are produced for use in various applications.

Best Temperature Sensor for Arduino

1. HiLetgo DHT22/AM2302 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module

The HiLetgo DHT22 (AM2302 or RHT03) is a basic, inexpensive digital sensor for measuring temperature and humidity from manufacturers, HiLetgo. It takes readings from an ambient air thermistor and capacitive humidity sensor and outputs a digital signal on the data pin. There is no requirement for analog input pins.

The DHT22 is a regularly used sensor for measuring temperature and humidity. The sensor features a precise NTC for temperature readings and an 8-bit microprocessor for serially transmitting those readings and humidity readings. Additionally, the sensor is factory-calibrated, making it simple to link with other microcontrollers.

It can be used for:

• Determining the relative humidity and temperature
• Regional weather forecasting
• Automatic climate control
• Checking the state of the environment

How to Set Up the DHT22

Due to its factory calibration and serial data transmission, the DHT22 sensor requires little configuration. Below is a pictorial representation of how to wire up this particular sensor.

Diagram Source

What We Like

• It comes with a compensated temperature range feature, a technique used to mitigate the impact of temperature fluctuations on a system’s operation. It has a built-in digital temperature adjustment because temperature mistakes can substantially impact results. The accuracy statement is invalid if the measuring instrument is used at a temperature, not within the range for which it has been tested.
• Calibration is performed to reduce measurement uncertainty by increasing the precision of test instruments. Calibration ensures that measuring procedures have tolerable levels of error or uncertainty by quantifying and controlling them. Another feature is its calibrated digital signal.
• There are no extra components needed when using it.
• It can endure the most demanding applications thanks to its extremely low power consumption and long signal transmission range of over 20 meters.
• It has outstanding long-term stability compared to other temperature and humidity sensors.   

What We Don’t Like

• You can’t use the sensor under dew conditions.
• DHT22’s effectiveness could be diminished by prolonged exposure to bright light and UV rays. 

Overall, DHT22 sensors are slow and simple temperature and humidity sensors best suited for novices and amateurs who only need to log the barest minimum of data. They can only be queried once per second using a single digital pin, and their processing time is a tad on the slow side.

2. Gowoops DHT22 / AM2302 Digital Humidity and Temperature Sensor Module for Arduino Raspberry Pi

The Gowoops 2pcs DHT22 is a calibrated digital signal output temperature and humidity combination sensor from Gowoops that uses the latest in digital temperature and humidity sensor technology and the latest in application-specific module capture technology for rock-solid dependability and durability.

Technology Specifications

Main Chip	AM2302
Signal Output Type	Digital
Operate Voltage	DC 3~5.5V
Temp Measurement accuracy	± 0.5 ℃
Temperature range	-40 ℃ ~ 80 ℃
Humidity measurement accuracy	±2%RH
Humidity measuring range	0~100%RH
Screw hole diameter	2.6mm
Size	28 x 12 x 10 mm (L / W / H)
Weight	4g

What We Like

• The sensor supports both 3.3V and 5V power supplies and may be connected to any standard board or microcontroller. If you’re an engineer needing a sensor for your next project, look no further than this one.
• Suitable for Students: An Ideal First Step into Programmable Sensors Based on Arduino Electronics and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Typical applications include automatic control systems, meteorological instruments, household appliances, humidity controls, healthcare, dehumidifiers, and many other uses.
• It can withstand temperatures from -40 degrees to 80 degrees Celsius. The accuracy of temperature measurements is 0.5 °C, humidity measurements are in the range of 0 to 100% RH, and humidity measurements are accurate to within 2% RH.
• No pull-up resistor is needed. Just plug right into your board.
• Ultra-low power consumption
• No additional components
• Excellent long-term stability

What We Don’t Like

• Some users noted that it had wiring issues, and information about wiring to a 3.3v constant power caused it to work intermittently.
• To a significant degree, all the purported Chinese translations omit or alter key details like state information and timing. Finding what you’re looking for will need a thorough Google search.

Overall, there aren’t a lot of differences between the Gowoops 2pcs DHT22 and the HiLetgo 2pcs DHT22 Sensor. But if you want to dabble in microcontrollers, the Gowoops DHT22 is a must-have. It is very portable, dependable, and can produce reasonably accurate results.

3. DHT11 Temperature Humidity Sensor

The DHT11 digital sensor is a combination temperature and humidity sensor with a digital signal output that has been calibrated. High dependability and superb long-term stability are guaranteed by employing specialized digital modules and acquiring temperature and humidity sensor technologies.

Technological Specifications

Power supply voltage	3.3~5.5V DC
Output	the single bus digital signal
Temperature measuring range	0~50°
Humidity measuring range	20-90%RH
Measurement accuracy of humidity	+-5%RH
Measurement accuracy of temperature	+-2 °
Humidity resolution	1%RH
Temperature resolution	1 °
Exchangeability	fully interchangeable
Long term stability	< ± 1%RH

What We Like

• The sensor has a high-performance 8-bit microprocessor coupled to a resistive element and a wet-sense NTC temperature measurement device.
• Due to its simple wiring, you can easily incorporate it into existing systems.
• The little amount of code needed for communication is another bonus.

What We Don’t Like

• There is no adhesive holding the sensor itself to the PCB it is installed on.
• It’s tough to make out the “+” and “-” symbols. Some users felt they needed to resort to the use of a magnifying glass, and they voiced their displeasure with the experience.
• The wires given are breadboard wires, not the type that plugs into a three-prong outlet.

The module is ideal for most do-it-yourself endeavors and may be purchased at a reasonable price. On the other hand, in 2022, DHT11 seems a little antiquated for use in cutting-edge IoT applications.

4. KOOKYE Temperature Sensors TMP36 Precision Linear Analog Output for Arduino Raspberry Pi

The TMP36 is a precise temperature sensor operating on a low voltage and centigrade. Their voltage output is directly proportional to temperature in Celsius. The TMP36 can measure temperatures with typical accuracies of 1°C at +25°C and 2°C over the 40°C to +125°C temperature range without the need for external calibration.

To use a TMP36, you must connect the left pin to a source of power (2.7-5.5V) and the right pin to the ground. If so, the voltage at the center pin will be an analog reading that is linearly proportional (directly proportional) to the temperature. It doesn’t matter what you plug it into; the analog voltage will always be the same.

The IC requires two power pins and a single analog output pin. There is a linear relationship between the voltage at the output pin and the temperature in degrees Celsius. This temperature is currently Celsius; therefore, we’ll need to program the Arduino to change it to Fahrenheit.

Features of the TMP36

• Low voltage operation (2.7 V to 5.5 V)
• Calibrated directly in °C
• 10 mV/°C scale factor (20 mV/°C on TMP37)
• ±2°C accuracy over temperature (typ)
• ±0.5°C linearity (typ)
• Specified −40°C to +125°C, operation to +150°C
• Less than 50 μA quiescent current
• Shutdown current 0.5 μA max

What We Like

• It is not unstable even when subjected to significant capacitive loads.
• It generates a minimal amount of its own heat.
• It meets the requirements for use in automotive applications.
• These have the advantages of being portable, lightweight, and dependable. Because of its straightforward design and direct-reading interface, no additional serial circuitry is required. The electronics have been sealed off, making them more resilient to dust and moisture. 
• Currently, only a modest amount of power is being consumed. They respond rapidly to temperature changes and are accurate and linear in their readings. 
• In addition, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive data sheet for the product.

What We Don’t Like

• You can find incorrect information on the manufacturer’s website in the form of a circuit diagram that includes a UNO. If you link it up in this manner, you will ruin the component in minutes.
• It isn’t packaged correctly.

With the help of the TMP36 temperature sensor, taking accurate temperature readings has never been more convenient. The fact that the temperature sensor can measure a relatively broad range of temperatures that is somewhat accurate and reasonably priced makes it a well-liked option.

5. Gikfun DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Temperature Sensor with Adapter Module for Arduino (Pack of 3 Sets) EK1183

The Gikfun DS18B20 Waterproof Digital Temperature Sensor is a digital thermometer that can measure temperatures from 9 bits to 12 bits in Celsius and features an alert function with high and low trigger points that may be set by the user and. The DS18B20 talks to a central microprocessor through a 1-Wire bus, which by definition only needs a single data line (and ground). To top it all off, the DS18B20 doesn’t need an additional power source because it can get its juice straight from the data line (“parasitic power”).

Since each DS18B20 has its unique 64-bit serial code, they can share the same 1-Wire bus without interference. This makes it easy to utilize a single microprocessor to command a network of DS18B20s spread across a wide region. HVAC environmental controls, temperature monitoring systems in equipment, buildings, or machinery, and process monitoring and control systems can all benefit from this functionality.

Features

• Unique 1-Wire® Interface Requires Only One Port Pin for Communication 
• Reduce Component Count with Integrated Temperature Sensor and EEPROM 
• Measures Temperatures from -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F) 
• ±0.5°C Accuracy from -10°C to +85°C 
• Programmable Resolution from 9 Bits to 12 Bits 
• No External Components Required 
• Parasitic Power Mode Requires Only 2 Pins for Operation (DQ and GND) 

What We Like

• Simplifies Distributed Temperature-Sensing Applications with Multidrop Capability 
• Each Device Has a Unique 64-Bit Serial Code Stored in On-Board ROM 
• Flexible User-Definable Nonvolatile (NV) Alarm Settings with Alarm Search Command Identifies Devices with Temperatures Outside Programmed Limits 
• Available in 8-Pin SO (150 mils), 8-Pin µSOP, and 3-Pin TO-92 Packages

What We Don’t Like

• One user noted that it was not accurate when monitoring cold temperatures. The complaint was that two of the three pieces in the set died within three weeks of use.
• It doesn’t have a great design and should be used for only stable projects.
• Due to the necessity of using breakout boards, the setup process might be somewhat cumbersome for permanently installed systems.

The DS18B20 is a digital sensor that only requires a single wire to operate. If you have an Arduino and want to use this sensor, you’ll need the OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries. Since each sensor can be uniquely identified by its address, a single data line can be shared by a large number of sensors.

An Overview of the Best Temperature Sensor for Arduino

Modules for measuring temperature and humidity vary widely in both performance and cost. How do you determine which module is ideal for the task at hand?

Accurate Temperature and Relative Humidity Readings

A humidity and temperature sensor’s most important quality is its precision in reading the environment. More money is usually needed to purchase a highly precise sensor due to the extra time and care required during production. You may usually find this information right on the product’s packaging. However, its precision may be affected by the conditions in which your sensor modules are used. Of course, the module’s precision will decline in a noisy, hostile environment. However, opt for the former if you must choose between precision and range.

Evaluate the Temperature and Humidity Range

Your second point of consideration ought to be a sensor’s measurement range. Humidity and temperature sensors with a wider detection range tend to be more expensive. Therefore, choose a module whose measuring range is enough for the tasks at hand. In addition, unless you’re conducting a study in science or meteorology, you probably won’t require the complete humidity range (from 0% to 100% RH) that’s often available.

Protection

Unfortunately, the majority of sensor modules aren’t waterproof or water-resistant. To keep them safe and out of the rain, you’ll need to “engineer” some novel solutions. It’s important to remember that if you seal them too tightly, they won’t be able to collect samples. Some modules, such temperature sensors used to gauge the temperature of liquids like water, are available in watertight iterations. However, there are only a few scattered instances.

DTH11 versus DTH22

Even though they are slower than other temperature sensors, they provide several benefits, including a reduced need for electricity and outstanding consistency over the long run. In addition, you can attain relatively good measurement accuracy at a meager cost if the right equipment is used. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) incorporated into the control board is used to produce the single-bus digital signal, thereby conserving the board’s input/output (I/O) resources.

These DHT sensors are ideal for use in a variety of DIY projects around the house, including monitoring systems for farms and gardens, automatic environmental control systems, testing and inspection of various pieces of machinery, and more.

A capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor with a basic chip responsible for analog to digital conversions are the two components that make up a DHT sensor. The capacitive humidity sensor is the more important of the two.

How Are They Different?

• Temperature Range
  • DHT11: -20 to 60℃
  • DHT22: -40 to 80℃
• Temperature Accuracy
  • DHT11: ±2%
  • DHT22: ±0.5%
• Humidity Range
  • DHT11: 5 to 95% RH
  • DHT22: 0 to 100%RH
• Humidity Accuracy
  • DHT11: ±5%
  • DHT22: ±2%
• Cost
  • DHT11: Cheaper by 50%
  • DHT22: More expensive by 50%

(Source)

The DHT22 outperforms the DHT11 in every category, including temperature range, temperature accuracy, humidity range, and humidity measurement accuracy.

The main drawback of the DHT22 is the slightly greater price, but keeping in mind that you are paying for improved specifications, this is understandable.

Therefore, you should go with the DHT22 if you want a sensor that has both a more extended range and greater accuracy. In that case, the DHT11 should also function adequately for your projects.

These DHT sensors are easy-to-use but slow temperature and humidity monitors that are appropriate for novices and amateurs interested in performing rudimentary data logging. Both of them use a single digital pin, and because they are on the slower side, you can only query them once per second at most.

FAQ

Which protocol is used for the DHT11 sensor?

The DHT11 is a digital sensor for temperature and humidity that only requires a single wire and can serially output values for both variables using a one-wire protocol. The relative humidity value that the DHT11 sensor offers is expressed in percentage (from 20% to 90% RH), while the temperature measurements are expressed in degrees Celsius (from 0 to 50 °C). (Source)

Which package is required to work with a DHT sensor?

To use the DHT sensor with your Adafruit CircuitPython board, you’ll need to install the Adafruit_CircuitPython_DHT module on your board. (Source)

Brands

HiLetgo

HiLetgo is located in China. They are a Big & Professional Electronics Modules, Sensors, and Robort Parts Manufacturer; they have their Brand “HiLetgo,” products including Develop Boards like Uno, MEGA, Pro mini, Nano, ESP8266, ESP32, Power & Drive modules, Sensors, Breadboards, Connectors, and Jumper Wires, etc. They are committing themselves to provide the Newest products with High quality and competitive prices to people worldwide!

Gifkun

Gikfun Inc. focuses on the electronic design, development, and marketing of Arduino.

Wrap Up

The best temperature sensor for Arduino have been covered in this article. We hope that you found this article to be instructive and that you were able to pick up some helpful knowledge from it. The DHT11 is an excellent choice for straightforward DIY projects. Its humidity accuracy ranges from 5% to 95% relative humidity, which is sufficient for most applications. However, if the project you are on requires a better level of accuracy, you should consider using either the HiLetgo or the Gowoops DHT22. The KOOKYE TMP36 and the Gikfun DS18B20 are appropriate for use in more challenging conditions with significant interference.