Test: Finnish RuuviTag thermometer

The Finnish RuuviTag is a meter funded by a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, which is intended for measuring temperature, humidity, air pressure and acceleration. The last feature can be used for motion detection.

There are three types of RuuviTag meters on the market. In addition to the traditional tag, two more durable Pro models are available, one of which is completely waterproof and thus does not measure humidity.

We tested all the RuuviTag models, and the data they provided quickly got us hooked, even if the topic didn’t sound very interesting at first.

Even for hard use

A thermometer is standard equipment in almost every home in Finland. Usually, the thermometer is attached to the window frame or a small sensor is connected between the window and attached to the digital meter. Checking the temperature means that you usually have to check the temperature separately.

Ruuvi has approached the subject in a different way. The basic model is a small, five-centimeter-wide white disk that can fit inside a fist, and the sealed cover comes off. The case is made of durable plastic and keeps moisture in such a way that the meter can be stored outdoors or in damp areas without any worries.

Inside the case is the meter itself, which is powered by the supplied battery. The battery withstands twenty degrees below zero and plus 70 degrees, but there is a separate battery intended for Ruuvi’s extreme temperatures, which withstands 40 degrees below zero and plus 85 degrees. According to Ruuvi, the service life of one battery is 2–3 years.

The basic model of the screw was tested in winter in the freezing temperatures of the north. Unfortunately, on that trip, there was a battery found in the package inside, so no measurement results were obtained when the frost was over 20 degrees. It is recommended to immediately buy a more durable battery with you, because this way you can leave the meter outside in the winter without any worries.

RuuviTag Pro is already equipped with a more durable battery, which makes you wonder why the basic model is delivered with a worse battery.

The Pro model is designed for tougher use in terms of materials and design. The outer shell is made of more durable material and the case is easier to attach directly with screws. The Pro version is also available as an IP68 waterproof version, which makes it a great option for very humid spaces, such as on the pier. However, the waterproof version does not measure air humidity, which is worth noting.

During the test, the meters went in the freezer, stood outside for months, were included in a backpack on a trip, were splashed with water and received minor impacts. Even the basic model could withstand all this without a dent, and at no point did it feel like the meter couldn’t withstand heavy use.

The price of the basic model is just under 40 euros and the Pro model 50 euros, which may seem like a lot for a thermometer. At the same time, however, it is a durable and high-quality device that contains many features and is really easy to use. It’s easy to justify the price to yourself after months of use. Next, we go through the meter’s features and connectivity in more detail.

Nothing extra

The introduction of RuuviTag has been made really easy. The Ruuvi Station application is downloaded to the phone, through which the sensor can be connected with a few presses.

Although the user can create a Ruuvi user profile for himself, one is not required if there are only a few meters in use, and he does not want to mark them for himself so that others do not have access to their data. This is one of the subtleties of RuuviTag’s user experience – there is nothing unnecessary or extra. After a few minutes of opening the package, there is a meter in use that provides real-time data.

Meters can be added to the application freely and you can name them differently and give each meter the wallpaper you want. This way, you can find your own meters at home, for example, for rooms or even for the refrigerator, basement, greenhouse and balcony. This way, monitoring the temperature and air humidity is really easy just by glancing at the application. If you have marked the meters for yourself, you can also share them with others by entering the e-mail address of the person you want to share the meter with in the application.

The summary view of the application gathers the meters together so that all data can be seen at a glance. In addition, the meters record data that can be analyzed with the help of clear diagrams.

One of my projects involved accurate monitoring of the temperature, as the temperature had to stay within a certain range. RuuviTag was suitable for this, as it is also possible to turn on alarms if the temperature rises or falls to a certain point. In addition, the alarm can be switched on when the meter’s acceleration sensor reacts. In this way, you can follow, for example, the opening of a door or the movement of something.

Gateway brings data anywhere

Last year, Ruuvi brought the 200 euro Gateway router to the market, which is connected to the home internet. This made the use of RuuviTags even more efficient. The meters automatically connect to the router, and the data they collect is transferred to the cloud, making it possible to view the data anywhere. This feature is suitable, for example, for a cottage, where monitoring humidity or temperature can be important. Motion detection can also reveal surprising events.

Gateway also helps in situations where you want to monitor a larger area. Since the meters are based on a Bluetooth connection, the user must be within this range. The Gateway hears the sensors around it better than a smartphone, which can be helpful on larger plots of land or workplaces, for example.

Gateway owners must have a subscription, which luckily is free at best. It offers a 10-minute refresh rate, real-time data, and support for ten sensors. Subscriptions of 2.90 and 4.90 euros support a more frequent update frequency, three months or two years of history data and push alerts. A monthly subscription of 4.90 euros supports 25 sensors in addition. For basic use, a free subscription is completely sufficient.

The Gateway owner can also conveniently view RuuviTag information using a computer or tablet browser. After logging into Ruuvi’s service, the information is put together clearly, just like a phone application.

Gateway is a really welcome addition to the Ruuvi family, but its price of 200 euros may be too much for many basic users. Basic sensors alone can be a completely sufficient solution for home monitoring. For example, it may be suitable for cottage use, and Ruuvi offers a package that includes two basic meters, one Pro meter and a Gateway router, as well as additional accessories for 340 euros.

If you buy, buy two

RuuviTag has been praised in the article, and not for nothing. It is, in all its simplicity, a great product that does everything it promises. The only suggestion for improvement would be to make RuuviTag also sauna-resistant.

From time to time during the long test period, there were small connection difficulties, but these seemed to be more due to the phone in use and its Bluetooth. Otherwise, the phone detects a nearby meter in a few seconds.

The Gateway was a nice addition, but as stated, in basic use it can be a bit oversized for basic needs.

If you are interested in the meter and are about to buy it, you should immediately consider buying two, because this way you can place one outside and the other indoors. The meters are small and inconspicuous, so they blend well into the interior of the home.

RuuviTag is a great Finnish innovation that shows that simple is beautiful. Nothing extra is forced on the user and the implementation has been made really easy.