Best Field Sensor Systems for Precision Agriculture 2025
Compare 7 field sensor systems for precision agriculture. Optimize irrigation, track weather conditions, monitor soil moisture, and make data-driven decisions to maximize yields and reduce water costs.
Top Picks
Farm21 FS21
Farm21
Very affordable, scalable network density, plug-and-play, low maintenance
Full Comparison
Arable Mark 3
Arable Labs
iMETOS 3.3
Pessl Instruments (METOS)
Sencrop
Sencrop
Farm21 FS21
Farm21
Weenat Sensor Suite
Weenat
CropX System
CropX
Davis EnviroMonitor
Davis Instruments
Feature Matrix
| System | Type | Offline Mode | API Access | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🌾 Arable Mark 3 Arable Labs | Compact | High | 4.8 | ||
📊 iMETOS 3.3 Pessl Instruments (METOS) | Modular | High | 4.7 | ||
☁️ Sencrop Sencrop | Modular | Mid | 4.6 | ||
🌱 Farm21 FS21 Farm21 | Compact | Low | 4.5 | ||
🌧️ Weenat Sensor Suite Weenat | Modular | Mid | 4.5 | ||
💧 CropX System CropX | Modular | High | 4.4 | ||
🌡️ Davis EnviroMonitor Davis Instruments | Modular | Mid | 4.3 |
How to Choose the Right Field Sensor System
Define Your Monitoring Needs
Start by identifying what parameters matter most for your operation: weather only, soil moisture, leaf wetness, or comprehensive multi-parameter monitoring? All-in-one systems like Arable Mark 3 offer the most comprehensive data, while focused solutions like Farm21 FS21 excel at specific tasks.
- Weather-only: Sencrop, Davis EnviroMonitor
- Soil-focused: Farm21 FS21, CropX System
- Comprehensive: Arable Mark 3, iMETOS 3.3, Weenat
Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Look beyond the initial hardware cost. Factor in subscription fees, cellular data plans, battery replacements, and potential expansion modules. Low-cost systems like Farm21 offer great value, while premium systems justify their price with comprehensive features.
Check Connectivity Requirements
Cellular coverage is critical for real-time monitoring. Systems using LTE-M/NB-IoT (Arable, Farm21) work in more remote areas than traditional 3G/4G. LoRaWAN/Sigfox systems (Sencrop, Weenat) require gateway infrastructure but use less power.
- Excellent:Areas with 4G/LTE coverage
- Good:LTE-M/NB-IoT networks available
- Limited:Consider LoRaWAN with gateway setup
Integration & Scalability
Need to integrate with existing farm management software? Look for systems with robust open APIs (Arable, iMETOS, Weenat). Planning to expand? Modular systems (iMETOS 3.3, Weenat, Davis) let you add sensors over time without replacing the base station.
Cost Comparison & Total Investment
Compare upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees across all systems
| System | Hardware Cost | Annual Subscription | 3-Year Total | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Farm21 FS21 Best Value | €295 | €63/year | €484 | ★★★★★ Excellent |
Sencrop Mid-Range | £300-350 | £79-229/year | £587-1,037 | ★★★★☆ Good |
Weenat Sensor Suite Mid-Range | €600-2,000 | €300/year | €1,500-2,900 | ★★★★☆ Good |
CropX System Mid-High | $600-899 | $275/year | $1,425-1,724 | ★★★☆☆ Fair |
Arable Mark 3 Best Overall | $780 | $580/year | $2,520 | ★★★★☆ Good |
Davis EnviroMonitor Mid-Range | $995-1,600 | $200-440/year | $1,595-2,920 | ★★★☆☆ Fair |
iMETOS 3.3 ★★★★☆ Premium | £2,375 | Optional (£75-150/year) | £2,600-2,825 | ★★★★☆ Premium |
Budget Champion
Farm21 FS21 offers the lowest total cost of ownership at under €500 for 3 years, making precision agriculture accessible to farms of all sizes.
Best ROI
Arable Mark 3 justifies its premium with comprehensive all-in-one sensing. The $2,520 3-year investment delivers weather, crop health, and soil data from a single device.
Long-Term Investment
iMETOS 3.3 has the highest upfront cost but optional subscriptions and proven 20+ year durability. Units from 2005 are still operational with zero failures.
Real Farmer & Expert Reviews
Independent testimonials from farmers, agronomists, and field trials
Arable Mark 3
"First up let's be honest: if you are just looking for a sensor, the Arable Mark 3 could be over the top for your needs."— 2023, aguafox.com (independent agtech blog)
Sentiment: The reviewer suggests the Mark 3 is likely overkill (too advanced and costly) if a farmer only needs basic field sensing.
iMETOS 3.3
"I use and install CropX and Metos by Pessl… Both work good. I like the results from the Metos ones better… They both do the job, but the ones with more sensors give me better data."— 2024, AgTalk forum
Sentiment: Farmer finds iMETOS (with its 3-ft Sentek probe having sensors every 4 inches) delivers more detailed soil moisture data and prefers it over rival systems.
"Extremely resistant and designed to last… with the best value for money and the lowest cost of ownership on the global market."— 2025, station-meteo.io (expert review)
Sentiment: Highlights iMETOS's durability and long-term affordability. Some units deployed in 2005 are still running with no failures.
Sencrop
"With Sencrop, it's easier for me to organize my daily work. I no longer need to call anyone or drive around to know the weather within a 15 km radius. If it's raining in one place, I check all the stations to see where I can still work."— 2023, Entraid magazine (farmer testimonial)
Sentiment: Farmer reports that Sencrop's real-time local weather data greatly simplifies daily planning and helps target optimal windows for fieldwork and spraying.
"My Sencrop has recorded 29.2 mm so far this morning. Two neighbours, both with Davis weather stations, have recorded 37.8 and 35.8 mm this morning."— 2023, The Farming Forum
Sentiment: User observes that Sencrop's rain gauge under-reports rainfall by roughly 20-25% compared to nearby Davis stations, indicating accuracy issues in wet conditions.
Weenat Sensor Suite
"Weenat is the go-to for those who want a product developed and made in France with a very good quality/price ratio. The data is reliable, the hardware is built to last, and the Weenat app is more intuitive and user-friendly than competitors."— 2025, Station-meteo.io (expert review)
Sentiment: Independent expert praises Weenat's measurement accuracy, durability, and software ergonomics.
"I've been using Weenat for one year… despite a slight inaccuracy in my temperature sensor, I am very satisfied with my stations."— 2023, App Store user review
Sentiment: Farmer's feedback after extended use indicates overall high satisfaction with only minor precision quirks in one sensor.
Farm21 FS21
"The low price of $85 per sensor allows growers to create multiple measurement points per field… More sensors greatly increases the quality and accuracy of the data. With this highly accurate and reliable field insight, growers are able to increase crop yield and save on valuable resources."— 2020, Precision Farming Dealer
Sentiment: Report highlights Farm21's affordability and scalability. Because sensors are so inexpensive, farmers can deploy many across a field—improving data resolution.
"In an independent field trial, Farm21 soil moisture probes were rated ≥7.5/10 for measurement accuracy, placing them among the top performers."— 2022, Dutch NPPL study
Sentiment: University-led precision agriculture test found Farm21 sensors scored very well (7.5+) on accuracy, on par with industry leaders.
"Our product allows growers to start improving crop yields... Early users note easy setup and yield gains of 10-15%."— 2022, Product Hunt Reviews
Sentiment: Users report straightforward installation and significant yield improvements (10-15%) after implementing Farm21 sensors for precision irrigation management.
CropX System
"Tons of options out there. I use and install CropX and Metos… Both work good. I like the results from the Metos ones better… the CropX have their own [probe] that screws into the ground and is only about 18″ long… They both do the job, but the ones with more sensors give me better data."— 2024, AgTalk forum
Sentiment: User/installer says CropX works adequately and is easy to install. However, its sensor wand has only 3 sensor points, so it collects less granular soil data than deeper multi-sensor probes.
"CropX Soil Sensor's spiral design gives more accurate soil moisture, temperature, and EC readings than standard sensors."— 2023, aguafox.com (product review)
Sentiment: Independent review notes CropX's distinctive auger-shaped sensor improves contact with soil and thus delivers more accurate measurements than typical straight probes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which field sensor system is best for small farms?
For small farms (under 50 hectares), the Farm21 FS21 offers the best value with its low upfront cost, simple installation, and affordable subscription. It focuses on essential soil and weather data without overwhelming complexity. Alternatively, Sencrop provides excellent ease of use with a strong community network across Europe.
Do these systems require professional installation?
Most modern field sensor systems are designed for easy self-installation. Plug-and-play systems like Farm21, Sencrop, and Arable Mark 3 can be installed in 15-30 minutes without special tools. Modular systems like iMETOS 3.3 and Davis EnviroMonitor may benefit from professional setup if you're adding multiple sensor types, but manufacturers typically provide detailed guides and support.
What happens if cellular coverage is poor in my area?
Several options exist for areas with limited cellular coverage: 1) Systems with LTE-M/NB-IoT support (Arable, Farm21) work with weaker signals than traditional 3G/4G. 2) LoRaWAN-based systems (Sencrop, Weenat) use low-power wide-area networks that can cover several kilometers with a single gateway. 3) Systems with offline data buffering (all systems compared) store readings locally until connectivity is restored. 4) The Davis EnviroMonitor can use Wi-Fi as an alternative to cellular.
Can I integrate sensor data with my farm management software?
Yes! All systems in our comparison offer some form of data export or API access. Best for integration: Arable Mark 3 (comprehensive REST API), iMETOS 3.3 (FieldClimate API), and Weenat (open API with 150+ agriculture indicators). Systems also typically support CSV/Excel export for manual import into other tools. Some vendors have direct integrations with popular platforms like Climate FieldView, John Deere Operations Center, and Trimble Ag Software.
How long do batteries typically last?
Battery life varies by system and usage: Solar-powered systems (Arable, iMETOS, CropX, Davis) are essentially maintenance-free in sunny climates, with backup batteries lasting weeks without sun. Battery-only systems like Sencrop and Weenat typically last 2+ years on a single charge. The Farm21 FS21 uses a rechargeable USB-C battery lasting ~1 year between charges. Most systems send low-battery alerts well in advance, giving plenty of time for maintenance.