# Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter (Kestrel) and HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer (HoldPeak) among anemometers. HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer is the cheaper of the two at $37.11.

## Side by side

| Spec | Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter | HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $209 | $37.11 |
| Brand | Kestrel | HoldPeak |
| Wind speed range ms | 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s | 0.3 to 30 m/s (59-5905 ft/min) |
| Airflow cfm cmm | — | — |
| Velocity accuracy | Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min | ±5% of reading |
| Sensor type | Rotating vane (impeller) | Rotating vane |
| Temperature range | -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy | -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F), ±3.6 °F accuracy |
| Data hold logging | No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer | Max/Min/Average hold; no onboard logging |
| Backlit display | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Wind speed range ms: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer 0.3 to 30 m/s (59-5905 ft/min)
- Velocity accuracy: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer ±5% of reading
- Sensor type: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Rotating vane (impeller) vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer Rotating vane
- Temperature range: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F), ±3.6 °F accuracy
- Data hold logging: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer Max/Min/Average hold; no onboard logging

## Sources

- Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter: https://kestrelinstruments.com/kestrel-3500-pocket-weather-meter (kestrelinstruments.com, verified 2026-08-09)
- HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer: https://holdpeak.com/product/252.html (holdpeak.com, verified 2026-08-09)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/anemometers/kestrel-3500-weather-meter-vs-holdpeak-hp-866b/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter ($209) vs HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer ($37.11) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/anemometers/kestrel-3500-weather-meter-vs-holdpeak-hp-866b/
License: CC BY 4.0.