Onset

What Onset does

Onset Computer Corporation, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Bourne, Massachusetts, designs and manufactures the HOBO family of research-grade environmental data loggers and remote monitoring systems, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of LI-COR Environmental. The company sells a broad hardware portfolio spanning Bluetooth and USB data loggers, sub-GHz 900 MHz wireless mesh sensor networks (HOBOnet) supporting up to 50 sensors per station, cellular remote monitoring stations (RX3000 and MicroRX), and dedicated sensors for water level, water quality, soil moisture, weather, light/PAR, energy, and occupancy monitoring. Software and services include the HOBOconnect mobile app, HOBOware Pro desktop software, the LI-COR Cloud (formerly HOBOlink) platform, recurring cellular data plans, and calibration/tune-up services. Pricing is predominantly unit-based, ranging from roughly $165 for entry-level Bluetooth loggers to over $1,000 for multiparameter water quality systems and complete HOBOnet configurations, with quote-based pricing for enterprise deployments.

The company targets a diversified set of verticals: environmental research and academia, agriculture and horticulture, water resource management, building performance and facilities, cold chain and healthcare (via the InTemp sub-brand), museum preservation, data centers, and shipping/storage. Go-to-market is hybrid, anchored by a network of 60+ authorized distributors across 60+ countries supplemented by major industrial and scientific resellers (Grainger, VWR, Omega, Cole-Parmer, MKS) and a direct e-commerce storefront for SMB buyers, with quote-based enterprise sales for complex HOBOnet deployments. Brand heritage, distribution depth, and an integrated hardware-to-cloud ecosystem are the primary commercial assets, while the absence of disclosed AI/ML capability and reliance on legacy sensor-and-logger form factors are the principal constraints.

Name

Onset

Legal name

Onset Computer Corporation

Website

https://onsetcomp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Onset Computer Corporation, founded in 1981 and a LI-COR subsidiary, manufactures the HOBO line of research-grade environmental data loggers and remote monitoring systems, serving environmental research, agriculture, water management, building performance, and cold-chain customers across 60+ countries through distributors and direct sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Monitoring Equipment

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)

SIC

Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Quality Monitoring (Surface Water, Stormwater, Drinking Water) (EUAHACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Temperature data loggers & probes (in-transit and storage) (TLAEALAA), Humidity & dew point monitoring sensors (TLAEALAB), Water Quality & Contamination Monitoring (Lead/Chlorine/pH/TDS) (HSAHAGAC)

Keywords

• Environmental data loggers
• Wireless sensor networks
• Water quality monitoring
• Weather monitoring stations
• Cold chain monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Bournemouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: One-time sale of data loggers, sensors, wireless stations, and accessories. Products range from simple temperature loggers ($90) to advanced multiparameter systems ($1,000+). Includes replacement sensors, batteries, and mounting accessories.
2. Cellular Data Plans: Monthly or annual cellular data plans for remote monitoring stations to transmit data to LI-COR Cloud. Required for RX3000 and MicroRX cellular station functionality.
3. Software Licensing: HOBOware Pro software for data logger configuration and analysis. Subscription or perpetual license model for professional data management features.
4. Service and Support: Tune-up and repair services, calibration services, and technical support. Battery replacement centers for authorized service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Onset manufactures and sells research-grade HOBO data loggers, multiparameter water quality sensors, and wireless remote monitoring systems for environmental, agricultural, water resource, building performance, and cold chain applications. The portfolio includes standalone USB/Bluetooth loggers, cellular remote monitoring stations (RX3000, MicroRX), HOBOnet sub-GHz mesh wireless sensor networks, and supporting software (HOBOware Pro, HOBOconnect app, LI-COR Cloud).

Product overview

Onset's HOBO brand is a comprehensive portfolio of research-grade data loggers and remote monitoring solutions organized around the core HOBO Data Logger platform, with multiple product sub-brands and sensor categories designed for environmental, water, agricultural, and building performance monitoring. The main product lines include: the HOBO MX800 Series multiparameter water quality loggers (Bluetooth, interchangeable sensors for DO, CTD); HOBOnet scalable wireless sensor networks (sub-GHz mesh, up to 50 wireless sensors, cellular RX stations, LI-COR Cloud); dedicated weather stations (RX3000, U30, H21-USB); temperature/RH loggers and sensors; light/PAR monitoring; water level and water quality loggers; soil condition sensors; energy monitoring loggers; and occupancy/runtime trackers. Data access varies by series: stand-alone USB loggers use HOBOware Pro software; Bluetooth MX series use the HOBOconnect mobile app; cellular RX stations stream data to LI-COR Cloud for real-time dashboards and alerts. The InTemp sub-brand serves cold chain pharmaceutical/vaccine monitoring. The portfolio is distinguished by NEMA 4X-rated enclosures, research-grade accuracy (±0.05% FS for water level), and deployment options spanning indoor, outdoor, and underwater environments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HOBO: Primary brand for data loggers and environmental monitoring solutions
• InTemp
• HOBOnet

Products and services

• HOBO Data Loggers The primary brand of data loggers and remote monitoring solutions for environmental monitoring across water quality, weather, soil, energy, and indoor/outdoor/submersible environments. Available in USB, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity options for researchers, growers, and facilities professionals.
• HOBO MX800 Series Water Data Loggers Bluetooth-enabled, fully submersible multiparameter water quality data loggers supporting interchangeable sensors for conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements. Available in fully submersible (MX801) and direct-read (MX802) models for water quality researchers and aquatic ecologists.
• InTemp Cold Chain Monitoring System Cold chain monitoring sub-brand for healthcare product and vaccine storage, life science shipping and logistics, and clinical trials applications. Designed for pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and logistics companies requiring temperature-controlled storage monitoring.
• HOBOnet Remote Sensor Network Award-winning scalable wireless sensor network platform using 900 MHz sub-GHz mesh technology that streams data from up to 50 wireless sensors to a cellular HOBO RX monitoring station, with data accessible via LI-COR Cloud. Available for indoor and field/outdoor monitoring applications for enterprise deployments.
• HOBO Weather Stations Research-grade, rugged weather monitoring stations and sensor kits measuring temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, leaf wetness, soil moisture, PAR, solar radiation, barometric pressure, water level, flow, and evapotranspiration. Includes RX3000 and U30 series stations for environmental researchers and agricultural operations.
• Water Quality Monitoring Data Loggers Multiparameter water quality loggers measuring dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, salinity, pH, temperature, depth, and underwater PAR for streams, rivers, lakes, coastal waters, coral reefs, wetlands, and groundwater monitoring. Targeted at environmental researchers and water resource managers.
• Water Level Monitoring Data Loggers Submersible pressure transducer-based water level loggers including MX20 (research-grade), MX20L (value), MX2001 (high accuracy), U20L optical loggers, HOBOnet wireless water level sensors, and MicroRX Water Level Station for real-time cellular monitoring. Used by hydrologists and water resource managers.
• Energy Monitoring Data Loggers and Solutions Data loggers for monitoring energy use, including AC/DC voltage loggers, time-of-use loggers, plug load loggers, and kWh monitoring solutions for building commissioning, energy audits, and facility management professionals.
• Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensors and Data Loggers Indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity monitoring sensors and data loggers including MX1101, MX1104, MX2301A, MX2302A, and RX2100 series, with accuracy levels from ±2% to ±2.5% RH and Bluetooth or cellular connectivity. Used across building performance, agriculture, and research applications.
• Occupancy/Runtime Monitoring Data Loggers Standalone data loggers for monitoring motor runtime, light on/off, room occupancy, state changes, and water/gas flow using time-of-use loggers including UX90 series models. Targets building performance and facilities management customers.
• Soil Conditions Monitoring Sensors Soil monitoring sensors and data loggers measuring soil temperature, volumetric water content (VWC), soil electrical conductivity (EC), and soil water potential using HOBOnet wireless sensors and MX230x soil moisture loggers. Targets agricultural growers and researchers.
• Light Monitoring Sensors and Data Loggers Sensors and data loggers measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), solar radiation/pyranometer, and underwater PAR for applications in controlled environment agriculture, greenhouses, underwater/aquatic ecology studies, and solar energy assessments.
• HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Cellular remote monitoring station supporting up to 10 wired and 50 wireless sensor inputs, 32 MB memory (2 million measurements), solar or battery power, NEMA 4X-rated enclosure, and HOBOnet wireless compatibility for field and weather monitoring deployments.
• HOBO MicroRX Station (RX2100/RX2105/RX2106) Compact cellular monitoring station available in multiple variants (RX2100, RX2105, RX2106) supporting up to 5 or 10 wired and 50 wireless sensor inputs, with solar or battery power options, for indoor, outdoor, and water level monitoring applications.
• HOBO U30 USB Weather Station Rugged USB weather station for remote locations with up to 10 sensor inputs, 512 KB memory (~330,000 measurements), solar power, and NEMA 4X-rated enclosure for stand-alone offline data collection.
• Evapotranspiration (ET) Monitoring Solutions Weather station-based solutions for calculating evapotranspiration using the FAO/ASCE Penman-Monteith equation via LI-COR Cloud, requiring temperature/RH, wind speed, and solar radiation sensors. Designed for agricultural irrigation management and water resource applications.
• LI-COR Cloud (formerly HOBOlink) Web-based cloud monitoring software platform for remote access to HOBO RX station data, providing customizable dashboards, alarm notifications, Google Maps integration, and evapotranspiration calculations using the FAO Penman-Monteith equation. Subscription-based service for enterprise and research customers.
• HOBOware Pro Software Desktop software for configuring, launching, and analyzing data from HOBO data loggers, featuring time-saving logger setup tools, data visualization and plotting, and a Water Level Data Assistant for barometric compensation. Available via subscription or perpetual license.
• HOBOconnect Mobile App Free mobile app enabling Bluetooth wireless setup and data offload from HOBO MX series loggers, supporting logger configuration, alarm settings, bulk data download, graphing, and data export and sharing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600m (2,000 ft) line-of-sight wireless range for indoor HOBOnet networks
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major and minor.

• LI-CORflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLI-COR Environmental acquired Onset Computer Corporation. HOBO products now operate under the LI-COR Brand umbrella. LI-COR Cloud is the primary cloud platform for HOBO remote monitoring solutions. The acquisition combined HOBO's data logger expertise with LI-COR's sensor technology (particularly PAR quantum sensors).
• NEWA (Network for Environment and Weather Applications)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership connecting HOBO RX weather stations to NEWA's disease risk and insect pest models for agricultural decision support. Enables growers to access NEWA's crop management models directly from HOBO monitoring data.
• AkribiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Argentina, providing sales and support for HOBO products in the Argentine market.
• OneTemp Pty LtdflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Distributor and Authorized Battery Replacement Service Center for Australia and New Zealand. 1300 number and comprehensive local support.
• Hoskin Scientific LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Canada with offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec providing coast-to-coast coverage.
• BMC Solutions GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor covering Austria, Czechia, and Germany from offices in Puchheim, Bavaria.
• ENEXYS EAST MED OFFSHORE SALcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHOBO MEA Order Desk serving Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and UAE from Beirut, Lebanon headquarters.
• Beijing North River Instruments Co LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty distributor for China focused on outdoor and underwater monitoring applications.
• Tempcon Instrumentation LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for United Kingdom and Ireland, serving environmental and industrial monitoring markets.
• GraingermajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor industrial distributor offering HOBO products through grainger.com, providing wide market access for US customers.
• VWR InternationalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLaboratory and scientific products distributor offering HOBO products through us.vwr.com for research and laboratory customers.
• Omega Engineering IncmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProcess measurement and control equipment distributor offering HOBO data loggers through omega.com.
• Zoro ToolsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline industrial supply distributor offering HOBO products through zoro.com.
• USA BluebookminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatalog distributor serving government and municipal water/wastewater markets with HOBO water monitoring products.
• TranscatminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTest and measurement equipment distributor offering HOBO products through transcat.com brand store.
• Floyd Bell AssociatesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
• Cole-ParmerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLaboratory equipment and supplies distributor offering HOBO data loggers throughcoleparmer.com.
• MKS InstrumentsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMeasurement and control equipment distributor offering HOBO products through mksinstruments.com.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Sensirion: Sensirion is a leading supplier of micro-electromechanical humidity, temperature, gas, and flow sensors used inside data loggers and industrial monitoring equipment. Sits inside Onset's supply/value chain as a sensor component provider rather than a direct logger competitor, but adjacent in measurement technology.

Direct peers

• YSI (Xylem brand): YSI is a key direct competitor in the MX800/DO/CTD water quality logger space, offering handheld and continuous water quality monitoring instruments (dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, turbidity) used by researchers and water utilities. Same multiparameter sensor approach and similar aquatic monitoring customer base.
• Davis Instruments: Davis Instruments is a direct peer in the weather station / consumer-to-prosumer environmental monitoring space, including Vantage Pro wireless stations and WeatherLink online platform. Overlaps with HOBO U30 and HOBOnet systems for hobbyist, agricultural, and light-commercial use cases.
• Hach: Hach is a major water quality monitoring company (part of Veralto/Danaher) selling multiparameter probes, sondes, and continuous water monitoring systems to municipalities, utilities, and industrial customers. Direct overlap with Onset's HOBOnet water level and water quality product lines in the compliance/utility segment.
• Campbell Scientific: Campbell Scientific is the most direct peer to Onset - both manufacture research-grade environmental data loggers, wireless sensor networks (CSI mesh), and weather stations used by universities, government researchers, and agriculture customers. Strong overlap in water level, water quality, soil, and meteorological monitoring with similar B2B/B2G distribution.
• ELPRO Group: ELPRO provides temperature, humidity, and environmental monitoring solutions for cold chain, pharma, and regulated industries (InTemp's direct competitive set). Overlaps with HOBO temperature/RH loggers and with InTemp's vaccine and pharmaceutical storage focus.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Environmental Instruments): Thermo Fisher's environmental and process instruments division offers a broad portfolio of air quality, water quality, and laboratory monitoring products sold globally to research and regulated industries. Overlap is partial but global distribution and field service footprint dwarf Onset's.
• Vaisala: Vaisala is a globally dominant industrial environmental monitoring company offering humidity, temperature, weather, and carbon measurement instruments and continuous monitoring systems to industrial customers. Overlaps with HOBO in weather stations, indoor air quality, and cleanroom monitoring but at larger enterprise scale.

Emerging players

• Atlas Scientific: Atlas Scientific is an emerging player focused on water quality sensing components and breakout boards for OEM and educational customers, including pH, dissolved oxygen, EC, and temperature sensors. Tangential overlap in the chemistry/biology/research markets where HOBO MX800 multiparameter loggers are deployed.
• Aquaread: Aquaread specializes in portable and field-deployable multiparameter water quality probes and sondes, including CTD, DO, pH, turbidity, and chlorophyll sensors used for spot sampling and long-term deployment. Overlaps with HOBO MX800 series in environmental monitoring of streams, lakes, and aquaculture.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hobodataloggers
• Facebookfacebook.com/onsetcomp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/onset-data-loggers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Onset