Best Overall
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Runner-Up
Netro Sprite Smart Sprinkler Controller
Best Bang for the Buck
Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer
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If you have an inground sprinkler organization and do n’t have a smart restrainer , your sprinkler could cease up lacrimation at the same time it ’s raining . With a wise sprinkler controller , this issue wo n’t come up . These WiFi - based controllers interact with atmospheric condition information to adjust watering schedules , so your lawn is never overwatered or underwatered . to boot , you’re able to plough the piddle on or off from your smartphone while you ’re away from place , and you’re able to monitor water usage , too .
The bestsprinkler controllerwill depend on your existing tearing setup and lawn particular . Ahead , learn how to shop for a smart accountant and find out why the following sprinkler restrainer are practiced options for most shopper .
How We Chose the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Everyone ’s yard is different , so one of our independent priorities in choose the best smart sprinkler controllers was to offer as wide a pick as possible . That way there ’s something for every planting scheme — and every lawn size .
Versatility is another key view . The ability to change tearing schemes to accommodate the prevailing weather condition , to fix timer , etc . can be quite important . In many typeface , we select smart sprinkler systems that employ weather intelligence to take the core off of you . This and other features can also minimize wasted water , plus we tried to notice eco - friendly model that fit the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) WaterSense certification .
Reliability and durability are always in high spirits on our list of considerations , and of course , cost play a part . Some smart sprinkler controllers come with premium toll tags , but an automated irrigation organization does n’t have to be expensive , and we have included some very affordable alternatives .
Our Top Picks
To measure up as a Top Pick , a smart sprinkler controller must be capable of handling the exist watering zone in your yard . And it should have an app that ’s simple to empathise and will provide you to configure the controller and then slack , letting the controller do all the rest . The following fresh sprinkler controllers will work in various watering situations , and one will belike match your lawn ’s watering requirements .
The Weather Intelligence Plus feature on the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller comes with local weather integration to make watering your yard more efficient . An intuitive downloadable app makes setup a snap , and it will check up to 16 watering zones . From your overbold machine , you ’ll be able to see your estimated outdoor water usage and configure watering docket . you’re able to also fine - melodic phrase the schedules by enter the character of eatage being grow , the soil character , and even how much sun vulnerability a specific zone receives .
Get the Rachio impudent sprinkler controller atAmazon , The Home Depot , orBest Buy .
Bearing the EPA WaterSense label , the Netro chic sprinkler controller ensures complaisance with local lachrymation regulation while using local weather information and statistics to economise up to 50 per centum more water . It comes with lifetime swarm service , and you could enter the datum via your overbold gimmick or even from a web internet browser . Depending on your lawn ’s genuine pee needs , the Netro accountant will adjust tearing schedules to ensure a lush , healthy yard . This overbold sprinkler controller will handle up to 12 disjoined watering zones .
Get the Netro smart sprinkler controller atAmazonorLowe ’s .
You do n’t have to drop a lot of money to enjoy the widget of a bright sprinkler controller . The Orbit 21004 B - hyve smart hose watering timer is design for habit with a traditional hose . While it controls only a exclusive hose , you’re able to bind a multiple - spigot sill cock to your exterior spigot and add an Orbit control to each oral sex for more lachrymation options . This affordable control is also WeatherSense indorse , so it will aline watering to fit your area ’s current atmospheric condition conditions as well as gather selective information about local watering ordinances . you may also configure the app to see soil type , grass eccentric , and site circumstance , such as whether your curtilage slopes . supervise your pee utilisation and receive alerts on a smart gadget .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Orbit 21004 saucy sprinkler controller atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Hose-Based
LinkTap G2S Wireless Water Timer
If you ’re watering with a standard garden hose , you might desire to check out the multifunction LinkTap G2S wireless water timekeeper that align watering time base on current weather data . It will also send an alert if a job occurs , such as if the whole falls , the water shut off , or a valve break , allowing H2O to deluge out . The app can be configured to send an electronic mail alert to a kinsfolk phallus or neighbor when you ’re out of Ithiel Town . The intuitive app makes setup leisurely , and you ’re able-bodied to view 90 days of water usage . you may also enrol the per - Imperial gallon rate from your water system notice to see how much money you ’re pull through while lachrymation . The LinkTap G2S can be integrated with Alexa smart - family systems ( though not Google Assistant ) .
Get the LinkTap overbold sprinkler controller atAmazon .
Best Touch-Based
Orbit 57950 B-hyve Smart Irrigation Controller
Most voguish sprinkler control have excellent phone apps , and many can integrate with smart - home plate systems , but if you desire to make warm adjustment on the whole itself while out in the railyard , your alternative are limited . The Orbit 57950 B - hyve is one of few models that offer adjustments on the accountant itself . The Orbit can be fitted indoors or out and offers all the same perks as other smart controllers , including the ability to regulate lacrimation cycle per second based on current weather data in the area and to do timers . It is also EPA WeatherSense evidence for preserve as much water as possible . Alerts are cater both on the unit and on the app .
Get the Orbit 57950 smart sprinkler controller atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best for Large Lawns
RainPoint Smart WiFi 2-Zone Sprinkler Timer
The ability to check multiple zones can be a big benefit if the planting schema is wide-ranging . However , if all that ’s required is to provide watering for a large lawn area , many models can be overkill . The RainPoint smart sprinkler comptroller is a more focused and more affordable solution that nevertheless offers all the functionality ask . It provides control for two zones , each of which can have three independent time periods per daylight . Two modes offer irrigation or spray to variegate the density of lachrymation , and crowd clitoris on the RainPoint machine itself provide manual control . It can integrate with both Alexa and Google Assistant . With its brass connector and ultraviolet ( UV)-resistant , waterproof casing , the RainPoint smart sprinkler controller also has the durability you demand .
Get the RainPoint sassy sprinkler controller atAmazon .
Also Consider
Wyze 8-Zone WiFi Sprinkler Controller
The Wyze smart sprinkler controller offers many of the worthful feature regain on more expensive models , but it comes with a surprisingly gloomy Mary Leontyne Price ticket . you may ascertain up to 8 zona , and schedule can either be fixed by the drug user or automatize using weather intelligence . Each zona can have a depiction associated with it for easy visual identification via the smartphone app . The gimmick itself also has simple button that allow individual zona to be turned on or off manually . The manufacturer claims that Installation takes just 20 minutes . Drawbacks are few , but a subscription after the first year is require for the features that rely on weather word . Also , the Wyze smart sprinkler controller is not compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant .
Get the Wyze smart sprinkler controller atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Smart Sprinkler Controller
In the same room that having anautomated lawn mowerwill save you from time spent maintaining your lawn , a smart restrainer will make efficacious lacrimation conclusion , so you could spend more time doing the thing you enjoy .
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Many impudent sprinkler controller unit are set up on the exterior of your home . Others have the choice of being instal on an internal wall , such as a garage or anteroom wall , so you’re able to tick off the controller without get to go outdoors . The controller often pairs with aninground sprinkler organisation , but dissimilar modelling will also pair with adrip - irrigation systemor even a garden hosepipe .
Zones and Area Size
If you have an underground sprinkler system , it ’s likely plant up in zone to ensure that there ’s sufficient water supply insistency to lift thesprinkler headsin a specific area of your lawn , one zona at a time . The big the M , the more zones there are . A impudent restrainer will adapt a specific number of zones , anywhere from about two to 16 . you may usually find a zone frame-up diagram on the interior of your survive watering system command box .
On-Device Controls
bright sprinkler controllers follow with apps you download to your smartphone or another digital twist . Some sync with smart - household systems such as Amazon ’s Alexa , which allows you to turn the water on or off via voice control . you may configure most from either a chic equipment or directly on the building block itself .
Smart Scheduling
With many of today ’s smart controllers , you wo n’t have to worry about changing the watering schedule during times of heavy pelting or drought . Smart sprinkler controllers automatically download weather data point in your region by using your zipper computer code and adjusting the lachrymation schedule depending on the atmospheric condition . For example , suppose you configure your controller to water all theatrical role of the lawn with 1 inch of water per week , and it rains ½ inch . In that guinea pig , the comptroller will mechanically adapt the watering schedule to allow an additional ½ inch of water rather than a whole inch that week .
Notifications
Many smart controller come with the power to notify you in case a problem arises , such as a water shutoff ; a faulty valve that ’s prevent the organization from change by reversal on or off ; or excessive water flow , which could indicate a broken sprinkler head . Some apps can be configured to air text messages or audio alert to your smartphone , while others emit an audible signal to alert anyone in the yard .
Smart-Tech Compatibility
For a smart sprinkler control to work , your home must have Wi - Fi . The restrainer syncs with your home ’s router . Different controller are also compatible with various smart - plate devices , such as Amazon ’s Alexa , Google Assistant , Wink , and Samsung SmartThings . If you have an existing smart - domicile system , you might want to consider a compatible restrainer .
EPA WaterSense Certification
To conserve water , face for a bright sprinkler accountant that comes with theWaterSenselabel , which means the restrainer meets EPA standard for conserving a maximum amount of H2O without underwatering . In summation to utilizing information about the weather and rain in your sphere , the restrainer will also supervise your community ’s watering ordinances during a drought , so you wo n’t dishonour any tearing rules .
Mounting
mount is comparatively unproblematic , as the new smart restrainer work in conjunction with the exist sprinkler arrangement comptroller . You ’ll download the support app first , which will walk you through the respite of the setup process . entree to an electrical outlet to power the controller will be required , or the unit will need to be directly electrify into your home ’s electric organization . The latter requires an electrician to start the argumentation .
The Advantages of Owning a Smart Sprinkler Controller
Before buying a smart sprinkler control , conceive some of its advantages . The controller will permit you to :
FAQs
If this is the first bright sprinkler comptroller you ’ve shopped for , you likely have some questions .
Q. How does a smart sprinkler controller work?
The means each smart sprinkler controller work will vary slightly , but most follow a similar conception . For those who have an existing inground watering arrangement , the fresh accountant outfit in place of the existing “ slow ” version . It is then plug in via the smartphone app and may also sync with smart - plate machine via your Wi - Fi . Once install , many can download weather data to adjust watering schedule , so you do n’t overwater or underwater . Most cheap smart sprinkler controls have two parts : a hub that plugs into a standard menage outlet provide Wi - Fi connectivity and the accountant that fit between the spigot and hose to control the H2O flow .
Q. Can a smart sprinkler controller save you money?
A smart sprinkler control can almost certainly save you money when compared to a nonsmart irrigation organisation . you’re able to set timers , and many bright models can adjust lachrymation schedules to local weather and rain data so you wo n’t be over- or underwatering . Overwatering prevention in particular can economize you money . It ’s a good idea to look for EPA WaterSense certification when choosing a smart sprinkler controller as limiting gimmick need to blow over a serial of tests that show they conserve water , and thus help concentrate public-service corporation bills .
Q. How many sprinkler heads can you put in 1 zone?
worldwide advice is to have somewhere between one and four sprinkler head per zone . There are a number of consideration , include the water press at the master faucet , the planting within each geographical zone , and any variation in terrain . There is plenty of advice available online to help you exercise out the best layout . However , those who are designing a complete watering arrangement and look atdifferent sprinkler typesmay care to confab a befittingly qualified professional installer rather than risk putting together something that is either not sufficient for the task or , conversely , is excessively complicated and expensive .
Q. Should I run sprinklers every day?
Whether you should run your sprinklers every daylight will depend on the planting scheme and the clime conditions . However , periodic mysterious tearing that encourages root growth is recommended rather than lowly amounts daily . Healthy lawn , for deterrent example , necessitate an average of 1 inch of H2O per hebdomad , but it ’s better if this is applied in one or two soakage rather than on a daily basis . One of the big advantages of many smart sprinkler controllers is that they can monitor conditions patterns and local shape so the sprinklers are only running when they need to be .
Q. How long does a smart sprinkler controller last?
Most manufacturer warranties depart from 1 to 3 class . However , there is no cause why a gamey - timbre wise sprinkler controller that is the right way looked after should n’t last longer . Five years or more is not unusual . Indoor systems should have adequate protection , but it may be worth disconnecting out-of-door model over the wintertime months when watering is not required . This can preclude damage from ice rink .
It ’s also deserving take a periodical face at the condition of the existing sprinklers . Mostnew sprinklersare not expensive and will often help improve overall tearing performance .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
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We ’ll avail you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your terrace , a raised seam , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the veracious plant for your soil and region .
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
