Find Your Own Electronic Gardener with 5 Best Irrigation Controllers | Buyer’s Guide
What is the best irrigation controller? There are two types of these devices: water hose timers and smart irrigation controllers. The first type of controller is a device with basic functions. It is helpful for those who leave their hoses running unattended. You can program the time and frequency of watering with several hoses. A smart irrigation controller takes advantage of wireless technology and comes with useful apps. It offers smart features, such as local weather intelligence, wind skip, and rain skip.
| 1. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller | |
| CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE | |
| 2. Rain Bird SST1200OUT Sprinkler/Irrigation Timer/Controller | |
| CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE | |
| 3. Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart 6-Station WiFi Sprinkler System | |
| CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE | |
| 4. RainMachine Touch HD-12 Smart Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller | |
| CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE |
Daily lawn sprinkling is the key to an exemplary lawn. If you are too lazy to hold the hose, a sprinkler controller will save your lawn as some of them can be controlled even while you’re commuting to work! Today, we’ll look at how these devices work and will choose the best controllers in two categories: conventional sprinkler controllers, which are classic devices for controlling irrigation and Wi-Fi sprinkler controllers, which are modified and allow you to flexibly configure your sprinkler from any location with a smartphone. The items match any budget as their price ranges from $65 to $279.
Let’s first find out what a sprinkler controller is, how it works and what features are most important for them.
What You Will Learn from This Guide:
- Top-3 Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controllers
- 1. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller with Alexa, 2nd Generation, 8 Customized Zone – #1 Best Seller in Automatic Irrigation Controllers
- 2. RainMachine Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller with Color Touch Screen, 2nd Generation – The Most Advanced and Precise Product
- 3. Orbit 57946 B-hyve Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station Smart WiFi Sprinkler System Controller – A Cut-Rate Wi-Fi Option
- The Best Classic Sprinkler Controllers
What is a sprinkler controller?
It’s an opportunity to acquire a beautiful lawn that will never turn yellow or drown in puddles of mud... Once you’ve connected a small box to the irrigation system, you will get a real robot gardener which takes care of the lawn and watering regimes. Your job is only to configure it properly!
- Drying no longer threatens your lawn. Once you’ve invested in an expensive lawn, you can quickly ruin it by not watering it or merely forgetting to water it.
- It saves your water bill. Overwatering does not simply involve a local lawn flood, but can also lead to having some high costs in the water bill. Controllers will minimize your costs.
- You can schedule watering for the best time. Any professional gardener will attest that it’s best to water the lawn early in the morning. However, few are able to wake up at 5-6 a.m., especially during the weekend. Hot areas require lawns to be watered several times a day, and you’ll hardly be able to leave your job for that. An irrigation controller permits scheduling the watering down to a minute for many days in advance, taking into consideration weather and soil conditions.
- You can control it remotely. With a Wi-Fi sprinkler controller, you’ll be able to control the device even while you’re on vacation thousands of miles away from home and customize its functionality.
- Any controller is supplied with at least two watering modes: a basic daily one and a customizable one. The latter allows for advanced configuration of not only the timing but also of different yard area irrigation. For example, the base model is designed for 9 zones. This is especially important for owners of flower beds as different plants often require different watering patterns.
- You only set it once! This is the rule by which most sprinkler controllers owners live. In case of a regular lawn, 2-3 programs (namely, a standard one, a drought one and a rainy season one) will suffice. The irrigation is scheduled down to the minute many weeks ahead, so you’ll be able to configure a 100% correct type of irrigation for any kind of weather. Make sure you always test your settings and their functionality for a few minutes!
- Weather sync allows adjusting irrigation in accordance with the changing weather. All modern Wi-Fi sprinklers are equipped with such an option. On the other hand, some more obsolete products aren’t, and their set mode of performance will not adjust to the weather conditions.
Surprisingly, the automated irrigation systems (especially the top ones) are excellent in terms of being a useful gadget. Their ratings never fall below 4.5 stars, and the feedback is consistently positive. What is the reason for that? Well, some of the causes are an easy operation, low prices, and high use for lazy and cost-savvy customers. Let’s move on to our rating where you’ll be able to choose a sprinkler to buy for your lawn to the envy of your neighbors!
Expert Opinion: Laurence Budd, Water Use Consultant
Laurence Budd, Water Use Consultant
Laurence Budd is a consultant at Energy Wise and was an irrigation specialist with the Pasadena Water & Power water conservation program. His expertise includes water management, leak detection, water budgets, indoor water devices. Laurence consults homeowners on how to reduce water use while keeping the garden and lawn healthy as well as engages in projects on water use reduction for commercial sites.
I will be showing you how to set your controller for certain days, start times, and length of the run. All the time be careful to avoid overwatering, underwatering, and runoff. Here we have one of the most typical types of controllers. They all have the same basic features. The first thing to look for is if the controller has the power or not. Be sure to plug the controller in. Once the controller is turned on, the next step is to set the date and time. Some newer controllers will know the date and time automatically. On this controller, we will set it manually. Your controller might have a choice of programs. Now, let's decide what days to program. Many areas have restrictions for certain days. Next, let's choose the best time of day to water our lawn. Early morning is the best as the water does not evaporate too quickly and has a chance to soak in before it gets hot. And here is a neat trick.
Let's set 4 start times in the morning, say, 12 a.m., 2 a.m., 4 a.m., and 6 a.m. The next part is where most people get confused. It is knowing how long each station or zone should run for. What's too much? What is not enough? Since our lawn has spray heads, I know that we should run our heads for one hour per week in the hot summer. So I am going to set all my lawn zones to run for 5 minutes. This means that each zone will run four times for five minutes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This will total twelve complete cycles or 60 minutes per week. And that is the basic programming to have a weekly watering schedule. Remember that all the zones run one after the other. So why did I break the runs into several short ones instead of one long one is because the leading cause of water waste is water runoff.
Top-3 Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controllers
We’ll start our review with a 100-dollar universal bestseller before moving on the smartest and fanciest one which costs approximately $250 and will take care of your lawn, keeping track of the slightest weather and temperature changes better than a human gardener. And in the end, we will present you with the most cut-rate option in this category for some $90.
1. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller with Alexa, 2nd Generation, 8 Customized Zone – #1 Best Seller in Automatic Irrigation Controllers
| | Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, Works with Alexa, 8 Zone 2nd Generation _ Price: |
We’ll start with the #1 Best Seller in the Automatic Irrigation Controllers category. It’s way ahead of other controllers in the same category (1900 units) due to its truly modern design. Here we have a modern white case which is not overloaded with unnecessary buttons. The entire control is done from a smartphone or another portable gadget. Note the "2nd generation" phrase in the name of the gadget, which means this product is the successor of the first controller of the company, similar to it in terms of functionality but much larger.
Transfer of control to mobile gadgets makes everything even more intuitive. Previously, there were 8 zones on the control panel, and you had to remember or write down where each area was actually located on a piece of paper. Now, you have to simply rename Zone 1 as “The Grass Yard,” and you will never get confused while setting up the irrigation. You may read nearly 1000 customers’ reviews about making the control even easier.
Weather response is yet another attractive aspect. If it starts raining, the system will automatically turn off the sprinklers. Also, the settings allow controlling the switching period after a certain time after the rain or if the temperature changes. You won’t have to dig into the settings as long as the system is synchronized with the weather services and will autonomously adjust the mode. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and do not forget to pay the service provider in advance if you are away from home for a long time so that the control system is connected to the network too.
The Rachio controllers line is available in two options: an 8-zone and a 16-zone. The prices are well superior to the prices of the controllers without Wi-Fi, but the performance is definitely worth it.
The device is produced by Rachio, a Colorado-based technology company that focuses on smart irrigation technologies. Its specialists have managed to bring together the technologies of smart sprinkler control, apps, and wireless leak detection. By the way, Rachio is going to expand its business, saying that the creation of a smart sprinkler controller was “just the start.” Now, they are working to help homeowners to use water sustainably throughout the house. The media coverage the company receives says a lot about its good standing. For example, USA Today has pointed out that Rachio makes “the best smart sprinkler controller we have ever tested” while CNBC highlights its features, such as multiple options for scheduling watering of the lawn.
“Rachio connects to meteorological stations in your area and predicts whether there will be rain”.
“With Rachio, searching for malfunctions in the sprinkler system only takes several minutes. Switching zones happens from your phone while you go on zones”.
“Rachio connects with home automation platforms such as Control4, SmartThings, and Wink”.
“You receive notices if watering is missed because of approaching rain”.
“It is possible to add a photo to each zone, to specify the duration of watering of each zone or repeat watering. The application on the phone will tell when the zone was last watered and when there is a following planned watering”.
Comparative Chart of Rachio 2nd and 3rd Generation Models
| 2nd Generation Model | 3rd Generation Model |
| This 2.4-GHz WiFi controller allows you to set your own lawn watering schedules and detect leaks, making the whole process more accurate. The device works through a mobile app so that you can manage your sprinklers remotely using your smartphone or laptop. The irrigation schedule is automatically adjusted according to the weather forecasts. | Apart from the features of rain, wind, and freeze skip, the unit comes with the hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus. Another advantage over the 2nd-Gen model is that this one supports both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz Wi-Fi. On top of that, the 3rd-Gen model is compatible with the Rachio Wireless Flow Meter. |
Rachio: Check the current price
2. RainMachine Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller with Color Touch Screen, 2nd Generation – The Most Advanced and Precise Product
This advanced RainMachine model lays special emphasis on the exact syncing with the weather and the automatic creation of irrigation modes with a focus on the weather forecast. This is the highest-tech model in our review as it is not only controlled with mobile devices but also uses a touchpad instead of the usual knobs and sliders. That is why its price is justified.
This is a product from a brand-name company, Green Electronics LLC, specialized in modern equipment for watering and controlling gardens. Established in Silicon Valley, California, in 2010, the company has been contributing to water conservation for a decade, offering gardeners devices with the most advanced features, such as iOS and Android capability and multi-valve irrigation.
The panel displays all the relevant information, i.e. the humidity, the weather, and irrigation need. The previous model is still inferior in terms of functionality due to lack of touch controls: after all, it simplifies the job when the owner is at home.
You can configure irrigation even for a lifetime ahead: you can disable watering in winter, automate the hottest months, and voila, you’ll have a green lawn without too much effort.
The number of zones available is satisfactory as the one model uses 12 zones while the other has as many as 16 zones! Its rating is as high; it is 4.3 stars. The choice is definitely not a cheap one, but connoisseurs of high-precision smart equipment will go crazy about it.
RainMachine: Check the current price
If you’re looking for something simpler and cheaper and still equipped with Wi-Fi, you are likely to be interested in the following option.
3. Orbit 57946 B-hyve Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station Smart WiFi Sprinkler System Controller – A Cut-Rate Wi-Fi Option
Orbit Sprinkler Controller can also be controlled from a smartphone or any other portable device. The idea is the same: you rename the zones, manually set the timer, and enjoy a green lawn.
This is a reasonably-priced option, the "low cost" of which is visible only through the design. As for the functionality, it is vast enough and convenient, and the rating is similar to the top items, with 4.2 stars out of 5. You won’t get many controllers with remote access on the market for a cheaper price.
“Excellent compatibility with Alexa. Definitely, a combination, "Nothing to yourself, the Factor" from any around when I ask "Alexa, ask that b-Hyve has watered a lawn" and my run of sprayers. Convenient control from the phone. I can operate sprayers and change watering time”.
“The best feature of this controller is its integration with the weather forecast. It automatically plans a watering delay and provides excellent economy. If you want to cancel a watering delay, simply click ONE button, and watering will continue according to the schedule. For the last 3 weeks, my sprayers worked only TWICE because of rainy weather”.
“This smart sprinkler has a Smart Watering feature that can set the watering schedule based on the number of heads, weather, soil type, etc. The Smart Watering program supports restricting the watering to certain days of the week and/or times of day”.
Orbit: Check the current price
What Are the Advantages of a Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller Over a Classic Model?
A Wi-Fi controller is designed to connect a smartphone, tablet or laptop to your sprinklers through the cloud. You receive data and set up timers irrespective of where you are. Now, let’s see what benefits this type of controller has to offer.
- Convenience. These models allow you to control sprinklers in your yard not only from home but also while you are on the go, at work or even somewhere on vacation.
- Easy to operate. They are very easy to set up and operate and even the older generations who have long got used to a garden hose handle this device without a hitch. All you need to know is how to use a smartphone or laptop.
- Saves your money. You may forget to turn off the sprinklers or you may want to turn them on when you are far from your home. This will let you avoid overwatering and, as a result, save money on water consumption bills.
- Eco-friendly. Products marked with a WaterSense label meet the EPA criteria for water intelligent irrigation system. Wi-Fi models help you to save more water that is the Earth's most precious resource.
- Keep pace with the times! Now that the smart home technologies are becoming increasingly popular, using Wi-Fi sprinkler controllers is a way to join this hi-tech revolution. By the way, agriculture is one of the areas where progress has always been welcome.
- Real-time updates. They update weather every hour or so, whereas classic models do it only once a day. This benefit is particularly important in the regions with variable weather conditions.
- Modern design. Manufacturers of new generation controllers devote substantial attention to design, making it user-friendly and modern. This is especially appreciated by younger homeowners.
- Helps contractors increase their profits. Contractors benefit from this technology even more than homeowners as it allows them to manage multiple accounts at a time from their smartphones. This significantly improves their performance and hence increase profits.
- Contractors do not need to have access to the house. Experienced contractors say that with classic controllers, they were losing some of their customers. They had to ask them for codes for their garage door openers, for example. Sometimes, they had to repeatedly reschedule appointments with their customers for some reasons. All this negatively impacts the business, which is not the case with Wi-Fi models as the whole process here is managed from a smartphone.
The Best Classic Sprinkler Controllers
First, let’s focus on the regular classic sprinklers controllers that your parents used. They worked indoors or outdoors, and with their help, you could customize the watering. But they are not equipped with the remote access option, so all the setup is done through the main panel. We have selected 2 items with 9 and 12 irrigation zones respectively for you. However, if you want to live the “I, Robot" movie and have a real "smart home" at your disposal, scroll down to the Wi-Fi sprinkler controllers review.
4. Rain Bird SST900IN Simple to Set Indoor Timer, 9-Zone – The Best Affordable 9 Zone Sprinkler Controller
This is a classic inexpensive 9-zone option with a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. The competitive edge of this model is its convenient and intuitive interface. Yes, it lacks portable gadget sync, but for this price, it is a certain must-have for anyone owning a lawn!
Irrigation can be configured in 9 zones with up to 4 cycles daily which is more than enough, even in arid areas. How does it work? Suppose your backyard lawn requires less watering because of the shade or plant peculiarities while the roadside lawn should be watered three times a day.
This is not a problem! In zones A and B, the sprinkler will switch on every day at sunrise and in zone C, it will run three times a day: early in the morning, at noon and at sunset. As a result, you’ll have a green lawn, without having to spend even a minute actually irrigating.
The case is quite robust as it can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Dirt and moisture won’t harm it unless you forget to firmly shut the rear door.
Rain Bird SST900IN: Check the current price.
If 9 irrigation zones are not enough for you, check out the next item!
5. Rain Bird SST1200OUT Simple to Set Indoor/Outdoor Timer, 12-Zone – A Must-Have Sprinkler Controller for Large Lawns
This is a 12-zone controller with a high 4.5 out of 5 stars. We should note that the previous model’s 9 zones are often insufficient for large gardens and lawns, so it is reasonable to buy a device on the basis of "zoning" the area to be irrigated. That means you’ll have one controller for the backyard, another one for the lawn and a third one for the alleys. If 9 zones are too few and 18 are too many, check out the halfway option with 12 zones.
The irrigation performance is identical to the previous model as you program 4 one-time watering for 7 days with the most flexible combination of these options when setting up. The only problem is that you will have to spend more time on the setup due to the increase in the number of zones. But we believe that’s not a real issue. To sum up, it is a must-have for large lawn owners.
Rain Bird SST1200 OUT: Check the current price
Like always, to facilitate the comparison, we’ve drawn up a chart below:
Irrigation Controllers Comparison Chart
Keep your lawn green and stay up to date with modern technology by using irrigation controllers! If you need to control microclimate, bearing in mind the weather forecast along with irrigation, choose a weather gadget from our review of 9 best weather stations.
