Deciding on the best Smart sprinkler controller for your irrigation system can be a daunting task as it’s not quite clear which products are worth it or not. This article will offer you some insightful information about the quality, reliability and the ease of use of some of the most important Smart WiFi irrigation controllers currently on the market. Owning such a Smart device offers great advantages as you can adjust every setting immediately and conveniently with your fingers. With customized and streamlined control also comes a smaller water bill over time so there are good reasons for choosing a Smart sprinkler controller.
In case you aren’t yet ready for this technology and you were just wondering what kind of sprinkler system kit is the right fit for you then no need to worry as this article will also cover those. Going for one of these kits is a great way to kick start your gardening hobby and they are usually a cinch to install. So whether you think about getting a better way to control your already existing irrigation system with a Smart device or you’re just starting to look around for the best sprinkler system kit then you’ve come to the right place. This article will be dedicated to both categories of products, Smart controllers and sprinkler system kits and each of them will contain a fine selection of the best the market has to offer for gardening enthusiasts.
But your lawn might also need something to light it up for Christmas, so be sure to check our article on the best Christmas laser lights. We also made articles on best bug zappers, and best noise and light reducing curtains if you can’t stand the bugs and noise invading your property.
Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
1. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa
The top choice when it comes to a Smart sprinkler controller should be a device who is easy to install and control, has all the functions you would expect and also keep your plants healthy using water in the most efficient manner. The second generation model from Rachio pretty much suits that description perfectly.
The Rachio Smart sprinkler controller allows its user to adjust their irrigation system at any given moment from basically any location. You can view schedules, run sprinklers or share controller access using any Android, iOS or PC. Rachio has the ability to optimize the schedules automatically to the latest forecast so those wasteful situations like watering in the rain should never happen.
Besides this adaptation for the weather outside, the second generation model also calculates exactly the amount of water needed for your yard by employing advanced algorithms and irrigation science. According to Rachio, using this controller will help you save up to 50% on watering by irrigating efficiently. Connecting with smart home platforms like Alexa works extremely well and thanks to this integration you can issue all sorts of vocal commands like for example to run zones or set rain skips. Looking at the market for this kind of devices you will be hard pressed to find a better deal, such great value for money, like the second generation of Smart sprinkler controllers from Rachio. All in all, this is a high-quality product, recommended for a more customized and simplified gardening experience.
Specifications list:
- Origin: USA
- App Compatibility: iOS 9.0+ and Android 4.0+.
- Integrations: Works with Nest, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Wink, Control4, Nexia, and others.
- Power Requirements: Must be connected to the AC
- Wi-Fi Connection: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) required.
- Rain & Soil Sensors: Wired & Wireless Normally Closed (NC) sensors
2. RainMachine Touch HD-12 Smart WiFi Irrigation Controller,2nd Generation,6.5-Inch
If you are the kind of person who gets very excited by advanced technology and would always love to have cool devices that make your life much easier than a Smart sprinkler controller like RainMachine Touch HD-12 will definitely suit you. Loaded with functionality and very simple to use thanks to having everything displayed on a touch screen, this device has a lot to offer for a Smart irrigation controller.
Connecting to a smartphone or a tablet is possible through the mobile apps for both Android and iPhone. When you open the application you will discover the RainMachine from your local network and operate it with ease through the secure interface. In terms of features, the Touch HD-12 makes a lot of promises. It uses seven-day forecasts to adjust your watering schedule using real time data for temperature, wind, and rainfall. This ability has been very finely tuned to improve watering efficiency and as a consequence to dramatically reduce water waste. If you choose this Smart sprinkler controller you are definitely going to see a reduction on your water bill. Also, are you unsure how to program your irrigation controller? Here is a guide explaining how you can easily program your sprinkler or irrigation controller.
Downloading data on your machine happens automatically as the Touch HD-12 will connect via Wi-Fi to do this process every 6 hours. It uses the most accurate weather forecast on Earth provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which has an impressive arsenal of satellites, radars and thousands of weather stations. With such an ability to reliably gather meteorological data, this RainMachine controller will improve your gardening experience as it allows you to take great care of your plants.
Specifications list:
- 12 zones
- 6.5″ ultra bright touchscreen display
- Adjusts watering time based on weather
- Location based weather forecast (NOAA, MetNo, Wunderground, and Netatmo)
- Forecast spatial resolution: up to 1.5 Km
- Freeze control & heat wave protection
- EPA WaterSense Certified
- WIFI: USB 802.11N, 2.4Ghz, US/Japan/EU
- AC Input: 24VAC, 50/60Hz, 750mA
- Android and iPhone Apps
3. Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station WiFi Sprinkler System Controller
Watering your plants intelligently can be done today with a Smart system controlled by Wi-Fi. It permits you to make watering decisions based on the actual ecological needs of your yard. One such example is the Orbit 57946 B-hyve which offers with the help of a mobile app real-time monitoring, watering history, smart & manual scheduling and a forward-looking calendar to cover all the watering needs of your plants. The fact that it allows commands through Amazon Alexa is also something to consider if you like to simplify your work even further.
Using the Smart WeatherSense technology, this controller will adjust to the right amount of water based on the local weather data received. And the great thing about this process is that it’s all done automatically. You can just sit back and enjoy the results. The Orbit B-hyve has a large LCD screen which provides all the details you need to know. Interestingly, this Smart timer is also the only one with controls on the timer in case you may want to access them directly rather than from the app. To be able to confidently mount your timer in any place you like, there is a special weather sealed indoor/outdoor case which can be locked and is fully weatherproof.
What is also worth considering about this Smart sprinkler controller is the price which is affordable considering the capabilities and the high-quality construction of this device. Overall, I want to recommend this budget-friendly option to all gardening enthusiasts who would like to take their watering to the next level of ultimate control.
Specifications list:
- App Compatibility: iOS 8 and higher. Android version 4.3 and higher.
- Smart Home Compatibility: Amazon Alexa
- Zones: 6 or 12
- Size and Weight: Length 3.75 Width 9.375 Height 8.625 Weight 3.7lbs
- Power Requirements: 120V AC/60Hz Input 24V AC Output 5 ft. Power Cord
- WiFi: 2.4Ghz
- Sensor Add-ons: Supports Most Rain/Freeze Sensor
- Master Valve/Pump Relay Support: Yes
- Enclosure: Locking Indoor/Outdoor
- EPA/Watersense Approval: Yes
4. RainMachine Mini-8, Cloud Independent, The Forecast Sprinkler, Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller, 2nd Generation
This is the RainMachine Mini-8, now in its second generation form, which has been considerably improved to deliver the most reliable and accurate performance. Offering the most state of the art technology, this irrigation controller has some great potential and therefore it has been included in this list.
Besides its great water conservation abilities, it gathers meteorological data from multiple sources for the ultimate data stability. This process increases accuracy and reliability which are vital for optimal watering schedules. This Smart device has some neat functions, for example, it can offer protection for your plants when the outside temperature drops. It can cease the watering if the temperature goes below a preset value. This way, you can be prepared for unexpected temperatures and your garden can flourish better than ever.
If you’re worried about security, RainMachine Mini-8 keeps all credentials local and not on an internet server and so you only need to rely on your own device to protect your garden and not on some third party service. With this Smart controller, you can truly feel in control of your garden. The machine connects to trusted weather data sources and smartly adjusts the daily watering amount. For the best results and maximum efficiency, the device stays in sync permanently with Nature. The price is a bit higher on this one, but the RainMachine Mini-8 offers a strong ratio for value/price and it will not disappoint you if you decide it’s the right tool for you.
Specifications list:
- 8 zones
- Simple Touch Interface
- Adjusts watering time based on weather
- Location based weather forecast
- Forecast spatial resolution: up to 1.5 Km
- Freeze control & heat wave protection
- EPA WaterSense Certified
- Operating Temp: -20C to 60C (-4F to 140F)
- Outdoor enclosure available
- WIFI
- AC Input: 24VAC, 50/60Hz, 750mA
- Android and iPhone Apps
Best Automatic Sprinkler Kit
5. Rain Bird 32ETI Easy to Install In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System Kit
Gardening can easily become a frustrating task when you’re doing all your watering work manually. If the results are just not good and using a hose and sprinklers is too much of a hassle then maybe it’s time to try an automatic sprinkler system. Getting a professional kit like this one from Rain Bird called 32ETI will mean a massive improvement for all your watering issues and the good news is that despite what it may seem, setting up the kit is a breeze. A practical 5-step installation process illustrated in the included manual will show you the ropes quickly and intuitively.
This sprinkler kit has been specially designed for homeowner installation. Keeping your lawn green season after season is no longer an issue with this system as it comes fully packaged with all the components and instructions you need to get going. The system can be attached to any outside faucet. There are in total six high-efficiency rotary sprinklers which benefit from the patented Rain Curtain nozzle technology. These sprinklers provide large droplets and to avoid windblown overspray they fall much quicker. By showering a rotating curtain of water it can cover a much bigger area and all in all the system is much more efficient than conventional ones.
Thanks to Rain Bird’s heavy duty timer, customizing the watering patterns is very straightforward. A large screen along with simple scroll settings for automatic watering are provided. You can learn all the controls in no time to find what works best for you and to avoid wasting water as much as possible. If you are searching for the best investment when it comes to an automatic sprinkler system kit then is pretty safe to say you’ve found it in Rain Bird 32ETI.
Specifications list:
- Maximum spray distance: 32 ft
- Maximum coverage area: 3000 sq ft
- Recommended water pressure: 40-75 psi
- Minimum water flow: 6 gallons per minute (GPM)
- Sprinkler type: pop-up gear drive rotor
- Sprinkler throw distance (adjustable): 16’ – 24’
- Sprinkler coverage patterns (adjustable): 40° to 360°
6. Raindrip R560DP Automatic Container and Hanging Baskets Kit
Getting on the level of professionals when it comes to gardening can be very difficult. But, there are some products which require a minimal investment and are guaranteed to take you to the next level from the basic DIY gardener. An example is the Raindrip R560DP Automatic Container and Hanging Baskets Kit which is perfect to automatize the watering for your potted plants, planter beds or hanging baskets.
If having healthier and more vibrant looking plants is something you desire you need to take more care about their ecological needs. This is an excellent kit because it offers superior quality materials and is designed with reliability in mind for a fruitful and long lasting gardening experience. To simplify the hooking up process, the supply tubing and the timer are threaded just like a hose. This also helps to expand and better customize your drip watering system. Installing this system basically comes down to your ability to attach a garden hose, if you manage just this task, then is safe to say you will have no trouble with the installing process of this kit. There are no tool requirements to install it and one important aspect is that this Raindrip kit will play nicely when combined with other associated Raindrip products.
When also taking into account the water and time savings and how inexpensive and effective such an irrigation system is, it’s difficult not to recommend such a great product. The Raindrip R560DP Automatic Container and Hanging Baskets Kit is a powerful tool in the hands of any gardeners. Installing an irrigation system is not hard at all.
Specifications list:
- Includes 20, 1/2 GPH drippers for precision watering
- Equipped with barbed tees, elbows, and connectors for making the necessary adjustments to customize your system.
- Includes Raindrip’s battery operated timer
7. Rain Bird DRIPPAILQ Drip Irrigation Repair and Expansion Kit
For those specialized DIY gardeners who want to optimize and expand their watering systems, a very handy kit can help to achieve just that at a very affordable cost. It’s called Rain Bird DRIPPAILQ Drip Irrigation Repair and Expansion Kit and has all the most essential drip devices and tubing most commonly used by gardening enthusiasts everywhere.
This handy pail provides the necessary parts, tools and the important guidance for tuning up your system. The bucket is easy to carry and has a built-in parts organizer. Besides the comprehensive drip irrigation-troubleshooting guide, the kit contains a total of 112 professional drip items including:
- Tees
- Couplings
- Plugs
- Stakes
- A Faucet adapter
- 40 pressure compensating emitters
- 250 feet of ¼ inch tubing
To make it simpler for your expansion plans, Rain Bird offers the tubing in a portable storage dispenser to prevent tangling and also to easily retrieve the exact amount of tubing each job requires. Additionally, in the kit, you will find an installation tool created for a hassle-free experience when installing and removing emitters. You will really feel like a pro, even if you’re just starting to tackle the irrigation problem of your garden.
To conclude, this drip repair and expansion kit by Rain Bird is an essential accessory for maintaining an efficient irrigation system, to reduce water use and prevent the emergence of weeds, garden pests and such. Expanding your watering system is very much simplified when using this kit and is ideal for situations when the landscape grows and changes throughout the season. I find it difficult to find a flaw in this kit when taking its value and convenience into account it’s pretty clear that this is an unrivaled deal for any gardening enthusiast.
Specifications list:
- Assembled Depth: 8.9 in.
- Diameter: ¼ in.
- Assembled Height: 9.5 in.
- Tubing Length: 250 ft.
- Assembled Width: 9.0 in.
- Irrigation System Component: Kit
- Drip & Micro Irrigation Component: Tubing/Dripline
- Pressure Rating: 60 psi
- Drip Line and & Tubing Type: Drip or Emitter Line Tubing
8. Orbit 69525 Micro Bubbler Complete Drip Irrigation Watering Kit
If you are a homeowner just getting into gardening and looking for a product that scores very high when it comes to ease-of-use and the minimal impact to your plants, then the Orbit 69525 Micro Bubbler Drip Irrigation Kit is potentially the right solution for you. In just 15 minutes, the installing of this kit is over while maintaining perfect watering coverage for your plants.
The drip system is highly customizable, it can reach and water plenty of plants including flowerbeds, shrubs, and trees if it’s used in conjunction with loop stakes. Running the drip lines according to your preferences is easy thanks to the flexible ½ and ¼ inch distribution tubing.
Providing enough water to plants without damaging them is evidently a challenge and to address this issue, Orbit implemented micro-bubblers in this kit. These water the plants in a very gentle way so as not to damage the delicate plants and flowers and to provide an even coverage. The tubing distribution is flexible which means you can place the micro-bubbler heads right where they are needed, near the plants. This technique should ensure an adequate water supply for a healthy and consistent garden while at the same time it reduces the time spent pulling weeds. Ultimately, this is a decent product, a solid system that should allow you to water your plants efficiently and without worries.
Specifications list:
- Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 15.2 x 15.2 inches
- Item Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Kit probably contains: 3-in-1 faucet adapter, 50 feet of 1/2-inch distribution tubing, 50 feet of 1/4-inch distribution tubing, (8) micro-bubblers on stakes, (1) 1/2-inch tee, (2) 1/2-inch end clamps, (2) 1/4-inch barb tees, (10) 1/4-inch barb couplings, (10) 1/4-inch goof plug connectors and (1) hole punch tool, 1/2-inch drip-lock coupling.