Best Sprinkler Controllers of 2022

Watering the lawn can be one of the dreaded chores one has to undertake. Alas, it must be done anyway! In order to maintain the appearance of your lawn or garden, it’s a necessity. Having an efficient sprinkler system can make the task so much easier and convenient.

However, finding the best sprinkler controller for your gardening needs can also be difficult when you don’t have the right information. A bad decision could mean a bad purchase, and then you’ll be stuck with a pricey gadget that wouldn’t even serve you that well. For the best results, you’re going to need a sprinkler controller that would keep working tirelessly throughout the year.

This is why I have created this ultimate guide to the most popular sprinkler systems, including comprehensive product reviews as well as a detailed buying guide. After reading this, you’ll have all the information you need in order to make a sound decision when it comes to your purchase. With that said, let’s check all of them out below.

Comparison of 10 Best Sprinkler Controllers in 2022

Top 10 Best Sprinkler Controller Reviews in 2022

If you’re looking for the best sprinkler controllers for your lawn and garden upkeep, then check out these best sprinkler controller reviews. Here we will highlight each of their features and benefits, as well as the pros and cons of each system.

1. Orbit B-hyve Sprinkler System Controller

 You’re probably looking for a sprinkler controller that has all the features you need for an efficient control system but don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket. In this case, the Orbit B-hyve Sprinkler System Controller may be worth checking out.

Using modern conveniences such as WiFi technology, a dedicated app on your smartphone, and voice control, programming your sprinkler system has never been easier or more convenient. The app works with both Android and iOS, ensuring compatibility across all devices. Aside from these, the Orbit B-hyve features a Weather Sense smart technology that detects the surrounding conditions like the soil type, weather conditions, and others.

Using this information, it automatically adjusts the controller to create the optimal conditions for your lawn or garden. Aside from the affordable price tag, its intelligent features allow you to lessen your water consumption and increase your savings. All these features make it one of the best inexpensive sprinkler controller models out there.

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2. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Rachio 3 is widely considered as one of the best smart sprinkler controller models available for purchase nowadays. It makes the most out of modern technology with its intelligent features such as automatic weather detection, easy controls via a dedicated smart app, and compatibility with various voice-controlled assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

It makes use of WiFi connectivity, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. Because of this, it offers more options when it comes to connectivity. With this best sprinkler controller, you can also manage your watering by setting specific schedules for your landscape. You can also set up customized zones according to the area you live in, ensuring that your lawn or garden doesn’t just live but will also thrive.

With the Rachio 3, you can save as much as 30 to 50% on your water bills with its efficient watering control system. This feature makes it cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable. In addition, you can even get rebates to make up for the cost of operating one, making it a worthwhile investment.

3. Orbit Sprinkler System Timer

Another lawn irrigation controller from Orbit, the 57896 model features a timer that allows you to program when your sprinkler system goes off. This allows you to save on your water bill costs. The timer is fairly easy to understand and operate, using an easy-set programming logic for your convenience.

This particular model can be mounted either indoors or outdoors, giving you more options when it comes to its installation. The control panel itself is housed inside a weatherproof case. It’s highly durable and can be locked, ensuring that it’s safe from the harsh outdoor elements.

This particular model comes with 6 zones, with each being individually programmable, allowing you to set each zone to the ideal watering conditions for your lawn or garden. The Orbit 57896 Sprinkler System also comes with surge protection for increased protection in the event of a power outage.

4. Rain Bird Sprinkler System Timer Controller

As one of the best lawn sprinkler controller models available, this 6-Zone Sprinkler Controller from Rain Bird features a comprehensive design that gives you everything you need to adequately water your lawn or garden with ease.

However, despite its many features, the SST600IN has a user-friendly interface, making its controls easy to understand and operate. With its 6-zone programmable options, you can set it so that each part of your garden or lawn gets the amount of water it needs, preventing under- or overwatering.

This can help save you on water bill costs as it optimizes your water consumption. It comes with a one-touch seasonal adjustable option that allows you to adjust the watering time according to the season, increasing it in the hotter months while reducing it during the colder months.

The Rain Delay option also allows for the suspension of its watering up to 72 hours, after which the automatic programming will resume, making it one of the best automatic sprinkler controllers nowadays. It also has a Seasonal Adjust option.

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5. Blossom Smart Water Controller

If you’re looking for one of the best wireless sprinkler controller models, then the Blossom Smart Sprinkler System Controller is a model that’s worth checking out. Using advanced technology such as satellite-based weather data, the Blossom 0080-AWICD delivers a superb performance.

It’s great at conserving water, watering only when it detects that it’s needed. With this, you can prevent under- and overwatering as well as save on the costs of consuming too much water. This offers the added bonus of being eco-friendly as you will be using water only when needed.

It also gives you the option of creating a watering schedule for your lawn or garden through a convenient app on your smartphone or tablet. Moreover, it’s compatible for use with Alexa, affording you increased convenience and control. The app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS, making it compatible with a wide range of smart devices.

It can cover up to 7 zones, each of which can be individually set up to ensure that each zone is watered efficiently. Moreover, the Pump Start Relay can even serve as an additional 8^th zone. This sprinkler control system makes watering your lawn or gardens easy and hassle-free.

6. Toro Sprinkler System Water Timer

The Toro Lawn Master II features a system that can work with both new and existing irrigation systems, making it incredibly versatile and one of the best sprinkler control system models available these days. It comes with 3 watering programs that you can set up to have 3 start times per set.

Each program has the option to adjust the watering time which ranges from a minute to 6 hours. It features a yearly calendar that allows you to set it to water on specific days as well as features like an odd-even day interval scheme and day exclusion. This allows you enhanced control over your watering, allowing you to conserve water and curb water bill costs.

It can be used with both traditional and drip irrigation systems which, combined with the seasonal adjust option, allows for increased versatility and adjustability. It has 3 modes of operation – manual station, automatic, and manual program. This model is easy to install and operate, making watering your lawn easy and efficient.

7. Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller

Combining the traditional use of a hose with smart features is the EVE Aqua Smart Water Controller. As one of the best hose sprinkler controller systems, it combines intelligent features such as voice control and a dedicated app with the traditional hose sprinkler system to make watering your lawn or garden as efficient as possible.

With this best sprinkler controller, you can turn your old system into an automated one without breaking the bank. It allows for creating watering schedules that automatically water your garden according to your preference and does so even while you’re on vacation.

This Eve Aqua comes with an automatic shut-off feature that allows you to conserve water and prevent overwatering, saving you on water bill costs. It even makes things more convenient by calculating just how much water you consume to allow you to adjust your watering accordingly. It also comes with a child-lock function, preventing your little ones from tampering with the settings.

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8. Hunter X-Core Indoor Irrigation Timer

The Hunter X-Core Irrigation and Sprinkler Timer is an entry-level sprinkler controller that can easily be installed and operated, making it incredibly user-friendly even for beginner gardeners. It can be programmed to water 8 different stations, with each capable of handling 3 programs and up to 4 start times individually.

It’s compatible with the Solar Sync ET sensor, allowing it to be converted into a smart controller. The XC800i also offers compatibility with Hunter remotes that allow you to quickly activate its settings wirelessly. It comes with short circuit protection to protect you in the event of power outages or sudden power surges. It also features an easy retrieve memory function that offers you superb and optimized performance.

9. Aeon Matrix Yardian Smart Sprinkler Controller

The Yardian Sprinkler Controller from Aeon Matrix is a model that takes the task of watering lawns and gardens up a notch. With this control system, you can save up to 50% on your overall water consumption, making it a cost-efficient and more environmentally-friendly sprinkler system controller.

It has a sophisticated weather detection system that allows you to efficiently water your lawn with schedules that use real-time local weather as its basis. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home, giving you more options for hands-free control. It can also be accessed through its dedicated smartphone app, adding to the options through which you can control it.

In addition, the app features a convenient guide to the optimal watering schedules for each type of landscape as well as the sprinkler system you’re using, ensuring that its performance is at its peak. What’s more is that it comes with a built-in HD security camera that helps monitor activity in your yard or garden, both day and night.

10. Spruce Irrigation Sprinkler Controller

As one of the best automatic sprinkler systems, the Spruce Irrigation WiFi Sprinkler Controller from Plaid Systems features an easy to set-up and control system, using a dedicated smartphone app on both iOS and Android systems to help you manage your sprinkler system with ease. It can also be accessed on your laptop or desktop via a convenient web app.

This control system also features optional soil moisture sensors that allow you to match it with each zone, allowing it to adjust its watering according to the soil’s actual condition. As a smart sprinkler controller, it allows you to create multiple schedules for each zone, allowing for optimal watering conditions and ensuring that each gets the necessary water requirements for it to thrive.

It also uses a weather detection system that automatically responds accordingly such as stopping the water when it’s raining or when the weather is too cold. Aside from these, it’s also compatible with voice-controlled virtual assistants such as Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. It also features a sophisticated notification system that alerts you to the conditions of your lawn or garden.

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How I Chose the Best Lawn Sprinkler Controller: A Definitive Guide

Now that we have reviewed some of the top-rated sprinkler systems, let’s promptly move on to the factors you need to consider when choosing the right sprinkler controller for your gardening needs. With that said, here’s a guide to some of the features you need to look at when choosing the best sprinkler controllers for your lawn or garden.

Place of Installation: Indoor vs Outdoor

When it comes to sprinkler controllers, the place where you’ll install them is a big thing to consider. While some models give you the option to install them both indoors and outdoors, some can only be installed in either place. Indoor controllers will require an outlet to power it and often don’t have weather-resistant properties. In essence, it makes them less durable than their outdoor counterparts.

Outdoor controllers, on the other hand, are more durable as they are weather-proof and are made of materials that can withstand harsh elements. However, they require an outlet that is capable of 110V power.

Stations or Zones

Many lawn irrigation controllers are capable of being programmed to water different areas or “zones,” with each being adjusted to fit the watering needs of each one. Before buying a sprinkler controller, make sure to find out how many zones your lawn or home garden has so you can buy a model that is capable of accommodating all of them.

Connectivity Options

If you’re going for a smart sprinkler controller, then you will need to consider its connectivity. The best models feature Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to use your smartphone or tablet as a remote. This also allows you to maximize all of your controller’s other features and easily monitor the watering activity of your control system.

Communication Range

If you’re connecting wirelessly to your control system, another factor is its range of communication. Your smart device should be able to reach your control system anywhere in your home, making things more convenient for you.

Weather Detection

Some more sophisticated models feature a weather detection system that allows it to adjust the watering schedule according to the real-time local weather. It allows for further conservation of water and energy. Moreover, it also helps prevent the under-or overwatering of your lawn or garden.

Additional Features

These include smart home compatibility, other programs, and memory capacity. Additional features further increase the convenience your sprinkler control system brings you. So, they’re also worth taking into account when choosing the best sprinkler system controller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I Install a Sprinkler Controller Myself?

A: Yes, you can. The best sprinkler controllers we have tested in this guide are seamless and effortless to set up, and you can do it without the help of a professional. The entire installation time takes around 20 minutes, and several units have their setup kits in the product package. These mounting kits give you everything needed for installation.

Q: Will I Lose My Settings if There Is a Power Outage?

A: When you input the settings in the sprinkler controller, it will be saved. Hence, when there is a power outage, the settings would be restored when power is back. If it is with a mobile app, the settings are saved automatically to the online server. Hence, you need to create an account to save your data. However, if you lose your settings by any chance, it is easy to restore your settings.

Q: Will the Best Sprinkler Controllers Work When There Is Rain?

A: No, they won’t. The latest sprinkler controllers come with smart technology and internet access for the settings adjustment. Hence, your sprinkler controller can gather weather forecasts from the nearest local weather station and adjust its settings according to the weather in real-time.

Q: How Far Should Sprinklers Be From the House?

A: Make sure the sprinkler doesn’t spray water anywhere closer than 2 feet to your house’s foundation. It might cause water to leak into your basement or even cause cracks in your house’s foundation. To prevent problems, keep the filters clean and make sure there aren’t any leaks in the sprinkler system.

Q: How Long Does a Sprinkler Controller Last?

A: 5-10 years. Even if you pick one of the more durable and well-built, expensive controllers, it will probably not last any more than that. Of course, you could attempt to keep up good maintenance throughout this time to prolong the controller’s life a bit more. To make sure your sprinkler controller does not fail prematurely, make sure to provide care to the whole system across the seasons:

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Final Thoughts

Watering the lawn is a difficult and arduous chore that many choose to avoid. This is why having a sprinkler controller system can be incredibly helpful. Not only will it make things more convenient and efficient, but a control system can also take on the burden of watering your lawn and/or garden.

However, because of the variety of options when it comes to the best sprinkler controller models, it can be difficult to choose the right one. With the help of our buyer’s guide and comprehensive product reviews, hopefully, it is made easier. You can now make a decision and buy the best model for your gardening needs.