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In regions grappling with stringent water regulations and grappling with prolonged drought conditions, maintaining a vibrant and thriving lawn can pose a formidable challenge. Thankfully, the ultimate remedy lies in the form of the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers. These state-of-the-art gadgets leverage real-time meteorological data and connect to the internet to tailor irrigation schedules with precision and efficiency.
They do this in order to minimize overwatering during wet periods and to guarantee appropriate hydration during periods of extreme heat and dryness. It is now much simpler to create individualized watering schedules that are in accordance with municipal watering limitations thanks to smartphone apps that are easy to use.
In addition, the intelligent controllers can help you reduce the amount of water you use, which in turn will help you save money on your water bills. Based on the results of our in-depth testing, the following sections give our assessments and reviews of the best smart sprinkler controllers currently available. These extraordinary achievers are distinguished from the field in one essential respect by which they stand out.
Benefits of Using Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Smart sprinkler controllers can help you keep your yard healthy and full of life in many ways. Here are some key benefits of using smart sprinkler controllers:
- Water Conservation: Smart sprinkler controllers use sensors and real-time weather data to change watering schedules based on actual conditions. This saves water. They can be set to automatically skip watering sessions when it rains or after it rains. This keeps plants from getting too much water and saves water resources.
- Cost savings: Smart sprinkler controllers can help you save money on your water bills by optimizing watering plans and stopping water waste. They make sure your lawn gets the right amount of water at the right time, so you don’t waste water.
- Convenience and time savings: With smart sprinkler controllers, it’s easy to set up and change watering plans using mobile apps that are easy to use. They have easy-to-use interfaces that let you handle your sprinklers from a distance. This saves you time and effort compared to making changes by hand.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Sprinkler Controller
There are a few things you should think about when choosing a smart sprinkler timer to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Here are the main things to think about:
- Number of Zones: Figure out how many different parts of your lawn need their own controls for watering. Choose a controller that can handle as many zones as your watering system needs.
- Compatibility: Make sure the smart sprinkler device works with the irrigation system you already have. Make sure it will work with your current wires, valves, and sensors so that you don’t have any problems installing it.
- Connectivity: Look for a controller that can connect to your Wi-Fi network in a stable way. You need a stable internet connection to get real-time weather reports and use a mobile app or web interface to access the controller from far away.
Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers Comparison Table
If your smart sprinkler controller is compatible, install rain sensors in your irrigation system. Rain sensors can detect rainfall and automatically suspend watering when sufficient rain has occurred. This prevents unnecessary watering and conserves water resources.
Product | Zones | Wi-Fi Connectivity | Weather-Based Adjustments | Smart Home Integration | Watering History Tracking | Mobile App | Rain Sensor Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart 8-Zone | 8 | Yes | Yes | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes | iOS, Android | Yes |
Sprinkler Controller | |||||||
Rachio 8ZULW-C 3rd Generation Smart | 8 | Yes | Yes | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Yes | iOS, Android | Yes |
Sprinkler Controller | |||||||
Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Smart Irrigation Controller | 4-12 | Yes | Yes | None | No | No | Yes |
WYZE WSPRK1 Smart Sprinkler Controller | 8 | Yes | Yes | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes | iOS, Android | No |
Netro Sprite | 6 | Yes | Yes | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes | iOS, Android | Yes |
List of the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Smart sprinkler controllers make it easy to rejuvenate your lawn or garden for warmer weather. A smart controller uses your sprinkler system to automatically water the lawn based on local weather conditions. Remote access via the device’s companion app and voice control with Alexa and Google add even more methods to grow your garden.
Best Overall: Orbit 57985 B-hyve XR Smart 8-Zone Sprinkler Controller #Top3
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Zones | 8 |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
Weather-Based Adjustments | Yes |
Manual Control | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Watering History Tracking | Yes |
Mobile App | iOS, Android |
Rain Sensor Compatibility | Yes |
Using the Orbit B-Hyve Smart 8-Zone Sprinkler Controller, you can adjust the amount of water that is delivered to each of your plants specifically. With the help of this dependable controller, you can program watering schedules and tailor your sprinklers to meet the requirements of a particular location using an app on your smartphone.
Make sure your grass gets all the water it needs by customizing the amount of water it gets based on the type of soil you have, the plants you have, the slope of your lot, the local live weather feeds, and the amount of solar exposure it gets throughout the day. The Orbit B-Hive is resistant to the elements and can be quickly installed either indoors or outdoors.
The Good
- Easy installation and setup process.
- Weather-based adjustments ensure efficient watering.
- Smart home integration allows voice control and automation.
- User-friendly mobile app with watering history tracking.
The Bad
- Some users have reported occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
- The mobile app interface could be more intuitive.
Rachio 8ZULW-C 3rd Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller #Top3
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Zones | 8 |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
Weather-Based Adjustments | Yes |
Manual Control | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit |
Watering History Tracking | Yes |
Mobile App | iOS, Android |
Rain Sensor Compatibility | Yes |
Utilizing the Rachio Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller will allow you to maintain a verdant grass and a flowering garden throughout the spring and summer. With the Rachio Lawn Care app and this highly-rated smart sprinkler controller, you won’t have to lift a finger to keep your yard looking its best. The clever software prevents any loss of water by adjusting the amount of water you use based on the weather forecast in your area.
This ensures that your plants get the exact amount of hydration they require to grow, without receiving a single drop more. The clever controller will skip days based on weather conditions such as rain, wind, and freezing temperatures, which will result in cost savings for you. To put it another way, you won’t ever again feel sick to your stomach after looking at your water bill.
The Good
- Advanced weather intelligence ensures efficient watering.
- Comprehensive smart home integration with popular platforms.
- User-friendly mobile app with detailed watering history.
- Supports rain sensors for water conservation.
The Bad
- The price point may be higher compared to some other models.
- Limited to 8 zones, which may not be sufficient for larger properties.
Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Smart Irrigation Controller #Top3
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Zones | 4, 6, 8, or 12 |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
Weather-Based Adjustments | Yes |
Manual Control | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | None |
Watering History Tracking | No |
Mobile App | No |
Rain Sensor Compatibility | Yes |
Get the Rain Bird ESP-TNZ Irrigation Controller if your garden has more than eight zones and you can afford it. This high-end irrigation controller can handle up to 12 zones of watering. It is easy to set up, just like the Rachio 8ZULW-C smart sprinkler controller, and you can use it to replace an old or broken irrigation controller. It has a current user interface and is easy to program and use because it has Extra Simple Programming.
The Rain Bird ESP-TM2 smart sprinkler controller weighs 3.5 pounds and is WeatherSense-certified. It has three plans and four start times per program. These make it easy for you to keep your watering plan and water use in line with your area’s watering rules. The Rachio 8ZULW-C can only be used indoors. This unit, on the other hand, can be used both inside and outside thanks to its special weatherproof housing. It can also be turned into a Wi-Fi router by adding an LNK Wi-Fi module to it.
The Good
- Reliable and durable construction from a trusted brand.
- Weather-based adjustments for optimized watering.
- Rain sensor compatibility for water conservation.
- Multiple zone options available to suit different needs.
The Bad
- Lack of smart home integration and mobile app may be a downside for tech-savvy users.
- No watering history tracking feature.
Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers iOS, Android
Take the time to learn what your smart water controller can do and how it works. Get to know the user manual, online tools, and other support materials that the manufacturer has made available. The more you know about how to use your controller to its fullest potential, the better you can use it to save water.
WYZE WSPRK1 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Zones | 8 |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
Weather-Based Adjustments | Yes |
Manual Control | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Watering History Tracking | Yes |
Mobile App | iOS, Android |
Rain Sensor Compatibility | No |
The Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Smart Irrigation Controller costs hundreds of dollars, but the WYZE WSPRK1 Smart Sprinkler Controller is one of the best irrigation controllers you can get for a low price. This simple but powerful 8-zone Wi-Fi-compatible and WeatherSense-compliant sprinkler controller costs less than $60 and can compete with more expensive controllers while still following local water limits. It is 9.1 inches by 1.5 inches by 3.3 inches and weighs 7.6 ounces.
This indoor controller is also easy to set up and install. However, if you have rain or soil sensors installed, you will need extra setup directions, which are available on request. Its smart Weather-Based algorithm uses weather data from a very small area to figure out if, when, and how much to water your lawns and plants. It’s easy to use because it has only a few buttons and LED lights, and you can access, control, and handle it from afar with the app that comes with it.
The Good
- Affordable price point compared to many other smart controllers.
- Weather-based adjustments for water efficiency.
- User-friendly mobile app with watering history tracking.
- Seamless integration with popular smart home platforms.
The Bad
- Lack of rain sensor compatibility may limit water conservation capabilities.
- Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues with the mobile app.
Netro Sprite
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Zones | 6 |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
Weather-Based Adjustments | Yes |
Manual Control | Yes |
Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Watering History Tracking | Yes |
Mobile App | iOS, Android |
Rain Sensor Compatibility | Yes |
The Netro Sprite, a smart sprinkler device that works with Wi-Fi and is fully automatic, is at the top of our list. Most other systems require you to use one of the six or twelve points (control zones) for a master valve. This is not the case with the Sprite. If you use one of your stations for the master valve, you’ll have one less station for watering, so we’re glad you gave us an extra station for this. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can handle your sprinkler system with your voice instead of using your hands.
Like most of the controllers we tried, the Sprite gets local weather information from sources like Weather Underground, NOAA, and The Weather Channel. It also asks you for information about your lawn as you set up the app, such as the type of soil, plants, and amount of sun and shade. The information about the yard and the weather in the area make it a very smart little planner that will make a custom schedule based on rain that has already fallen and rain that is expected to fall.
The Good
- Seamless integration with popular smart home platforms.
- Rain sensor compatibility for water conservation.
- Easy installation and setup process.
The Bad
- Limited to 6 zones, which may not be sufficient for larger properties.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Water Savings with Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Consider the following tips to get the most out of your smart sprinkler device and save the most water:
- Customize Your Watering plan: Your smart sprinkler controller gives you a lot of freedom, so use it to make a custom watering plan. When figuring out how often and for how long to water each zone, think about things like the types of plants, the dirt, and how much sun they get.
- Use weather-based adjustments: On your controller, turn on the weather-based adjustments function. This lets it instantly change watering schedules based on real-time weather data, such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity. By letting your controller react to the weather, you can avoid watering too much when it’s raining and change how much you water when it’s hot and dry.
- Do System Regularly Check-ups: Make sure your watering system is working well by checking it often. Check for leaks, clogged nozzles, or spray heads that aren’t lined up right. All of these things can cause water to be wasted. Keeping up with repairs and cleaning will help make the best use of water.
Questions and Answers
A: Many smart sprinkler controllers can work with popular smart home apps like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This lets you handle your sprinklers with your voice or set them to water automatically based on other smart home events. Check to see if the controller you’re thinking about is compatible and can be integrated.
A: Smart sprinkler controllers are made to be put outside, but the amount of protection from the weather can vary from model to model. Some controls come with weatherproof boxes or are made to be put in a box that can keep the weather out. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that the controller can be used outside and is safe from the weather.
A: Smart sprinkler controllers can help save money on water bills by making watering plans more efficient and wasting less water. How much you save will depend on things like the price of water in your area, the size of your yard, and how well you’ve been watering in the past. Many people who switched to a smart sprinkler system said they saved a lot of water.