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It is WaterSense-labeled, and its software and app are the same as those for our budget pick. Although scheduling is easy, the app is unintuitive and lacking in certain features, such as a warning when watering is about to begin. It does alert you when watering is finished, however, and it does indicate any weather-prompted delays. There is the option to choose your own weather station and view basic watering history, but you’ll find no water-use reports here. Rachio has a history of rolling out new hardware with features not available to the previous generation. Comparatively, all updates, including HomeKit, have come to the RainMachine controller we’ve been testing since 2017.
RainMachine’s app works well and gives you all the control you need; you just may need to tap through a few screens to get to it all. Lastly, a small point, but Rachio has a nag advertisement in its app for a subscription to its Thrive yard-care service—and you can’t get rid of it. We’ve updated this guide to reflect that our pick, the Rachio 3, now comes in a four-zone model.
JMFONE Smart Sprinkler Controller
The Blossom is a 12 Zone Smart Watering Controller with Wi-Fi and Powerline coupled with a Self-Scheduling feature. Likewise, this smart sprinkler controller will help you lower on water bills up to 30% and it’s very easy to install since it can even use existing wiring, valves and sprinklers without needing any expertise. Lastly, the Blossom is designed for indoor and outdoor use and it meets an IP54 standard to protect your device from dust and water. All the featured Smart Sprinkler Controllers are designed to continuously adapt to local weather forecasts and seasonal changes in-order to automatically optimize watering schedules for your yard in 2022. Additionally, these smart sprinkler controllers feature Smartphone-Apps compatible with Android and iOS devices for easy remote control and they are also very easy to install since they can work existing wiring. The newest and more advanced sprinkler controllers, like the ones we reviewed, are equipped with smart technology, meaning that it can use the internet access to adjust the settings.
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller automatically creates watering schedules that lower your water bill and ensure a beautiful yard. No more worrying about whether or not your lawn will survive the long hot summer. Rachio’s WiFi sprinkler controller is an investment in a healthier, greener, and more beautiful lawn. With the easy-to-use app and water schedule, you can water your lawn while you’re at work or on vacation. Next up on our list of the best sprinkler controllers, we have our top choice for Best Value, the Orbit B-hyve 8-Station Smart Wi-Fi Indoor Timer.
Google Assistant Smart-Home Starter Kit
A standard sprinkler controller has controls on the panel itself, while a smart controller typically has onboard controls and an app to customize functions. Some hose-based smart controllers simply turn a standard hose spigot on and off via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and your phone. While many top controllers require you to purchase a separate outdoor mounting box to install your controller outside, the Orbit B-hyve XR gives you that weather-safe operation right out of the box. The sleek, honeycomb-patterned device will be just at home inside your garage or mounted near your electric meter, making it one of the most versatile options on the list from an installation standpoint.
The unit will change the days and times of watering on its own so that your lawn gets the best results possible. Just like with many electronic devices, the progress of technology has taken these units to the next level. Those new heights include the Wi-Fi capability, which most of these sprinkler controllers are capable of. Having this feature is essential because it means you can use your internet connection to control the water supply in your garden with a mobile app. With our Editor’s Choice, the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, you can even choose from either the 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection. The 2.4 allows for greater range while transferring smaller batches of data, whereas the 5 has a shorter range but allows for a higher volume of data to be transferred.
How to Build an Apple-Based Smart Home System With the Best HomeKit Devices
Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right . We selected the best smart-home devices to work with your Alexa speaker, based on our extensive testing and real-world use. We tested the NxEco Pro, which was too much like a standard clock and too complicated to use for us to recommend. We also tested the BlueSpray BSC24i, which might suit specific needs, such as if someone has a golf course in their backyard; compared with competing models, it’s far too complex, yet it lacks smart-home integrations.
The controller is usually connected to a water supply and has a timer function that allows it to turn on and off the water automatically at predetermined times. This smart 8-zone sprinkler controller from Yardian is compatible with all of the major virtual voice assistants and platforms, so you don't need to worry if you switch phones. With the Yardian Pro, you can set up schedules, monitor skip rules, check water usage, and more from the Yardian app. For those who might not be so tech-savvy or are new to the sprinkler controller game, they might feel a bit overwhelmed with some of the smart sprinkler controller options. With the Hunter Industries X-Core 8-Station Controller, they really don’t have to be intimidated by much as it’s what we’re calling the Best User-Friendly Controller. Orbit makes another appearance on our list of the best sprinkler controllers, but this time with their B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor 6-Station.
Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller
Finally, we’ll present to you our top three choices for the best sprinkler controllers. Want to keep your yard in tip-top shape without the hassle of traditional sprinkler systems? The best sprinkler controllers allow you to automate the watering process, saving you time, energy, and above all, money. Many of the options on this list even allow you to control your system via smartphone or home assistant. Available in four-, eight-, and 16-zone versions, the WaterSense-certified Rachio 3 is our top pick because it was the most accurate controller in our testing. In our long-term testing this accuracy has continued to make the Rachio 3 the most effective controller we’ve tested.
He brings a deep, technical expertise to his work, translating complex topics into digestible recommendations. He’s also a recent first-time homebuyer who’ll never be done furnishing his house. Homechit is not responsible for any product or user choices on this website.
In a few cases, the sprinklers didn’t turn on for an entire week due to rain. And we definitely felt a tinge of eco-smugness when we saw our neighbor’s sprinklers going off just before a rainstorm. To optimize watering, these devices rely on weather forecasts but also may use the types of plants, flowers, and veggies around your garden.
Though it’s important to note that Orbit promises easy installation if your existing sprinkler controller is inside, you’ll need to route those wires outdoors if that’s where you want it installed. Rachio 3 is an intelligent water management system that connects to your existing irrigation systems and seamlessly uses their data to manage water flow. Rachio 3 uses the latest innovative irrigation technology to give you flexibility and control at every stage of your irrigation system's daily operations.
Image by Kameleon / CanvaSprinkler controllers, also sometimes calledirrigation controllers, automate the watering of your lawn, garden, and other outdoor areas by hooking your sprinklers up to a main control panel. The RainMachine Forecast Controller is the perfect option for those looking for the best residential sprinkler controller. This kit features a controller with easy installation and efficient water-conservation technology. When you buy this controller, you get super easy-to-follow, step-by-step installation instructions in addition to great tech support by phone seven days per week. With this controller, you can either set your yard on a timer or let the automated weather sensors do the work for you.
A smart sprinkler controller is like a smart thermostat for your garden or yard—it controls your watering schedule automatically so you don’t have to lift a finger. A smart controller intelligently optimizes your in-ground irrigation system by automatically adjusting to weather conditions, making it easier for you to maintain a healthy landscape while cutting water use. After four seasons of testing more than a dozen models, we continue to recommend the Rachio 3 for most people.
You can also share access with a landscape tech using a temporary access PIN, and you can choose from a variety of weather services, including private weather stations. The RainMachine Touch HD also has an option to tweak rain and wind sensitivity to prevent overwatering in inclement conditions. She also combed through Environmental Protection Agency research and reports on weather-based sprinkler controllers and their impact on water conservation. Designed to be mounted outside without a separate case, the Orbit B-hyve XR uses its smart WeatherSense algorithms to maintain your yard effectively and has three small, full-color displays for extensive on-device control.
Thus, it really comes down to what amount you’re willing to invest in a unit. We’ve broken down some examples of the products into three different pricing categories to simplify it for you. We’ve named this as one of the best for indoor use as the indoor housing gives a level of protection that a lot of sprinkler controllers simply can’t offer. Using a keyed lock, it’s also very easy to control and protect from other curious fingers. The manufacturers have also included a 2-year warranty, so you can rest assured that your purchase is protected.
