A smart irrigation system remembers when to water your lawn and for how long without needing your input each time. Setting up a system like this is especially useful in areas where water resources are limited and there are a lot of regulations in place. However, choosing the right smart irrigation system for your home can be tricky if you're not familiar with all the available features. We're here to help with our collection of favorites, as well as our thoughts on each.
Orbit B-hyve smart sprinkler controller
Long-distance lawn care
Easily set the timer or other controls with the large buttons on the unit.
Pros:
- Full digital display
- Lockable
- Easy install
Cons:
- Finicky app
- Wi-Fi access may be spotty
Handle part of your lawn maintenance when you're not even home by adding this smart irrigation system to your watering setup. It has just a few large buttons on the display, so it's easy to figure out how to operate it—though, you can always read the manual, too. The installation is relatively simple, so you won't need to wait long until you're up and running. You also won't need to set any reminders to water the lawn or garden again. Plus, you can lock the panel so no one can adjust it without your knowledge.
Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller
Mounting hardware included
A weather sensor helps monitor when you should be watering.
Pros:
- Smart home connectivity
- 16-zone watering
- 30-minute install
Cons:
- A bit buggy
- Spotty rain sensor
Do you have an Alexa-powered device in your home? If you add this system, you can pair it up with Alexa for easy adjustments to your watering schedule. The install can be completed in roughly 30 minutes, and the hardware is included to do so. You can configure the system for watering up to sixteen zones in your yard. There's also a weather sensor that will prevent you from wasting water during rainstorms.
Rachio R3e generation smart sprinkler controller
Includes soil sensors
Dismiss worries about the weather reports, this system will handle it.
Pros:
- Smartphone app
- Hyper-local weather detection
- Works with Alexa
Cons:
- Buggy software
- Iffy lifespan
This is a more budget-friendly version of Rachio's R3 system. The primary difference is that it doesn't work with the Rachio wireless flow meter. However, it does work with rain and soil sensors, smart home assistants and can be controlled from your smartphone. You can set up intuitive schedules to only water when needed and base these on particular zones in your yard. We also think the smartphone app is relatively intuitive, though it may run into bugs from time to time.
Orbit B-hyve 4-zone smart indoor sprinkler controller
No subscription needed
Water up to four zones with access to live weather feeds.
Pros:
- Quick install
- Free app
- Manual override
Cons:
- No control panel
- Timer can be inaccurate
Many smart irrigation systems require you to sign up for a subscription to manage your watering routines. This option from Orbit doesn't need a subscription but still provides a free app for your convenience. The system is easy to install, though it doesn't have a control panel on the unit. However, you can make manual watering overrides if you need to unexpectedly change the schedule.
Rain Bird smart indoor Wi-Fi sprinkler system
No phone needed to operate
Features an easy control panel you can adjust on the fly.
Pros:
- Water savings
- Weather alerts
- Batteries included
Cons:
- Short Wi-Fi range
- Plastic is a bit flimsy
Everything you need to control this smart irrigation system is built into the main unit. Smartphone connectivity is not necessary when you want to adjust the watering schedule. But if you do want to connect it with a phone, that's still an option. This unit is EPA certified for water savings and will help you reduce water usage by approximately 30 percent. Plus, the system will issue freeze warnings when that may happen.
Which smart irrigation system will you pick?
Now you know the options available for smart irrigations systems and it's time to choose one for your yard. We think the Orbit B-hyve smart sprinkler controller is a great fit for most people and their greenspace. Once you add this system to your outdoor setup, you can say goodbye to setting reminders to turn the sprinklers on or off. Programming is quick; the buttons are easy to operate, and it has a locking panel.
However, if you want to be able to choose between using the onboard buttons and a smartphone app, consider the Rain Bird smart indoor Wi-Fi sprinkler system. Most other options require an app, or at least a subscription, to get the best watering control. This system is incredibly straightforward and has the bonus of being EPA certified for water savings, making it both good for the environment and your wallet.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
